"This is the best car wash I've ever used. It's always clean, consistently high quality, and we keep our car spotless every time. By far the cleanest car wash around!" read more

Wherever I go, I'm in a hunt for a good self car wash place. The I-15 side of San Diego is actually severely lacking of these establishments, but I finally found this one in Poway. They have a cute little dog washing station too, a novel idea for car wash places! I have seen dogs being washed here. The staff here were friendly and the gentleman explained to me that I just need to use the clear coat protectant after the colorful polish. This place had more options than I was used to! The machines take credit card, and I hear so does the vacuum cleaner. What a great find! read more

Poway Car Wash - Car Wash Near Me - Poway, California

See all

This is the only self wash place in the area that I'm aware of. But beware that they will cut you off when you hit $15 and then charge a minimum of $5 to finish. And they charge more per minute than they used to so the $15 goes pretty quickly. What was an $11 wash consistently over the years now costs $20. read more

This place is not worth your time or your money. First, the pricing is ridiculous. The car wash is literally $1 per minute with a $5 minimum, and the dog wash has a $10 minimum. On top of that, the setup feels intentionally slow and awkward--almost like it's designed to burn time so you end up paying more just to finish basic tasks. I came specifically for the dog wash, and despite the high price, I went ahead since I was already there. I deposited $10 and instead of giving me 10 minutes, it only gave me 8. Ten minutes is already tight for washing a dog; getting cut down to eight meant I couldn't even finish. Honestly, you're better off asking a friend to borrow their hose and driveway and buying them a pizza to say thanks. read more

Yes the bad reviews are true, this place is terrible and the only reason they get any business is because their the only spot in Poway to wash your car. From the terrible and heavy water gun to the low presser dryer. The gun has a stuck fitting so you need to really try to rotate the gun... why not install new swivel fittings?? And the spot free rinse is not spot free given the terrible spray nozzle and abysmal water pressure. I'm not even sure the rinse setting is RO water with all the streaks and water spots. I have had to buy hard water spot remover after coming here. Man I wish there was competition in town I would never come back. read more

I came here late (10pm) for the dog wash. It's outside and accessible 24/7... which really comes in handy for a dog like mine. The place looks nice and the automated dog wash station was clean (with no staff, this just means the previous user cleaned up before leaving). The Dog wash is automated just like the car wash stations. $10 is the minimum you have to pay, this gets you 8 minutes... this wasn't enough time for me to wash, condition, rinse and dry. Although, being my first visit here, seeing this breakdown of how much time to spend at each selection on the side of the machine... I really did try... I ended up paying another $10 to finish up. Considering the self-wash at PETCO is $20, I didn't mind. I would like to meet the person who can do all that in 8 minutes though. My first 8 minutes: I was able to wash, rinse and condition. On my second 8 minutes: I was able to rinse the conditioner out and then blow dry. I went with high pressure dry and that thing is awesome. My dog has somewhat"sensitive" skin, I brought my own soap and conditioner. The machine does have soap and conditioner built into the nozzle; just like the car wash, you turn a dial to select rinse, soap, conditioner, low pressure dry, and/or high pressure dry. There is a sanitizer selection too. The water is warm and the dryer is also warm. Overall, I had a great experience here and I'll be back if I ever find myself "after hours" in need of a dog wash. 5-Stars: The station works and it was clean (thanks to the last considerate patron). read more

Poway Car Wash - Action shot during his blow dry. - Car Wash Near Me - Poway, California

What a complete dump I inserted my card and it gladly prepaid me $15 but the operations of the system never turned on nor was anyone there to help and it looked like at least one other person was having the same problem read more

Tri color soap and pre soak soaps were nearly out. The hose kept sputtering and it was mostly water. The spot free rinse setting still left water marks on my car. High pressure soap was the only good part read more

The place was busy. The bay I used was clean. Re: the wash: I had good pressure but no soap in the soapy wash sprayer function. Foam brush was very sudsy. Good pressure for the rinse. Re: Payment: Used my CC. Was charged on my CC $10 when the display said I would be charged $7.50. I see this is an ongoing issue at this facility. I was concerned about CC fraud when I scanned my card but was unable to get cash prior to going. Next time I go, I'll use cash. I do not trust their machines. read more

Typically, this wash is used mainly for the convenience with people who go off-roading, have lower suspension, or car enthusiasts. I fall into the category of a lowered suspension car, because going through normal drive thru car washes is not ideal for the fear of damaging the bottom of my car. This is a SELF wash! Throughout the years I would say that the pressure has gotten better, the directions are clear, and the tri color soap smells pleasant and is vibrant in color. I have never had any complaints coming here. I have read previous comments that there is a lack of communication at this wash. I've seen two different asian workers that can be in the office. I do see them working outside the office fixing things, and have got a smile and greeting. I've never had any instances of needing to go up to them. There is minimal shade, so on a hot day your car might not be wet but you definitely can start a sweat yourself. I would say ideal time would be at sunset to wash. My usual car wash is ~15 minutes and I pay around $10-12. In my opinion that is worth it. You can really pick at the little specs, saplings, and bird doo doo whereas a normal drive in car wash will not pick at for the cost of that same price. There is a dog wash which is nice. So bring someone with you so that while someone is washing your car, you can wash your dog! In conclusion, my car is definitely cleaner when I'm here at the poway self wash. read more

Charged &10 for 4 minutes to only wash wheels. That is ridiculous. Will never use this place again.

The service was very good and I was happy with the results. My car was clean and everything was in place when it was finished.

I wish I could put zero stars for this car wash. There's a four minute time limit to wash your whole car for $4 and the equipment doesn't even work that well to top it off. We didn't have time to rinse and dry our car. We spent a total of $21 because we also paid for the vacuums, but those weren't working either! Looking back at it, there are so many other options for better quality car washes for cheaper prices. This place was very disappointing and we will not be going here again. read more

This is a self wash and I came to save some money. When you put in $3.00, the car wash gives you 4 min 24 seconds. Make sure you put additional quarters (before the time is up) for an additional minute. I suggest to Put $4.00 up front. This place takes credit card and quarters, has dog wash and vacuum. I don't know how these works cuz I didn't use them. So comparing this to the great self wash in Baldwin park I used to go to, this one in poway has the brushes and nozzles places really far so you waste time running around to each item unless there are two people there. Place all your quarters in the beginning. you will need $3.75 for quick and dirty and $4.00 for decent job. I put $3.50..., the last $0.50 after the timer ran out and the water wouldn't start so I had soap left. Unlike other self washes, there is no 20-30 second grace period once your time runs out. At that point, you need to put another $3.00 for it to start again. read more

Manager was really helpful and caring for customers when machine wasn't working smoothly. Came over and fixed the issue right away without questions. read more

At wash was great Takes credit cards so it was super convenient. I'd definitely go back again read more

John is the manager now at Poway Car Wash! He was extrelmely helpful . He took the time to explain all the settings you could chose for your car! I really appreciated him taking the time to help me with my car and it looks nice and shiny! read more

Went here and it also charged me $10 bucks to vacumm.... i spoke with a guy there also vacumming his car and he said that it does that but they reimburse you in a few days.... Did anyone get their money back? read more

This place is pretty sketchy. The nozzle didn't work and no water came out after I inserted my card which automatically took out $4. I called the number that was provided on the info card on the wall and left a message asking for a refund. I also left my name and number in the attendant mailbox asking for a refund. I never heard back from these guys. You are taking a risk putting $ into the machine because they will not respond to you if the equipment doesn't work and I suspect they will not respond for other issues. read more

Be careful here, $4 to get the machine going only to last 4 minutes. I know folks want to have control over how their car is washed but this is not great value. Also the foam guns are broken, this is a pretty sketchy place. read more

FIX THE FOAM GUNS. Every port the foam guns just spits out liquid. And the machines randomly over charge. This place needs new owners

I wish I could give this business 0 stars. All I wanted to do was vacuum the inside of my car. Machine won't take coins. You have to use a credit card. It said $2 for 5 minutes. So I use the tap and nothing turned on. Then I slid my card through the slider and the vacuum turned on but the suction was atrocious. Barely any suction at all regardless if I put it on the Turbo or the Super setting. So my car still is dirty on the inside because of 5 minutes with no suction. And when I looked on my bank statement they charged me $10!!!!!! Do not get suckered into using this business they are just out to take your money. read more

I wish i would've read the reviews on this place before going here. Same issue with being charged $10 for vacuuming my car which should've been $2.00. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE!!!! read more

Be careful!!!. Someone stole my groceries out of my trunk while I was wiping off the front of my car... learned my lesson. PAY ATTENTION to your surroundings.... read more

Still cheapest place to wash your car in Poway. There's really never a line and it actually makes washing your car kinda fun. I like using the high pressure soap and watching the dirt fly off my car. I spend about $5-6 to wash my Acura & it comes out great each time. -1 for having certain settings that are pretty useless (like engine cleaner?? Come on..) and I'm not a huge fan of the foam brush (the pink foam is cool to look at but it still doesn't get bug poop off your car). read more

Decent facility, except for when something breaks down. One of the bays didn't work. Took my $5 cash, started the timer and nothing. At least 3 other ppl tried to use the same bad bay.Their idea of customer service is you leaving a written note on the change machine (no paper, no writing utensil). Also, no phone number or email anywhere onsite or on their garbage website. Note: make sure the bay looks like it's been used. If it's dry as a bone, chances are it's non-operating... read more

Place is priced good for to what you get. I read that stall 2 was broken and didn't realize which way they counted from and used stall 2. Would of been 5 stars but with better up keep it could be. Stall 2 items worked, but some devices were broken. Lowered cars be aware there is only one drive way up. It is semi low car friendly. Also getting into the stalls from the vacuum station is pretty steep. I spent about 8-10 dollars for about 10-15 minutes or cleaning. I would suggest bringing micro fibers or cotton towels to dry your car and also some sponges to clean your own wheels and exterior of your car. You never know who uses it abs where it was used (I.e. Wheels that are super dirty, causing scratches to paint). This place is on the far end of Poway after the dealerships. I will recommend this place to my family and friends. I'll especially recommend it to my car enthusiast who want to clean their car without getting trouble for doing it in their driveway read more

I came here to get quality service and a clean car ... I was charged $10 for 5 minutes on my card .... I could have just went to soapy joes ... don't go here unless your car is already clean lol read more

First time using car wash. Was clean and worked well but they don't tell you how much it will cost. Well I am stupid. I went ahead with washing my car. I clocked 3 minutes and 16 seconds and was charged $10. I was hoping to use this place instead of doing my car at home. I paid an expensive lesson. It would be nice if there was information on the cost. Learn from my lesson. read more

Horrible water pressure. The soaps are so diluted that you can't tell if there in soap in the water. I didn't even bother finishing washing my car here. Just took it somewhere else. Do not recommend. And maybe the owners could do some maintenance to improve their business. read more

Wow very bad service !!!! Tried it out Horrible ! Owner doesn't care Should be shut down ! I'd love to give it a zero star doesn't deserve a one If yelp had a zero I'd do it !!! read more

I FINALLY FOUND IT!!! a self service car wash in the area!!! This place is good. $3.25 to get you started on the timer, and just add quarters before the clock runs out. The spray guns are powerful when the soapy water is selected. You get to use the spray wand to blast a pre soak, tire cleaner, soapy water, wax, power rinse, and spotless rinse. There is also a foaming brush you can use to brush off any grime and stuck on dirt. Have a game plan ahead of time so you can be efficient and save on some quarters that'll come in handy at the vacuum station. I would much rather go here and spend 5-6 bucks in quarters to wash the exterior of my car the way I like it than pay $40+tip to put your car in the hands of some stranger who's only in it for profit (or waste $7 at a gas station car wash in return for spots on your windows, half-stuck bird poop and scratches on your paint from those automatic spinning "soft touch" brushes.) I love the spotless water rinse! no need to wipe the car down! just wash the car, rinse and go! read more

Been here a few times. I like the high pressure water rinse and the spot free rinse. Noticed they have recently upgraded the machines to accept credit cards. Be nice if they would block off a car wash bay that is out of order. I fed the thing 20 quarters before realizing that I couldn't wash my car. The hose and scrub brush were broken off. Thanks. read more

We love that they have the dog wash here too!!!! Our doggies are huge so this works out great for us right after taking hem to the dog park there in Poway! read more

Poway Car Wash - Car Wash Near Me - Poway, California

See all

Owner is an a$$wipe, called to inquire if they do an interior detail, was smugly told that I could do it with my lips. Awesome business practise! read more

Nice clean car wash with lots of wash bays and drying areas. I prefer to be able to put my money (bills) into the car wash machine rather than have to purchase quarters then feed a lot of quarters into another machine. It works fine. No complaints. You have to move fast since the clock is ticking. Soap spray cleaned my wheels and the spot free spray left no spots on my blue Porsche. read more

See all

I always wash my car here. I like all the options they have on the machine and I usually spend $6 and get my exterior completely clean.

Do not go here! The machine charged me $10 onto my debit card instead of the advertised $3 deposit (and this was before any additional charges for time spent in the different modes). I called the owner and, as many others have said on here, he is a complete jerk and simply told me that my money is his now and there's nothing I can do about it and hung up. Luckily he didn't end up with my money in the end, but this owner shouldn't be allowed to keep his business with his shady and fraudulent practices. Avoid Crazy Charlie's car wash, go anywhere else that is actually respectable. read more

When hubby had the Mustang he preferred washing the car by hand. Of course, late in pregnancy it was difficult for me to drive the thing and there was the added problem of getting the infant car seat in.... so we traded it in for a Mazda 3, boring but practicle. Hubby still comes here to wash his car now and the added plus is that you can actually now pay for the self service car wash using a card! Typically it rained the day after he got it washed! haha! This place is great value for money and you can ensure that your car isnt damaged as there are no horrible brushes going around scratching it up! read more

I've been bringing my car here for years. The prices have slowly climbed from around $2.50 to $3.25 to start the wash. There have been a couple occasions when I've had a lack of suds in the foam brush. I usually get done with the car wash and spot free rinse for under $5. They just installed a dog/cat wash machine in the first bay. $10 for 10-15 minutes. read more