Joined
·
3 Posts
I am spending a lot of money to keep my car clean; seems like once a week I need to get it detailed after a long weekend. My passengers are messy and don't care. Any good places out there to get my car detailed at a good rate?
Keeping car clean is expensive
1 - 20 of 46 Posts
Joined
·
466 Posts
Was just thinking about this today, well, about how at these rates people really don't deserve a spotless car as we can't afford it.
I vacuum about once a month, in between I use armor all, & leather cleaner as needed. One trick that will save you money, if someone gets the floor mats dirty I just use armor all interior cleaner sprayed on them and then wipe them down with a clean rag and they look good as new again until the next slob gets in.
I vacuum about once a month, in between I use armor all, & leather cleaner as needed. One trick that will save you money, if someone gets the floor mats dirty I just use armor all interior cleaner sprayed on them and then wipe them down with a clean rag and they look good as new again until the next slob gets in.
Joined
·
2,827 Posts
If you have access to a hose and a power outlet, just do it yourself. You'll save money and you'll end up doing a better job than 99% of the car washes out there.
Are you looking for a professional type detailing job or just a good cleaning? I could recommend some equipment to invest in. I detail my cars at least a couple times a year.
Are you looking for a professional type detailing job or just a good cleaning? I could recommend some equipment to invest in. I detail my cars at least a couple times a year.
Joined
·
995 Posts
I get a monthly pass. I can go as many times as I want and it saves me money. I only go weekly (right before I'm going to go out for the weekend) and then spot clean before the next day. I would clean my car weekly anyway, so it's not an extra expense for me and buying the monthly plan is cheaper in the long run.
Joined
·
3 Posts
I work two jobs so it is hard to find the time and energy to detail my car myself; especially after driving all night. I live and work in San Diego; can anyone recommend a detail shop in my area that does good work and not too expensive?
Joined
·
1 Posts
Funny, but I was having a similar issue, due to my limited time and driving schedule. I'm not sure what part of town you're in, but I live south, and was at the Plaza Bonita mall last week and found an outfit called EcQuality Auto Detail. You can try removing the spaces from the name, then adding the old d o t com, and you'll find them- ha, ha!
Anyway, they're in the parking structure by Target and they just opened up. Thought I'd give them a shot, and was very pleased. In fact they even gave me 15% off of my detail since I drive with Uber. Good package deals, too- which I'll probably buy next time. Definitely worth checking out!!
Good luck!
Anyway, they're in the parking structure by Target and they just opened up. Thought I'd give them a shot, and was very pleased. In fact they even gave me 15% off of my detail since I drive with Uber. Good package deals, too- which I'll probably buy next time. Definitely worth checking out!!
Good luck!
Joined
·
3 Posts
Great advice Nein.....
I live in North Park and I did not realize how close I was to the Plaza Bonita Mall; it was right off of the 805. I found EcQuality Auto Detail in the parking structure on the bottom floor. They had my car for about an hour and cleaned it inside and out. Since I was an UBER driver they offered me a monthly membership for $45. I can bring my car in to get detailed unlimited times during the month and they are open 7 days a week.
I would recommend EcQuality Auto Detail to all UBER drivers; what a great deal. One less head ache to worry about. Its also nice that Target is right next to the parking structure so I can do all my shopping while my car is being cleaned and not worry about looking for a parking space.
UBER on......
I live in North Park and I did not realize how close I was to the Plaza Bonita Mall; it was right off of the 805. I found EcQuality Auto Detail in the parking structure on the bottom floor. They had my car for about an hour and cleaned it inside and out. Since I was an UBER driver they offered me a monthly membership for $45. I can bring my car in to get detailed unlimited times during the month and they are open 7 days a week.
I would recommend EcQuality Auto Detail to all UBER drivers; what a great deal. One less head ache to worry about. Its also nice that Target is right next to the parking structure so I can do all my shopping while my car is being cleaned and not worry about looking for a parking space.
UBER on......
Joined
·
5,164 Posts
My truck gets vacuumed every week, even if all I spend I $1.00 at the local car wash to vacuum it or drag out my shop vac. My dog also rides in it, she sheds like crazy, so I have to vacuum it weekly, regardless of whether or not she's been in it. Depending on how dirty the exterior is, it gets washed weekly or every two weeks. I get the exterior professionally washed, waxed, polished twice a year (Spring/Fall). The Denver area is naturally very dusty, so even if I was my truck in the morning, by afternoon it looks dirty from dust. I would recommend finding a good detail shop or full service car wash that does detailing, and every few months have the seats cleaned, if cloth have them steamed, if leather, a professional leather cleaning. Either one might cost you $150. If there is a place near your regular job, drop it off in the morning, have them clean it while you're at work, and pick it up in the evening.
Joined
·
2,348 Posts
I have never really had any messy paxs in over 2k rides
I have leather luckily so once or twice a week I wipe it all done (takes about 3min)
I just empty my plastic floor mats once a day (takes 60 seconds)
I vacuum every week sometimes 2 weeks costs a buck takes 5 minutes
I do a good outside wash every week (costs about 5 bucks)
And as needed I do a quick $1.50 spray down
I use to have a monthly membership at a car wash place and it was really cheap but wasn't convenient for me and a lot of times it just took too much time .
I do notice driving a nicer car people are more respectful , when I was rideshare driving in a rental Elantra I noticed it got messy very fast and I constantly found trash in the back pockets or under the front seats . I never have those issues in my own car , one of the many reasons I enjoy driving a slightly nicer car for Ubering I feel like the slightly higher cost of ownership is made up by being able to get PDB Lyft bonuses, Tips , UberSelect and people being more respectful to the car
If I string together a couple awesome weeks ($1500 +) I'll treat my car to a full detail and wax at a place by my house costs about $100 but man does the car look and feel amazing afterwards
I have leather luckily so once or twice a week I wipe it all done (takes about 3min)
I just empty my plastic floor mats once a day (takes 60 seconds)
I vacuum every week sometimes 2 weeks costs a buck takes 5 minutes
I do a good outside wash every week (costs about 5 bucks)
And as needed I do a quick $1.50 spray down
I use to have a monthly membership at a car wash place and it was really cheap but wasn't convenient for me and a lot of times it just took too much time .
I do notice driving a nicer car people are more respectful , when I was rideshare driving in a rental Elantra I noticed it got messy very fast and I constantly found trash in the back pockets or under the front seats . I never have those issues in my own car , one of the many reasons I enjoy driving a slightly nicer car for Ubering I feel like the slightly higher cost of ownership is made up by being able to get PDB Lyft bonuses, Tips , UberSelect and people being more respectful to the car
If I string together a couple awesome weeks ($1500 +) I'll treat my car to a full detail and wax at a place by my house costs about $100 but man does the car look and feel amazing afterwards
Joined
·
5,632 Posts
I wash my car exterior every other day (windy, dusty area that causes a dirt film to build up quickly). I use a garden hose and do it in the driveway. I use Rain-X High-Foaming Wash & Wax with Carnuba Wax Beads.
I use Stoner's Invisible Glass on the windows. I highly recommend this product. It is awesome. I believe it was mandreyka who recommended it to me originally. I will never use Windex on my car windows again.
I vacuum about every week or two unless needed sooner and I shake the mats out and brush off the seats after every ride if necessary. I have WeatherTech floor liners with mats on top of them so when I vacuum I'll wipe down the liners with a damp cloth if needed when vacuuming.
I wipe down the interior with Armor All as needed when I'm sitting somewhere waiting for pings.
I hit the tires with Back-to-Black as needed (every week or two).
So maybe $50 - $75 a year in product costs.
I use Stoner's Invisible Glass on the windows. I highly recommend this product. It is awesome. I believe it was mandreyka who recommended it to me originally. I will never use Windex on my car windows again.
I vacuum about every week or two unless needed sooner and I shake the mats out and brush off the seats after every ride if necessary. I have WeatherTech floor liners with mats on top of them so when I vacuum I'll wipe down the liners with a damp cloth if needed when vacuuming.
I wipe down the interior with Armor All as needed when I'm sitting somewhere waiting for pings.
I hit the tires with Back-to-Black as needed (every week or two).
So maybe $50 - $75 a year in product costs.
Joined
·
2,583 Posts
Keeping the car clean is cheap. The local place is $.50 to vacuum and $1.50 to wash. I wash and vacuum as I deem they are needed, both of which I would do at home if it was feasible at my condo. It's not exactly getting detailed, but I don't need to detail my car to drive X.
Joined
·
111 Posts
I pay 30 a month for a car wash pass, with free self serve vaccums. I never pay for detailing.
Joined
·
75,146 Posts
I've got a little place between the airport and the city i work.
Opens at 8:00 am,closes at 7 PM.
$19.99 month unlimited wash and vaccum.Drive through machine wash,I vaccum.
Keep a container of glass wipes,container of vinyl wipes in trunk.extra mints,extra fabreeze,puke clean up kit,upholstery carpet shampoo,absorbant towels.
Probably won't find one that cheap where you work.
There should be something similar.
Joined
·
1,039 Posts
my local jiffy lube offers that if i go to them for service, i can get unlimited interior vacuum anytime i want.
Joined
·
2,808 Posts
I have a 120 buck 3-month deal that will wash and clean inside anytime I wish, well when they are open. They do a good job and my ride keeps clean.
Joined
·
943 Posts
In my Ubering for 7 months, I've probably spent grand total of $50 for car wash, vacuum, tire spray, air fresher. During rain and snow I just throw big Beach towel on the floor so they don't get dirty. Interior, I clean with brush and dustpan once a week or so.
Joined
·
446 Posts
I have my own methods, I detail my own vehicles and maintain them as well. A good tip I can give is to do a very thorough deep clean on your car, and then maintain for every day you drive. This may sound like a lot, but it really is not:
Once you get your vehicle clean (especially interior) minimal time is needed afterwards if you do quick daily upkeep. I shake and brush out my floor mats daily, takes about one minute. Stains? Buy a $4 can of Tuff Stuff at Walmart, it's a foaming cleaner that will lift almost any stain or tough dirt in a minute, and goes a long way.
Glass: Fingerprints, waterspots, etc. Just keep some microfiber towels around and wipe the interior glass with them, using NO cleaner. Microfiber towels are great for cleaning glass quick in this manner.
Windshield: Find a gas station you like that uses real detergent that you like, instead of water, and do a quick scrub with the squeegee. Free, and very effective while you are filling up.
Tires: Ironically, the best touch-up I have found is Turtle Wax's foaming cleaner and shine, and their black and wet spray as well. Ironically, it works FAST, lasts longer than Armor-all or other brands, and is also the cheapeast.
If you run 20-30+ trips per day like I do, it pays off to do minimal upkeep daily. I have several 5-star comments on how clean my car is, and it pays for itself. Total time for doing daily upkeep is minimal, maybe 15 minutes, maybe a $1.50 per day in total products used. Tips cover the cost of this and most of my gas, and I drive a V8.
If you constantly keep up on it with touch-up maintenance, it's minimal and you can go a long way with it.
Once you get your vehicle clean (especially interior) minimal time is needed afterwards if you do quick daily upkeep. I shake and brush out my floor mats daily, takes about one minute. Stains? Buy a $4 can of Tuff Stuff at Walmart, it's a foaming cleaner that will lift almost any stain or tough dirt in a minute, and goes a long way.
Glass: Fingerprints, waterspots, etc. Just keep some microfiber towels around and wipe the interior glass with them, using NO cleaner. Microfiber towels are great for cleaning glass quick in this manner.
Windshield: Find a gas station you like that uses real detergent that you like, instead of water, and do a quick scrub with the squeegee. Free, and very effective while you are filling up.
Tires: Ironically, the best touch-up I have found is Turtle Wax's foaming cleaner and shine, and their black and wet spray as well. Ironically, it works FAST, lasts longer than Armor-all or other brands, and is also the cheapeast.
If you run 20-30+ trips per day like I do, it pays off to do minimal upkeep daily. I have several 5-star comments on how clean my car is, and it pays for itself. Total time for doing daily upkeep is minimal, maybe 15 minutes, maybe a $1.50 per day in total products used. Tips cover the cost of this and most of my gas, and I drive a V8.
If you constantly keep up on it with touch-up maintenance, it's minimal and you can go a long way with it.
1 - 20 of 46 Posts
