Wash Your Own Car
The average full-service car wash costs $15, according to JBS Industries. It can cost extra for high-end services. And don’t forget the tip. You can avoid all that, however, by washing your own car.
Don’t wait so long that a layer of grime builds up — wash off dead bugs and bird droppings whenever you notice them. Use a dedicated car wash product — not dish soap or detergent, which could be too harsh for your car’s paint — and a soft, nonabrasive cloth or sponge, according to Consumer Reports.
Don’t wash the car when the body is hot, and rinse thoroughly with water to remove surface dirt before you begin. When you’re finished, rinse with a hose that doesn’t have a nozzle, which encourages sheeting. Don’t let the car air-dry. Instead, use a chamois.
