Mister Car Wash

Coming from California, I didn’t understand why Utah has so many of those long conveyor-style car washes, nor did I understand the value of a monthly membership. But after living in Idaho for a bit and now Utah, I learned what road salt and winter grime can do to your car. Plus just how unpredictable the weather can be. The clean car you had yesterday after going through the wash on a clear day can be a mess again thanks to a sudden downpour in the middle of summer. So when I started looking for a car wash membership, I wanted three things. First, I wanted a service with several locations so I’d have the freedom to get my car washed on the way home from an activity or in another area of the valley when I’m out and about. Second, I wanted a good value. And obviously, third, I wanted a car wash that actually did a good job. I ended up choosing Mister Car Wash. The website says they have 500 locations nationwide, and I counted 20+ here in Utah. The location I use most often is in Herriman. It’s easy to get in and out, and I’ve never had a problem finding an open vacuum bay either. The vacuums are on both sides of the car with two different styles of nozzles, plus an air sprayer for blowing crumbs and dust out of hard-to-reach spots. There’s a clip to hold and vacuum your car mats too. As for the actual wash, it does a good job. I have the Base membership, so I can’t speak to the more premium services, but they do offer them. The higher tiers include things like tire shine, wheel polish, underbody rinse, carnauba wax, and other protective treatments. But I’m just getting used to this whole rinse-and-repeat thing that Utah weather demands. My only complaint is the same one I have with pretty much every automatic car wash—not just Mister. I always wish the drying cycle lasted just a little longer so I’d leave with a fully dry windshield. And be prepared: they don’t have a stack of towels to use. You either need to bring your own or buy one for $1. It’s a car wash, so I’m not going to make this review more complicated than it needs to be. It’s a good value, the wash does a good job, the vacuums work, and it’s easy to get in and out. That’s pretty much what I want from a car wash membership. P.S. If you follow my food reviews, you know I always make a special note about the Diet Coke. Welp, there’s none at the car wash. But you can get one at the Slim Chickens drive-thru next door or at Thirst Drinks at the other end of the parking lot.