hand car wash vs automatic car wash
If you’re within 10 miles of 60652 (Chicago), our hand car wash is the safest, most thorough way to keep your finish glossy, swirl-free, and protected all year. We use professional pH-balanced soaps, separate wash mitts for paint and lower panels, and forced-air drying—techniques automatic tunnels simply can’t match.
Simple pricing that beats the tunnel—without the risk
Basic Exterior (Hand Wash)
$15
Thorough two-bucket hand wash, wheel faces, towel + forced-air dry, door jamb wipe, glass outside.
+ Add 1-Month Ceramic Spray for $10Inside & Outside — Sedan / 5-Passenger
$35
Exterior hand wash + interior quick clean: vacuum, wipe down, interior glass, light dusting, mats shake-out.
+ Ceramic Spray $10Inside & Outside — SUV / Van (7-Passenger)
$45
Exterior hand wash + interior quick clean for larger vehicles. Family-ready without the tunnel scratches.
+ Ceramic Spray $10Why a hand car wash is better for your paint—especially in Chicago
Paint-Safe
Automatic brushes recycle grime from hundreds of cars, creating micro-marring and swirls. Our hand wash isolates tools (upper vs. lower panels), uses plush mitts, and rinses continuously—so the grit never grinds into your clear coat.
Thorough & Precise
We clean badges, mirrors, lower rockers, wheels, and door jambs by hand. Touchless tunnels miss road film and brake dust; we physically lift it off for a squeaky-clean finish and crystal glass.
Winter Salt & Summer Dust
Chicago roads are tough. Our process removes salt safely in winter and dust/pollen in summer, then dries with filtered air to avoid drips and water spots.
Add real protection in 10 minutes: 1-Month Ceramic Spray (+$10)
Want extra gloss and easy cleaning? Finish your service with our 1-month ceramic spray. It adds a hydrophobic layer that beads water, resists bird droppings and road grime, and boosts shine without wax build-up.
- Slick, high-gloss look that lasts ~4 weeks
- Faster drying and fewer water spots
- Perfect between full details or coatings
Hand Car Wash vs Automatic Tunnel
| Factor | Hand Car Wash (DGCC) | Automatic Tunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Risk of Scratches | Very Low — isolated mitts, two-bucket method, constant rinsing | High — shared brushes and recycled grime |
| Thoroughness | High — trims, lower panels, wheels, jambs by hand | Variable — misses film on mirrors, badges, wheels |
| Drying | Forced-air + microfiber; spot-free | Blowers only; water spotting likely |
| Protection | Optional 1-Month Ceramic (+$10) | Low-grade waxes with short durability |
| Local Support | Chicago 60652 studio, small-team craftsmanship | High-volume tunnel; speed over quality |
We serve drivers within 10 miles of 60652
Visit our Chicago studio at 7737 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60652. We’re minutes from these nearby areas:
FAQs
How long does a hand wash take?
Most hand washes take 20–30 minutes. Inside & Outside services may take 35–45 minutes depending on vehicle size and traffic.
Do you use separate mitts for lower panels?
Yes. We isolate lower, dirtier panels and wheel tools from paint-safe mitts to prevent micro-marring.
Is the ceramic spray safe on wraps or coatings?
Yes. It’s safe on clear coat, PPF, vinyl wraps, and professional ceramic coatings. It adds slickness and short-term beading.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Walk-ins are welcome when available. For weekends, call ahead to reserve a time.
Ready for a safer, glossier clean?
Skip the tunnel and protect your finish with our Chicago hand wash. Add 1-month ceramic protection for just $10.