RESOURCES: Car Care Links | Car Wash Industry Links

Car Wash Resources

The World Wide Web provides a wealth of resources related to the car industry, from caring for your car, to car wash industry businesses. To consult various car wash related resources click on the Car Care Links or Car Wash Industry Links available above, or conduct your own search using a search engine such as Google or Alta Vista. Some search terms you might try are "car wash," "full service car wash," "car care," "car detailing," "hand wash," "lube," "lube center," "state inspection," or come up with your own terms that define what you are wanting to know.

The graphics used to create this web site were found at The Graphics Station (round balls on home page) and at AAA Buttons (up navigational button).

Frequently Asked Questions

Some answers provided by the International Car Wash Association, with permission.

Q: Where is The Plaza located?

A: We are located in Dallas, Texas, at 5220 Lemmon Avenue, behind Prince Hamburgers. Click here for directions on finding us.

Q: Does The Plaza offer any special discounts for its customers?

A: Absolutely! For more information go to the Plaza Car Wash Club or to the Plaza Car Wash Specials pages.

Q: How often should I have my car washed?

A: It depends. If your car is exposed to corrosive materials like salt, sand and industrial fallout, it should be washed often. The same goes for vehicles in areas with high humidity. Moisture attracts contaminants and promotes a variety of chemical reactions that can destroy your car's finish. Frequent washing is essential to the life of your car's chrome and painted surfaces.

In seasons or climates less conducive to corrosion, a wash every two weeks or so is adequate. In areas with acid rain, a wash every ten days is advised. Of course, these estimates may vary depending upon whether your car is kept in a garage or out in the elements.

Q: What kind of car wash will do a good job of cleaning my car?

A: Any professional car wash can effectively clean your car without damaging it. At The Plaza, we use a touchless car wash with high-pressure water and detergents used to remove dirt and other potentially damaging particles from your car's finish, wheel wells and undercarriage. Then we use a final fresh water rinse to leave your car spot-free, and we both blow dry and towel dry your car for a sparkling finish.

Q: Why should I use a professional car wash?

A: Simply stated, professional car washes are better for your car. Other reasons include acid rain, protecting your investment, saving time, protecting the environment, and clean wheels. For more information and reasons why, consult the International Car Wash Association.

Q: Aren't hand washings safer for my car and the environment?

A: No! Dirt that collects in wash water, sponges and chamois will scratch the paint. Hand washings use nearly twice the amount of water than professional car washes. Cleaning solutions professional washes use are biodegradable and safe for the environment. Also, high-pressure water at self-serve and professional washes cleans cars better and faster.

Q: Why does my car ride better after I've had my car washed? Am I imagining it?

A: Not at all! Actually, it's very simple. Dirt and grime collect in the areas around your car's wheels. The concentrated spray at professional car washes loosens and rinses the grime, giving you a smother ride. The spray also helps prevent rusting inside the wheel wells, the most difficult type of rust to stop. In addition, tests show that a properly cleaned and waxed car has less wind resistance resulting in a smoother ride and improved fuel economy.

Q: I wash my car at home using a garden hose. Lately, the finish looks dull and marked. What could be wrong?

A: Washing your car at home is extremely harmful to the finish since University of Texas proved that a single home hand-wash can leave scratches in the finish as deep as 1/10 of the paint's total thickness. Also, the average garden hose cannot supply enough water and water pressure with the detergent action to avoid damaging a car's finish.

This important study concluded that automobile owners should avoid washing their cars at home. Only a professional car wash can provide the proper amounts of water and water pressure needed with the appropriate cleaning solutions to safely and effectively clean your car.

Q: Is it true that my new car shouldn't be washed or waxed for a certain period of time?

A: This may have been true a long time ago, but with the new modern acrylics and enamels, your new car's finish needs tender care immediately.

Be careful to wash your car properly. Most new cars are treated with a clear-coat finish. It's important that you exercise extreme care, especially when washing your new car for the first few times. Many initial washing errors result in water spots, setting stains and loss of luster. Without the benefit of protective coating layers that your car will receive over the years, mistakes made during the first few washes may not be correctable.

Should you decide to wax your car, use a wax that's compatible with your paint. Check your owner's manual and the wax's label for instructions.

The best advice is to trust your car's finish to a professional from the beginning.

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