Just paid $16 for the Tsunami Extreme Clean car wash, which was touted as the "best value" (the most expensive option). I pull in, put the gear in Neutral, and the machine takes over...it grabbed the tires and just rolled me forward way too fast. No pausing for the various "extreme clean" features to actually do their job, it spat me out after 15 seconds! My suv looked dirtier AFTER this wash, because it just slid a few sponge-noodle things along the length of the car ONCE which only served to arrange the grime on my car into stripes which is way more noticeable than the all-over film it had before. And THEN, when I pull around to the side to at least take advantage of the included vacuum for the interior, they shut off the vacuum right as I was getting the hose unwound! They claim it's because they were needing to close. Funny how they didn't mention anything about needing to close when taking my money... read more

Is it good if a vacuum sucks...at sucking? Lol $6 for a car wash isn't so bad. It does its job, or at least with my car it does. I don't have anything to compare it to, since I haven't tried any other express car washes. The only thing I don't like is that their vacuums suck. And not in a good way. Some of the vacuums seem defective and don't suck as much, so it barely picks up anything. But if you're looking for a place to get your car washed for a cheap price, try this place. They close at 7 pm. read more

Here is a short review for a quick stop. Easy to get in easy to get out. Easily located of of Artesia. Not a lot of road trip snacks to choose from. Have a guy behind counter and another standing there in middle of store watching. That's it. Have a great day! read more

South Bay Shell - Gas Stations Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

Update on 3/1/09 to my original review: The coffee, as Cheri pointed out, is now Paulo. Pretty good stuff. One of the coffee guys who works there also works at Rite Aid and at Chong's - nice guy. The car wash has been totally redone. It's no longer a full-service wash - but that may not be a bad thing, as the old service was not good. This service is an automated wash ($6, $8, $10 price points) of what looks like high-quality machines, with the standard blower at the end. No towel guys and no service for cleaning the inside of your car. However, in this economy, maybe self-serv is the way to go. Good news here is that the vacuums are free with each wash - you just pull up to one of the machines, hit the "go" button and you've got suction. They also indicate that you get a free espresso drink with each wash, but I did my wash and night and the coffee guys went home for the day. But this may be a good morning ritual every once in a while - wash, vacuum, coffee, for as low as $6 - not bad at all. read more

I've been going here for years. I am done with them now. It's a cheap, drive through car wash. There are DIY vacuums, which I liked. Several times my side mirrors have been torn off or partially torn off here. I usually just buy another one, and have it put on at a local repair shop. The two times I tried to approach the employees, they have argued with me, accused me of lying, and given me the run-around. I was supposed to come in this morning at 8AM to talk to the "owner." I did my part, but then was told the "manager" wasn't in. I waited. Eventually, I left, called, and they said she wasn't coming in. The guy at the car wash entrance argued with me in a most unprofessional manner. They said my mirror wasn't there, and accused me of lying. I have receipts. Yes, it's cheap to wash there. But in the long run, it's not worth the aggravation. It's time consuming and expensive for the repair. Horrible customer service! The worst! The rudest! The employees are disrespectful of women. Disgraceful! read more

My credit card has been skimmed twice at this location and then charged to various fake businesses like proflowers, pc mag, and a telecommunications company in Oklahoma. This is the only place where I have physically used the card. If you need to buy gas and use your card go inside to pay. read more

Got rear ended INSIDE THE CAR WASH but I am told there is no manager on duty and no one can call him because it is Sunday. Really? I just want to talk with the manager -- it looks like the car spacing is too tight inside the car wash. I insisted to get the manager's number and was told he can't be disturbed on Sunday. Told to call on Monday. Again, REALLY? I asked what happens if someone gets hurt on the property on Sunday and the attendant says they don't do anything. I asked car wash guy who do you call if you break your arm at work? He says no one, he will just go home. Really? I think the California Board of Labor would strongly disagree and would have a few words with the owner about training staff regarding emergencies. This has been my convenient gas station and car wash since 2001 but I was compelled to call Redondo Police for intervention (no, NOT 911, just the main number). I waited for PD to show up and after a while the attendant stepped out and brought back a sheet of paper telling me to fill it out. I asked him who told him to give this form to me, did he just speak with the manager? He shrugged and said no. The paper was just a fax cover sheet from the Shell station. Cop shows up but nothing he can do because it is civil matter and it's the business' policy. Understood. So when I asked attendant if I can take the fax cover sheet home, fill it out and fax it back, he said no. Really? Even the cop said to the attendant there is a fax number on the sheet, why can't it be faxed in? Attendant says he needs it there. I declined and cop agreed. I am a very easy-going guy but I dug my heels in because it strikes me as a little crazy that a business open to the public makes the manager completely unavailable and inaccessible on Sunday. I own a business with employees and my managers are always available, and if they aren't, then I make myself available. So my car was rear ended in an automated car wash on a Sunday and when I ask to speak with a manager I get stonewalled with no concern from staff, told I can't speak with the manager because it's Sunday and told to call back on Monday. Am I over reacting? Maybe. Sure I can take my business elsewhere but will it affect their business? Of course not and I prefer not to take my business elsewhere. Is this a major issue? Of course not. I just think it's unacceptable for a consumer-facing business to stonewall a reasonable request to speak with a manager when there is a problem. read more

Worst Service ever!!! Had a CarWash done here and their machines pulled off my front plates. Didn't realized till I was all the way home. Came back another day to pump gas attempted to pay Credit at the pump but was forced to pay Debit I don't like to use my pin at pumps because of ID theft but had no other option. When I questioned the cashier he said nothing was wrong with the pumps instead of explaining you either pay debit using your pin or you can't pay t the pump. Horrible customer service! read more

South Bay Shell - Worst Shell ever and to think this is located in "Redondo Beach" wow goes. - Gas Stations Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

As far as gas goes - this place is fine. This review is for the car wash; it's a pass. Car wash is pricier than other automated washes and you have to pay extra to vacuum. We spent a total of $11 bucks: $9 to wash and $2 for vacuum and it really wasn't worth it because after the wash my car still had bird poo and my side view mirrors didn't look like they had been cleaned or even touched by water at all! read more

So express you're in and out in under a minute! This place used to be pretty decent as far as automated drive-thru car washes go. But they've changed. First of all, the water they use is not "spotless" anymore. Spots all over my car, it looks worse than when I took it in. Other problems: I'm pretty sure none of the extra waxes and protectants that I paid for ($12 total) were applied. I didn't see any foam or anything colorful come down on my car. Basically I got a rinse. The belt moves you through the wash so fast so your car doesn't get a good washing. Worse is, because it moves so fast, you barely get any time on the blow dryer so your car comes out soaking wet. I have a tiny little Prius C. It doesn't take much to get it dry. Terrible terrible terrible. Do NOT come here. read more

Sometimes I lie in bed at night and think about puppies. Other times I lie in bed at night and think about the Southbay Shell gas station! More often than not, however, I lie in bed during the day hoping the sun will set on yet another 24 hour cycle of sadness that was worse than the day before and whose misery will be eclipsed only by the inevitable hopelessness that comes with the sunrise of the next. This gas station has it all! Gas, diesel, water, air (I prefer diesel, clears the sinuses), even a non functioning fountain; pretty much everything a business that sells gas should have if wants to be the best, or stay in business. It's fairly well-lit at night, and even more so during the day, so I always feel safe when I am NEVER EVER selling blood diamonds or bengal tiger cubs. That's for sure! The refrigerator units inside have everything you need to refresh your body after a long day of work or to dull the pain of the depression steadily consuming what's left of your soul. Stop and get a Nesquick for the kids, or peanuts for your coworkers! Coworkers love peanuts! Are you a smoker? They have your needs covered. Light, filtered, unfiltered, Sudafed, or menthol. You smoke it? They got it. You don't smoke it? They probably still got it. You can't smoke it? They definitely got it. Remember that scene in gladiator when he kills his father because he was ashamed of the disappointment he's become? I do! So if you're in need of gas and nowhere else is open, go to South Bay Shell! read more

4 Stars Cheaper (just by 2 cents) than Chevron down the street....AND they also still have the latches on the pump so I don't have to stand there and hold the pump the whole time. read more

I took Range Rover through the car wash and it damaged my outside mirror, even though it was folded in. The manager Chris said he would fix it and gave me his auto body shop's number (Jerry). 2 months later, never fixed my mirror. I have to now resolve this in court, and Chris said "go ahead." I have never had a car wash damage my car. By the way they handled this, I will never revisit this gas station again. read more

Two different pumps authorized my credit card and turned on, but no gas came out. Went inside to report the problem and the attendant immediately asks me "Where are you from?" Ummm...really dude? I know I'm from Baltimore but does that really impact my ability to get gas from your gas station? Then he tried to say I was using an international card (I wasn't) and to try again (a third time). Useless. I went down the street to Mobil and won't return here again. read more

I went to the South Bay Shell in Redondo Beach, CA on 9/9/2015. It was my 1st time there. I did not go there to buy gas (I was in my Tesla). I stopped to buy car items and snacks (my total bill was $11.95). Plus, I took photos. read more

South Bay Shell - Photo taken 9/9/2015 - South Bay Shell (nice fountain) - Gas Stations Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

This station was a relief. We were driving down PCH looking for a gas station. The tank wasn't empty, and that was a good thing because it was several miles before we turned down Artesia and found this station. My bf almost forgot this station here. We had a gift card, so it was nice to finally get to use it. This place was convenient and not crowded. Great deal! read more

I can't believe I'm the first to review this business. LOCATION - Corner of Artesia & Aviation behind the Shell gas station. This is my place for in between major car washes location. It's perfect because its just enough to get me by till I have more time to sit at a full service wash. It not completely dry when I leave. I see people drying & vacuuming their cars, but I leave that to the full service washes. The best thing is that I sit in my car and return messages while my car is going through the wash. read more

You guys need a mirror so we can line up our own wheels since your workers clearly don't care at all about people's rims getting damaged.

The sign on the door states that Store is open from 5:30AM-10PM. I got here at 9PM and the man working will not let you inside and will not honor your points when paying with cash. This is place is a total rip off. Go somewhere else read more

This drive-through carwash is really updated and new! It has free vacuum service, just drive up and vacuum it on your own before your wash. Some of the vacuums work better than others. After that you can drive to the machine and either pay cash or card, I think they range from like eight dollars to $12. Basically it does the job and you get to vacuum the car, quick and easy. It has good water pressure the soap works and there is light air blowers afterwards. The car does not leave completely dry but 70% dry . read more

A typical automatic place that sprays dirty water and tries to hit you with added 'colored soap and lights' features that are meaningless. Used to be a pretty good place with fair prices and good service. Now they're just squeezing money any way they can. Raised prices across the board, recently, and they are playing games with their "buy 10 washes, get on free" deal. They used to furnish receipts automatically. Now, if you don't, the jerk directing cars won't furnish one, nor will the Shell station employee. There are much better options in the area. read more

The car wash here is horrible. The supposedly spot-free rise leaves spots all over your car. They use to have guys who would hand dry your car but they got rid of them so you have to bring your own towel and do the job yourself. I have gotten the $5 wash a few times but decided to try the $10 wash to see if it was any better. It wasn't and didn't fully clean my truck. When I went back in to get another time through the cashier refused. Horrible experience. read more

This is worst car wash I've been to around South Bay, the final rinse cycle is totally worthless, always leave foam on my hood and side windows.. read more

South Bay Shell - This is officially THE WORST car wash around - Gas Stations Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

If I could give zero stars I would. Carlos was very non comparable or understanding. I understand that it's an express car wash but if they claim to have a "tsunami extreme clean" tell me why my car came out looking the EXACT same as how it started. It also claimed that I would receive a full wax and tire wax which I didn't receive and when I circled back around to ask where I get that part done he said it was done in the drive thru. I explained that wasn't true bc you cannot was a WET car. I will insert photos below but Carlos was very rude about the whole thing and directed me to the cash register inside so I may have my money back and they said they would not reimburse me. Anyhow I now have to call Mike the manager and talk to him and when I asked the guy inside about what I can do (before he backs helpful) he was an asshole and said "that's not really my problem). DO NOT go to this car wash. There's a car wash 10 minutes away in Lawndale that's $6 free wax and towel included. It's called Lightening car wash they rock. read more

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I come here for the carwash! I get the cheapest ($6) and the vacuums are free to use. Sometimes I want a simple wash between the big ones and this is my go-to for that. It's in a central, safe location and I'm always satisfied. I do get gas here also. read more

This gas station took 125 dollars with out our authorization absolutely outrages my card is blocked now my car takes 40 of gas this is absurd. read more

This place totally destroyed my bug shield deflector on my truck and the guy Carlos's attitude was total disregard of the responsibilities until I asked for the manager!!! Everyone please beware when come through car wash here, it will destroy ur vehicle. However, with that said, the manger Chris called me and is nice and willing to work with me on the issue. As someone that frequent the car wash, this is a lesson learned. read more

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Honestly, its a really good price for the money you are getting. The vacuum is free. whats great is that its right next to the gas station. cleaver. read more

I've been washing my car here for two years now. The last time I went the washer broke my side mirror, the brush got stuck and started pulling so the plastic part broke. I informed attendance immediately she said they have cameras inside they can see condition of the vehicle before entering and at the Exit. That was great, she gave me a card of the Manager Chris Madony to send photos and to inform him what have happened. I called, I text never EVER did that guy responded. Very bad business, bad management be careful of that washer any damages on your vehicle will be disregarded. read more

This coffee shop recently became Paulo Coffee and I was curious so I stopped in for a cup. Its a great little spot dispite the fact that its in a gas station. They serve Lavazza Coffee like the Hilton Hotels, Routin 1883 syrups imported from France, and Ghirardelli Chocolate sauces. I am a soymilk drinker so I often judge a coffee shop by their soy and they have Silk which is the best "brand name" soy on the market. Even though it may seem like just a gas station coffee shop its not what you would expect. Give it a try and you'll see that its delicious! The line is a lot shorter then the starbucks down the way too so you can pump your gas and get a gourmet coffee or a mocha and still not be late for work. read more

I've been going to this carwash for over 15 years. They installed a new carwash. Price went from $12 for the top wash to $16. I was still willing to go because the carwash did (past tense) a good job. I went yesterday and the wash took about 30 seconds tops to complete (seems like the new conveyor belt is really sped up!) and afterward my car had whole sections that looked completely untouched, filthy. I wash it once a week, so it's not as if this dust was on there for a long time and difficult to clean. While they were installing this new carwash and it was closed for business last month, I found another carwash that's closer to home and does a ***much*** better job for less money. I will go there from now on. Sad because Shell just lost a loyal, longtime customer. When I went yesterday, I was the only one there (nobody in front of me or behind me), whereas before it was hopping with customers. I guess other customers are seeing the poor quality and greedy pricing too. read more

This place is horrible. I tried to use the air to fill up the tires on our baby stroller. I put 4 quarters and nothing came on .... no change return. So I added another quarter even though it's only $1 for air. Nothing... this is after I purchased chips and a soda inside. So I went back in and bought some M&Ms after standing in line for almost 10 min with other customers as the cashier was doing something with receipts - it's as if he was doing a shift turnover by himself... at 5pm on a weekday.... so I asked him about the air and if there is something I need to do to activate it. He said it's been working fine all day with an attitude!! I told him I added money and it didn't work and he started to get mad at me like I'm trying to scam him... so I try to diffuse the situation and ask if I should use credit card instead and he say yeah just to get me to go away. So I go out and use the card. Nothing.... no air... I walk back in with 5 dollars in quarters in my hand and credit card in other to show him I have money I just want air! I told him it doesn't work and he starts yelling at me saying he's been there since 6 am and the air has been working fine. At this point I'm done with this place and tell him "then I am reporting to you that it is out of service" and left. I went down the street and got air at another gas station. The reason I am writing this review is because I just got a charge on my credit card statement for $1.50 for air !!! I will never go back to this gas station even though I live right down the street and now it makes sense why others are advising against going here. Horrible customer service. read more

Took my truck in for a car wash and noticed front bug guard snapped in half. Heard a huge snap driving through. Brought to employees attention. Called at least 5 times . Responses were just BS excuses. Typical. Not even that expensive. Just principal. I own a business myself and to accommodate the public is in your best interest. Don't do the car wash. Trust me. You care about your car. They don't. read more

South Bay Shell - Gas Stations Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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Their car wash broke my driver's side mirror off but, Chris the owner, was a nice guy and had it fixed for me free of charge so I am a happy customer. read more

If you're planning on using the Ralphs Reward discount, and are using your phone number (if you don't have a card). Be persistent. It kept saying that my alt id was not valid. It ALWAYS does this at least 3-4 times. Usually by the 4th attempt it'll recognize it. read more

Not a bad car wash for six bucks, used to be $5. I get my car washed here almost every week; last time I was in a hurry and didn't dry it and there were no obvious water spots, hey if you're that picky and not pressed for time go to a full service place and pay double (or triple). Vacuum is free with a wash, although some hoses have more suction than others. read more

Don't go here. My credit card was hacked from their pumps (I know it was there because it was the only place I used it all week). I went in to let them know and the person there ignored me for several minutes and then told me to F-off when I told him what happened. I was telling this story to a friend and her husband also was told the same thing when he complained about their car wash not getting his car clean. Go down to the 76 a couple blocks away--much nicer people and no crime happening (at least not obvious!). read more

If you need gas it's a great location. It's always clean and the people at this station are great. Today I ran my car through the $5 wash (with free self serve vacuum). I noticed that the bird crap on my car door didn't fully wash off and they happily let me run it through again at no extra charge. read more

I used this car-wash a lot. The said that 10 receipts would get you a free car wash. So I saved all my receipts. This week I drove by to get my free wash. I was the worst customer service experience I have had in a long time. The man at the cash register was awful. I said you are not making this very easy. My car was parked at the entrance to the car wash, no other cars were there. The attendant sent me into the store. The "boss" wanted me to move my car. I did not. He did say that "free" things SHOULD be a lot of trouble. Never again. Rock and Roll / Costco such a better experience. I feel sorry for the employees who work there. read more

I really like that there is a car wash with this station. It can get busy at times due to its popular location.