Car-wash wars

Touchless tunnel type
Touchless tunnel washes pull your car through the wash tunnel

Expect to see more of these in the future.

Seasonal concerns
"Spring time is the most difficult time to wash your car," says Chapman. "The temperature is changing and the salt has drawn some of the oils out of the asphalt -- it ends up on the surface of your car."

To get that sticky gunk off your car, you will need some type of friction -- try the foam brush at the self-service bay.

Ecological considerations
"Run-off from car washes actually goes to sewage drainage rather than to storm," says Chapman. "Most car washes -- in order to pass local codes -- have to have a separator system to separate solids from water. It's little more caustic or corrosive than what you flush from your toilet."

All three types of washes pose roughly the same environmental concerns, but it's a good idea to find out what kinds of local bylaws control the car washes in your city.