Washing Your Car At The Jet Wash

A Garage Jet Wash is More Effective Than You Might Think!

Just because you don't have a hose or pressure washer at home doesn't mean you can't give your car a professional-level maintenance wash. Here at Auto Finesse, while we have access to all the high-end detailing equipment, we know that not every car enthusiast has a driveway, power, water, or a pressure washer. Maybe you're on a water meter, or prefer to detail your car away from the street—there are plenty of reasons why you might choose to work away from home.

So, what do you do if you're in one of these situations, or if you live in a modern apartment and still want to take care of your car? The answer is simple—head to your local petrol station and make use of their non-automated jet wash.

It’s easier than you might think. To make it even simpler, we've put together a special maintenance kit with everything you'll need, plus a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done right.

What Makes Using a Garage Jet Wash Different?

It goes without saying that you don't want to use a big gritty brush, or hit the car shampoo and hot wax settings here. While using our far superior detailing products, the only part of the jet wash you need to utilise is the plain water rinse from the lance.

The only real difference with using an industrial jet wash, as opposed to a home pressure washer, is that you need to try and maximise the time you have while the water is on. Most forecourt jet washes will have a limit of three or four minutes from the moment you put in the minimum amount, so during your wash it's best to double up, doing jobs like filling your buckets and rinsing certain parts together, just so you don't leave the lance idle for any extended period.

Also be sure take a few coins with you, just to be safe. A fiver should be more than enough, and only put your coins in the slot as and when you need them.

Step 1 - Clean Your Wheels With Imperial

As always, the first step is to remove any loose grime from your wheels with a thorough pre-rinse. Normally, we'd clean the wheels individually at home, but since we're working within a time limit (and there's no risk of products drying on the car), you can pre-soak all four wheels during the first pass.

Start by applying Imperial Alloy Wheel Cleaner generously to each wheel, allowing the powerful formula to soak in while you insert your first coin into the jet wash.

Next, rinse your wheels to remove the bulk of the contaminants, then quickly move on to filling your wheel bucket with clean water. Add a small amount of Lather Car Shampoo from your kit and mix it up. This will create a great cleaning solution and provide lubrication for the next step.

After the pre-rinse, a more thorough cleaning of the wheels is usually needed. Reapply your Imperial Alloy Wheel Cleaner and begin agitating it with the Lather solution.

Using the wheel cleaner with a brush will enhance its ability to lift brake dust. Start with the dirtier inner sections, using a Barrel Brush, then move to the faces of the wheels. For these areas, a Hog Hair Brush or Detailing Brush works best, followed by a wash mitt. As long as there’s no risk of the wheels drying out, you can work on all four wheels before moving on to the next step.

Step 2 - Pre-Wash With Citrus Power

Normally, we'd rinse the wheels first, but here we’ll start the pre-wash by quickly applying Citrus Power Bug & Grime Remover to the bodywork. While this powerful cleaner begins breaking down and lifting heavy grime, rinse off the wheels first, then move on to the bodywork. Always rinse from the top down for the best results. Be thorough, and feel free to add another coin if needed. Once the rinsing is complete, use the remaining time to fill your wash buckets.

Step 4 - Contact Wash

To maintain a swirl-free wash, it's essential to use the two-bucket method—one with 3-4 capfuls of Lather car shampoo and the other with plain water. As always, start with the less contaminated areas, such as the roof, windscreen, and bonnet, and be sure to rinse out your wash mitt in the water bucket before dipping it back into the soapy solution.

Once you've washed the entire car, you can proceed to the final rinse. This will be the last time you need to use the lance.

Step 4 - Drying & Finishing Up

Drying your car after washing is crucial to prevent watermarks and spotting. For this step, use the Aqua Deluxe Drying Towel provided, starting with the bodywork, then move on to the door jambs and boot shuts, finishing with the wheels. If you're in a queue at the jet wash, feel free to move the car a short distance to another part of the forecourt if needed.

The key to effective drying is to take your time and ensure every drop of water is removed. Unlike rainwater, clean, unfiltered water contains minerals that can leave marks, especially in hard water areas. This is why drying your car is always a must after washing.

You're now in the finishing stages. Start by buffing your windows and mirrors to a streak-free shine with Crystal Glass Cleaner.

For each window, spray directly onto the glass and wipe with your Glass Waffle Cloth. After a quick final buff, the exterior windows will be spotless. Crystal Glass Cleaner makes this step quick and easy.

Since it only takes a few seconds, now is a great time to clean the interior windows as well. Simply spray onto your cloth and wipe them down thoroughly. Keep in mind, nothing detracts from a clean car more than smudgy glass, especially when it’s visible from the inside.

The final two stages not only provide added protection to your surfaces but also elevate your detail to the next level. In fact, some argue that these quick steps are what truly differentiate a maintenance wash from a full maintenance detail. And the best part? They take almost no time at all!

A quick application of Satin Tyre Dressing using the supplied Tyre and Trim Applicator is the perfect finishing touch. Not only does it enhance the look of your tyres, but it also nourishes the rubber, offering protection against UV damage, cracking, and fading.

The final stage is, as we always say, to "finish it with Finale." Our signature Quick Detailer is perfect for tidying up any last stray droplets or water that may have dripped from crevices after drying. It's also ideal for giving your paintwork a flawless finish by removing any watermarks and leaving behind a smooth, warm glow.

Simply mist a light spray onto one section at a time, spread it using your Primo Plush microfibre cloth, and then fold the cloth to a dry section and buff until the surface is clear and streak-free.

Infused with Carnauba, Finale also adds a layer of protection, making your car easier to clean the next time around.

And the outcome is undeniable...