Where Should I Get My Car Washed in Des Moines (and How Often)?
How Often Should I Wash My Car?
In Iowa, the general rule is to wash your car every 2–3 weeks—but during winter or high pollen season, more often is better.
Salt, grime, and slush build up fast in winter. Leaving that gunk on your car:
Speeds up rust
Dulls your paint
Damages your undercarriage
Even if it’s cold, a good rinse at least once a week during heavy salt periods goes a long way.
What’s the Best Type of Car Wash?
We recommend touchless or soft-touch automatic car washes if you want convenience, especially if you’re short on time or don't have access to a hose.
Some of our customers love:
Mister Car Wash – Multiple Des Moines locations with unlimited plans
Ultimate Auto Wash in Ankeny – Great service and locally owned
Rocket Car Wash near Merle Hay – A quick, affordable option near our Urbandale location
Just skip the gas station drive-thru with stiff brushes—they're known to cause micro-scratches.
Should I Wax My Car Too?
Yes—especially before winter. Wax helps repel water, road salt, and grime. Even a spray wax every few washes adds a layer of protection that extends your paint life.
What About Gas Prices in Des Moines?
Gas prices are all over the place right now, but a few places in the metro typically offer better-than-average rates:
Maverik on Douglas in Urbandale – Good rewards program
Casey’s in Grimes – Competitive pricing and lots of pumps
Kum & Go on 86th Street – Sometimes beats the chains
Need help planning fuel-efficient routes or wondering if your car could use a fuel system cleaning? We can help with that too. Schedule a fuel efficiency inspection.
