Have you ever gone on a date with someone you really liked? If you’re like me, the main priority is taking a shower before the date. I’ll apply tons of body wash, shampoo, then deodorant, and finish off with cologne. The reason for this is because I want to look (and smell) as clean as possible. That same type of care can be used on your car, as well.
Since 2008, Big Valley Auto Auction has offered every single dealer access to our reconditioning services, to help clean their vehicle before selling it. However, not every dealer is interested in spending extra money on improving their vehicle’s look.
In this article, you will learn how a car wash can potentially increase your vehicle’s worth, how much different auto auctions charge for a car wash, what each auto auction’s service provides, and whether or not the profit is worth the investment.
After reading this article, you’ll have the information needed to decide whether or not you’ll want to wash your car before selling it at an auto auction.
How Much Do Auto Auctions Charge for a Car Wash?
Depending on which auto auction you go to, prices and options for car washes differ. A basic car wash from Big Valley Auto Auction costs $20.00 per vehicle and provides the following features:
- Application of Black Scorpion degreaser.
- Removal of all writing from the windows and body of the vehicle.
- Scrubbing of the exterior of the vehicle with a wash mitt, from the bottom panels to the top.
- Rinsing off all soap.
- Completely dries the vehicle.
Big Valley Auto Auction also has a $35.00 Wash, Vacuum, and Tire option, which consists of 4 phases:
- Washes the vehicle
- Vacuums the inside of the vehicle, as well as removes trash and airs out the vehicle.
- Polishes the wheels and washes the windows.
- Double check the vehicle, to ensure all interior and exterior work is complete.
Big Valley Auto Auction reconditioning crew washing a vehicle.
Alliance Auto Auction-Dallas in Dallas, Texas provides a wash and vacuum service that costs $50.00. However, they do not offer a plain car wash, so this is the least expensive option they have. Alliance also offers a $115.00 full detail service, which includes a complete detail of the vehicle and engine.
Norwalk Auto Auction in Norwalk, California does not offer a basic car wash either, but they do provide a wash and vacuum service for $35.00. If you’re willing to go all out, they also offer a $115.00 Express Wash, which is a full interior and exterior cleanse, shampoos and vacuums all seats, and the exterior is shined and buffed with wax.
But if your goal is to spend as little as possible, Fox Valley Auto Auction in Brown County, Wisconsin offers a vehicle wash for $10.00 per vehicle, and a Wash and Vacuum service for $30.00.
Fox Valley Auto Auction’s full-scale car wash
Auto auctions who charge more for their car wash services, or offer more features, will possibly get you more of a profit. An auto auction like Greater Quad City Auto Auction, which has a 120-foot long Belanger tunnel conveyor car wash, might cover more of your vehicle than a regular car wash done by hand.
However, you have to keep in mind that machines don’t always catch what humans can. Indiana Auto Auction has a team of Detail Technicians that execute car washes with a close view of each vehicle. Since these technicians are staring directly at every vehicle they wash, they can see more stains and dirt than a large machine that cleans every car the same. This could result in a more thorough and detailed cleaning of your vehicle.
Will I Make a Profit from Washing My Car at an Auto Auction?
While we can’t speak for other auto auctions, dealers who received car wash services from Big Valley Auto Auction gained approximately $100.00 extra with a basic car wash. Those dealers who spent $20.00 on a basic wash saw a profit of $80.00.
When customers see that your vehicle is clean, it gives them the impression that you care about your car enough to put the time and money into making it look presentable. This reflects more when your vehicle is displayed next to dirty cars, which enhances its appearance and makes it look more valuable.
Should I Wash My Car Before Selling It at an Auto Auction?
If you’re comfortable with showing up to a date in the same clothes you woke up in, then washing your car may not be a priority for you. However, if you’re someone who prefers to impress their date with how well you clean up, then a car wash would be a service worth investing in.
Whether you’re willing to pay $115.00 for an Express Wash, or $10.00 for a simple wash, you can use this information to help you decide if washing your car before you sell it is worth the investment.
If you’ve decided that a car wash will benefit your vehicle, check out this list of other tips that can help increase the chance of your vehicle selling at an auto auction.
