Frequently Asked Questions

Shine-N-Seal Express Car Wash is a professionally managed, exterior express facility offering a clean, shiny and dry car in less than 5 minutes. Our cutting-edge cleaning technology allows us to quickly and safely clean your investment with your busy schedule in mind. Each vehicle which passes through our tunnel is electronically measured to the inch, to calculate the exact amount of cleaning solutions and water required to give you a clean, shiny and dry car each and every time. In addition to our enormous investment in technology, our management team has more than 50 years of combined carwash experience, and one of us is always on site to ensure you have a pleasant experience on every visit.

We have done our best to develop a list of our most frequently asked questions, as well as unbiased answers which will help you care for and protect your investment. If you have any additional questions, or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to ask!

How often should I wash my car?

Although the Bay Area is known for its temperate climate, encounters with bird droppings, insects, tree sap,
road tar and other environmental contaminates are inevitable and can quickly cause permanent damage to your vehicle’s finish if not removed as soon as possible. Major automakers recommend washing your car weekly to maintain its appearance and increase longevity.

Is a machine wash safe for my car?

Absolutely! One of the common misconceptions is that a hand wash is the safest way to clean a vehicle. While there is nothing inherently wrong with washing a car by hand, the wash mitts used during the hand wash process tend to collect girt and grime which can cause swirl marks and even deep scratches on your vehicle. Shine-N-Seal Express uses the latest brushless cleaning technology called “Neoglide”. This new material is extremely soft which allows it to safely and gently sweep away dirt and grime from your vehicle’s surface. Best of all, this new material doesn’t hold any dirt from the cars ahead of you, so there is no risk of swirling or scratching your paint!

What are these yellow spots, and why didn’t they come off?

Those pesky yellow spots that can cover your car, especially in the summer, are actually bee droppings. The most frustrating part about these spots is that they also contain bee wax, which is resistant to most carwash cleaning compounds. Although they seem to come right off with your fingernail, some cars can contains hundreds of these little spots, and there is no easy way to remove all of them at once. Our best advice is to have your car washed as soon as you notice these spots on your paint. The longer they have a chance to settle on your paint, the harder they are to remove, especially if they have been exposed to bright sunlight. If these are a constant problem where you park, we recommend joining our Unlimited Wash Club and washing your vehicle regularly.

Why is there still bird/insect residue on my car after the wash?

If your vehicle happened to be an exceptional target for these nuisances, it might be necessary to wash it a second time. If this happens, just let any one of our team members know and we will be happy to make those arrangements. Both bird droppings and insects contain chemicals which can permanently damage paint if not removed right away. There are cases where permanent etching is noticeable after a wash, and this is not correctable with a re-wash. In some cases, we may be able to polish the affected area for an additional charge, or in severe cases may require a visit to an automotive paint specialist.

Why are there still water spots on my vehicle?

Water spots are calcium deposits left behind after your vehicle comes in contact with water from sprinklers or a garden hose. If these spots are not removed before the sun comes in contact with them, they will most likely not come off during the standard wash process. If left untreated for an extended period of time, they can actually cause permanent damage to the clear coat. Fortunately, Jack’s Car Wash & Detail offers specialized services to remove these spots in a majority of cases. Just ask any one of our team members and they will be happy to provide you a quote for removal.

What is your clean car guarantee?

At Shine-N-Seal, we take pride in each and every service we perform. Whether it rains, you happen to hit a puddle on the way home, or notice an area in need of extra attention, we will be happy to rewash your vehicle at no charge within 48 hours of your first service.

Is it safe to wash my Tesla at your car wash?

Absolutely! We wash dozens of Tesla’s each and every day and all of our team members are trained on the various nuances of operating and cleaning all Tesla Models.

Are you able to wash convertibles?

Yes! Our wash equipment is completely safe for all types of convertible tops. If your car is ok to drive on a rainy day, it will be just fine through the car wash.

Do you accept credit cards?

Shine-N-Seal Express accepts all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.