Most car washes today are “Express Tunnels”—you ride through, get a vacuum, and do the rest yourself. Prime Car Wash is different.
Positioning itself as a “Flex-Service” wash, Prime brings back the old-school luxury of Full Service cleaning (they clean the inside for you) but with the speed of a modern tunnel.
Whether you are in Indiana or Florida, if you want your dashboard wiped and carpets vacuumed without booking a $200 detailer, Prime is the go-to option. But is the **$70 “Elite” wash** really worth it?
This guide breaks down Prime Car Wash prices for 2026, explains the difference between their “Exterior” and “360 Service,” and reviews their membership value.
1. Prime Car Wash Prices 2026 (Single Wash)
Prime’s menu is split into two categories: Exterior Only (you stay in the car) and Full Service (you wait in the lounge while they clean inside).
Exterior Only (Ride-Thru)
Full Service (Interior + Exterior)
Also known as the “360 Wash”. Includes vacuuming, window cleaning, and dash wipe-down.
Note: Full Service typically takes 15-25 minutes after the car exits the tunnel.
2. Prime Memberships: The “360” Value
If you like a clean interior, the membership is a massive money saver. One single “Elite 360” visit is $70, but the monthly pass is often around $80.
Exterior Memberships: Start at $29.99/mo.
Full Service (360) Memberships: Start at $59.99/mo.
The “Coffee Bar” Perk: Prime locations typically feature a comfortable indoor lounge with free coffee and Wi-Fi, making the wait time productive—a huge advantage over Take 5 where you sit in the parking lot.
3. Prime Car Wash vs. Professional Detailing
This is the most common confusion.
Prime Car Wash ($60): This is a maintenance clean. They vacuum visible crumbs and wipe dust. They do not shampoo carpets or remove pet hair (unless you pay extra).
Professional Detailer ($200+): Deep cleaning, stain removal, and Odor Removal.
Verdict: Use Prime for weekly maintenance. Use a pro detailer once a year for deep restoration.
4. Extra Charges (The Fine Print)
Because interior cleaning is labor-intensive, Prime has strict upcharges for dirty vehicles.
SUV / Truck Upcharge: Usually +$2 to $5 due to size.
Pet Hair Fee: $20 – $40. If your car is covered in dog hair, the standard “360 Wash” will not cover it. You must add the pet hair service.
Mat Shampoo: Often an extra $5 per mat unless you get the Elite package.
5. How to Cancel Prime Car Wash Membership
Prime Car Wash is relatively transparent with cancellations compared to the industry average.
Steps to Cancel:
Visit the Prime Car Wash Website.
Navigate to the “Members” tab.
Fill out the Cancellation Request Form.
Timing: You must submit the request 7 days before your billing cycle.
Freeze Option: Going to Florida for the winter? You can “Freeze” your membership for a small fee (usually $5/mo) instead of cancelling, locking in your current rate.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I tip at Prime Car Wash? A: Yes. For “Exterior Only” washes, tipping is not expected. However, for Full Service (360) washes, a team of people is hand-cleaning your interior. A tip of $5 – $10 is standard and appreciated.
Q: Does Prime use touchless technology? A: No. Prime uses soft-cloth friction tunnels. While modern and safe, it is not touchless.
Q: Can I upgrade a single wash to Full Service? A: Yes. If you have an “Exterior Membership,” you can usually pay a $20 – $25 upcharge on the spot to get the interior done for that specific visit.
Conclusion
Prime Car Wash fills a vital gap in the market. It’s perfect for the driver who is too busy to DIY vacuum but doesn’t want to schedule a 4-hour detail.
If you value a dust-free dashboard and clean windows, the Elite 360 Membership is arguably the best “convenience value” in the car wash industry right now.
