Elephant Car Wash
Car wash · Burien ·

Elephant Car Wash

Car wash · Burien ·

Automated car washes with self-serve vacuums and exterior washes

Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null
Elephant Car Wash by null

Information

13855 1st Ave S, Burien, WA 98168, USA Get directions

Information

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13855 1st Ave S, Burien, WA 98168, USA Get directions

+1 206 433 7883
elephantcarwash.com
@officialelephantcarwash
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@washelephant

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Last updated

Dec 12, 2025

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Seattle’s Most Iconic Restaurant Signs | Eater Seattle

"Losing its neon presence on Battery Street in South Lake Union is still disappointing for locals; the downtown location of Elephant Car Wash—whose classic pink sign is said to be one of the most photographed landmarks in Seattle—had a demolition permit issued, though the good news is the sign looks likely to be moved to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)." - Gabe Guarente

https://seattle.eater.com/2020/10/8/21508230/most-iconic-restaurant-signs-in-seattle
Elephant Car Wash

Analupe K.

Google
Joined the Elephant Car Wash fam today. I mean why travel all the way to Renton when it’s literally down the street from me. Also, my STormy looks spiffy after the wash. Love it

Lance M.

Google
This is my choice for car wash in Seattle area. I have the subscription so a flat fee per month less than 25 dollars. I got 2024 Toyota new and wanted to keep it nice. They do a great job.

Troy T.

Google
This is a staple in the Burien community for years and it has always been affordable, clean and well run. The staff are always friendly and have a smile. It is easy to get in and out, the quality of the wash in 100% excellent. The membership is well worth the money if you want to keep you ride clean and looking good!

Linda Lloyd M.

Google
Special attention to the bugs..... all ways the badge of a great roadtrip. Car was glistening on my exit because of the care taken before I entered. My grandson LOVES to ride through the car wash. Thanks guys.

Scott W.

Google
wonderful job pre-washing my beater that’s been sitting for the winter. this was covered in big black patches of pine sap. looks pretty good for 25 yo.

Lisa S.

Google
I love this car wash! It’s quick, easy and they do a terrific job. I have to park my car outside so it really was a no-brainer when I chose the monthly membership. The Burien team is awesome! I enjoy knowing my car is always clean :) Check them out!

Brian Huie - Seattle R.

Google
This location always has a crew of 2, is welcoming, and leaves my picky self satisfied. Well, except for the drying but no one beats Costco’s tunnel at that. They start off with a pole brush scrub of front window and back window + bumper then a power wash of front wheels/wheel wells, then tunnel has brush’s and swinging strips. The best south of Seattle’s SODO Costco until Federal Way.

Tyler D.

Google
Always does a pretty good job. It is a full contact car Wash for those of you that like touchless only. The one-time my car was extra dirty and it didn't get everything. I just talked to one of the guys and they ran me through again. Complimentary. No complaints, the job and customer service seems to be decent.
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Michelle B.

Yelp
Had a coupon for a Free Car Wash so I went to the Burien location, the Coupon only offered 2 locations. As I pulled in I was slightly confused in which way to drive to pay to produce my Coupon number. The gentleman showed me which way to go. They need better signs to direct the Custoner but other than that it was easy peasy. They didn't really pre wash around my car like the other Car Washes I have patronized and this location isn't really that Big, but it did wash my car nicely. I didn't use any other services like the vacuum cleaner or drying stations but I was satisfied for the most part. The value of my Services were very satisfactory.
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Yin K.

Yelp
Came here on a Wednesday 5:30pm and boy, it was a long wait! I was stuck at the payment gate where there was about 10 cars waiting to their cars washed. There are two employees right before the carwash tunnel scrubbing and hosing down the front/back lower end of the car. The car wash itself is fairly quick, does decent job but there are still areas that's not getting cleaned. Would be great if the vacuum is included but you need to pay separately.

Shel G.

Yelp
Cars still dirty after 18 bucks, which is extremely frustrating. And the attendants are behind a pay line so you can't complain.
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Jenny N.

Yelp
Simple drive through wash! It was my first time so make sure you come through the main entrance. There were two payment machines that lead you to the wash. An attendant came up to my car to ask if I needed any help and offered a car freshener. Washed my car thoroughly and they had a few vacuum stations to pay by card.
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Brian H.

Yelp
This location always has a crew of 2, is welcoming, and leaves my picky self satisfied. Well, except for the drying but no one beats Costco's tunnel at that. They start off with a pole brush scrub of front window and back window + bumper then a power wash of front wheels/wheel wells, then tunnel has brush's and swinging strips. The best south of Seattle's SODO Costco until Federal Way. The rest of the washes in the area are part of gas stations and don't clean as well. For the price and my random motivation to have my car washed, I'm glad this is here!

Barbara M.

Yelp
WOW. I've been coming to this Elephant Car Wash location since they've been open. Yes I am that old. We just went through today not 20 minutes ago and I have to say it was the absolute worst. It wasn't the usual fellow operating and guiding us in. This fellow looked like he couldn't be bothered to be there. The right side of the car was barely sprayed and the left side wasn't sprayed at all, nothing. The brush was used for part of the windshield, hood and the grill. Well below the normal service.

Caroline C.

Yelp
simple, very helpful, and quick! thank you so much! I'll be coming back in the future.

Mitch B.

Yelp
They put a dent in the side of my truck and then denied it. Doesn't even clean the whole truck leaving brush marks. The people that work there were trying to be rude but I'm not the kind of person to be rude to. Still thinking about taking them to small claims. Go to brown bear in Des Moines. Much better facility.

Alyssa W.

Yelp
$10 to use the vacuum.. and then $10+ more depending on the wash you choose. Not worth it.
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Angelica N.

Yelp
Horrible experience. Was denied service for asking a question. It's laughable that this is customer service. This worker acted like I cussed at her when I was just asking a question about their credit card machine because it seemed to not be working. Such a confusing interaction. This worker came in hot for no reason immediately. Maybe she had a bad day? No need to be so unkind and aggressive to others. It's not that serious. I was just asking a question.

Eugene D.

Yelp
They were very, very helpful, very, very courteous with excellent customer service! My car looks great! Thankyou very much!
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Tim D.

Yelp
They've gone downhill. Don't expect your car to actually get fully cleaned. It missed a bunch of spots that I had to go clean myself after the fact. They weren't hard to clean off either. They stopped the hand drying at some point and have placed a tip bucket at the front of the line. It used to be a much better experience. I'm pretty sure these missed spots would've been caught by the hand-dryers. So it's not worth the $18 I spent. I'll go back to washing it myself. It's depressing, to be honest.

Rosalinda H.

Yelp
En este lugar la propietaria es una grosera,altanera y rasista. Esclaviza a sus empleados y los trata mal, cree q por ser el único lavado de auto en burien puede tratarlo a uno mal, ella misma me atendió y me golpeó la ventana duro por q no me movi rápido, había mucha gente y no le entendi lo q me decia pero eso NO es para q sea grosera y me grite. Muy mal
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Natalie G.

Yelp
Last time I came here I was disappointed since they stopped the towel drying service. At least have towels available for me to dry off my vehicle. I'm glad they are still open though since it's an easy place for me to stop. They did lower their prices since they weren't offering the towel drying service anymore. I'm still giving them 4 stars since they are trying to stay open during the pandemic, and doing the best that they can. They are at least spraying down your vehicle before you enter the wash which really helps get it cleaner!
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Jala D.

Yelp
Wash was great, but the customer service was terrible. The young lady with the curly hair was extremely rude. I was having trouble fitting my car into a space between the cones and she criticized me. I was doing my best. The comment she made was unnecessary and my experience would've been a 10/10 otherwise.

Sheka B.

Yelp
I just want to thank Keone and Alex for being so friendly and making sure my car got the extra care it needed from coming off of an 8-hour road trip. I really appreciate you two and will definitely be back.

Crystal P.

Yelp
Payed for their most expensive car wash, car was still so dirty after. worst car wash ever. chipped my fucking paint. broke my antenna. if you give a shit about your car don't go here.

S H.

Yelp
I went to get a wash, and I didn't even pick the cheapest service. When I got home, I found the back of the car was still completely grimy and they no longer towel off the water once you get through the machine, so there were water spots all over the windows, I will look for another car wash despite this one being the most convenient to my location.
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Andrea M.

Yelp
Just drove past us and thought I would try it but couldn't believe they're the best clean wash and wax was $18 anywhere else it's 15 then they wanted an additional three dollars to use a towel thank God I carry my own microfiber rags what a joke I won't be back their customer service is crazy I can do is laugh when I pulled out my own rags

Wayne P.

Yelp
Unprofessional, lady and young men that spray the cars very hostile towards the customers. I have-going to this car wash for over 20+ years. today I was observing a pick up truck being washed. The young lady and the young man were being extremely rude to the people inside the pick up and loud , obnoxious behavior towards the customer and passenger of the pick up truck. I sat and watch them belittle the customers.
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Dave S.

Yelp
I received an Elephant Super Car Wash coupon in the mail at my house in Tukwila, Wash. I went to the Burien location, where the coupon was from. I entered the 4-digit coupon discount number on the kiosk, but it wasn't accepted. Nothing happened! I motioned to an employee, who came over and told me that my coupon wasn't being accepted because it contained 4-digit input numbers, but the machine only accepts 5-digit numbers. When I explained that the coupon was mass-mailed with 4-digit numbers, he said I was out of luck. When I asked him to credit me with some kind of discount because I had driven from Tukwila and any misprint wasn't my fault, he smirked and again informed me I was out of luck. The iconic Elephant near Denny Park is closed, so we're stuck with the less professional franchise holders. Customers should boycott this business. Let them see how it feels to be out of luck.
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Nicole Y.

Yelp
It's Burien and while one might assume because it's Burien, this car wash will not be as nice as the Elephant Car wash in seattle, they would be highly mistaken. Not only is this elephant car wash cheaper than the average equivalent in seattle, but unlike other competitors such as Big Bear, they actually have employees that dry your car off as you exit, as opposed to just providing towels for you to do it yourself. This was a huge plus to me. Also, the staff was friendly and there was no line. This will be my new stop when I'm in the area!
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Kyle B.

Yelp
Took my suv here yesterday and it couldn't have been a worse experience. First off, the back of my suv looked like it didn't even get touched. Second, there was damage left on the back. The damage was not there prior to going through the car wash. I didn't notice until I got home, unfortunately.

Anna L.

Yelp
My first time going to Burien Elephant or any Elephant car wash. I am so impotent in getting into the stall and set the car in neutral. The manager/ attendant Keone was so helpful and patient with me. My car was washed well for a basic $11 service, which includes pre-wash by hand. So much better than 76 Gas Station car wash hereby in Burien.
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Mallory M.

Yelp
Seriously stay away from this car wash! The first time last year I bought their month unlimited car wash package and was double charged 2 months in a row. I literally had to get a new debit card to prevent further charges to my account. A few months ago I had another customer come banging on my window verbally harassing/threatening me because I used the second of the two lanes? Crazy! I contacted the manager on duty via phone before I even proceeded and explained to him that I was threatned and felt unsafe... he proceeded to laugh and tell me he could do nothing. I immediately called corporate and left a voicemail. Nobody ever called me back. Horrible overpriced car washes. Beware.

Terry H.

Yelp
I thought I would try to give my business to a local shop as I usually get mine washed up where i work. What a waste of time and money. I rarely write reviews and if I do they are for good service. After leaving here I stewed all the way home. First, the lot is filthy. Then you do an automated pay where the best is $18 plus extras. Then after leaving that is LARGE jar for tips. Tips? for what? They wave you in with not a smile or how do you do and then the wash cycle is no better than my lawn sprinkler. And the best part, they don't wipe anything down! Leaving the tunnel you might as well be in Death Valley. No one around. For $9.00 I get a great wash, wheels scrubbed and a complete wipe down by a human being up in Lynnwood. I drove away with water dripping all over and now have spotted glass and paint. Can't believe this used be an icon in Seattle. Has gone down hill fast. Never again
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Christifer B.

Yelp
Brought my truck up to the national forest and got it muddy/dirty. Went through the wash and looked like new. The guys gave it a good spray before I went into the bay and even got the wheel wells. Some drip marks but that would have been taken care of with hand drying, that service is unavailable due to Covid.
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Dave H.

Yelp
on or about April 16, 2019 my daughter paid Elephant car wash to wash her car. We had just returned from vacation and she was so happy to see her brand-new car when she got back. The vehicle had just over 1,000 miles on it the car was so new that the hood had not ever been opened. She took it to be washed. Shortly after leaving the car wash she noticed a deep scratch on her hood that was not there before the car wash. She came to me and we went down to the car was to file a claim for the Damage. The gentleman working at the time said "we didn't do that" but filled out a form for his boss. They told us they would get back to us in a day or two. Since then we have called many times and either get a voicemail system and leave a message or get someone who said the boss is not in and they will call me by the next day. It now has been three weeks and no phone call, no information and nothing from there insurance company. At this point I do not think that they even filed a claim with the insurance company and they refuse to give me their insurance information for me to file a claim myself. The Scratch could probable be fixed for just a hundred or two which is probably less than there insurance deductible would be. This company acted (or did nothing) in bad faith and should not treat their customers complaints as if they do not exist. at the very least they should show some empathy and provide their insurance information, so the insurance company can sort it out.

Christopher C.

Yelp
Do not recommend. The flaps that they use to wash the car caused scratches on my hood. I know for a fact that the scratches weren't there before because I did a walk around before leaving my house.
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Tiffany S.

Yelp
Not as long lines as Brown Bear Car Wash and I love that they towel dry your car at the end. It's a nice little treasure when you go to Burien to be able to get your car washed without having to stand in line for 30+ minutes.

Nina S.

Yelp
I come to elephant car wash from lake forest. I love the service and they do a wonderful job cleaning the interior of the car. my favorite car wash!!
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Daren D.

Yelp
Located just north of the Fred Meyer down the street, this is a pretty solid car wash I used last weekend. When you want to join the line, make sure you enter on the north/back side. The south/front-ish entrance is somewhat tight and only a compact car could squeeze through the space of line entry. If no line, then this way is fine. If you're in line, you have to turn sharp or back up at least once before you can line up with the ground rails (compact sedan FTW). You have 4 types, I think, and I got the Silver Wash. It was about $13 (not sure the discrepancy in value on the site) and a good value for the product with non-electric drying (hand dry). The whip is still sporting a good shine. =) Also, I saw some car care dispensers. If the vacuum machine is jammed, ask help for it; usually a small jam. Staff is good as were the hand dryers. I do prefer the big blowers, though, because they're more even and manage to push out the soapy water behind the mirror units.
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Ann W.

Yelp
The car wash needs a wheel brush to pre clean the tires prior to entering the car wash. Staff pre-sprays your tires but that's it. My wheels were filthy. I had to clean the jeep rims and tires when I got home. Hand drying was a nice touch and worth the extra couple dollars spent going here instead of a regular gas station car wash. Bit confusing to get into the car was and having to turn around to get into line. They almost need in/out signs. Impressed with the employees. They all were very professional and friendly.
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Christy D.

Yelp
I love this car wash!! They pre-wash my car and it is always completely clean!! Thank you guys, appreciate you!!
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Jencen R.

Yelp
I came in the other day to get my car washed, and discovered that the line was at least 20 cars long for the automatic car wash. Sunny day in Seattle and everyone wants a clean car! There is a really big loop behind the car wash that you can't see from the road so the wait can be long. This car was doesn't have automatic dryers, but the workers give you a brief towel dry on your way out. The cars look like they got a thorough cleaning overall. I was impatient and didn't want to wait in the line. I drove a few minutes to a different car wash that is coin operated and that ended up costing me about $7 in quarters. I didn't check pricing, but I probably would have saved money had I just waited through the line. Plus I would have gotten to enjoy the automatic wash. I want to add that the $1 vacuums work great at this place. I've come in just to vacuum my car on several occasions and the vacuums are always available and thorough.
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Anne B.

Yelp
I purchased the most expensive wash- Platinum wash. Paid extra for tire treatment, less than 24 hours later and the treatment is half faded away from my tires leaving them blotchy looking. When I got home from the car wash, I found black greasy dirt smeared on the side of one of my doors, impossible to miss if paying any attention at all. Definitely going somewhere else next time.
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Frank F.

Yelp
This guy started hand washing the rims then moving to the car! Makin it VERY easy to scratch the paint! COMMON SENSE! Hello! NEVER GOIN BACK HERE AGAIN! CARELESS!!!!

Joseph S.

Yelp
Winter has made a mess of my SUV. This car wash has always treated me right. People working here have to deal with the elements everyday, but they are always helpful and friendly. During the winter a basic car wash highly recommended.
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Garth B.

Yelp
First time at a car wash but I bought the second most expensive one and my car is still dirty lol... Thin layer of dust on front and back and over my hood. Won't be back to this one.
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Peter S.

Yelp
The worst $25 I spent on a car wash. The poor guys don't even have enough time to dry the car properly which is a very important part of the finish. Set up is terrible and I wouldn't pay more than a basic next time. If there is a next time.

Lucky F.

Yelp
Go anywhere but here unless you want aggressive and rude employees. would not recommend. One of the employees here has an anger problem that needs to be addressed. He was yelling at us.

Bill M.

Yelp
Brand new 2017 Toyota Camry XSE July 7 went thru Elephant Car Wash in Burien. Immediately after went to Fred Meyer 2 blocks away. Got out to inspect wash and saw scratches all over hood. Took car back to car wash and submitted claim and employee took pictures and said they would call me. Never got a call. July 27 called car wash and said I had not heard from them yet about claim that was submitted. The manager said the owner would be in shortly and she would call me within an hour. Never got a call. July 28 called car wash and owner answered. She said she never was told anything and never saw claim but would check and call me back. She called back within the hour and said employee didn't have pictures on phone anymore and I would have to bring the car in for her to look at. . July 29 took the car in for owner to look at and she said the scratches were not caused by them and blamed the dealer for covering up scratches with wax that came off when it went through the car wash. That's funny, this is the 3rd time the car has been through their car wash so obviously that's not the problem. So the employee, manager and owner are all cut from the same cloth, dishonest. But it starts at the top. Next step is to have lawyer file claim against Elephant Car Wash in Burien.
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Michael W.

Yelp
Don't expect too much for your 20 bucks. Bunch of slackers doing a half assed job drying etc. After the drive from LA anything was an improvement.

Melinda S.

Yelp
I go here every now and then. My car ends up looking pretty good, but there's always some dirt/grime left in the rims. Anyways, there was an amazing coupon for the "Super Elephant Wash," valued at $27.96, for only $13.99!! I usually only wash my car when nagged by my parents, but this deal was so good I had to go. Unfortunately, I was busy for most of December, and made time to go today, the 31st... when the coupon expires. "Open 7 days!" was advertised on the coupon, I called (with no answer), then checked yelp which listed the hours as 8am-6pm daily, and proceeded to make my way down there. I arrive... emptiness. The entrance/exit to the car wash was blocked with doors, and there were no people in sight. I know nobody wants to wash some poor soul's cars on New Years eve, especially in this weather, but I hate false advertising! It wouldn't have been a problem if there was some automated messaged when I called, saying "Hey... we'll be closed on NYE, we'd like to enjoy the day," but there was nothing. Some communication please! Well, my coupon has expired and I probably won't be washing my car for some time! Boo :-(

Kathrine U.

Yelp
I went to this car wash after it'd been 20 years since I'd been to one. I had nothing but good service from the man up front (possibly the owner) who was patient as I put my credit card into the machine--then found out it went into a new scanner that I couldn't see at first. Then it was time to get my car wheel lined up with the auto lane 'thing' and drive through. Again, the attendant there was patient as I took a few minutes to get the car straight. Next thing you know, the car was sailing through, came out shiny and clean and with the guys polishing the windows, I was all set to go. Will definitely be back to this business as they did a good job of cleaning for the basic $10. Thanks guys for the good work.

Kelly H.

Yelp
WORST PLACE TO GO EVER! Not only did I pay for the second most expensive car wash and my car was still dirty, they left a huge 4inch long scratch, deep scratch in my brand new car! Had it since the end of December, not even 3 thousand miles on it. Nothings getting resolved and I feel the owner is deliberately ignoring us. We've filed a claim and they have been dodging since the start of April. Called dozens of times and no response. I'm very frustrated with this place and would never recommend it. The owner looked at it and said "we didn't do that" with no other response but that was the only place I went to and she didn't seem to care.
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Kristina B.

Yelp
I just bought a new car so I wanted a more personalized service. I paid for the platinum wash I got home and there was still soap on the back of my car and the wheels were still dirty. I'll go back to Costco. At least my wheels come out shiny.
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Cheryl C.

Yelp
I think these guys are great. Extra care is given with my bumper and windshield, getting all the bugs off. I go 2-3 times a week with my company tour vehicle, and it always comes out clean and shiny. Thanks guys.
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D. B.

Yelp
I brought my filthy SUV in. I had no clue my antenna unscrewed for easy removal. The gentleman at the beginning of the wash removed it. At the end, there were a couple guys waiting to dry my car off and put the antenna back on. All employees were exceptionally courteous and hard working. Great prices AND my SUV looks amazing. Good bye Brown Bear Carwashes!