How to wash your car in a self-service wash bay?
Washing your car yourself is a relaxing chore for many people. You set the pace, see the results immediately, and can give extra attention to the spots that an automatic car wash might miss. At ANAC Carwash, you can easily do this in our DIY self-service wash bays. You can find these wash bays at all locations in the Netherlands and Belgium, and they are equipped with everything you need for a shiny result. Below, you can read exactly how the wash bay works, which programs you can use, and why it becomes even smarter with an ANAC Prepaid Wash Card.
What is a self-service wash bay?
A self-service wash bay is a covered space where you can wash your car yourself using professional equipment. You have access to various programs, including high-pressure cleaning, foam brushing, rinsing, waxing, and spot-free rinsing. The big advantage is that you remain in control. Do you want to quickly rinse off dirt or give the car a thorough polish? You choose the program that suits your car and preference.
Furthermore, ANAC’s installations are safe and user-friendly. Use is always at your own risk, but of course, you know your car best. You decide how much pressure you use and which steps you skip or repeat.
Step by step: how to use the ANAC self-service wash bay
1. Start with high-pressure washing
Always start by removing coarse dirt. Use the high-pressure spray with water and shampoo to blast away sand, mud, and insect remains. Keep the nozzle about thirty centimeters from the paintwork and work from top to bottom. This prevents scratches and removes most of the dirt right away.
2. Foam brushing
Next, choose the ‘foam brushing’ program. This involves using a brush that mixes water and foam shampoo. The soft bristles clean thoroughly without damaging the paint. Work in rows from top to bottom and rinse the brush occasionally to get rid of accumulated dirt.
3. Rinsing with water
After brushing, rinse the car with clean water. This is an important step to ensure that all soap residue and loosened dirt are completely removed, which in turn is important for preventing water spots.
4. Applying pearl gloss wax
Want extra protection for your paintwork? Then choose the program with pearl gloss wax. This applies a thin layer over the paint, making it harder for water and dirt to adhere. That makes the next wash a lot easier.
5. Spot-free rinsing
Finally, use the spot-free rinse program. This water is softened, so no limescale spots are left behind. This way, your car dries streak-free, even without manual drying.
Tips for the best result
- Preferably wash the car in the shade or on a cloudy day. In full sun, shampoo dries too quickly, which can cause streaks.
- Use a microfiber cloth if you want to dry the car manually. This gives an extra shine and prevents water spots.
- Pay extra attention to the underside and the rims, especially in winter when road salt and brake dust accumulate.
Paying in the wash bay
In the wash bay, you can easily pay contactlessly, for example with your debit card or phone. Even more convenient is the ANAC Prepaid Wash Card. With it, you not only benefit from a discount but also get extra washing time in the wash bay. You top up the card via your online account and can use it at all ANAC locations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
With the wash card, you also keep an overview of your balance and washing history. Ideal if you come to wash regularly or have multiple cars within the family or business.
Washing in the wash bay: good to know
The use of the wash bays is always at your own risk. The installations are designed to be safe and user-friendly, but you decide how intensively you wash. Be especially careful with older cars or vehicles with sensitive paintwork.
Want to know when your nearest location is open? Check the location pages on the ANAC website for current opening hours and address information.
Do it yourself with professional results
A self-service wash bay is the ideal combination of freedom and professionalism. You wash it yourself, but with the convenience of professional equipment and environmentally friendly cleaning agents. Within fifteen minutes, your car will be shining like new again.
Do you choose a quick wash or a complete cleaning including wax? With the ANAC self-service wash bay, you have everything in your hands. And with the ANAC Prepaid Wash Card, it becomes even more fun, affordable, and easy. This way, washing your car yourself becomes a small reward instead of a chore.