- Rules
- Types
- Cost
- Services
Washing your car should be an essential part of your car maintenance regime. However, DIY car cleaning can only clean it to a certain extent. There are nooks and corners your regular car cleaning tools may not reach. Sandstorms in Dubai only make the job trickier That is why a trip to car wash is essential every now and then.
This guide explains everything you need to know about car wash in Dubai.
Rules to know about car wash in Dubai
Keeping the country presentable and attractive is among the top priorities of the UAE government. To this end, car washing and maintenance laws have been made and implemented in different emirates including Dubai. This makes car wash in Dubai mandatory. Failure to comply with the rules can lead to hefty fines and in some cases deportment. You will need to take care of the following to stay within the legal limits:
1. Driving and Parking dirty cars
Driving or parking adirty car in Dubai can incur a fineof around AED 500 on the owner. The Dubai government has strict rules concerning unsightly vehicles in the cities. In addition to being an eyesore, cars in such a state can damage the image of the city and the authorities are having none of it. After the first sighting of a dirty vehicle, the owner is given a warning and a notice period within which the car must be cleaned. If caught in less than impeccable condition after the due date, they are likely to impound the vehicle.
Also, check out these cleaning tips to keep your car in impeccable condition.
2. Car Washingin Public
The law prohibits public car washes in Dubai. Public car washing in public adds to the wastewater, dust and dirt accumulating on the roads causing a financial blow to authorities that keep the city clean. There are designated car-washing spaces in Dubai. Washing cars in parks, streets, parking lots and any other public place will earn you a warning notice.
Any sighting of a public car wash in Dubai after the notice is served will result in a fine of a minimum AED 100.
The designated fine could be more than AED 100 depending on the location and the local rules. For example, EMAAR imposes a fine of AED 500 if anybody washes a car in public in their communities. Also, a car wash in the streets can call for a fine of AED 500 to as high as AED 1000. Spilling wastewater on the roads and in public is considered a foul act too. The authorities encourage the use of damp cloth or dry car wash services.
2. Car Wash Licence
This one is more relevant for businesses rather than consumers. Roadside car washes in Dubai are illegal as it affects the aesthetics of the Emirate. It is mandatory to secure a sound car wash license before indulging in any kind of vehicle cleaning.
How often should you wash your car?
Another thing car owners need to do is find an optimal car wash routine. While it is encouraged to wash your car often, too much scrubbing and waxing can deprive your vehicle of its shine and lustre. Whether you take it to a professional car washer or just give it a wash yourself, there will be considerable use of chemicals and abrasives. Therefore, washing your car regularly doesn’t mean washing it too frequently.
A general estimation is one wash every two weeks should suffice unless there are special cases such as rain and sand storms. Moreover, even if you wash the car that often, do not wax it every time. While wax keeps your vehicle shining, excessive car waxing can do the opposite too.
Automatic Car Wash vs Manual Car Wash
To get a car wash in Dubai, another thing you will have to decide is whether you want an automatic car wash or a manual one. Both are discussed below in detail for you to decide which one covers your needs better:
Automatic Car Wash
Automatic car wash in Dubai is an easy decision to make. It only requires you to visit the nearest car wash services. In 5 to 10 minutes, your car will be good to go. It is efficient, convenient and easy. Despite its advantages, an automatic car wash can be too harsh for the car’s paint. Furthermore, it uses either air-drying or hand drying. Both of these processes are likely to cause water spotting and tremendous exterior scratching.
Manual Car Wash
While technology has made the automatic car wash process an extremely advanced one, the manual car wash service takes precedence over it in some ways. Firstly, automatic car washes do not have much contact with the vehicle. Being a mechanical process, they pose a few hindrances to a more thorough car wash.
Also, a manual car wash employs a clean and high-quality microfiber cloth for drying purposes. This makes a manual car wash a more viable option for vintage cars.
The Cost of Car Wash in Dubai
Car wash cost in Dubai mainly depends on the car type, service providers and thoroughness you are looking for. A full manual car wash of an average sedan or SUV at the government approved ENOC stations costs around AED 53. For a heavy vehicle, the rate goes up to AED 100. On the other hand, auto wash at ENOCs starts at around AED 37.
The rates for other car wash service providers, however, vary tremendously across the city.
Top 3 Car Licensed Car Washing Services in Dubai
Going to a professional and licensed car wash service is crucial if you want the best results. Given below are some of the best car wash companies in Dubai for you to choose from :
1. Orange Auto
Orange Auto offers various types of washing services such as automatic wash, manual wash, steam wash. The service station is located in Al Quoz region. They have various car wash deals and packages that you can avail of.Moreover, Orange autos is also a good option for those looking for spare parts market or store.
2. Keno Car Care
They are best known for providing car wash services at any place just with a click. They have an app you can use to book them and workers will come and pick your car for a wash. They deliver it after the services at your place too. Keno Car Care is also quite affordable with rates starting from AED 40.
3. Camel Car Wash
Camel car wash also offers washing and detailing services. They provide home car wash in Dubai and bring the required equipment with them in their vehicle.
In addition to these three, several services in Dubai offer car wash at your doorstep. These include the likes of CAFU, Mobile Car Wash, MySyara, CEER and more.
This concludes our guide on car washes in Dubai. If you aren’t happy with how your car looks at the moment, a detailed car wash can do wonders for it. However, if the look is ruined due to years of use or negligence, maybe it is time to look for other options such as these used cars for sale.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more information on car maintenance, cleaning, repairing and more.
