frequently asked questions

# 1. Does Autowash Express-Franklin use plastic brushes to wash vehicles?
# 2. Is AutoWash Express friendly to the environment?
# 3. How long does it take to get my car washed?
# 4. Does AutoWash Express offer a rain guarantee?
# 5. Do I have to leave my car to get a wax job?
# 6. Do I need an appointment to get an Express Detail service?
# 7. I’ve heard that bugs and bird droppings left on my car can damage my paint?
# 8. Can brake dust built-up on my car’s wheels do permanent damage?
# 9. Wasn’t my car protected from rust by the manufacturer?
# 10. I wash my vehicle at home using a garden hose. Lately, the finish looks dull and scratched. What could be wrong?
# 11. What can I do while I wait for my car to be detailed?

# 1. Does Autowash Express-Franklin use plastic brushes to wash vehicles?
Absolutely not! Our state-of-the-art equipment is manufactured by the Belanger Company, for 40 years a leader in car wash equipment manufacture. Their equipment employs a specially created material called “Soft Cloth” which, when saturated with water and bio-degradable detergents, gently washes away dirt and other road grime elements. Unfortunately, many stand-alone car washes such as might be found in gas stations still use brushes of plastic thread-like fililments which can, if used on a regular basis cause swirl patterns on vehicle finishes. “Soft Cloth”, however, has been proven to be very SAFE for use on your vehicle!

#2. Is AutoWash Express friendly to the environment?  As a matter of fact AutoWash Express is many times more friendly to the environment than either the driveway car washer or the parking-lot “benefit” car washes.  Studies have been done which reveal that the average driveway car wash uses approximately 116 gallons of water.  By comparison AutoWash Express uses on average 11 gallons of water per vehicle.  This is due to a state-of-the-art, scientifically designed water conservation system.  What’s more, at AutoWash express only commercial, biodegradable, environmentally-friendly cleaning agents are used in its processes.  So, though the eye-catching color at AutoWash express is blue, when it comes to the environment, we are very green.         

# 3 . How long does it take to get my car washed?
On our record high day in terms of number of cars washed AutoWash Express-Franklin washed 650 vehicles in 10 hours. Mathematically that comes to less than one minute for each car. Under our system the greater the volume, the less time per car. To answer the question, though, on a typical day you should plan on less than 5 minutes from the time the Service Advisor keys your wash into the computer to your exit from the lot for a $4.99 exterior hand-dried wash. If, in addition, you purchase our “Express Interior Cleaning” you should add 8 to 10 minutes.

# 4 . Does AutoWash Express offer a rain guarantee?
Better than that, we offer a “48 hour rewash guarantee” which covers more than just rain, it covers anything! Bugs, dirt, bird droppings, and yes, even rain. Put in other words, if you get your vehicle washed today at AutoWash Express, you may return any time within the next 48 hours with your receipt and we’ll wash the same car again FREE! What’s more, we don’t just do a basic $4.99 exterior wash - we do the same wash you purchased originally FREE (except, of course, for the interior)! How’s that for a guarantee?

# 5 . Do I have to leave my car to get a wax job?
What most people refer to as a “wax job” we refer to as our “Paint Protectant”. This is one of three Express Detail packages we offer at AutoWash Express. Due to the scientifically designed model utilized by our attendants the Paint Protectant, which is hand applied, is done in 20 minutes or less. It is recommended that this service be performed every 3 months. We offer interior detail services which are also completed in 20 minutes or less.

# 6 . Do I need an appointment to get an Express Detail service?
One of the beauties of the AutoWash Express system is that you do not need an appointment to have a Detail service performed. You can purchase a detail package from our a la carte menu right on the spot. When your wash is finished an attendant will direct you to the proper bay under the big blue awning and the attendants will begin the Detail service immediately. Instead of having to leave their car for a full day, many of our customers who want to have a full three-package detail done on their vehicle just have one package done each time they get their car washed. Often they will use the waiting area in our lobby to catch-up on paper work, reading or cell-phoning to utilize the short waiting time.

# 7 . I’ve heard that bugs and bird droppings left on my car can damage my paint?
Is this true? Due to the high acidity of both bugs and bird droppings on your vehicle’s paint there is potential for damage to your car’s clearcoat finish. The best preventative maintenance program for your car’s finish is frequent washes and regular perodic utilization of our Exterior Clearcoat Protectant express detail package.

# 8 . Can brake dust built-up on my car’s wheels do permanent damage?
There is no question that this is the case. We have seen some very sad owners of fine, expensive vehicles discover this at our facility. They have been negligent regarding the maintenance of their vehicles to the point that the brake dust build-up has severly pitted their wheels. We know of no repair for such damage. Most of our wash packages include a “wheel clean” component. Those only purchasing the $4.99 exterior wash can purchase the “wheel clean” from our a la carte menu for only a well spent $2.00.

# 9 . Wasn’t my car protected from rust by the manufacturer?
Yes and No. We wish we could assure you that you need not worry about rust on your vehicle but such is not the case. It is true that all automobile manufacturers have made comendable modifications to their finishing and assembly processes to try to address the problem of rust. The International Car Wash Association, of which we are members, has on-going discussions with car manufacturers in order to give them valuable feedback which benefits all car owners. That being said, rust is still a formidable predator to your vehicle. Your vehicle is a constant target for stones both from other vehicles as well as from the tires on your own vehicle. The underbody of your vehicle doubtless has hundreds of paint chips, each of which is an opportunity for rust/corrosion. Your vehicle is especially vulnerable during the times of year when salt and brine are used on roadways. The good news is our underbody flush and rust-inhibitor is your greatest line of defense. Both are included in all wash packages except the $4.99 exterior only wash, however, each is available from our a la carte menu at $2.00 each.

# 10 . I wash my vehicle at home using a garden hose. Lately, the finish looks dull and scratched. What could be wrong?
Washing your vehicle at home can be extremely harmful to the finish. Let’s look at a couple of the factors involved. Your professional car wash uses specialized detergents to attack the varying soils on cars. Many people make the common mistake of using dishwashing detergent when they wash their car at home. Dishwashing detergent is too harsh for vehicle finishes, stripping the wax and drying out the paint. Another factor is the water. The average garden hose cannot supply enough water and water pressure with the detergent action to avoid damaging the finish. And if the water from the hose isn’t “soft” , you’ll be left with spots. The University of Texas proved that a single home hand-wash can leave scratches in your vehicle’s finish as deep a 1/10th of the paints total thickness. This important study concluded that automobile owners should avoid washing their vehicles at home. Only a professional car wash can provide the proper amounts of water and water pressure needed along with the appropriate soaps and waxes to safely and effectively clean your vehicle.

# 11 . What can I do while I wait for my car to be detailed?
Enjoy our Relaxation Area featuring Comfortable Seating, Wide-Screen Television, Wireless Internet Connection, Complimentary Coffee Bar and Fun Kids Zone.