Self-serve car wash etiquette

Home Forums Open Discussion Self-serve car wash etiquette

  • This topic is empty.
Viewing 22 posts - 1 through 22 (of 22 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #595252

    josie2006
    Member

    Just an opinion poll. My husband and I were at the Car Wash Palace (name cracks me up) on 35th SW and his opinion was that one should not pull around the person at the vacuum station to enter the wash station without asking the vacuumer, since they are technically “in line” for the wash station. While there, I saw people doing it both ways. So what gives? Is it 2 separate lines? Or does the person at the vacuum have dibs? I’m not obsessing over this but I’d rather not get in a fight with an irate vacuumer either.

    #696980

    Blend
    Participant

    Last time I was there I vacuumed after I washed. Most people prolly don’t think there is a system like that. You just grab what is available.

    #696981

    pam
    Member

    I would ask the person vacuuming if they are in line to wash…..

    #696982

    JayDee
    Participant

    I concur, in general, but if they are really focused on sucking up the Fritos in the rear seat cracks, it is clear they aren’t worried about the exterior at that instant. I’ve not had problems skipping ahead of intent vacuumers.

    #696983

    Garden_nymph
    Member

    I agree with asking the person vacuuming. Not everyone goes to do both, or knows how long the person using the vacuum will take. It seems like a simple way to keep people civil.

    #696984

    voodoo
    Member

    I see them as somewhat separate. If someone is vacuuming and the bay in front of them is open, I go in for the wash. Seems strange to wait for them to finish and leave a wash stall empty.

    If I vacuum first, I never consider that I have “dibs” on a wash bay. When I’m done with that, I’ll wait for the other if I must.

    I like that there are vacuums available before and after the wash, so I can plot the most efficient strategy based on traffic flow.

    #696985

    DOC
    Member

    I usually ask just to be nice. I think 99% of people will say go ahead if you ask and harbor no bad feelings. It’s when you don’t ask that some people think to themselves, “that SOB took my spot!”

    I really need to wash my car now that you mention it, thanks!

    #696986

    Blend
    Participant

    yah..it’s defiantly time for the Alki Bird Poop wash.

    #696987

    Sonoma
    Participant

    Since it is a Car Wash “Palace,” your footman or courtier should approach the gentlewoman or gentleman vacuuming their resplendent coach, bow deeply, and request their blessing to proceed. If they grant permission, you may curtsy, extend your gloved hand, and advance toward the moat. Be sure to bring plenty of gold shillings. God save the Clean!

    #696988

    JayDee
    Participant

    Funny one Sonoma.

    #696989

    JoB
    Participant

    God save the clean:)

    #696990

    DOC
    Member

    Lmao Sonoma, thanks!

    #696991

    josie2006
    Member

    LOL, thanks Sonoma and all who replied. Seems like a mixed bag, as I thought.

    #696992

    JoB
    Participant

    i always err on the side of civility…

    after all.. it’s a win win scenario

    you feel good about yourself

    and the person you asks feels good about you..

    #696993

    Garden_nymph
    Member

    Double thumbs up Sonoma; well written!

    #696994

    MousePotato
    Member

    I’ve been scolded twice at the Car Wash Palace for the drive-around; once by a vacuuming customer and once by someone that either runs the place or owns it. He had keys and was in a small back room and apparently re-filling soaps and other chemicals. The driver and I had some friendly gestures that I shrugged off but since the employee was of the same opinion I decided to accept that as the rule. Now if I’m faced with a drive-around situation, I ask. Seems silly to me but if that’s the etiquette then I will comply….

    #696995

    johnnyblegs
    Member

    I’ve always been used to Brown Bear’s system – wash then suck. That’s the way the stalls were set up. Going the the Palace throws me off. I’ve always thought they were two separate entities and will continue to treat them as such – until there’s a sign telling me otherwise. Most of the time I have no need for the suck; but then sometimes I want both.

    #696996

    JoB
    Participant

    i too wash first then vacuum..

    but if you think about it.. it does make sense to get the dirt out before washing what falls on the outside off…

    with dogs i never get to skip vacuuming:(

    #696997

    Blend
    Participant

    it amazes me that the owners/managers of establishments scold their customers. It’s like people have never heard of the nice approach. Some people around here suffer badly from the grumpies. Maybe it’s the weather. I dunno..but people need to chill.

    I know..how about a relaxing massage at ‘Chill’… I had one the other day and it was OH-So-Nice!!

    #696998

    voodoo
    Member

    Well, this is all very interesting. I guess next time I sashay over to ye olde Car Wash Palace I will be sure to ask before butting in front of a vacuumer! I didn’t realize that it might be construed as rude.

    #696999

    HolyKow
    Member

    If you are just about to be done running that VAC and someone pulls infront and goes for the works (rinse,wash,soapybrush,wax,tire,engine,rinse,blow dry, re-rinse, re-blowdry), as the VAC’er, I would be kinda hot.

    You could always pull the ‘The Dude’ conversation here:

    Approaches VAC’er, points to open wash stall, points to it and says:

    Dude?

    VAC’er assesses remaining workload and looks up and says one of the following:

    Dude! (this means sure man, go ahead)

    or if just about done and about to pull in:

    Duuuuuuude….. (this indicates that they are about to use the facility and politely decline the request)

    What you do not want is:

    DUDE! (this is a person that has not been to bed and has had no coffee in 48 hours).

    At that location, I believe there are VAC’s in the back (after you pull thru the wash-a-teria). If you are just gonna roll a VAC and those are open, I say use those to cut down confusion…

    HK

    #697000

    funkietoo
    Participant

    I vaccum…more than wash, so would be surprised if someone asked me if it was okay to pull into an empty wash stall. Have always seen the two tasks as separate, individual lines.

    If we reverse this…does it also mean that if the wasing stalls are full, but there are empty vaccum spots, that I should ask the ‘car washer’ whether s/he is going to use the vaccum right after they finish washing? Or is that what the vaccums on the backside are for…people that are finished washing–so I only need to ask about those?

Viewing 22 posts - 1 through 22 (of 22 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.