The TikToker @valentinaen_usa recently shared a video revealing how much it costs to wash her car in the United States. In the video, Valentina—originally from Colombia and known for sharing her experiences as an immigrant in the U.S. on TikTok—explained how she and her partner decided to give their vehicle a thorough cleaning after 20 days without washing it.
In her video, the young woman detailed that the car wash they frequented charged $1.75 for every 4 minutes of use, which forced them to perform the task quickly and efficiently. However, this time, they opted for a deep clean that took about an hour and a half. The total cost of the wash, including the vacuum, amounted to $15.75.
The video, which has garnered over 1.1 million views and more than 42.8 thousand likes in just three days, sparked a flurry of reactions among followers. Among the more than 650 comments, many shared their own experiences and costs of washing their cars in the U.S., while others debated whether it was really worth doing the task themselves. The responses also included price comparisons and more economical alternatives both within the country and in other parts of the world, leading to an interesting exchange of opinions on the platform.
One user suggested, "Isn't it better to pay someone to wash the car?" questioning if it was worth the time and effort. Others pointed out that they preferred to pay for a monthly membership at car washes like Mister Car Wash, where for $20 they could wash and vacuum their cars "every day and as many times as they want." Another follower in Texas mentioned paying $35 a month, allowing him to wash his car daily, adding that "they leave it spotless."
Some users offered tips to optimize the process, such as making the most of the 4 minutes to reduce costs: "The key is to insert the coins before the time runs out, so you don't have to reset the timer from zero." However, others preferred paying for a full service at an automatic car wash: "It's better to go to the automatic car wash; they wash it, and vacuuming your car is free."
The debate expanded to comparing prices in different states across the U.S.: A follower in Florida indicated paying only $6 for a full wash, while another in Colorado mentioned spending $10, but with vacuums and cloths included. Nevertheless, some comments also expressed frustration over what they considered an unnecessary expense: "It's better to wash it at home with your respective beer," suggested one user.
Although several comments also highlighted how inexpensive it could be to wash a car in other countries, the conversation among Valentina's followers mainly focused on the options available in the United States. The video opened an interesting debate about the various ways to wash a car in the U.S. and the associated costs. What do you think? Do you prefer to wash your car yourself or pay for full service?
Car Wash Costs and Opinions in the USA
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers based on the lively debate sparked by Valentina's video about car washing costs in the United States.
How much does it typically cost to wash a car in the USA?
The cost can vary greatly. Some self-service car washes charge around $1.75 for 4 minutes of use, while automated car washes can range from $6 to $35 per month for unlimited washes.
Is it cheaper to wash a car yourself or use a professional service?
Washing a car yourself can be cheaper if you manage your time efficiently, but a professional service offers convenience and consistent results. Monthly memberships at automated car washes can also provide a cost-effective solution.
What are some tips for saving money at a self-service car wash?
To save money, maximize the 4-minute intervals by inserting coins before the time runs out to avoid resetting the timer. Also, focus on the most critical areas of the car first.
Are there cheaper alternatives to washing a car in the USA?
Some users find it cheaper to wash their cars at home using their own supplies. Others prefer monthly memberships at car washes like Mister Car Wash for unlimited washes.