Exterior
Exterior car wash, done entirely by hand.
A method that protects paint rather than wearing it down, panel by panel, using the two-bucket technique.
Starting at
Starting at $100
Final price depends on vehicle size and paint condition, confirmed after assessment.
Typical duration
Usually one to two hours depending on the vehicle's condition.
Where
9250 boul. Leduc, Quartier DIX30, Brossard — by appointment
An exterior wash isn't just about making a car look clean; the method used also determines whether the paint wears down or stays protected over time. Chic Lave-Auto washes every vehicle entirely by hand, using the two-bucket method, to avoid adding new micro-scratches with every wash.
This service suits vehicles washed regularly as well as those arriving with months of salt, road grime, and buildup accumulated along Highway 30 and Route 132.
The two-bucket method
The two-bucket method uses one bucket for soapy water and a separate one for rinsing the mitt before dipping it again. This simple step prevents redepositing dirt already lifted from the paint back onto the next panel.
Combined with a quality microfibre mitt and a foam pre-wash, this method significantly reduces the risk of swirl marks — the fine circular scratches visible in sunlight on dark paint.
Why avoid automatic brush car washes
The brushes at automatic car washes are shared by hundreds of vehicles a week and carry sand, gravel, and salt residue from one car to the next. With every pass, these particles act like sandpaper on the clear coat.
This is one of the most common causes of dull haze and visible swirl circles on hoods and doors, a defect we regularly see during paint correction assessments.
Wheels, wheel wells, tar, and bugs
Wheels and wheel wells collect brake dust and road salt, two contaminants that attack the finish over time if not cleaned regularly. They're treated with dedicated products, separate from those used on the body.
Road tar and bug residue don't come off with regular soap. They're dissolved with dedicated products rather than scraped off, which avoids damaging the clear coat underneath.
- Foam pre-wash to soften dirt before any contact
- Two-bucket hand wash with a microfibre mitt
- Dedicated cleaning of wheels and wheel wells
- Removal of tar and bug residue
- Microfibre towel drying to prevent swirl marks
Swirl-free drying
Drying is often the most overlooked step of a wash, yet rough drying can create as many micro-scratches as an automatic brush. We use high-capacity microfibre towels, blotting rather than rubbing.
On vehicles already protected with a ceramic coating, this step matters even more: the goal is to preserve the finish achieved during treatment, not to wear it down prematurely.
Finish protection and post-ceramic maintenance
A quick finish protectant can be applied at the end of the wash to add gloss and make the next cleaning easier. It's not a substitute for a ceramic coating or liquid PPF, but it pairs well with regular maintenance.
For vehicles already treated with ceramic, the exterior wash becomes maintenance rather than correction: less friction, faster rinsing, and better preservation of the protective layer, provided automatic brush washes are avoided.
How it works
Step 1
Pre-wash
Rinse and foam pre-wash to soften dirt.
Step 2
Wheels and wells
Dedicated cleaning with products suited to brake dust and salt.
Step 3
Hand wash
Two-bucket method with a microfibre mitt, panel by panel.
Step 4
Spot decontamination
Removal of tar and bug residue where present.
Step 5
Drying
Microfibre towel blotting, no aggressive rubbing.
Step 6
Finishing
Quick finish protectant applied on request.
Recommended aftercare
- Avoid automatic brush car washes, the main cause of micro-scratches between visits.
- Rinse the wheels more often in winter to limit salt buildup.
- Wash the vehicle as soon as possible after prolonged exposure to salt or calcium.
- On a ceramic-coated vehicle, always favour hand washing to preserve the protective layer.
What our clients say
★★★★★
“Amazing job by Carl and his employee! Great price too, and the attention to detail is the best I ever witnessed. Back next year with both my cars. Ceramic 1 year on brand new Nissan Ariya.”
★★★★★
“Excellent service! I had concrete and milk stains baked into the doors and roof of my car and everything was perfectly cleaned. The work was done with great care, even beyond what the service included. I recommend them 100%.”
Frequently asked questions
- Why wash a car by hand instead of at an automatic car wash?
- Automatic car wash brushes are shared between many vehicles and carry sand and gravel that scratch paint. Hand washing eliminates that risk.
- What is the two-bucket method?
- It's a hand-washing technique using one bucket for soapy water and a second for rinsing the mitt, which prevents redepositing dirt onto the body.
- Are wheels cleaned with the same product as the body?
- No. Wheels and wheel wells collect brake dust and road salt, and are treated with dedicated products separate from those used on the paint.
- Does the exterior wash remove tar and bugs?
- Yes, with dedicated products that dissolve these residues rather than scraping them off, which avoids damaging the clear coat.
- How do you avoid swirl marks during drying?
- By using high-capacity microfibre towels and blotting the surface rather than rubbing it.
- Can I wash my ceramic-coated vehicle the same way?
- Yes, and it's actually recommended. Hand washing preserves the ceramic layer far better than an automatic brush wash.
- How often should the exterior be washed in winter?
- As often as reasonably possible given salt and calcium exposure on South Shore roads, ideally every two to three weeks.
Related services
Interior Car Cleaning
Fabric and leather shampooing, disinfection, and odour treatment done by hand.
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Auto Detailing
The full interior and exterior package, with prep work before any protection.
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Ceramic Coating 3-Year
A semi-permanent protective layer lasting 3 years, hydrophobic and UV-resistant.
Learn more →
Ready to protect your vehicle?
All evaluations are done on-site, by appointment, at Quartier DIX30.