The first automated car wash was opened in 1940. Thank goodness for that, for in the doldrums of January, it seems every car in Chicagoland is glazed with a crust of salt. And this sunny winter afternoon, every car wash seemed to have a line stretching through the parking lot into the adjacent roadway. This was my first visit to Waterway. What is the Waterway way? We were in the lineup for a while. We selected the $45 classic wash plus interior. The drivethru of brushes and car wash strip thingies was a little short, compared to others I've been through. We pulled into a spot so the car could be dried. The waiting area has drinks, snacks, candies, greeting cards, car accessories, a few chairs, and I assume bathrooms. Not a bad spot to chill while they dry. Overall, a pretty decent job. The employees were pleasant, they did a nice job. They didn't dry everything as my car has those telltale water lines crisscrossing the exterior. Some parts of the windows still have salt. Let's face it though, a better job than I would have done, and during winter? I'm glad the crusty salt is gone. read more

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I came here in a desperate need of a car wash. I didn't expect the most basic wash, the Express Clean to be $10.00. Not worth the price and it didn't do a good enough job to justify that price. I likely would not come here again. read more

Unfortunately Waterway is the only full service car wash in the northern suburbs other than a few hand car wash sites that can be pricey. Their slogan of demand clean windows it's our job is a JOKE. It should be changed to guaranteed water spots left on windshields and smeared glass on the inside and out If getting inside done the waits can be long depending on the time of day. However because the car sits in the sun any water drops left after the blowers remain on the windshield and dry in place What's really irritating is god forbid they use a spray bottle on the outside and inside of the windshield which would solve the issue as I've watched them not touching the windshield use a dry cloth which at best smears the drops further read more

I took my suv here today and spent 40 dollars to have them clean the inside of my car. The manager was so rude saying that they couldn't clean the inside of my car because of bodily fluids. I didn't throw up in my car. The new manager doesn't care about the costumers. Costumers are always right! Giving up a loyal costumer and refusing to clean out the inside of my car is so rude! I am so upset that you guys cannot clean the inside of my car. This is a business. The old manager was so nice to me and would clean it out. I have never had a car wash place to reject a costumer. Costumers are what makes a place run. I will be gladly tell millions of people to not take their car here. I am giving this place an 1 out of 10. read more

Thanks to the team and management at this location. The attendant is friendly and efficient, using the power spray to provide a quality wash to remove grime from the hood and windshield that a normal drive-through might not be able to fully clean. * Note that at least one other Waterway nearby stopped using the power spray altogether, leaving dirty sticky hoods on cars that pay for exterior-only (no towel dry to clean up afterward). We have monthly memberships for two cars, and even though it's farther away this is our favorite of the local locations -- worth the extra drive for us from now on. Thanks again! read more

I will NEVER NEVER return here..... I paid $49 for wash and cleaning inside but they just sprayed water inside NORTH SHORE AUTO SPA THE BEsssttt read more

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I should have read the reviews rather than relying on the 3 star average. Many, many 1 star reviews. It doesn't average 3 stars. For the same price all other car washes allow you to vacuum your car. Here you can only pay them to vacuum. And for the price most car washes have a longer cleaning process and more machines. Didn't dry much of the car. Waste of time. read more

Just bad. Expensive for what it is. Car is still dirty. The windshield has sticky stuff and there's a ton of dust left in places. Also, the window does have something sticky on it, and it's as I brought it in. For $30 not worth it read more

Waterway Carwash - Part of interior car that needs a wipe down - Car Wash Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

It was great one worker Owen he helped me out so much he took. Great care of my car the service was perfect my car was valued so well here

Subpar interior cleaning and for $50! Paid $4 for the cargo and here's how it looks? The third row wasn't even vacuumed... read more

Waterway Carwash - Car Wash Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

The most easy thing to do and yet they failed, this team can't even clean windows......should have listened to the reviews and stay away. Anyone reading this, take your $$ somewhere else otherwise you will be disappointed read more

great car wash for the money!! excellent wash excellent attendants excellent price excellent attitudes from everyone why go anywhere else. read more

This is absolutely the worst car wash. I still had dirt on my car. The machine didn't dry the car. The manager just offered me towels to wipe my own car. Said it's 8am in the morning and didn't want to argue. I guess the Yelp review fits the service. read more

Let's just say I will NEVER return here again! Today was the last time. I paid $28 for inside/outside and my car was finished in under 5 minutes. It was barely wiped dry and except for vacuuming the interior, nothing else was cleaned. This is not the first time this has happened but it will be my last! read more

Pulled up to the wash entrance, and there was no employee to take my wash order. Rather, there were 3 employees 20 feet away talking and drinking coffee!!!! After having to go inside to flag an employee down, my car went through the wash. They did a good job cleaning the wheels, but so much of the car had water dripping from it, that later dried in streaks. Poor value for the service received. read more

Stopped here on the way to pick up a friend. I paid about $70 for the full wash with mats and interior cleaning. It took a very long time and I had to go find out where my car was. I found a bad to very bad exterior wash and the interior looked like it hadn't even been touched. I don't recommend. read more

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This is the worst car wash I have ever been . The car looks like it has never been washed after washing. even inside the car looks dirty: the vacuum cleaner was not used, the seat was not wiped. and it all cost $30 - for nothing! Never again! read more

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I should have known better. The Waterway on Waukegan wronged me twice: 1) Put my car mats in another car (fortunately, i knew the owner of that car and was able to get them back days later) 2) Vacuumed up my glasses When I drove by this new Waterway I was in dire need of a carwash and figured my most recent issues were related to the Waterway on Waukegan. Not so much... Granted my car is disgusting (thanks to my 3 children), but I"m not sure what they did in the 20 minutes several men washed it because when I got it back there were crumbs everywhere, wrappers from snacks and empty water bottles (I specifically had asked them to throw that all away). I also spent 5 hours looking for my key fob, which had fallen under a seat. When I called to speak with a Manager (Tommy) to ask if my key fob had been left there he very nicely said that they find them all sorts of places in the car and would be happy to help me look. So nice of his to offer, but they really need a better system so that they aren't losing them. A waste of $39 and my time. I'm officially done with Waterway and on the hunt for a good carwash if anyone has any ideas for me! read more

No complaints at all. I paid $18 for the regular wash and got that and a little bit more. Our car was really dirty inside, especially the trunk. Yes, there may have been a few pine needles in there still from December...don't tell my mom. It was a nice summer day, so I expected it to be super crazy busy, but it wasn't too crowded. They are great at handling high volume. I pulled up, there is a check in without getting out of your car. After pulling around, they got right to work. Car went through the car wash lickity split and then then it went to the vacuum station. Interesting that they do this after washing and not before. As the car was washing, there were plenty of places to rest and watch the process in action. Inside they had greeting cards, a pop machine, and the usual. Super friendly. I believe a total of three people worked on our car. They had two people vacuuming...one in back and one in front. One more interesting thing to note was that there was a guy walking around with a clipboard making sure each task was complete. Now that's quality control! We'll be back for sure. read more

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We stopped today for a wash. We were told if we wanted an exterior wash plus an interior wash (which we did) that there would be a 45 minute wait. This is the third time this has happened to us. Today we turned around and left. One time I complained to the young woman at the front desk and she told me it was shift change time and they were short staff. Huh? Another time, we paid for the mats to be cleaned and were told by the manager that we didn't pay. Nope. They then cleaned the mats but acted like they were doing us a favor. Another time an interior wash left some drip marks on the front seat that have never come out. Just too many problems at both the Skokie and Highland Park locations. We have a membership but we are going to cancel it. read more

Paid $45 for a wash and I can see dirt on the car before walking outside. Ask the high school aged attendant to finish cleaning the car and he gets defensive and tells me that the outside of the car isn't his job. The manager runs the car through the wash again and 15 minutes later, I walk outside and the car is sitting unattended and is still not clean. Not my first poor experience here. I'm done with this place. read more

I was a member until an apparent boy wonder came up with the plan that they provide less services for the same membership cost. Now I go thru the exterior wash and save about 40 bucks a month in fees and tips. There's no reason to be loyal here. read more

$28 to ride thu a car wash and have them vacuum the inside and wipe down windows and dash Then they wanted an additional $4 to do back area of suv and another $8 for mats. $40 for a car wash. RIDICULOUS!!! I will never go back. read more

First, unless you are a member they no longer dry your car. Second, my wife is a member and she purchased some full service certificates as gifts. I went there today, Saturday, May 4, 2024, presented the paid for certificate and was refused a car wash because they were only washing member's vehicles. Ridiculous read more

Very expensive for a drive through car wash and not a good cleaning. There needs to be better options in the area.

I took my new Defender there and after seeing vehicle in the sunlight the next day there we two sections (gas tank and front bumper) of the car with several scratches. The vehicle had only been hand washed before and these scratches are direct result of their machines. Do not take your vehicles there especially if it is larger!! read more

Came in for a $36 + $2 (trunk) whole car wash. The car was clean, but still a lot of bugs on the lights and no attention to detail in the interior etc. When I got home I noticed spots on the floor mats, which I assumed were wet from the wash. When I brought in the car, the mats had some dirt on them but no real damage (my car only has 8,000 miles on it.... so there's not a lot of wear). The spots never disappeared. I returned a couple days later for my complimentary wash (which I love that they give for that price point) and mentioned the spots that appeared on the rugs. They do not have a mat washer and just vacuum / scrub by hand. This is what they looked like after the SECOND wash within a 3 day period. I would not return especially at this price for a drive through wash (only interiors are hand cleaned). I am very clean, have no kids and my interior was in great condition before I went here. My passenger seat and side window both have scratches from, what I can assume, was the spray bottles being tossed around a bit too vigorously. They're completely staffed by teenagers and although they're very sweet and friendly, their ability to clean the car is lacking. I'm out $45 (tipped $2 and $5) and now have to find another car wash to scrub these new grease stains. Will not be back. read more

Waterway Carwash - Weren't stained before I brought them in - Car Wash Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

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Been coming here for years. Under prior ownership it was an excellent. Just got back from the wash where I waited a couple of minutes to get my car hand dried as they have done forever. Guy eventually came over and quickly said something about we don't hand dry anymore. He just walked away. I honked so he came back and again very quickly said something you need to be a member to get hand dry. Asked me to leave so I didn't backup the cars coming out of the tunnel (there were none). Didn't bother to ask if I wanted to join or anything about cost of membership. Will not be coming back. read more

Whenever I have gotten a carwash it was prompt and thorough. A couple of times there were spots not wiped up but when brought to their attention it is rectified quickly. I have 2 car seats in my back seat and when vacuumed it was moved and wiped down. Very helpful especially when little ones make lots of mess!! It's convenient, close, and easy to see from the street so my husband and I both got blue memberships and every Tuesday they upgrade your wash! Not a bad deal if you ask me. Open 364 days of the year. read more

Here's what you need to know: the overall experience and service at this car wash is the best I've ever enjoyed. Some of the car wash options are expensive but they do a phenomenal job of cleaning your car. The car wash takes its time to shine up the cars so it's not a quick rushed thing. It's an elegant and inviting space with free WiFi and terrific Papyrus cards, little trinkets, foods, snacks, cosmetics, and gifts. I enjoy browsing through their displays while waiting for the car to be done. The outdoor seating is plush and enjoyable with oversized couches that help you relax and look at your car be wiped down and spray cleaned at the end. The staff is super friendly and diligent and I always tip generously for their extra effort. They also offer full service detailing which is $100+ Cost of car washes range from $10-$35 read more

I was not impressed with the quality of their basic wash.. This leads me to believe that the rest of them would follow suit.

Not sure what all of the negative reviews are about. For $25, I got my exterior and interior cleaned very well!! Everything was vacuumed and wiped down. Sure, there's a spot they missed here or there, but they're human. Nothing I can just wipe off myself quickly. Overall, amazing service and will be coming again! read more

Really bad service for $33. I accept to getting better cleaning to the car I'm not going to come over there anymore close the street from the same money you getting much much much better service. read more

Stopped in on a Saturday late afternoon and it was busy but not a huge wait. They had a lot of staff and kept things moving. Disclaimer... I won a free wash from Waterway via a Facebook promotion before opening this location. This was a mid level wash. They asked if we wanted to upgrade to wash the floor mats (have weathertech) but we declined. They spent a good deal of time cleaning the inside and drying off the vehicle. I will definitely be back! read more

Best Carwash ever! Good and hard working people and monthly membership is very reasonable.

They are doing things half as*. Not spraying the cars as they enter the cars wash as they have done in the past. The kids that dry the cars are great tho. read more

Got the "whole thing" package, paid $48. Not happy for what I paid. Car went through the car wash real fast, could not tell what was being applied if any. Expected mats to be taken out and washed and wheels cleaned. They were not. Overall, they did not spend time to do a thorough job. read more

Absolutely fed up with all of our local Waterway Carwashes. They seem to have bought up all of the previously locally owned car wash locations so there's no option but to go to them. The Waukegan location previously scratched another of my cars (they insisted there's no way they could have scratched it as they only use "soft cloth" towels); however, one of the managers was kind enough to detail it out complementary. Because of this professionalism I decided to try them again. Shame on me. This location takes the cake. First, the guy who makes a ticket with the wash you want wouldn't actually tell me my options! He kept saying, "well you can add wheels or something like that." I had to ask for HIS options menu and read through to make my own decision. I chose a more expensive option as I was getting a friend's car cleaned as a thank you. I was amazed at how fast they sped it through the wash but assumed they'd spot wash and wipe at their stations - wrong. When I was called over to my car, the door cup holders were FULL of some nasty gooey looking substance, the doors were still covered in dirt spots, it looked like they hadn't even tried to wipe down the trunk door, etc. One guy seemed nice and offered to fix that for me but took less than one minute and handed it back to me! The pictures I've attached are after the second "try" at hand wiping the car down. Absolutely ridiculous that this was was supposed to include rug/mat cleaning, wheel and under carriage cleaning, and more thorough interior cleaning overall. What a waste of $45! read more

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I would have given this place 5 stars based on service. However, the language coming out of the teen employees mouths while I was waiting inside for my car was appalling. Yesterday, they were deciding what to order for lunch and the amount of f-bombs loudly dropped was insane. There were two other customers inside who I made eye contact after we heard the 5th f-bomb who decided to go outside and wait for their car because they were sick of the language. Pro tip- watch your language when customers are around! read more

Good quick service car wash. I was emailed a free hot wax express plus tires so gave them a try. Easy, efficient and fast.