I was looking for a mobile car wash alternative and I found The Pits which I've been using for almost a year now. Despite a slight language barrier they are pretty nice and the process is pretty straightforward. Yes this is truly a hand car wash experience and they mostly do a very good job at cleaning my whole car in detail. They seemed pretty detailed oriented, washing and wiping all the nooks and crannies. I also love the plastic rocking chairs! There's a shaded sitting area where we can wait and it's definitely needed since the wash itself takes a while especially inside and outside cleaning. The waiting area makes the experience kinda cozy and relaxing. I would suggest avoid coming here in the weekends unless you arrive at opening around 8am. The wait is just too long any other time. If you come here on a weekday afternoon around 1:30 pm there's usually no wait at all! The wash is decently priced and costs a fraction of those mobile car washes. My water bill also sky rocketed so this is an excellent alternative for me. My only complaint is that on busy days there's oil residue or streaks on my windows and my theory is that if you come on busy days, they run out of towels and start recycling l the dirty ones. read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - Waiting area with rocking chairs - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

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They did a great job cleaning my car at a reasonable price. Afterward, I got compliments on the car's condition.

For a drive up hand car wash, I think it's a tad overpriced but the wash itself is nice.

They actually have a pop up location off MoPac at the Uptown liquor store. These guys do an incredible and efficient job. Price is right on point for the value and the detail they give their hand washes. Definitely coming back over and over again. read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

Excellent service, very thorough - overall, great value! Plus, there is a nice, shady place to sit while you wait. When you want more than a quick drive through car wash - this is the place to go! read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - Sitting in shady spot waiting for car - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

This has to be the worst customer experience I have had as a customer. Let me try to understand the normal practice of running a business. You offer a service along with the expertise and you offer NORMAL business hours to service these customers.  I was car number 2 inline at the Parmer location at 7:48AM Saturday morning I along with about 10 other cars were waiting. A hour and 10 minutes later I decided to leave. You all didn't have no one to work but one guy. I planned my day to be on the Hwy by a certain time and thanks to your poor service and being stuck in your carwash lines I am running way behind.. I think the guy was glad to see some of leave. This should not be acceptable on any business level. You all wasted our time ... Stupid me didn't learn my lesson so I go to the location on Metric, one person and I get a half ass car wash that I over paid for that cost me 30 dollars.. I could've went to Genie car wash for cheaper and better service.. Bad customer experience read more

I've had my car washed here about 4-5 since traveling to Austin for work. I have a small roadster so there's no need to have them clean the inside of my car. For an exterior hand wash and hand dry, it's $10. If you choose to pay with a credit card, there is a $2 convenience/surcharge. So, just a heads up, make sure you bring cash! If you go during your lunch hour, I would suggest getting around 11 so you miss the lunch hour rush. read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

They used to be really good for a fair price but as prices went up, the quality went down. Used to go 2-3 times a month and had a few waxes done but one day they left loads of scratches in the clear coat on the entire driver side of the car. After I brought it to their attention and showed the staff an example of what I was speaking of on the hood they only buffed that area of the hood even though I expressed it was the entire driver side. I felt like they could identify me/my car so as to not think I was trying to get anything free but that visit was the last. Had to perform an entire color correction on my car after that... Sadly loyalty and quality is not a thing here- at least not any more read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - Damage they left - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Hand car wash, interior cleaned perfectly, and topped off with a nice hand wax. I like to do my cars myself, but when I don't have the time to, this team does it well and for a great value. You want to keep your car or truck looking well maintained without the harsh chemicals from auto car washes, get over here and you will be glad you did. Hats off to the team at The Pits! read more

Unfortunately I can or recommend The Pits. If you had asked me two weeks ago, I would say this is one of the best spots in town for a wash, but last week, due to negligence, my clear coat has been ruined on my trunk. I've been here no less than 50 times. I bring my mustang here weekly for the outside wash. Im very proud of my car. It *was* mint but now I've got some severe clear coat rash from what I can only assume is a dirty rag being used to wash the vehicle. If the owner wants to reach out to me and try to make this right, I will adjust this review. But for now, I can not recommend this place given the amount of money I might have to spend fixing this. Yes, before you ask, I am 1,000 percent certain this happened when it was in for a wash. read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - Clear coat rash from washing or drying with dirty rag. - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

Listen if you are in the area this is THE GO TO for car washing. These guys do it all, they do it right, and for less than anywhere else I could find. A simple workflow that works. They know it and so should you. Give them a try. My wife swore I paid to detail my whole car which many times had run up to $200 in the past. These guys did better and I believe it was only $50! Amazing, just amazing. I'll be back here every time from now on. read more

Staff here working hard to deliver the service but they failed -- My car not fully vacuumed nor the outside is fully cleaned neither. Still have spots all over the car. Cash service $25, credit card cost $2 extra so have cash handy. Outside waiting area is super hot in the summer with no fan or AC, good thing the convenient store is next door for quick cold drink. read more

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Found hair line scratches from their service on multiple locations. Be careful when you get service from them. Update: I called them to report the issue. They said they will look at the surveillance video to check what happened. I gave them the time I was there. And the details of my vehicle. I feel that nothing will be done, but I documented with them phone call and recorded the conversation. This week I have my dealerships local detail shop going over to get me an estimate. The low price to wash my car at pits hand isn't worth the damage they did, but to early to say since this is being investigated supposedly by them. Update 2: called them to see what they are doing. Said they were going to check the camera tapes and call me back in an hour. Ended up calling them and getting voicemail. I will be calling everyday now till I get results read more

Love this place. Very thorough. It says they open at 8am so I showed up at 755am to be first in line. No one showed up until 809. They asked me what I needed and I paid at 820 and they didn't start on my car until 826 . Needless to say now I'm late for work. Conclusion: they actually open at 830 and do come to this place if and when you have time to waste. read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - Clearly says opens at 8am. - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is the best hand wash car wash around. Reasonably priced considering cleanliness level. Good on time but they do get busy so pick weekdays and mornings. Great seating area to shade you from the son and rocking chairs are such a cute touch. There is the gas station attached that is also useful for food drinks and gas of course. Everyone there is polite and good at there job. Definitely recommend while simultaneously hoping this doesn't create a longer line ! read more

The Pits is the shnitz of all car washes. Price is very reasonable the job they do totally blows me away. Their wax job would remove nails from a coffin. Nothing can stick to your car after their primo hand wax. Very personable to boot. read more

Always passed by and finally decided I needed to get a car wash. everyone was nice, friendly, and professional. the pricing is great and my car came out spotless! I definitely recommend coming here. i'll be coming every month from now on. read more

I agree with others that this place is now taking advantage of their customers. They only have two price categories, $25 for cars and $35 for "large SUVs and Trucks". I have a small/midsize SUV and have always been charged the $25 car rate until last week when they decided randomly that now my same vehicle will cost the $35 rate. The pricing levels need to be way more clear, lots of people have midsize SUVs. And I couldn't really debate with the person who checked me in because he didn't speak English, so I was stuck just doing it. I left 2 stars because they did an okay job, but I won't be coming back anymore. Response to the owner below - the price levels are still not being addressed. You only have "cars" and "large suvs/trucks". I have a small SUV, why do I fall into the large SUV/truck category? My SUV is barely bigger than a compact car and certainly nowhere near as big as a truck or Expedition/Denali type. Or they should add a third middle category for midsize SUVs and charge $30. You can't help but feel cheated when your car doesn't fit into either category so they make you do the more expensive category, and that's how I'd feel even if I had been a brand new customer. read more

The line was not short on Saturday, but the cleaning team was well-managed to do the cleaning process as fast as possible. The result is very good compared to the price. Would recommend to everyone. read more

I sifted through reviews for about 30 minutes before finally selecting this place. And holy moly I am so glad that I did! I moved from CA to TX about 7 months ago and haven't gotten a car wash since (terrible, I know) but I left this morning with my car looking better (literally) than the day I drove it off of the lot. And for $30?!! That's what I'm talking about! I don't even want to get out of my car because it looks soooo good and so clean inside and out that I'm just in awe. One thing to note is that this is a cash only car wash but the gas station right next door has an ATM machine that only charges $2.50 for a withdrawal. read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

Sucks that the customer has come to this. They are started to up charge and taking a lot longer than usual! Business is supposed to improve not decline! A 30 min wait time I was told turned into 1:30 min(not great if you have other obligations. Then they didn't armor all my mats(they always do) and now they are trying to up charge another 10 bucks! Se tardaron muchísimo! Y el servicio de la señora que cobra no sirve para nada. Dijo 30 minutos y se tardó 1:30!!!!! Y luego me querría cobrar más para limpiar los tapetes. En ves de limpiármelos porque le dije antes.... perdió negocio y no lo voy a recomendar a nadie que vaya a su negocio! read more

Used to love this place but with the doubling of credit card fees and a near 50% increase in the price of services sadly I think this will be my last visit. I understand the need to adjust price over time but service fee for the card plus a price hike is just a bit much. They do good work if you don't mind a wait and of course the new pricing. With a basic exterior wash on a small car coming in at $15+ there is just so much competition at that price point. The basic inside and out is $30+ before tip which is a 50% increase. If the owners read this know that I downgraded my service upon being told the new price and ended up spending less than I would have before. Food for thought. read more

Great job! Windows and vacuuming especially! Hope you keep the quality of work. Will be back!

Best car wash in Austin that I've been to and I've tried a lot of them. They hand wash it which is the first plus and the service you receive for the price you pay is what really makes it worth it. Only negative would be how popular it has become which has created a twait time, but that's not always the case. Highly recommend Previously left a great review because my experience has always been good and consistent until today. The owner who takes your payment claimed my vehicle was extra dirty and charged me 15 extra dollars. I would agree if it were true because it wasn't any dirtier than it normally is. On top of that I come here every week and spend at least 30 dollars and tip her workers nicely. Well I hope she enjoys that 15 bucks cuz she just lost a customer. There is such a thing as a valued customer and I was definitely not treated like one. read more

Good value for the money. $30 for cleaning in and out. The whole process was pretty easy. If you go during non-peak times, you will be in and out in less than 30 mins. read more

The first couple times I've been here it was great, since then they've gotten extremely busy and their service has been rushed and careless. I left with a car ding on my driver door probably due to their cramped space and a lost key hook. If you guys find it please contact me. read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - If found please contact me - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

They were true to their estimate in that it only took 20 minutes beginning to end. And the price-value is outstanding. I am definitely coming back and would recommend to friends and family. read more

Lleve mi carro a limpiar por que la última vez que fui me lo dejaron bien y los precios no estaban mal. Ahora los precios subieron y la calidad bajó. Para tantas personas que están limpiando tu carro pensarías que te lo dejarían mas limpio por dentro. Pero eso no fue el caso. Todavía estaba sucio por dentro. read more

Wow! I love this place!! Location: it's very small and is located within the parking lot of a gas station. The lines can get long and it feels really cramped. Service: it was quick and easy. I did the exterior SUV wash for $15. They did a great job for hand washing and was funny too. I also saw how quickly they can vacuum other cars. Not sure the quality but it's only a couple bucks more. Overall I love this place and will come back 27272727 times. My old car wash place cost me $35 for a wash and vacuum. I'm like uh no. This place is amazing and cheap! I love it. read more

I used to come here often a couple years ago but moved away, they always did a fantastic job. I stopped in this past weekend and noticed the price jumped from $10 to $20, no big deal since they always did a great job in the past. I didn't check the car based on my prior experiences but when I got home I noticed the indent in the door handles where your knuckles face to open the door weren't even cleaned and I seen lots of insects still stuck on the front facade. If this was a $10 wash like it used to be, no big deal but for $20, I want a clean car and that means no bugs stuck to the facade and all parts of the doors cleaned. It looks like they're more focused now on pushing as many cars through than cleaning your car, sadly disappointed. read more

I've been bringing my vehicles here for the past three years, they never fail to do a great job. I really recommend this place, unless you're in a hurry. read more

We were headed out on a 1500 mile each way road trip and the car was filthy. Carpets, windows, etc. - not conducive to a long car ride. $25 and 20 minutes later it was clean, vacuumed and the windows were sparkling inside and out. Quick, easy and a great deal, especially With Austin's home water restrictions on car washing and the time it takes to do all the windows, especially on the inside. Great service at a great price! read more

Though they increased the price after covid, they are still reliable. But sometimes, few cleaners are in a hurry and don't wash properly! Sometimes the good guys do a great job! read more

I'm in the Austin area from New York City on a 12 week business trip, so I had my car transported in an open trailer. When my car arrived, it was dirty and in need of a full exterior cleaning. After doing some research, I decided on The Pits Hand Car Wash and it was the best decision I made. The people here are very friendly and helpful. The care they took in detailing my car both inside and out was very impressive. When they were done, my car looking newer than when I bought the car brand new and drove out of dealers lot. I was left extremely impressed with the high quality of work for the price. If you're looking for a reasonably priced top quality cleaning of your car, leaving your car looking brand new, then I highly recommend you bring your car here. read more

Wow!! Seriously the best car wash I've been too in Austin. And not more expensive either. The crew there hustles and does an exceptional job. Every other car wash place that says they'll wipe down the interior for you is just saying they really won't. This place wipes down every crevice of your car!!! Can't recommend enough!!!! read more

These guys are great. I only got a wash here, not a wax, so I can't comment on that (yet). However, for a hand wash job, they were very efficient and thorough. Vaccumed the heck out of my car interior and made sure to cover all the places they said they would in terms of interior cleaning. They have raised prices over time, but I think that is reasonable for an entirely hand-washed car. I'm certainly being picky not giving the 5 star buuuuuuuut - the only problem I see here is that because of their location, getting your car around the back of the gas station is a very tight fit that I was dubious of in terms of possibly running a tire up on cement. Also note there is currently a $2 surcharge for credit cards vs. cash. 5 stars for super service, though! I will return. : ) read more

The real deal. Takes a while but worth it. I much prefer to pay these hard working folks the same dollars I would pay to support the depreciation of a huge machine that cleans my car with mixed results. The job they do inside is excellent and a cut above a simple vacuum out at most places that even have that (most in Austin are do it yourself). This will be my go to place. read more

Service is pretty quick and they do a good job . Prices are reasonably. There is a covered patio area with comfortable seating while u wait. read more

They did a great job, very thorough, got all the small stuff too (like bird crap and bugs)! I felt like the inside was done even better than I expected, the literally vacuumed every crevice in my car, some of which are very hard to get to. I only wish I had more for a tip!!! It was 60$ for the wash, hand wax, interior vacuum, and interior leather shine. Well worth it! read more

The Pits Hand Car Wash - Auto Detailing Near Me - Austin, Texas

Love this place! When I moved to Austin last year, I researched hand car washes in the North Austin & Round Rock area, and this is the best place I found with a great price point and high Google rating (they weren't on Yelp at the time). I've been coming here for a year for exterior wash & interior cleaning, and I leave happy every single time. If you're picky or careful with your car, I really feel like you can trust them with yours! I went yesterday and received such great service that I decided to finally write a review. Pros: - Hardworking team! If you let them know they missed a spot, they will happily go over it again. During my last visit, I had copious amounts of dog hair all over the backseat floor, but their vacuum didn't get it all. When I mentioned there was still some fur left, they took extra time to remove it with a brush and also wiped down the seats. Now you can't even tell I ever had a dog in my car. Amazing team that wants you to leave satisfied! - They wipe down your rims after the wash to make it extra shiny :) - Great prices for the exterior wash and interior vacuum Their biggest con is they always leave streaks on my windshield and windows. If you notice it before leaving, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to wipe it down again. I don't end up noticing until later when the sun hits, and that's the only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5. Tips: - Come on a weekday before 4:30pm to avoid a long wait - Entrance is behind the Chevron gas station, so it's a bit tricky. Enter the gas station from Lamplight Village Ave then make an IMMEDIATE right turn. The small driveway will take you to the car wash entrance read more