Coin-Op Carwash

[majic]

The other thread dealt with tocuhless and railless. I am interested in the ones where you drop coins in and you get to spray high pressure water/soap and quickly rinse the car off (say during winter months)

I went to one today and i figured it was quite econmical and it wasn\'t too cold or inconvenient.


AREA: Central
INTERSECTION: Bathurst + Dupont (across from esso)
COST: $3
TIME: 4min
CONCURRENT WASHES: 8

change machine available as well as an attendant was on site.

[Newlook]

I like coin-op... It\'s good to spray off the salt on your car and undercarriage. No need to be sparkling clean in winter since the car gets dirty again before you got home.

EDIT: I decide to group all the locations you guys posted in this post, so it\'s easier for everyone to read.

(thanks to my friend who works in Mississauga Transit to provide more Mississauga/Etobicoke locations).

Majority of them are $3 for 4 minutes unless otherwise listed.

Central Toronto/Downtown
-Bathurst + Dupont (across from esso)
-North of Eglinton between Keele and Threthewey Dr. *$2/3.20min
-North of Eglinton and Dufferin on the East side (Near a Firestone Tire Shop)
-North of Eglinton and Keele on the East Side
-Queen St. West & Dufferin. Near the mental health detention centre. *$2/3min

North York
-Esso station at Yonge and Steeles. It\'s not a coin-op but has a blow gun to clear water from you engine after you wash it. It\'s a timed indoor wash so it all depends on how long you stay.
-South of Finch and Jane on the West side *$3/3min

East Toronto/Scarborough
-Queen St. East & Kingston Rd, across from Atlantis cinema, next to Days Inn.
-Kennedy and Finch at the PetroCanada

West Toronto/Etobicoke
-west side of Shorncliffe Rd. just south of Dundas St., beside a railway bridge
-North side of Dundas Street, just west of Scarlett Road.
-Northwest corner of Newcastle Rd and Audley St. (east of Royal York between Lakeshore and Evans)
-Steeles/Islington northwest corner, inside gas station

Markham
-Bullock and Laidlaw (North of HWY 7 and McCowan on the East side) *$2/3min
-South of HWy 7 and Kennedy Road on the West side (Shell station), 50c/min + tx (Indoor)

Richmond Hill
-Shell station at Higway 7 and Valleymede road.
-Bayview and Major Mackenzie Dr. beside the Shell station. *$2/3min

Brampton
-Queen/Bramalea *$3/4?min

North Mississauga
-Northwest corner of Eglinton Ave. and Tomken Rd. (just behind Country Style). *$2/3min
-north side of Derry Rd. between Airport Rd. and Goreway Dr. across from Malton GO
-south side of Britannia Rd. between Terry Fox Way and Mavis Rd.

Central Mississauga
-north side of Thomas St. between Erin Mills Pkwy. and Mississauga Rd. across from Streetsville GO
-northwest corner of Mavis Rd. and Dundas St. beside the Canadian Tire

South Mississauga
-north side of Lakeshore Rd. between Hurontario St. and Cawthra Rd. at Seneca Ave
-north side of Lakeshore Rd. between Dixie Rd. and Browns Line across from Marie Curtis Park
-south side of South Service Rd. between Cawthra Rd. and Dixie Rd. near Dixie Mall at Haig Blvd. right beside the Petro Canada
-Queensway and Cawthra (Behind Sunoco) *$2/4min, $8/20min

Oakville
-Royal Windsor/Windston Churchill southwest corner
-northside of Speers Rd just east of Dorval, beside Budget Rent-A-Car
-Speers/3rd Line northeast corner, on northside of Speers. Looks like a barn.
-Cross/Argus northwest corner, inside the plaza across from the Oakville GO

Milton
-Steeles/Martin (by Coffee Time)
-Steeles/east of Ontario and they said it\'s \"spotless\"

West Burlington
-southeast corner of Plains Rd. and Maple Ave. west of Brant St. beside an Esso and a railway bridge

Kitchener
-Highland and Wesmount by the Eastside Mario\'s

[MazdaTree]

my friend has one in his appartment but i am really not a fan of it. it doesnt do a super clean job
you guys have any tips...

[majic]

Originally posted by MazdaTree


my friend has one in his appartment but i am really not a fan of it. it doesnt do a super clean job
you guys have any tips...

I was thinking more for a quick rinse in the winter so it\'s not meant to make it sparkly but just get the main layer of salt off.. and for that i think it does its job perfectly

[FLIPDADY]

Richmond Hill
-Shell station at Higway 7 and Valleymede road.
$3/4 min.
-Bayview and Major Mackenzie Dr. beside the Shell station.
$2/3 min.
North Toronto
-Esso station at Yonge and Steeles. It\'s not a coin-op but has a blow gun to clear water from you engine after you wash it. It\'s a timed indoor wash so it all depends on how long you stay.

[mazda3ride]

Markham

Coin-Op --> Bullock and Laidlaw (North of HWY 7 and Mccowan on the East side)
$2/3 minutes

Shell Station --> South of HWy 7 and Kennedy Road on the West side
50c per minute plus taxes (Indoor)

Toronto

Coin-Op --> North of Eglinton between Keele and Threthewey Dr.
$2/3.20 minutes

Coin-Op --> North of Eglinton and Dufferin on the East side (Near a Firestone Tire Shop)
$3/4 minutes

Coin-Op --> North of Eglinton and Keele on the East Side
I have not tried this one yet


North York
Coin-op --> South of Finch and Jane on the West side
$3/3 minutes

[billyfo]

I always use where Flip said at Richmond Hill, just don\'t know the price from many locations are up by 50%.:sarc

[MazdaTree]

BRAMPTON
QUEEN + BRAMALEA
$3

[bubba1983]

KITCHENER

Highland and wesmount by the east side mario\'s!

[SwooshICE]

anybody know other cheap coin op car washes in the mississauga area??

[01AWW18T]

Originally posted by FLIPSPEED


Richmond Hill
-Shell station at Higway 7 and Valleymede road.
$3/4 min.


its actually $2:)

[majic]

Originally posted by SwooshICE


anybody know other cheap coin op car washes in the mississauga area??



Mississauga:
Britannia/Terry Fox Way (west of Mavis) - $3/4 min
Mavis/Dundas
South Service Rd/west of Dixie (right by Dixie Outlet Mall, next to PetroCan)

[SwooshICE]

lol i said \"others\"

so that doesn\'t include the ones quoted from above lol

thanks anyway

[majic]

oops.. sorry.. my bad

[Newlook]

Originally posted by 01AWW18T



Originally posted by FLIPSPEED


Richmond Hill
-Shell station at Higway 7 and Valleymede road.
$3/4 min.


its actually $2:)

$2 for 4 minutes?? or is it 3min?

[Newlook]

Originally posted by SwooshICE


lol i said \"others\"

so that doesn\'t include the ones quoted from above lol

thanks anyway

More Mississauga locations see Post #2 ^^^ above.

[iconicrocket]

Queen St. West & Dufferin. Near the mental health detention centre.

$2/4 mins. summer 2004. Don\'t known what it is now.

There another one on Queen St. East & Woodbine.

$?? unknown. But its there on Queen St. East near the beaches.

[Newlook]

Originally posted by iconicrocket


There another one on Queen St. East & Woodbine.

$?? unknown. But its there on Queen St. East near the beaches.



Where exactly? I drive by there all the time but I don\'t notice there is one. I know there\'s a Shell right at the northeast corner.

[iconicrocket]

Originally posted by Newlook



Originally posted by iconicrocket


There another one on Queen St. East & Woodbine.

$?? unknown. But its there on Queen St. East near the beaches.



Where exactly? I drive by there all the time but I don\'t notice there is one. I know there\'s a Shell right at the northeast corner.

My bad...

Its actually at Queen St. East and Kingston Rd. right across from the Atlantis cinema. Right next door to Days Inn.

I was just there today after work. Its $3/4mins. There\'s about 8 stalls, and you can only enter thru the back from Kingston Rd.

[thr33scompany]

The other thread dealt with tocuhless and railless. I am interested in the ones where you drop coins in and you get to spray high pressure water/soap and quickly rinse the car off (say during winter months)

I went to one today and i figured it was quite econmical and it wasn\'t too cold or inconvenient.


AREA: West end
INTERSECTION: Queensway + Cawthra (Behind Sunoco)
COST: $2 **$8 for 20 mins** for the peeps like me suffering from OCD :D
TIME: 4min
CONCURRENT WASHES: 10
change machine available. digital timers, low pressure tire cleaner, low pressure spotless rinse.

[Newlook]

$2/4min is a sweet deal, most of them are $3/4min now. Too bad the cheap ones are too far from me.

[OTUA YM]

More locations.....

MISSISSAUGA CENTRAL
Northwest corner of Eglinton Ave. and Tomken Rd. (just behind the Tim Hortons).
$2.00 for 3 minutes.
8 wash bays.
Coin Machine on site.

TORONTO/ETOBICOKE
North side of Dundas Street, just west of Scarlett Road.

ETOBICOKE
Northwest corner Newcastle Road and Audley Street.
>> Newcastle is loacated on the east side of Royal York Road, between Lakeshore Blvd and Evans Ave. (just north of the Go Train overpass)
>> Audley is 3 blocks east of Royal York.

[thr33scompany]

Originally posted by OTUA YM


More locations.....

MISSISSAUGA CENTRAL
Northwest corner of Eglinton Ave. and Tomken Rd. (just behind the Tim Hortons).
$2.00 for 3 minutes.
8 wash bays.
Coin Machine on site.


Actually bro.. That car wash is behind a country style donut shop. :)

[OTUA YM]

Originally posted by thr33scompany

Actually bro.. That car wash is behind a country style donut shop. :)


Ooops... Your right, it is a Country Style.
But, I\'m sure it will be a Hortons sooner or later :p

[cookie]

I went to one today. There\'s a pretty good one in Scarborough area. Kennedy and Finch, Petro Gas Station. It\'s minimum $3 and you get I think 4 minutes. It\'s pretty good actually!

[iconicrocket]

Ok,

Was at the Coin-op at Queen St. West and Dufferin on Saturday night. And I can confirm its $2/3mins, felt like 30 seconds thou. Are these machine rigged? :D

[Redhouse]

There is a $3 one on st.clair/keele that i went to a few times. This one has quite a few options at the controls (8 i think).

The one i go to now is on Kipling (or it might be on Taber) in Rexdale area (right next to a Wendy\'s). It\'s a $2 mininmum for 3 or 4 min, i\'ll have to check that. You get high pressure rinse, high pressure soap, a scrub brush, and a wax option, and when you\'re not holding the trigger i think there is a low flow of water which is good when you\'re going around with a cloth.

[Hanif]

There\'s a coin-op carwash in the Etobicoke area on Rexdale Blvd. between Martingrove and Hwy. 27.

I don\'t know any details as to price, options, etc...since I\'ve never gone to it. Just thought I\'d add one more to the growing list of coin-ops available :)

[malam]

Rather than starting a new thread, I thought I might ask this question here - What typical outside temperatures would you suggest NOT TO wash the car ? Why ?

Thanks.

[Hanif]

Originally posted by malam

Rather than starting a new thread, I thought I might ask this question here - What typical outside temperatures would you suggest NOT TO wash the car ? Why ?

Thanks.

Interesting question...I\'d also be interested in any comments on this.

[billyfo]

-30C may be???? if you using coin-op, I don\'t think ppl would stay out to wash their cars longer than 30 sec, but auto wash, cause it has blower at the end, most water is gone for long, but still enough to freeze all your exterior parts.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Originally posted by Newlook


EDIT: I decide to group all the locations you guys posted in this post, so it\'s easier for everyone to read.



Anything North of Hwy 7??

Looking for one closer to Newmarket for us Northern Folk..

[Kevin@nextmod]

Originally posted by TheBiz



Originally posted by Newlook


EDIT: I decide to group all the locations you guys posted in this post, so it\'s easier for everyone to read.



Anything North of Hwy 7??

Looking for one closer to Newmarket for us Northern Folk..
I think there is one at north of hwy 7 and west of leslie. Keep going west while on hwy 7 and just passed Commerce Gate. Thats the only one i can think of thats close to you

[OTUA YM]

There\'s a new \"space-age\" coin-op in north Brampton.
Located on the west side of Highway #10, between Bovaird Dr. and Sandalwood Pkwy.

It has 20 Bays...... yes.... I said 20 !!!
$3.00 for 4 minutes.
Options include....

1 - Underspray.... jets in floor sprays underside of car (provided you park in the right spot)
2 - Tire Wash.... tire/rim spray
3 - Pre-Soak.... half pressure spray mix of soap and water
4 - Soap Wash.... high powered soap and water
5 - Foam Brush.... I would never use !
6 - Rinse.... high powered clean water
7 - Spot Free Rinse..... sprays a spot-free rinse mixture
8 - Air Dry.... blows high powered air
9 - Wax.... spray wax

Pretty impressive.

Gave my car a complete bath tonight.
Had it serviced at Westowne today.
It is now offically off the road till spring (April/May).
Been driving my trusty old \'88 CRX-Si for the past two weeks.
... So if you see a guy driving a beat up old Honda this winter, give me a wave. :D

[Kevin@nextmod]

For those of you up in markham the Shell gas station at hwy 7 and kennedy the indoor self serve car wash, they have increased the pressure of the water. I just went there yesterday and sprayed off all the dirt, crap, sand, salt and got it all off without washing. That place is pretty sick its indoor so you do\'nt have to freeze your ass off but they charge 60 cents a min inside. So i suggest you quickly find a spot (i believe there is rougly 10 give or take) then turn the mode to wash then just spray as fast as you can. Last time i spray off and cleaned off the crap, that cost me $3.20. I guess it\'s pretty cheap since you\'re inside.
So those of you have dirty rally mazda 3s that live in markham or close there go check it out.

[SIM SIMMA]

Thanks man.

I think my car will be making an appearance there.

Although being part of the white rally team is growing on me :p

[SourcE]

O\'Connor and Victoria Park

12 bays, $3 for 4 minutes, all the usual tire cleaners, engine wash, foaming brush, high pressure wax etc

[Hanif]

Originally posted by OTUA YM

There\'s a new \"space-age\" coin-op in north Brampton.
Located on the west side of Highway #10, between Bovaird Dr. and Sandalwood Pkwy.

It has 20 Bays...... yes.... I said 20 !!!
$3.00 for 4 minutes.
Options include....

1 - Underspray.... jets in floor sprays underside of car (provided you park in the right spot)
2 - Tire Wash.... tire/rim spray
3 - Pre-Soak.... half pressure spray mix of soap and water
4 - Soap Wash.... high powered soap and water
5 - Foam Brush.... I would never use !
6 - Rinse.... high powered clean water
7 - Spot Free Rinse..... sprays a spot-free rinse mixture
8 - Air Dry.... blows high powered air
9 - Wax.... spray wax

Pretty impressive.

Gave my car a complete bath tonight.
Had it serviced at Westowne today.
It is now offically off the road till spring (April/May).
Been driving my trusty old \'88 CRX-Si for the past two weeks.
... So if you see a guy driving a beat up old Honda this winter, give me a wave. :D

DAMN....i think that is sultan of coin-op car washes. I have never seen ones that have jets in the floor...although I\'ve only been to one coin-op AND that was for my sisters car, not mine..it was her first time going so she wanted me to tag along...

neway....sounds pretty nice....and if your in etob i\'ll be sure to wave :)

[Cardinal Fang]

Originally posted by OTUA YM


There\'s a new \"space-age\" coin-op in north Brampton.
Located on the west side of Highway #10, between Bovaird Dr. and Sandalwood Pkwy.

It has 20 Bays...... yes.... I said 20 !!!
$3.00 for 4 minutes.
Options include....

1 - Underspray.... jets in floor sprays underside of car (provided you park in the right spot)
2 - Tire Wash.... tire/rim spray
3 - Pre-Soak.... half pressure spray mix of soap and water
4 - Soap Wash.... high powered soap and water
5 - Foam Brush.... I would never use !
6 - Rinse.... high powered clean water
7 - Spot Free Rinse..... sprays a spot-free rinse mixture
8 - Air Dry.... blows high powered air
9 - Wax.... spray wax



The only thing this car wash is missing is the pretty blonde to do all this for you.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Originally posted by Cardinal Fang



Originally posted by OTUA YM


There\'s a new \"space-age\" coin-op in north Brampton.
Located on the west side of Highway #10, between Bovaird Dr. and Sandalwood Pkwy.

It has 20 Bays...... yes.... I said 20 !!!
$3.00 for 4 minutes.
Options include....

1 - Underspray.... jets in floor sprays underside of car (provided you park in the right spot)
2 - Tire Wash.... tire/rim spray
3 - Pre-Soak.... half pressure spray mix of soap and water
4 - Soap Wash.... high powered soap and water
5 - Foam Brush.... I would never use !
6 - Rinse.... high powered clean water
7 - Spot Free Rinse..... sprays a spot-free rinse mixture
8 - Air Dry.... blows high powered air
9 - Wax.... spray wax



The only thing this car wash is missing is the pretty blonde to do all this for you.
Can\'t forget the bikini :p

[Cardinal Fang]

Originally posted by Pearl_Hatch
Can\'t forget the bikini :p


Fine, you take the bikini and I will opt for the birthday suit.

[Hanif]

Originally posted by Cardinal Fang


Originally posted by Pearl_Hatch
Can\'t forget the bikini :p

Fine, you take the bikini and I will opt for the birthday suit.

you guys are hilarious :p

[rallyboy]

New Mississauga location:

South side of Central Parkway, between Mavis and Wolfedale. only 8 bays and I haven\'t used it yet so don\'t know the price.

Just around the corner on Mavis is Denny\'s, if you have big bucks: touchless spray wash, hand dry (by peopole, not machines), floor mats cleaned, tires and wheels cleaned and armourall-ed, all yours for $26

[vortex-5]

I\'ve made a google earth map of the locations in Toronto please feel free to continue it.

http://vortex.mychost.com/share/public/CoinOp.kmz (GOOGLE EARTH MAP HERE)

if you don\'t have google earth please checkout earth.google.com

[levonida0103]

Originally posted by OTUA YM


More locations.....

MISSISSAUGA CENTRAL
Northwest corner of Eglinton Ave. and Tomken Rd. (just behind the Tim Hortons).
$2.00 for 3 minutes.
8 wash bays.
Coin Machine on site.

TORONTO/ETOBICOKE
North side of Dundas Street, just west of Scarlett Road.

ETOBICOKE
Northwest corner Newcastle Road and Audley Street.
>> Newcastle is loacated on the east side of Royal York Road, between Lakeshore Blvd and Evans Ave. (just north of the Go Train overpass)
>> Audley is 3 blocks east of Royal York.


it\'s actually increased in price now it\'s 3 for 4 mins now at the eglinton and tomken, behind country style

[Black3]

Woodbridge:
Esso Station: Hwy 7 East of Hwy 27. Last time I was there $2 for 3 minutes.

No Name: Islington just south of hwy 7. Behind the beer store. $2

Etobicoke:

Albion rd east of hwy 27. Somewhat new, unsure of the cost.

North York:

No Name Gas Station: Sheppard ave @ hwy 400 - btwn Weston rd. and Jane st. $3 for 4 mins.

[DrunknFoo]

Not sure if it's been listed but

South West of Victoria Park and Eglinton on Oconnor Drive (North York)
they have about 8-10bays haven't actually used it but it seems nice

[Black3]

North York

No Name: Wilson ave and Wendell, east of weston road.
Unsure of cost.

[Black3]

Aurora:
On Mary road @ Wellington (east of Bathurst)
10-12 bays

[b]

Burlington:
1. The corner of Fairview & Appleby. Pioneer Gas Station. 8 Bays.
2. Appleby line just north of the QEW there is a new Car Care Center with bays, detail shops, wax shops, tint shops... everything you need to baby your car.

[CoolColombian]

Burlington:
2. Appleby line just north of the QEW there is a new Car Care Center with bays, detail shops, wax shops, tint shops... everything you need to baby your car.

That place is the $hit, been there a couple times, they have have all kinds of equipment and options. http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[b]

That place is the $hit, been there a couple times, they have have all kinds of equipment and options. http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

Just wait until you move this way. Every weekend you'll find yourself there. It is the best place!!!!

[CoolColombian]

lol. Will do for sure!

[Xenon]

I don't know if anyone is around that area, but Guelph has a very sweet one just off of Gordon St., south of Stone Rd.

It's even got those tri-colour "wax" foam that comes out of the nozzle in the Sunoco ecowash's!

best of all... $9 gives you 1/2 hour of unlimited use.

[dsichewski]

cambridge - take hiway 24 exit off 401 and go towards right (eastbound) left( westbound) at eagle street turn right...you'll pass by the dodge dealership and the toyota dealership and inbetweent the toyota and nissian dealership there is a driveway for a coin op wash...$6 gets you 20 minutes and it has numerous options...ie, pre rinse, pre sopa, soap brush, rinse, spot dry rinse, wax, tire cleaner, etc.... place also has free vacuums and also if your in a hurry there is also a drive through car wash there as well....works quite well i go there myself..

kitchener - block line and homerwatson. at the gto gas station

waterloo - king st by conestoga mall. huge gto station you literally can't miss it. home depot and lcbo on the corners.

[chinsterr]

waterloo - king st by conestoga mall. huge gto station you literally can't miss it. home depot and lcbo on the corners.

That one is VERY VERY nice , ive been to it multiple times with my buds .

[dsichewski]

That one is VERY VERY nice , ive been to it multiple times with my buds .

I haven't been there since its like almost 25 minutes from my house. lol I just know its there. lol

[Triplebogey]

I don't know if anyone is around that area, but Guelph has a very sweet one just off of Gordon St., south of Stone Rd.

It's even got those tri-colour "wax" foam that comes out of the nozzle in the Sunoco ecowash's!

best of all... $9 gives you 1/2 hour of unlimited use.


Xenon, Are you from Guelph? I go to that place all the time...good value

[1flycdnM3]

That place is the $hit, been there a couple times, they have have all kinds of equipment and options.


Just wait until you move this way. Every weekend you'll find yourself there. It is the best place!!!!

I am there more or less every other weekend! However this past weekend when i was there, not so great! It left a nasty "film" after i used the bug/tar remover (not doing that again). I have used quite a few coin-op's though and this one is the best!

side note: If you get your servicing done at Burlington Mazda, they give you a FREE coupon on your bill for the wash-bay inside (also very good)

[theurgy]

We have a couple coin-op wash bays here in Ottawa as well...
I usually pay $3 to do an initial rinse of the car...I'll bring with me my two buckets and wash mitts and fill those up using the spray.
After rinsing I'll drive out of the bay (or even stay in if it's the vening and it's not busy) and I'll hand wash the car.
After I'm done hand washing the car I can either drive back in and pay another $3 to rinse if I used regular soap, or if I used No Rinse wash I proceed to dry.

That's it. It's handy when your not at your house or out of town in between shows.
I still prefer to be at home with my pressure washer and garage.
I can take as much as I want to clay and wax after.
However if you live in an apartment and looking for a good way to do this from a wash bay... it not that bad.

[Iturralde]

I searched thru this thread but could not find much from Scarborough. Does anyone have a reccomendation for a good coin-op in East Scarborough?

X

[Aggy]

Just thought I'd update...I passed a coin-op while shopping today...just north of Ellesmere on Victoria Park on the East side...

I can't seem to find any in the Bayview/Sheppard area though.


I searched thru this thread but could not find much from Scarborough. Does anyone have a reccomendation for a good coin-op in East Scarborough?

X

[JiNuWiNe]

RANT!


The weather was nice yesterday and so I decided to drop by the nearest coin-op and do a quick wash. My friend suggested me to use the ****ing foam brush to remove the layer of dirt and so I did. After washing the car, I can see all these brake dust residue STUCK on my car. Just picture this, little black dots on a CWP GT. MAN WAS I PISSED. I really hope that it didn't scratch the car... man it's a b*tch to remove those little black dots.

Never again will I do the same thing at coin-ops. A lesson learned but the price is too much to pay for.

/RANT

[kaval]

^Never EVER use the brushes...

[Aggy]

Really? Never thought it would cause that much trouble...good to know!


^Never EVER use the brushes...

[theurgy]

Yeah brushes are evil... you don't know where they've been and most likely have been used by some mudded up trucker or whatever.. you'll just end up scraping someone else's dirt alongside your car.

[Junior]

If it means anything. I've used the brushes from the coin-ops I frequent. (I only stick to the same ones). So far so good. No scratches or black-dotting that I can notice. Car is going on 6 years and still looks pimp.

I blast the brush for a good 30 seconds BEFORE using it though, with the same pressure washer that I will use on the car, to loosen the dirt and dust/rocks/mud or anything else that can be trapped in the bristle.

Of course, the safest way is to bring a sponge/bucket and do it yourself, but most coin-ops don't allow you to do that. Or you can do it in your driveway (if you have one).

Just wanted to give you my personal experience, since I haven't had a negative effect from using a coin-op brush.

[Thrice08]

I stopped using the brush's long ago, even if they are clean I find they still swirl the hell out of you clear coat. You might not notice on lighter colours but my old black car pretty much every time I gave in and used the brush it left more noticeable swirls. That's a good idea to spray the brush down but I still find the material they use to make those brush's is definitely not non-abrasive. Plus unless your rinsing the brush down after every panel on the car you are probably spreading more fine dirt all over the vehicle. If you keep your car properly waxed and maintained your should be able to clear most dirt away with just the pressure washer and then hand wash when you really need to get some serious dirt off.

[Speedy2008]

North east corner of College & Lansdowne. 4-5 bays. Went there tonight for the 1st time. Just did a quick rinse w/out pressure. Next time I'll go through each of the steps as listed on the poster hanging from the wall. Soap, rinse, wax, rinse again etc. $2 for 3 minutes (or maybe it was 2 minutes). Convenient for all downtown dwellers. 24 hrs.

[Fobio]

I'v ehit the coin-ops a few times, and it's definitely NOT worth the trouble in the summer times...hehe...when it's so hot outside, by the time I've cleaned the car, I need a shower myself and I have to sit my sweaty ass back into my clean car...

Before it got hot tho, I did prefer doing this myself to examine the car...

I've been to one on Dundas West past Lansdowne (I think) and it's pretty clean and new...I reallyl iked the RainX rinse and I can attest that it does work...for a little while...

I usually end up spending $6 - 8...so with the effort and time factored in, a touchless car wash for $10 - 12 isn't so bad...

[Speedy2008]

You're right. The touchless washes are very good. I've always gone to Esso touchless stations until last night. Another benefit is the automatic drying process at the end. I didn't have any towels to dry my ride so I bet it's full of water stains. I'll check it out later on tonight.

I'll probably continue using both methods. I'll allow my mood to decide which to use on any given night.

[Fobio]

I'll probably continue using both methods. I'll allow my mood to decide which to use on any given night.

I hear you...cuz I love washing my car...when I had a driveway to work on the car, I would wake up early and spend 4 hrs doing the car (not the MS3)and love every minute of it...just can't enjoy it like that at a coin-op, and I'd like for someone to prove me wrong!

I've been to one of the bleeding edge tech with under wash and stuff before, and it was also $2 for 3min...they're cool too! hard to find around the city tho...

[Speedy2008]

Now I'm not too sure about coin-ops anymore. Went to check out the after effects of my wash job and it looks like a disaster...like one of those flooded cars. There are water stains everywhere + lots of dirt stuck on the paint. It's my fault though b/c I didn't dry my car or use high pressure, or soap, or wax. I guess I'm too lazy or just apprehensive about the whole process. Touchless washes are suddenly very appealing again.

[leungly]

I was wondering if there are any other Indoor Coin Operated Car Washes in the GTA. I read abou the one at Hwy7 and Kennedy and want to know if any others exist.

Thanks.

[MistaChin]

I was wondering if there are any other Indoor Coin Operated Car Washes in the GTA. I read abou the one at Hwy7 and Kennedy and want to know if any others exist.

Thanks.

There's a new one on Kingston Rd just west of Eglinton. Looks pretty good. And yeah theres the one on Victoria Park just south of Ellesmere.

[jonjon72]

As much as I prefer the touchless washes, they never really clean the car especially with all the heavy salt left on the lower part of the body.

The automated track washes, have all the grit and dirt left on the spinners and they get rubbed into the finish. All it takes is a couple of pieces of salt or gravel. The tracks don't help as well unless you have steelies and could care less about any scuffs.

The coin washes are pretty good but if you can, bring a bucket, wash mitt and some car soap. I've seen too many people use those brushes on their rims and lower body panels. Not to mention those that leave them on the pavement collecting more grit.

If your in the North York area and willing to spend a few extra bucks for an indoor (warmer) coin wash. The Esso on Steeles and Yonge is one of the better places. Get to know the operators or manager and you'll get a discount as a regular. Previous winters I would bring my own pail and spend 20-30 min in there (they would even let me dry it in there unless is was super busy). All this for $5-$7. Otherwise I think its .65 cents for every minute.

Luckily my condo was an indoor car wash on the lowest level. $2.00 for 5 minutes (includes the vacuum). Bring a pail and I'm laughing all winter. Best part is that its a warmed garage and able to wash in a t shirt in the middle of winter. :bana2

[mazda lover]

I always use a coin operated car washes. The last 2 times I washed my car I noticed guys with the hood open and washing the engine bay, I thought what the heck are you doing. To my surprise after the guy finished washing he started the car and drove off. I thought for sure it wouldn't start or at least act up, stalling etc, but nope off he went, saw this twice in the last 2 weeks...
has anybody here done that?? wash the engine bay with high pressure water??

[Newlook]

The newer coin-ops have engine degreaser and I guess the output is not as high pressure... It's a different setting. One of the "newer" settings that you get including spotless rinse (low pressure), clear coat, tire and rim cleaners (low pressure) for examples.

I usually go in and put in $2 or $3, set it to high pressure rinse and spray wash the car for the whole 3 minutes. Seriously how clean do you want your car to be in the winter time? All it takes is slightly wet road surface (early mornings) or melted snow and your car is all filthy again. I just want the majority of salt off my car and I'll worry about the spotless clean in the summer :bana

[DumpInfo]

Coin Wash in East Scarborough @ Kingston Rd and Eglinton

- Discovered it after alhope34 and I met up there.
- I believe it was 5/6 bays.
- $3.00 for 4 mins
- Vaccuum machines
- Fairly new looking and has all types of wash options.

[mazda lover]

Coin Wash in East Scarborough @ Kingston Rd and Eglinton

- Discovered it after alhope34 and I met up there.
- I believe it was 5/6 bays.
- $3.00 for 4 mins
- Vaccuum machines
- Fairly new looking and has all types of wash options.

the coin wash in Newmarket is $2.00 for 2 minutes, boy am I getting ripped..
Florida was $2 for 5 minutes, now thats a deal...but a bit far to drive for a great deal...:)

[Newlook]

The coin-op at Speers/Dorval in Oakville (northeast corner, next to the Discount rent-a-car) dropped the price from $3 to $2 for 3min.

[ismail_alikhan]

With these places can wwe bring our own wash cloths and buckets? or is it strictly that we have to use their soap?

[theurgy]

It's all up to the owner.
The coin op near my work, I've asked the guy and he was cool with it as long as it isn't busy, and that I did the bucket wash outside of the bay.
So I would do an initial spray down and fill my buckets. Then drive out, do a full hand wash, then when I was done, I'd drive back in and rinse. Once done that drive out and towel dry.
No coin op place has ever bugged me for that.

[Flagrum_3]

New Coin-Op in Scarborough! www.MidlandCarWash.ca (Totally enclosed) $3 for 4 minutes, has all the tools including a dryer...10 bays...Best part is you can handwash your vehicle!! with no probs from management as I spoke to the owner~(As long as it's not a busy period) :)

They also offer full detailing.


_3

[philipfreire]

New Coin-Op in Scarborough! www.MidlandCarWash.ca (Totally enclosed) $3 for 4 minutes, has all the tools including a dryer...10 bays...Best part is you can handwash your vehicle!! with no probs from management as I spoke to the owner~(As long as it's not a busy period) :)

They also offer full detailing.


_3

Thats nuts!!!! We need one of those here in Etobicoke/Sauga area!!

[S.F.W.]

New Coin-Op in Scarborough! www.MidlandCarWash.ca (http://www.MidlandCarWash.ca) (Totally enclosed) $3 for 4 minutes, has all the tools including a dryer...10 bays...Best part is you can handwash your vehicle!! with no probs from management as I spoke to the owner~(As long as it's not a busy period) :)

They also offer full detailing.


_3

In-Bay carpet shampoo and spot removal system. - I need to head over there tomorrow.

[Flagrum_3]

In-Bay carpet shampoo and spot removal system. - I need to head over there tomorrow.

Yeah, it's friggen awesome!! ....and right up the street from me lol...I might just join you tom'rw Ami :)


_3

[p-o-g-i]

Thats nuts!!!! We need one of those here in Etobicoke/Sauga area!!

+1 ... one that is totally enclosed would be pretty sweet. Right now I'm going to the one by Mavis and Dundas... or the one behind Future Shop in Heartland.

[jonjon72]

I can see mini car meets at this location! :chuckle

[philipfreire]

I can see mini car meets at this location! :chuckle

That be a good idea. teach some people how to properly wash their 3's, or learn new tricks, show off new products and their effectiveness, etc.

okay so whos down? lol...

[Dreamliner]

For the Barrie members:

Barrie Classic Car Wash
211 Mapleview (east of the mazda dealer IIRC)

Barrie Car Wash
247 Steel Street (Steel and Blake)

[rab33]

I've found a few locations in recent dayes:

1. Kipling just north of Queensway (Detailing services also)- $3/4 min

2. The West Mall just north of Queensway (Detailing services also) - $5/7 min (2 truck bays only)

3. The Beaches (Queen St. E and Kingston Rd) INDOOR HEATED - $3/4 min (I believe so)

4. 401/weston on weston road just south of the 401 - $3/4 min

[Pyro]

New Coin-Op in Scarborough! www.MidlandCarWash.ca (Totally enclosed) $3 for 4 minutes, has all the tools including a dryer...10 bays...Best part is you can handwash your vehicle!! with no probs from management as I spoke to the owner~(As long as it's not a busy period) :)

They also offer full detailing.


_3

i think im going to go here this weekend to do my prepr for winter

[RArora10]

For those in Markham, I checked out Markham Auto Spa on the NE corner of Bur Oak and Hwy 48, right across from the Mount Joy GO station. $2 for 3 min, about 7-8 bays, pretty well kept. The blasto-dry attachment is a waste of money, bring your own drying tools.

[mazdaskit]

I always use a coin operated car washes. The last 2 times I washed my car I noticed guys with the hood open and washing the engine bay, I thought what the heck are you doing. To my surprise after the guy finished washing he started the car and drove off. I thought for sure it wouldn't start or at least act up, stalling etc, but nope off he went, saw this twice in the last 2 weeks...
has anybody here done that?? wash the engine bay with high pressure water??

when i did high school co op at fine details thats how they did it with all proposes cleaner and then the pressure washer then some trim detailer to shine the plastic parts lol only thing you do as they did was cover your alternator so it dont get wet and try and not spray right around that area if possible.

[yanky.ng]

Burlington:
1. The corner of Fairview & Appleby. Pioneer Gas Station. 8 Bays.
2. Appleby line just north of the QEW there is a new Car Care Center with bays, detail shops, wax shops, tint shops... everything you need to baby your car.

there's a new one at dundas and sutton drive( on dundas)
new

[Delete]

+1 ... one that is totally enclosed would be pretty sweet. Right now I'm going to the one by Mavis and Dundas... or the one behind Future Shop in Heartland.

I go here to, there are about 10 or 8 lots I think? and vacuum stations behind each of them.

[m3zoomzoom]

In-Bay carpet shampoo and spot removal system. - I need to head over there tomorrow.


the place is pretty good and decently priced but that carpet shampoo/spot removal system thing is pretty useless considering the brush is way too huge to get into the areas that you really need it.. but other than that the place is great.. the owners pretty cool too

[Pires]

In Brampton:
HWY 10, Between Steeles and Ray Lawson, near the Shell station.

[xo1]

North York
- Finch Avenue and Rumike Road. (Kind of hidden)

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Finch+Ave+W+%26+rumike&sll=43.7499,-79.552287&sspn=0.00713,0.013797&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Finch+Ave+W+%26+Rumike+Rd,+Toronto,+Toronto+ Division,+Ontario&ll=43.750467,-79.552538&spn=0.007068,0.013797&z=16&layer=c&cbll=43.75034,-79.552476&panoid=Xorq_bsNpXWIIwPzocR1RQ&cbp=12,38.05,,0,11.02

[AshMarks]

I just found a brand new Coin Car Wash Kipling Ave one block north of Lakeshore.

This place has separate wax lines. Has Rain-X in the system. The amount of soap that comes out of the brush is amazing. Also the brushes they have are made of non synthetic material and won't scratch up your car like nylon tipped brushes.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=kipling+ave+and+lakeshore&sll=43.598738,-79.517015&sspn=0.002059,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=kipling+ave+and+lakeshore&hnear=&ll=43.598342,-79.516747&spn=0.008236,0.01929&z=16

[jonjon72]

I just found a brand new Coin Car Wash Kipling Ave one block north of Lakeshore.

This place has separate wax lines. Has Rain-X in the system. The amount of soap that comes out of the brush is amazing. Also the brushes they have are made of non synthetic material and won't scratch up your car like nylon tipped brushes.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=kipling+ave+and+lakeshore&sll=43.598738,-79.517015&sspn=0.002059,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=kipling+ave+and+lakeshore&hnear=&ll=43.598342,-79.516747&spn=0.008236,0.01929&z=16

Nice find but I still wouldn't use any of those brushes on your paint. They can still collect dirt and debris. All it takes is it touching the ground or someone using the brush on their mud covered car or rim/tires.

Bring a bucket and wash mit to wash the car.

[AshMarks]

Hey Jonjon you are totally right. In fact we should really have a how to on using a coin wash.

I always will use the high pressure wash on the brush first for that exact reason!!

Sadly they don't teach you these things.

I do like your suggestion about a bucket and mit.

[jonjon72]

No problem. Never use a brush on your car......no matter what type of material they use, it will scratch you paint. Better to use a non touch car wash if you have no other choice during the winter. You can grab a bucket and mit for no more than $20 at Canadian Tire.

[izoom]

Hey Jonjon you are totally right. In fact we should really have a how to on using a coin wash.

I always will use the high pressure wash on the brush first for that exact reason!!

Sadly they don't teach you these things.

I do like your suggestion about a bucket and mit.

+1:thumbsup

[Kaptain Sloth]

I ALWAYS bring a bucket and mitt!

[ottoyu34]

For those in Markham, I checked out Markham Auto Spa on the NE corner of Bur Oak and Hwy 48, right across from the Mount Joy GO station. $2 for 3 min, about 7-8 bays, pretty well kept. The blasto-dry attachment is a waste of money, bring your own drying tools.

I prefer this location which is a closer drive for me than going to Shell at lesile & hwy7. Tokens are also available as discount.

[Kessly Snipes]

I stoped by Midland indoor coin wash the other day. Very good place. It is (obviously indoors), seems to be heated, they will wash the brush for you if you ask, good product and they have a high powered air jet dryer at the end bay.

If you are in the area it is great. Since it isn't to far from my work I might stop by a few more times.

Oh and buy tokens, it saves you a bit of money.

[hamza7]

Check this out

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?63402-PSA-COIN-OP-USERS-Please-read-this-thread

[kreebs29]

Yes, you can wash your engine but I highly recommend blowing it off with compressed air to ensure all water is out, especially the alternator. I work as a detailer for an Audi/VW dealer and have access to everything. If anyone wants their car done, PM me. Saturdays are best. Boss will let me do it "sight unseen". For admin, I am not trying to take business away from anyone who sponsors tm3. Just helping out.