BajaNomad - Car wash, detailing, etc. Questions

Car wash, detailing, etc. Questions

kevin_in_idaho - 9-14-2018 at 06:19 AM

I know David K. has his favorite place to go in Baja for a car wash, etc. but I'm curious on what you look for, how much they charge, etc.? Do you take your own wax if you want them to wax the truck? We're headed to the mainland and thought that I might look for a place to get my truck washed when I'm down there but not sure what I should be looking for as I see a lot of these places and would rather know what to look for before driving in.

Thanks!

woody with a view - 9-14-2018 at 06:36 AM

Look for a car wash. Some places have costs related to add ons some just get a bucket and a rag. Pretty simple.

Edit: last time I paid $7 for a 15 minute wash and spray wax under a tarp.

[Edited on 9-14-2018 by woody with a view]

pacsur - 9-14-2018 at 06:44 AM

I have not had good luck at car washes for car waxing and polishing, but after Odile I started taking my cars in for color sanding, wax, and polish at body shops(carrocería's), had my Tacoma crewcab done last month, $1,500p, came out very nice.

David K - 9-14-2018 at 07:57 AM

My goal for Baja car washes is to remove the mud should I have a bunch caked on. This is totally for the U.S. crossing as they can make a stink if you are "importing" too much dirt (containing bad bugs).

So, I usually tell the car washers to skip the inside cleaning (although they like to take the floor mats out and do extras. They also ask to Armorall the tires (I decline that if I have more dusty roads ahead). One time, in El Rosario, we went to a restaurant near where some young guys ran a car wash as we were in no hurry, and the truck was made shiny! They still only charged us like US$10. I gave them each a ten!

weebray - 9-14-2018 at 09:10 AM

As has been pointed out if you have a bucket and a rag in Mexico you have a business. Any shopping parking lot, downtown area, upscale restaurant has numerous and affordable (as in less than 100 pesos) good hand car washers. You can step up from there all the way to a complete detail for about 500. Mind you Cabo area will be twice that. There are several in La Paz that are excellent. I know because I made the mistake of paying 200 bucks in Glendale, CA a month ago instead of waiting to have the same or better job done here for 350 pesos. 500 including headlight polish.

shari - 9-14-2018 at 09:31 AM

I get mine washed in Guerrero Negro at a place that has a power wash to get the caked on salt...off. They charge 200 pesos to power spray the undercarriage.

Here in Asuncion our car wash guy does a fantastic job inside and out for 150 pesos...but no power wash..a screamin deal and my vehicles come back looking brand new...and they come and get it and bring it back when they are done!

SFandH - 9-14-2018 at 09:41 AM

And always give a healthy tip to the Mex car wash guys. They work hard for peanuts, as do the folks pumping gas.

bajaguy - 9-14-2018 at 10:09 AM

If you have a favorite wax, bring it along with some microfiber towels

CAR WASH

J.P. - 9-14-2018 at 11:15 AM

A hefty tip works wonders a local I use will drop what he is doing and get to mine and it always shines.
:lol:

kevin_in_idaho - 9-14-2018 at 07:45 PM

As many pointed out, a tip will be given :-) I may take my own wax, etc. too. We'll see.

WAX

J.P. - 9-14-2018 at 08:16 PM

the paint and clear coat on the newer cars don/t need a lot of wax. if you ruin the clear coat then the paint goes pretty quick.

mtgoat666 - 9-14-2018 at 09:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by kevin_in_idaho

I know David K. has his favorite place to go in Baja for a car wash, etc. but I'm curious on what you look for, how much they charge, etc.? Do you take your own wax if you want them to wax the truck? We're headed to the mainland and thought that I might look for a place to get my truck washed when I'm down there but not sure what I should be looking for as I see a lot of these places and would rather know what to look for before driving in.

Thanks!

Car wash. Ain’t brain surgery. Ain’t rocket science. Ain’t rocket surgery. Pay some pesos, get your car washed.

Don’t know what to look for? Look for guys washing cars, drive right in, they will wash your car :light:

bajamedic - 9-14-2018 at 10:13 PM

There was a Car Wash and Detail Shop across from Baja Cactus Motel in El Rosario that did a fantastic job on my Black Ram Pickup. The place was a little rustic, so I was not expecting much, they did a fantastic job inside and out. I gave them their asking price plus $5.00 each they seemed happy and I was very pleased... until I had to turn on a dirt road. JH

weebray - 9-15-2018 at 09:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by kevin_in_idaho

A bit off topic but relevant. If you need to spiff up the old dog wait till you get S. of the border. Talk to a local expat about a good body man. There are great "metal not bondo" craftsmen here in La Paz. Way reasonable too. Same goes for dentists.

advrider - 9-16-2018 at 08:23 AM

We always have the guy in San Felipe ( on the malacon) wash our bikes when we are headed back North after a good Baja trip. Nice to get the salt and bugs off so people can see your headlight again. He works for tips so we usually give him $5 for each bike. He can also ride so we usually let him grab a bike and make a few laps around town!

HeyMulegeScott - 9-16-2018 at 11:59 AM

These guys at 5 Estrellas in San Felipe did a great job on my Jeep this past spring. It was maybe $11 with tip?

5 Star Car Wash San Felipe by ssichler, on Flickr

weebray - 9-16-2018 at 01:18 PM

Price in La Paz at this moment for hand wash and cleaning interior is about 100 pesos depending on size of vehicle. Everyone giving you service of any kind, from Sears delivery guy and post man to grocery bagger and the guy that sweeps the street in front of your casa, deserves a tip - spread the love.