Professional Car Washing and Detailing magazine recently excitedly reported the results of an investigation by News 8 in Austin, Texas, into water consumption associated with various ways of washing your car:
A self-serve carwash uses about 17 gallons of water (depending on the nozzle; an IBA wash, found at a gas station can use between 20 and 40 gallons; a full-serve wash can use up to 60 gallons; and a driveway washing can use over 100.
My staff conducted its own independent investigation, and concluded that not washing the Inkstain Honda Civic at all uses zero gallons.
Waiting until July/August for it to rain on your car: 0 gallons.
Yeah, but does this factor in that washing your car makes it rain?
God is my car washer.
Some years, he does a better job than others.
If you use a bucket instead of letting your hose run, you can wash your car in your driveway with very little water.
Also, if I remember correctly Austin has regulations to recycle water from car washes.
Since my white car now looks beige, I guess you can determine which method I use 😉
Keep the car in the garage; put it out when it rains.
That’s because you pay by the minute at self-service stations. Economics strikes again!
Or, to elaborate on David’s point, I pay nothing (neither cash nor lost opportunity cost of my valuable time) by not washing my car at all.
Economics strikes again!