Happy Cow Car Wash

I arrived at the car wash at 13:44 on a Sunday. I expected that I’d have trouble finding an open bay to wash my car. I was also prepared to dry my car under the sun as per another review I read that the drying area was not shaded.
At the time of my arrival, the majority of the people were using the drive-​thru car wash and one person, out of five bays, was nearly complete with his car. It was not crowded as expected, which was nice.
I was skeptical to use the card readers at the bay and the vacuum area as recent news, regarding these types of payments, were being skimmed for information. Instead of using my debit card, I used a my credit card, which I know would provide for better process and protection against identity theft. NOTE: Regardless of use with debit/​credit card, there is no touch pad to enter one’s PIN. It is my understanding that a debit card, regardless if it’s used as a credit card, is less protected than actually using a credit card. I don’t know how accurate that is, but until I can research the facts, I went with the use of my credit card based on what I heard.
In the bay area, when switching from one wash step to another, relating to the spray, it takes the system less than a minute to push out the proper chemicals for the task. At times, I had rewashed the first side I washed in order to use the proper chemical in my current setting.
Nothing went wrong during the washing process and I was satisfied. After I’ve completed my wash, I returned to the bay paying area and pushed the card reader button to stop counting the minutes. This needs to be pushed in order to stop the wash from continually charging your card. Although, I don’t know if there’s a default in which the charge stops after a few minutes of inactivity. This default’s objective is to ensure the customer’s card isn’t continually being charged after they’ve driven off and forgotten to stop the card payment.
At the vacuum area, I used the same credit card as I used in the bay area. The first swipe didn’t seem to go through; although, the machine confirmed successfully reading my card, but the vacuum didn’t start. It is suppose to start after payment is received. Since the vacuum didn’t start up, I ran my card through again and the machine started up. Later in the evening, I was double charged during my vacuum stage. The first run through of my card was, indeed, successfully accepted, but the machine didn’t start up. I don’t recall a sign indicating a process in which a refund can be completed. This procedure should be posted near areas where payment is received.
The vacuum hoses are short. This means that, after I vacuumed one side of my car, I had to pull out of the parking space and reverse in so that I can vacuum the other side of my car. I own a four door sedan.
This was my first experience at this wash. I was a monthly member of Soapy Joe’s; however, their procedures of what is allowed/​not allowed while using their towels, were not posted anywhere; however, it was expected that I knew that the procedure was in place. Another thing was their hours of operation didn’t match as to the hours of operation as claimed, on its website. Lack of communication, unrealistic expectations to comply with unknown procedures and lack of uniformity had me decide to cancel my membership.
My experiences at Soapy Joe’s correlate as to how I ended up at Happy Cow Car Wash. There isn’t a need for employees at the self-​serve and there are clear instructions — with the exception of aforementioned — and operating hours are 24 hours. The double charge isn’t a huge loss. Since this is my first time there, I expected to take in lessons learned. I do hope that refunding procedures, for credit card users, will be posted. The use of credit cards is a convenience, but I will not sacrifice a loss of funding without direction to start the refund process, if needed. I understand that glitches happen, but what I don’t understand is why guidance to correct the issue, if glitches happen, are not posted clearly for customers.
For those budget types, like myself, my total bill today was less than $ 20.00. This includes the double charge. This is based on taking the time to wash (and use all the settings at the bay — except the air dry —) and vacuum a small car.
I do plan on returning to this location and I recommend it to others to try out.

Worst car wash operation. Not sure how the actual automatic car wash is, since I paid $ 9 for my car wash, drove in, and ended up with a flat tire. I called the number that was listed for help, and there was absolutely no help offered from the owner of the car wash. When I called he knew exactly how the tire damage occurred, so it must be a problem here. No sympathy or suggestions on who to call to help repair the tire. Not even a phone call back to check on us to see if we were able to get things taken care of. I’ve never had a flat tire before, so I was at a loss on what to do, especially with my two crying kids in the car. The flat tire was probably completely my fault, but there was no direction on what to do, so I drove in and assumed that my tires needed to go on the track, like they do at the other car wash I frequent. But I guess this car wash doesn’t use the moving track method I am accustomed to. Silly me, so my left tire ended up going over the track and gashed my tire and my rim. :(
My 1 Star Review is for the poor service from the owner and lack of warning signs for possible tire damage.

Self service bays are clean and everything works perfectly. Only complaint is there is no place to dry your car that is under shade.

I have been to every self car wash in San Diego County. This one is the only one that could get the heavy grime and grease off my car. In the wash mode you get way more soap than any others. I use about the same amount of time each time and the prices are all about the same. Will hit this one anytime I am in the area.

I really like this self-​car wash. It has a 5 bays (
) one pass through automatic spot free rinse with new touch-​less automatic technology bay. (
) One of the 5 bays is also suited for RVs, and with its elevated stairs and platform on the sides makes it easy to reach the high areas. (
)
They have available shams, air fresheners, and Armor All products dispensers. (
) The instructions are easy to follow and they also have a wax setting to use during washing. I frequent this location, and have found that everything is usually in working order, trash cans are emptied, and the place is well kept.
The self washing is $ 2.25, and the automatic single pass self wash runs from $ 5 through $ 9.
Don’t forget to wash your car!