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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our car wash, auto detailing, and oil change services. Can't find an answer? Reach us at fashionsquarecarwash@gmail.com

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Car Wash & Auto Detailing Questions

25 frequently asked questions

A car wash is the process of the exterior of a vehicle being washed thru a state of the art car washing tunnel. A car wash consists of soap, high pressure jets, wash mitters, neoprene foam combo wraps, wheel cleaner and double jet blowers. Cars go into the car wash dirty and come out clean!

A full-service car wash comes with a vacuum, car wash and is hand dried by a professional detailer while you wait.

An express car wash comes with a self-vacuum, drive-thru car wash and express dry while you sit in your car.

A car wash cleans a car thru the automated car wash process and is dried by hand with a basic interior vacuum and wipe.

A detail is a more in-depth cleaning of specific areas of the car or a complete detail cleans the whole car. A complete detail includes: exterior clay bar, orbital/polish/buff with hand wax and interior shampoo and conditioner.

A detail costs more and takes longer than a car wash but your car will be much cleaner with a detail.

All our customers have different car wash needs depending on how much they drive their car, if they have kids or dogs, if their car is black (black cars look dirtier than other colors) and everyone has different standards of cleanliness. A weekly car wash is recommended to maintain a clean car.

In order to maintain a clean car we recommend a yearly complete detail and seasonal hand wax and Interior Super Clean.

Interior Super Clean comes with a car wash, extra vacuuming, interior cleaning and interior conditioner. For dirty interiors a complete interior detail is recommended.

A complete interior detail comes with interior shampooing of seats, carpets, dash, cup holders, doors and panels. Interior conditioner is applied to non porous surfaces for a clean matte look. We don't detail headliner ceilings or computer screens because they are too delicate and damage easily.

A complete exterior detail comes with a custom hand wash, clay bar, orbital/polish/buff and hand wax. Add ceramic coating for long lasting protection and shine!

A custom hand wash uses high pressure water, soap and wash mitts to wash the car. A hand wash does not go thru the car wash tunnel and is performed in the hand wash area and dried in the detail center.

A clay bar is a special composite made to deep clean and revive car paint. Clay bar removes heavy contamination such as tree sap, bug residue, road grime, overspray, tar and oxidation.

A hand wax is a special synthetic coating made primarily of carnauba and applied by hand to the exterior of the car. Wax protects the clear coat from UV rays but doesn't last as long as ceramic coating.

Ceramic Coating is applied after a complete exterior detail instead of wax. Ceramic Coating is like a fine layer of protective glass that covers the paint, trim and windows. Ceramic Coating lasts longer than wax keeping your car shinier longer!

Yes, you can wash a ceramic coated car in the car wash. Ceramic coating makes the car easier to wash and dry!

Lava Shine is a decontaminate that flows over your entire car as you enter the car wash. Lava Shine is stronger than soap leaving your car cleaner and shinier!

Rainbow Wax is a triple foam polish that shines and protects your entire car!

RainX is a water repellant that rains over your car at the end of the car wash process. RainX is hydrophobic, repels rain water and makes it easier to dry your car!

Ceramic Seal is a ceramic based sealant that protects and shines your entire car. Ceramic Seal protects against pollutants, road grime and UV rays.

Tire dressing is a silicone protective treatment used on tires. Tire dressing keeps your tires black and shiny!

If your car still looks dirty after a car wash it may need a detailing. If the inside has dog hair, sand, stains, dirt, grime, scuffs, fading etc. we offer a complete interior detail or Interior Super Clean. If the exterior has water spots, oxidation, sap, grime, pollen, bugs, light scratches and swirls we offer a complete exterior detail with clay bar, orbital polish buff and wax or upgrade to ceramic coating.

If you are not satisfied with our service ask for the manager and we will be happy to redo any service you paid for or use the value of what you paid toward a detail.

Yes, Fashion Square Car Wash has free self vacuums for express customers. After you pay for an express car wash you can use the vacuum plaza to clean the interior of your car.

Yes, the car wash saves water compared to driveway or mobile washing. Fashion Square Car Wash is the environmentally friendly way to wash your car. All water is reclaimed, recycled, purified and reused during the car wash process; only the final rinse is freshwater. Washing your car at home uses more water and pollutes the gutter, storm drain and ocean with soaps and chemicals. Fashion Square Car Wash is a proud member of WaterSavers!

Our car wash is designed to be safe for your vehicle's glass. However, if your windshield already has a chip or crack, the pressure of the wash may cause it to spread. We recommend repairing any existing chips before bringing your car through. All damage claims must be reported before exiting car wash premises.

Our car wash uses soft foam wraps and wash mitters designed to be gentle on your paint. Light pre-existing scratches or swirl marks may become more visible after a wash reveals the true paint surface. For swirl or scratch removal, we recommend our complete exterior detail with orbital polish and buff, or an upgrade to ceramic coating.

We recommend a custom hand wash for wrapped or matte finished vehicles rather than the automated tunnel. The hand wash area allows our team to use the correct pressure and products to safely clean these specialty finishes without damage.

Car wash members enjoy unlimited monthly washes at a fixed low price, priority service, and exclusive member discounts on auto detailing, oil change and other services. Membership pays for itself after just a few washes per month. Visit our Member page to learn more and sign up!
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Oil Change Questions

20 frequently asked questions

An oil change is the process of draining the old engine oil from your vehicle and replacing it with fresh, clean oil along with a new oil filter. Regular oil changes keep your engine lubricated, reduce wear, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your engine.

Conventional oil is a standard mineral-based engine oil refined from crude oil. It is the most affordable option and is suitable for older vehicles or those with simple engine designs that don't require high-performance lubrication. Conventional oil typically needs to be changed every 3,000–5,000 miles.

High mileage oil is specially formulated for vehicles with 75,000 miles or more. It contains seal conditioners that help reduce oil leaks, along with additives to minimize wear in older engines. If your car has high mileage, this oil is highly recommended to extend engine life.

Semi-synthetic oil (also called a blend) is a mixture of conventional and synthetic oils. It offers better performance and protection than conventional oil at a lower cost than full synthetic. It's a great middle-ground option for everyday drivers looking for improved protection.

Full synthetic oil is chemically engineered for maximum engine performance and protection. It resists breakdown at high temperatures, flows better in cold weather, and lasts longer between changes (up to 7,500–10,000 miles). It is required by most modern vehicles and turbocharged engines.

The air filter prevents dust, dirt, and debris from entering your engine's air intake. A clean air filter improves fuel efficiency, engine performance, and reduces emissions. We recommend replacing your air filter every 15,000–30,000 miles or as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

The cabin air filter cleans the air that enters your vehicle through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It traps pollen, dust, and other airborne particles — keeping the air inside your car clean and healthy. Replace it every 15,000–25,000 miles.

A power steering fluid flush removes the old, contaminated fluid from your power steering system and replaces it with fresh fluid. This service keeps your steering responsive and smooth, and helps prevent damage to the power steering pump and rack.

A fuel injection service cleans the fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers of carbon buildup and deposits. This restores proper fuel spray patterns, improves engine performance, increases fuel economy, and reduces rough idling or hesitation during acceleration.

A radiator flush removes old coolant and any rust, scale, or debris from your cooling system, then refills it with fresh coolant. This keeps your engine from overheating and protects against corrosion. Recommended every 30,000 miles or every 2 years.

A transmission fluid exchange drains the old transmission fluid and replaces it with fresh fluid. This service keeps your transmission shifting smoothly, prevents overheating, and extends the life of your transmission. It is typically recommended every 30,000–60,000 miles.

Yes! Every oil change at Fashion Square Car Wash includes a complimentary express car wash. It's our way of saying thank you for choosing us for your vehicle maintenance needs.

We do not recommend it. If your vehicle's manufacturer specifies synthetic oil, using conventional oil can lead to increased wear, reduced performance, and potential engine damage — especially in turbocharged or high-performance engines. Always follow your manufacturer's recommendation.

Yes, every oil change at Fashion Square Car Wash includes a new oil filter. Replacing the filter with every oil change ensures your fresh oil stays clean and your engine is properly protected.

Most passenger vehicles take between 4 and 6 quarts of oil, while larger engines (like V8s or trucks) may take up to 8 quarts. Our technicians check your vehicle's specifications and use the correct amount for your specific make and model every time.

Yes, California state sales tax applies to the oil and parts portion of the oil change service. Labor may or may not be taxable depending on the breakdown. The final price shown at checkout includes all applicable taxes and fees.

The environment fee (also called the hazardous waste disposal fee) covers the cost of properly disposing of your used engine oil in an environmentally responsible manner. California law requires used motor oil to be recycled and not disposed of in the trash or drains.

No appointment is required — we welcome walk-ins for oil changes during regular business hours. However, booking an appointment online is recommended to minimize your wait time, especially during peak hours.

Yes! You can book an oil change appointment online through our appointments page. Booking ahead ensures a faster, more convenient experience and guarantees your preferred time slot. Book your appointment here.

Fashion Square Car Wash in Sherman Oaks is consistently rated one of the best car washes in the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles area. With a 4.4-star Google rating from over 1,246 reviews, multiple Talk Awards, and IDA certification, we're proud to be your neighborhood's go-to car wash since 1966!

Our Policies

Fashion Square Car Wash Policy

Thank you for choosing Fashion Square Car Wash to clean and maintain your vehicle. We have been servicing Sherman Oaks since 1966 — we go the extra mile to make you a lifetime customer.

Quality Policy

If you are not satisfied with the quality of our service we are happy to redo what you paid for or use the value of your purchase toward a detail. No refunds after the wash process begins. No refunds on certificates. See car wash manager for help.

Rain Check Policy

If it rains within 48 hours of your car being washed, you can return within 48 hours of the end of the rain to rewash your car. You can get an express wash if your interior is clean or get the same service you paid for.

If rains after a detail or hand wash you can return for a car wash or pay 1/2 to redo the detail or hand wash. No raincheck on a rain check, free birthday wash, or free oil change car wash.

Store Return Policy

All sales are final. If an item is in perfect condition accompanied with the receipt you may exchange it for something of equal value. See cashier for help.

Hours Policy
  • Open every day: 8AM–6PM (Mon–Sat) · 5:30PM (Sun)
  • Winter hours (Nov–Mar): 8AM–5PM
  • Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day
  • 4th of July: Half day
Weather Policy

The car wash can close during poor weather conditions for safety. Please call ahead at (818) 981-2333 or check our social media for weather-related closure announcements.

Additional Info
  • Fashion Square Car Wash is a film location for movies, TV, internet and commercials.
  • We are a proud member of WaterSavers — all wash water is reclaimed and recycled.
  • For assistance: fashionsquarecarwash@gmail.com

Liability

Fashion Square Car Wash Disclaimer

Although the car wash is very safe, please review what we are and are not responsible for below.

Car Wash is NOT Responsible For:
Valuables left in vehicles
Pre-existing damage
Non OEM factory installed parts
Damage from wear and tear
Pre-existing damaged side mirrors
Antennas that don't properly lower
Automatic windshield wipers
Chipped or cracked windshields
Oversize or low profile tires
Open windows or sunroofs
Anti-collision technology
Non-employee driving
Self-locking cars
All damage claims must be reported before exiting car wash premises.
Car Wash IS Responsible For:
Car wash equipment malfunctions
Car wash employee negligence

Pickup Truck Notice

All open pickup beds must be free of any debris prior to washing.

ADA Compliant

Fashion Square Car Wash is ADA Compliant — accessible to all customers.

Ready to Get Started?

Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help.

Call us at (818) 981-2333, email us at fashionsquarecarwash@gmail.com, or book an appointment online.

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