FAQ's
General Questions About Our Service
Q. What should I expect when I arrive?
A. You'll be greeted by a easy to use touch-screen monitor with a friendly, professional video of a young lady who will guide you through a simple process. When your transaction is complete, a gate in front of you will raise and you are ready to wash.
Q. Should I remain in my vehicle?
A. Yes. For safety reasons, there must be a driver at the wheel. All 3 Minute Magic Car Washes use extensive lighting, and lots of glass, to create a comfortable, wide-open environment. We'll give you easy to follow instructions, answer any questions you might have, and guide you through the process. Basically, all you need to do is put your vehicle in neutral when asked, and relax! We'll do the rest. We clean the vehicle exterior with gentle cloth, micro-clean foam and mild cleaning solutions. Your wheels and whitewalls will be cleaned, and your vehicle will be rinsed and gently air dried - all automatically, in three minutes or less!
Q. Do you take credit cards?
A. Yes. We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Q. Do you clean the inside of the car?
A. 3 Minute Magic Car Washes offers "exterior-only" service. We do provide self-service vacuums, and vending items to assist in a final detail process if desired.
Q. What kind of cleaning products do you use?
A. Our cleaning products use no acids or caustics, and are biodegradable. They are safe for your vehicle and for the environment.
Q. Do you recycle your water?
A. Yes. We reclaim 90% of our water. It is treated through an elaborate system and returned to the wash process to be used again when cleaning your wheels, tires, undercarriage, and some high pressure applications.
Q. How do you save water?
A. By comparison with a study showing that the average person uses between 100 and 150 gallons of water when washing a car by hand, our computer-controlled system uses only 30 to 45 gallons of fresh water for each wash, in addition to over 75 gallons of recycled water.
Q. What's the difference between "brushless" and "touchless"?
A. We employ a brushless process, using only Micro-Clean Foam and soft cloth mitter curtains that gently cleans your car in combination with safe, biodegradable shampoos and cleaners. "Touchless" operations, on the other hand don't use direct-contact cleaning media, and rely instead on more aggressive chemicals (possible acids) to break down road film. This is hard on the vehicle finish and can even etch glass and uncoated polished aluminum wheels. Liquidy Split Car Wash is our sister company that uses a touchfree cleaning process. Because we use non-acid based chemicals in our touch free wash process, we provide the safest possible touchless wash available.
Q. What should I expect when I arrive?
A. You'll be greeted by a easy to use touch-screen monitor with a friendly, professional video of a young lady who will guide you through a simple process. When your transaction is complete, a gate in front of you will raise and you are ready to wash.
Q. Should I remain in my vehicle?
A. Yes. For safety reasons, there must be a driver at the wheel. All 3 Minute Magic Car Washes use extensive lighting, and lots of glass, to create a comfortable, wide-open environment. We'll give you easy to follow instructions, answer any questions you might have, and guide you through the process. Basically, all you need to do is put your vehicle in neutral when asked, and relax! We'll do the rest. We clean the vehicle exterior with gentle cloth, micro-clean foam and mild cleaning solutions. Your wheels and whitewalls will be cleaned, and your vehicle will be rinsed and gently air dried - all automatically, in three minutes or less!
Q. Do you take credit cards?
A. Yes. We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Q. Do you clean the inside of the car?
A. 3 Minute Magic Car Washes offers "exterior-only" service. We do provide self-service vacuums, and vending items to assist in a final detail process if desired.
Q. What kind of cleaning products do you use?
A. Our cleaning products use no acids or caustics, and are biodegradable. They are safe for your vehicle and for the environment.
Q. Do you recycle your water?
A. Yes. We reclaim 90% of our water. It is treated through an elaborate system and returned to the wash process to be used again when cleaning your wheels, tires, undercarriage, and some high pressure applications.
Q. How do you save water?
A. By comparison with a study showing that the average person uses between 100 and 150 gallons of water when washing a car by hand, our computer-controlled system uses only 30 to 45 gallons of fresh water for each wash, in addition to over 75 gallons of recycled water.
Q. What's the difference between "brushless" and "touchless"?
A. We employ a brushless process, using only Micro-Clean Foam and soft cloth mitter curtains that gently cleans your car in combination with safe, biodegradable shampoos and cleaners. "Touchless" operations, on the other hand don't use direct-contact cleaning media, and rely instead on more aggressive chemicals (possible acids) to break down road film. This is hard on the vehicle finish and can even etch glass and uncoated polished aluminum wheels. Liquidy Split Car Wash is our sister company that uses a touchfree cleaning process. Because we use non-acid based chemicals in our touch free wash process, we provide the safest possible touchless wash available.
Q. What types of vehicles can you wash?
A. We accept most cars, vans and trucks up to 7 feet 2 inches in height. Unfortunately, we cannot wash trucks with dual wheels. We guarantee the safety of all factory-installed equipment in proper working order.
A. We accept most cars, vans and trucks up to 7 feet 2 inches in height. Unfortunately, we cannot wash trucks with dual wheels. We guarantee the safety of all factory-installed equipment in proper working order.
Q. Can you wash my pickup truck?
A. Almost certainly. All we ask is that the pickup bed be empty before going through the wash. This is for the safety of your vehicle, and those of other customers. Also, some oversized "trailering" side-mirrors are incompatible with our process, and certain types of modifications that employ oversized or off-road tires or radically raised suspensions may not be compatible.
Q. Is the wash safe for convertibles?
A. Yes. Please make sure that the roof is properly latched.
Q. Is the wash safe for newly painted cars?
A. Yes. We use cloth wash materials and mild cleaners. However, the paint should be allowed to cure before washing. Consult with your body shop for curing times. (Paint on new cars is fully cured before delivery.)
Q. Is the wash safe for alloy wheels?
A. Yes. Most carmakers caution against washes that use acids on polished aluminum wheels, since these can stain or strip away clear coat finishes on the wheels. At 3 Minute Magic we use no such acids, and only soft cloth washing material and high pressure spray nozzels (no brushes); so your wheels are perfectly safe.
Q. Will a cracked windshield be safe in the wash?
A. Yes. However, once the integrity of windshield glass is compromised by rock chips (even very small ones), it becomes more susceptible to changes in temperature. So, while you may wash your vehicle with windshield damage, cracks or chips may expand. It's always best to repair or replace a damaged windshield immediately.
A. Almost certainly. All we ask is that the pickup bed be empty before going through the wash. This is for the safety of your vehicle, and those of other customers. Also, some oversized "trailering" side-mirrors are incompatible with our process, and certain types of modifications that employ oversized or off-road tires or radically raised suspensions may not be compatible.
Q. Is the wash safe for convertibles?
A. Yes. Please make sure that the roof is properly latched.
Q. Is the wash safe for newly painted cars?
A. Yes. We use cloth wash materials and mild cleaners. However, the paint should be allowed to cure before washing. Consult with your body shop for curing times. (Paint on new cars is fully cured before delivery.)
Q. Is the wash safe for alloy wheels?
A. Yes. Most carmakers caution against washes that use acids on polished aluminum wheels, since these can stain or strip away clear coat finishes on the wheels. At 3 Minute Magic we use no such acids, and only soft cloth washing material and high pressure spray nozzels (no brushes); so your wheels are perfectly safe.
Q. Will a cracked windshield be safe in the wash?
A. Yes. However, once the integrity of windshield glass is compromised by rock chips (even very small ones), it becomes more susceptible to changes in temperature. So, while you may wash your vehicle with windshield damage, cracks or chips may expand. It's always best to repair or replace a damaged windshield immediately.
Q. Will my antenna be OK?
A. Aftermarket products such as CB and cell phone antennas should be removed before washing; we'll gladly attend to this when you arrive. Power antennas are hollow core and will break if left in the raised position. Please lower all power antennas.
A. Aftermarket products such as CB and cell phone antennas should be removed before washing; we'll gladly attend to this when you arrive. Power antennas are hollow core and will break if left in the raised position. Please lower all power antennas.
Q. Will my bugshield and trailer hitch plugs be safe?
A. Unfortunately, we can't be responsible for aftermarket accessories made of plastic. Most customers who have bug shields wash their vehicles with no incident. However, problems can arise if the shield has already been damaged by rock chips, or by stress cracks around the installation screws (which can be hard to detect), or if it is made from low-grade plastic. If you need a new bug shield, we recommend products made of Lexan, such as Lund® or Deflecta-Shield®, which are virtually indestructible. Trailer hitche receptacles with plug inserts should be removed prior to washing as they may break or come loose in the wash process. We will gladly assist in this when you arrive.
A. Unfortunately, we can't be responsible for aftermarket accessories made of plastic. Most customers who have bug shields wash their vehicles with no incident. However, problems can arise if the shield has already been damaged by rock chips, or by stress cracks around the installation screws (which can be hard to detect), or if it is made from low-grade plastic. If you need a new bug shield, we recommend products made of Lexan, such as Lund® or Deflecta-Shield®, which are virtually indestructible. Trailer hitche receptacles with plug inserts should be removed prior to washing as they may break or come loose in the wash process. We will gladly assist in this when you arrive.
Q.What about my ball hitch used to pull my boat and trailer?
A. Our wraps may entangle in your trailer ball hitch and prevent the back of your vehicle from being cleaned to the fullest extent. We will remove the hitch for you if unlocked. If it is locked into place we would ask you to remove it for maximum cleaning.
A. Our wraps may entangle in your trailer ball hitch and prevent the back of your vehicle from being cleaned to the fullest extent. We will remove the hitch for you if unlocked. If it is locked into place we would ask you to remove it for maximum cleaning.
Q. Will the car wash remove egg or show polish on glass?
A. If you get to the car wash before the egg dries, it might be removed in the wash. Dried egg is very corrosive, and damage starts almost immediately. Contact a local detail professional if the egg has already hardened. Show polish will not always come off during the wash and may need to be scrubbed prior or post washing.
A. If you get to the car wash before the egg dries, it might be removed in the wash. Dried egg is very corrosive, and damage starts almost immediately. Contact a local detail professional if the egg has already hardened. Show polish will not always come off during the wash and may need to be scrubbed prior or post washing.
Q. How do I remove road tar or tree pitch?
A. There are special products sold in automotive departments for that purpose. Refer to your owner's manual for the manufacturer's specifications. Whenever possible, try to remove the stain while it is still sticky. NEVER use abrasive cleaners or pads to remove stains from your vehicle's finish. make sure to clean the area thoroughly after treatment. Consider protecting the area with a paste wax after cleaning.
A. There are special products sold in automotive departments for that purpose. Refer to your owner's manual for the manufacturer's specifications. Whenever possible, try to remove the stain while it is still sticky. NEVER use abrasive cleaners or pads to remove stains from your vehicle's finish. make sure to clean the area thoroughly after treatment. Consider protecting the area with a paste wax after cleaning.
Q. My finish looks dull and streaky. Why?
A. This is usually a sign of oxidation, which occurs as paint ages and decays from exposure to sunlight and road oils. You can slow the process by washing your vehicle often, applying a coat of wax at least once a year, and our Polysealant each month. If oxidation has already occurred, try cleaning the paint with a paint cleaning compound, then polishing and waxing the finish. Or visit a professional detail shop.
Q. How do I protect my clearcoat?
A. Regular application of Clearcoat Protectant creates a polymer barrier that helps protect clearcoated surfaces from UV rays and airborne contaminants, as well as acids from leaf stains, tree sap, bug spatter and bird droppings ...all of which can eat through the clearcoat and cause permanent damage. Clearcoat Protectant is designed to provide a protective polymer barrier for up to 30 days from date of application. So make it part of your "routine maintenance" by asking us to include it with your car wash on a monthly basis.
A. This is usually a sign of oxidation, which occurs as paint ages and decays from exposure to sunlight and road oils. You can slow the process by washing your vehicle often, applying a coat of wax at least once a year, and our Polysealant each month. If oxidation has already occurred, try cleaning the paint with a paint cleaning compound, then polishing and waxing the finish. Or visit a professional detail shop.
Q. How do I protect my clearcoat?
A. Regular application of Clearcoat Protectant creates a polymer barrier that helps protect clearcoated surfaces from UV rays and airborne contaminants, as well as acids from leaf stains, tree sap, bug spatter and bird droppings ...all of which can eat through the clearcoat and cause permanent damage. Clearcoat Protectant is designed to provide a protective polymer barrier for up to 30 days from date of application. So make it part of your "routine maintenance" by asking us to include it with your car wash on a monthly basis.
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