Car Wash in Santa Barbara, CA

“I have used Sunshine Auto Spa in the past but never wrote a review. Since I recently had two cars serviced here, I thought I’d write a multi-part review about my experience.

I had two cars treated with ceramic coating. One is a brand new Audi Q3, the other is a 2018 BMW 4-series. For both vehicles, I chose the Ceramic Pro two-year warranty (a.k.a. bronze package) option. Both vehicles also had minor paint correction done before the coatings were applied. The BMW also received a “mini interior detailing“.

Overall, the service was good. Both vehicles came out very shiny and clean, inside and out. Each vehicle took one full day to complete. The exteriors definitely have that “wet” look that I was hoping for. And, since both vehicles have metallic paint this made them look even better. There is definitely some hydrophobic qualities about the coatings such that water tends to bead and roll off the surfaces easily. This also helps them stay cleaner looking by allowing dust to also release more easily.

For the mini interior detailing on the BMW, all the surfaces were clean and conditioned without any greasy residue. I wasn’t a huge fan of how the conditioner smelled but it did dissipate over the next couple of days. A vehicle air freshener covered it up easily until it was gone. They did a good job of removing dust and debris from cracks and crevices on the doors, dash, and center console.

Ceramic coatings look good and are supposed to be fairly durable. Since this was just done I can’t really comment on how it will wear over time. I intend to come back to this review several months from now to report any changes or issues that might have come up. I realize that ceramic coatings are not bulletproof but my hope is it will be durable enough to prevent minor blemishes and help keep the car looking clean and shiny for quite some time.”

“Oscar and his team did a beautiful job on my 2005 Sequoia—it looks so gorgeous! They are very helpful and responsive. Call them now—you won’t be disappointed!”

“My car was filthy and caked in a months worth of dirt but this team whipped it into shape in no time! My car came away sparkling both inside and out. Be aware, you stay in the car during the hand washing portion and step out during the interior vacuuming portion. Highly reccomend if you want a easy, speedy, quality car wash!”

“Best self service car wash in SB. My routine: start with high pressure soap including on wheels/tires, rinse with high pressure wax, finish with spot free rinse all over. You can do this in 4 mins for $3 which gets all but the micro dirt off.

Then pull forward into the vacuum spots and wipe down the entire car with one or two large microfiber towels. Start with windows (get bone dry), then work on cleaner painted areas up high, finish with dirty areas down low. Move to different parts of the towel as needed. Takes 5-10 mins.

The key to this is it allows you to avoid the dreaded scrubbing brush that (in every car wash) will scrape your paint. Despite the signs that tell customers not to do it, I regularly see people scrub their wheels and tires with the brushes. If you're going to use the brush, at least power wash it first with high pressure soap.”

“Johnny is the bestest! Always respectful, aware, and super detail oriented in his skill and craft. My car feels like a brand new car out of the dealer with the new car scent. Very pleased with the service and highly recommend.”

“Amazing service! Diego he said his name was greeted me with a smile and did my windshields that once were dirty are now spotless and filled my windshield whiper fluid up! Gave him a generous tip and he filled my gas up for me without me stepping out of my car since a month before I had a knee surgery. Thoughtful staff and such a well kept place definitely not your average gas station.”

“Excellent customer service. Claudia and the other super pretty girl are so polite and nice. Also there are a couple nice young gents. Everyone is polite and attentive. The car wash is a good deal too. But the self serve fresh ground coffee with refillable mug is a $1. Get the mug. Best cheap coffee in California. Only thing I would improve: Better fresh cream options (bagged milk dispenser maybe)? and if the car washes were $1-2 less I would get them more often. I like their build a 6 pack selection.”

“(Translated by Google) The best service in Santa Barbara my car was like new(Original)El mejor cervicio en santa barbara mi carro qued9 como nuevoServices: Polishing”

“I lived next door many years ago. Same owners. I do not agree with “overpriced” they deliver a high level of service in a busy neighborhood. I guarantee it’s not where homeless are parked at the door guilting you. And if you cannot afford the nuts at the “convenience” store. You are missing the obvious 4businesses across the street that offer an abundant selection of all foods. I will continue to appreciate this station and its abundance of convenient items because as a former neighbor and professional driver I can tell you they are “unwavering” go there or plan accordingly. 1 block from Yacht club. Enjoy.”

“I am surprised that this place has any bad reviews at all! Those reviews seem old, like years old. Anyway that made me want to post a review. Car wash is amazing. Staff is so nice and attentive. Great place to gas up, use the restroom and get fancy snacks. I’ll drive a bit extra to get gas and wash my car here. Thank you!”

“Management of this car wash reached out to me rapidly and gave me a full refund by check. I sincerely appreciate the way this was handled and wanted to update the review accordingly.”

“I love my 1986 Buick regal with I wash and clean every day my morning or night visits always at self service car wash because they make me feel comfortable and always ready to use equipment clean and works well”

“I love this car wash. They are honest. I love Spencer, Chester, Rob, Jimmy, eric, and all
The guys that do an excellent job. I used to work here a decade ago and today I took my car in for an interior detail and shampoo and my daughters car seat! The detailer was amazing. The gas price was great as usual and the car seat smells as good as new! I can’t be grateful enough to support such a wonderful family owned business. Thanks for all you do and for being a staple all these years. Best, h.”

“I am greeted by all the staff as if I was family. I really like that and appreciate it.

There’s a little shop inside that has tons of things at reasonable prices.

If you’re late on getting a birthday gift or holiday present for someone it’s a real save.
They have a free coffee machine with hot chocolate, which I never fail to get even in the summer, and ice cream choices, galore, and other snacks, chips, and beverages. They have a big TV and seating area inside and outside there are tables and chairs. It’s a nice place to visit even if you don’t need your car washed! Like a corner store.

A lot of people go to the Cajun kitchen next-door while their car is getting done and the employees park the car on the side when they’re done so you don’t have to rush back, that is a real plus.

Now, as far as the car wash itself is concerned, every time I pick up my car, it looks brand new inside and out.

I used to go to the car wash at the gas station and I thought I was getting a good deal but when I added up how often I was doing that it was cheaper to buy a membership at Santa Barbara Hand Car Wash and I can go anytime I want to and as often as I want to. You can’t beat that.”