A topic of washing cars in the winter came up on the e90 forum...

has anyone converted an empty bay in their garage to a car washing station? i remember reading about a few of these setups in the past, but am seriously considering doing it now. the worst part was the plumping and water recycle system, but if anyone has done it, please share details!

 

I have a drain built in my garage floor with the floor appropriately sloped to reach it (the home was built this way, not installed later). I don't honestly know where the drain goes (probably into septic tank). Anyway, I just back the cars out and wash the car myself in the winter. Although, it can get down to 40 degrees in my garage when the outside temps are near 5 as they are now. Also, I have to run a hose from the outside of the house, because I don't have a spigot in my garage (I had one installed in my previous house for such things).

If you don't have a drain in your floor now, then your floor is probably sloped towards the overhead door, which will make an aftermarket install pretty difficult, I would guess. Good luck.

 

I actually was reading about a condo near the NJ coast that had a car wash "stall" as an option for the units with garages - complete with drains, multiple hose connections, epoxy floors, and specially painted walls/ceiling. [Water resistent I suppose]
Almost made me want to move.
My ideal retirement home = a one bedroom condo with a 4 car garage!

 

how much more was that option?

 

My attatched 2-1/2 car garage has a drain in the center and I installed a overhead gas heater after pruchase. I wash in the cold and snow all the time. I set the temp between 55-60 for about 10-15 mins and i'm all set to wash. Feels good to give the car a good hand wash in the middle of winter.!!!

 

so i guess the key is really only the drain. hrmm that shouldnt too har to do, even if it is a retrofit. Youre lucky to have it!

 

I have been using the Eco Car Care System to wash my car this winter. Works great, and no drain is necessary. Also, it's better for the environment!

http://www.ecocarcare.net/

 

That seems too good to be true. No scratches?

 

I am lucky my car was offers a monthly wash for $33, I can was up to 31 times per month , it includes exterior was and tire shine ,

 

im curious about scratches too, it just doesnt seem possible. maybe on a silver car, but black? where does all the dirt/grime etc go?
How much water ends up on the garage floor?
do you just squeege it out the door?