Good car washing/detailing services in the South Bay?
 

Hey guys,
Had my BRZ for about a month now and while she's still beautiful, she's getting a little dirty and I think it's time to get her cleaned.
I'd do it myself, but A) I live in a building with an underground garage and don't have anywhere good to clean it and B) I don't really know what products and stuff to even use.

I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on a good car wash service out here (Not automated. Hand wash.) ideally in the San Jose area?

Most 86 drivers I know, including myself, go to EZ Clean Carwash (524 Giuffrida Ave.)

Expensive for the higher end packages, but top work.

http://www.68autodetail.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/68-auto-detail-milpitas-2

Not really a service, but Optimum No Rinse might be super helpful for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-NR201.../dp/B00D8DR0AO

It is a concentrate, and depending on how much water you add to it, you can mix it for different purposes. Rinseless wash, clay bar lube, detail spray, etc.

Look on YouTube on how to do a rinseless wash. You might also want to check out the Garry Dean method.

I don't believe rinseless washes are as good as the traditional ones for cars that are really dirty, but I think they are just fine for upkeeping your car.

If you decided to get do a big detail service, I would also recommend inquiring about a nano-coating installation. Ask about Opti-Coat, CQuartz, or similar. It is a little pricey, but an install will help keep your car's paint a little more protected.

+1

I hit EZ Clean Carwash on Giuffrida to blast off any heavy grime, then Optimum No Rinse inside my garage to get it super clean. You can use ONR in your underground parking no problem. Great stuff. I use it with a garden sprayer and a stack of clean microfibers.

I recommend this product, just bought it.

I use Griot's waterless wash and/or Meguiar's Quik Detailer all the time as I can't do water washes in my condo complex and it's just as good if not better than going through a touchless carwash. just need the spray's and like 3-4 microfiber clothes (more if you wash then "detail" or spray wax) and maybe 20 mins tops you are done.

I am glad that everyone has been having great experiences.

I like having a 3.5 gallon bucket with gamma seal lid. The lids are water tight. You can totally fill up the bucket with a wash or rinseless solution and easy transport it to wherever you are washing your car.

For cars that are quite a bit dirty, nothing wrong with taking it to a self wash place and hosing it down with pressured water before doing a rinseless wash. When I was an undergrad, I would fill the bucket with car wash shampoo and water and a washpad/mitt. I would then go to a self-serve place and wash my car there. I would use their water and soap gun, but I would use my bucket/Grit Guard/wash pad. I would never use the brushes at the car wash because I was always afraid that I would scratch my car.

So I ended up going to AJ's on Coleman today (68 is closed on Sundays, which seems like a great way to make less money to me) - Service was prompt and friendly, and the work was fairly solid. It's a little expensive, though still a tad cheaper than 68. Overall, pretty satisfied with the service.

Did the mini-detail + wax on their summer special for $59.99 + $10 tip

If you dont have time to drive there check out Chemical Guys no water cleaner. Just spray on and wipe off with a microfiber. Takes a tad longer than a full wash but its great for touch ups or light layers of dust.

Interesting quick read. I thought I'd bump it and put in my 0.02 since there really isn't a detail thread (correct me if I'm wrong, I didn't search).

Past few months in car shows and what not, I've had positive results with Chemical Guys and Meguiar's waterless/rinseless washing methods. Basically a concentrated formula that should be diluted with distilled water (follow mfg's instructions). Followed by either Chemical Guys wax and sealant OR Meguiar's products. Depending on when and how I wanted to prepare for the shows, I used these different waterless washing accordingly. I haven't traditionally washed my FRS since after the last track day (~ May/June).

So, for the wash-restricted owners, take a look at concentrated waterless/rinseless options. Keep it diluted and convenient in spray bottle and gallon jug of distilled water. Microfiber towels clean and in hand and wash it once a week. As mentioned above, don't use waterless/rinseless washing on a really dirty car but for upkeep, it works great. At the moment, I like Chemical Guys because it is easier to use. With Meguiar's stuff, I tend to use the polisher and different pads to get the results I want - could be psychological too since I've always used a polisher with these brands that have existed for a while. Either way is fun really.

ONR is good too. The sample I had I liked. With any choice of waterless washing though, technique is key.

Optimum were the people that really revolutionized the rinseless wash formula. I've tried the Chemical Guys stuff. I've never really thought that highly of Chemical Guys stuff. There are a few things that are good, but most of it is kind of bleh.

What is important is what works for you. If you like CG, by all means... use it. If you only like CG because their products are better bang for the dollar, that's not bad either.

Believe it or not, a lot of the result is based on technique, and not what chemical you use.

AJ's off coleman