Does Take 5 Car Wash Wash the Undercarriage?

Yes—many Take 5 Car Wash locations offer an undercarriage (underbody) rinse or flush, typically included in mid- to top-tier wash packages or available as an add-on. However, availability and naming can vary by location and weather conditions, so it’s best to check your local site’s wash menu or ask an attendant. This article explains how the feature works, how to confirm it’s offered at your nearest location, and when it’s most beneficial.

What Take 5 Typically Offers

Take 5 operates express tunnel car washes, and a number of sites are equipped with underbody jets positioned at the tunnel entrance to spray the vehicle’s underside. This service is commonly labeled “Undercarriage,” “Underbody Wash,” or “Underbody Flush.” It’s often bundled in higher-tier packages and may not be included in the most basic wash. Because Take 5 incorporates locations acquired from different regional brands, the exact wash lineup can differ city to city.

How to Confirm Undercarriage Wash at Your Location

Because offerings can vary, it’s smart to verify whether your nearest Take 5 Car Wash includes an undercarriage feature before you go. The steps below show the quickest ways to check and what to look for.

• Use the Take 5 Car Wash store locator and open your location’s page to view the posted wash menu and feature list.
• Look for terms like “Undercarriage,” “Underbody Wash,” or “Underbody Flush” on the menu boards or digital signage on-site.
• Ask an attendant which packages include the undercarriage service and whether it’s available as an add-on.
• Call the location in advance during busy seasons (e.g., winter) to confirm availability, as sites in freezing conditions may temporarily suspend underbody jets.
• If you’re a member of the unlimited wash club, confirm whether your plan tier includes the undercarriage feature.

These quick checks will clarify whether the feature is available at your specific site and which purchase option includes it.

Why an Undercarriage Wash Matters

Rinsing the vehicle’s underside can prevent a range of long-term issues, especially if you drive in regions with road salt, coastal air, or unpaved roads. The benefits below explain why the feature is worth considering.

• Removes road salt and de-icing chemicals that accelerate corrosion on frames, brake lines, and suspension components.
• Flushes away mud and grime that retain moisture and promote rust.
• Helps maintain heat shields, exhaust components, and underbody panels by reducing buildup.
• Supports resale value by limiting visible underbody rust and oxidation.
• Generally safe for modern EVs and hybrids, whose battery packs and high-voltage components are sealed; check your owner’s manual for any specific cautions.

Used regularly—especially during and after winter—an undercarriage wash can extend the lifespan of exposed parts and keep the underside cleaner between service intervals.

Limitations and Caveats

While useful, undercarriage washes have practical limits and situational constraints. Keep the following in mind to avoid surprises.

• Not all Take 5 tunnels have underbody jets, and inclusion depends on the package tier purchased.
• Sites in freezing weather may disable undercarriage sprays temporarily to prevent icing at the entrance.
• Very low vehicles, loose underbody panels, or aftermarket aero kits may not be advisable for underbody sprays—ask staff if unsure.
• Heavy caked-on mud or clay may require a preliminary DIY hose-off; tunnel sprays are flushing rinses, not pressure-washing wands.
• Older vehicles with advanced rust can shed flakes; a stronger flush could dislodge weak material—inspect periodically.
• Humming or whooshing sounds from jets when you enter the tunnel are normal during underbody operation.

Understanding these boundaries will help you select the right package and avoid issues tied to weather, vehicle condition, or equipment limitations.

Typical Cost and Packages

Pricing and inclusions vary by market, but undercarriage wash is usually bundled with mid-range or premium packages. As a rough guide, single-wash options that include an underbody rinse often fall in the mid-teens to mid-$20s, while unlimited monthly plans that include it tend to sit in higher tiers of a location’s membership lineup. Because promos and regional differences are common, check your local menu for exact pricing and which tiers include the feature.

Tips to Get the Most from an Undercarriage Wash

To maximize protection and cleanliness, timing and basic preparation matter. The steps below can improve results and help you avoid wasted trips.

1. Choose a package tier that specifically lists “Undercarriage/Underbody” in the features.
2. Visit more frequently during winter or after driving on salted roads or beaches to interrupt corrosion cycles.
3. Rinse off thick mud at home or a self-serve bay before the tunnel to let the underbody jets work effectively.
4. Drive slowly and straight as you enter the tunnel so the underbody sprays align properly.
5. Inspect the underside periodically for rust, loose panels, or trapped debris, and address issues early.

Following these practices helps the undercarriage rinse do its job and protects your vehicle in harsh driving conditions.

Bottom Line

Many Take 5 Car Wash locations do provide an undercarriage rinse or flush, but it’s usually tied to specific package tiers and may be paused in freezing weather. Confirm availability at your local site and consider adding it to your routine—especially in winter or coastal regions—to help curb corrosion and keep the underside cleaner. Note that Take 5 Oil Change centers are separate and do not wash the undercarriage; the feature is part of Take 5’s express car wash tunnels.

Summary

Take 5 Car Wash often offers an undercarriage wash, typically in mid- and premium packages or as an add-on, though availability varies by location and season. It’s valuable for removing salt and grime that promote rust, and it’s generally safe for modern vehicles, including EVs. Check your local wash menu or ask staff to confirm inclusion and pricing before you go.

How often should you wash the undercarriage?

You should underwash your car seasonally (about every three months) as a baseline, but adjust the frequency based on your driving conditions. If you drive in winter conditions with road salt, you need to wash the undercarriage much more often, ideally every two to three weeks or after every snow event. For off-roading or driving through mud, wash your car after every trail or muddy event. 
General Guidelines 

• Seasonal (Baseline): Wash your undercarriage about four times a year, or once per season, for everyday driving.

Increased Frequency

• Winter/Road Salt: Wash every two to three weeks or after any drive on salted roads to remove corrosive salt and prevent rust. 
• Off-Roading/Mud: Wash your undercarriage after any drive through mud, dirt, or rough terrain. 
• Urban Commuting: A monthly undercarriage wash is a good approach for daily urban driving. 

Why Undercarriage Washing Matters

• Rust Prevention: Dirt and road salt can get trapped on the undercarriage, holding moisture and causing rust and corrosion. 
• Protects Components: Regular undercarriage washes help remove grime and prevent damage to crucial parts like brake lines, fuel lines, and the exhaust system. 
• Maintains Value: Keeping the undercarriage clean helps preserve the vehicle’s lifespan and can help maintain its resale value. 

Do drive-through car washes clean undercarriage?

Yes, many modern drive-through car washes clean the undercarriage using high-pressure water jets, but it’s an optional service that varies by location and wash package, so you should inquire at the specific car wash. Undercarriage washes are important for removing dirt, salt, and debris to prevent rust and corrosion, though manual or specialized cleaning might be more effective for hard-to-reach areas. 
How it Works

• High-Pressure Nozzles: Automatic washes use a series of high-pressure water nozzles that spray upwards from underneath the vehicle as it passes through the tunnel. 
• Debris Removal: These sprays are designed to blast away dirt, road salt, grime, and other contaminants that can accumulate and cause rust. 
• Optional Service: An undercarriage wash is often an upgrade or an add-on to the standard wash package. 

Benefits of an Undercarriage Wash

• Rust Prevention: Washing the undercarriage helps prevent corrosion, especially in areas where roads are heavily salted during winter. 
• Protects Components: Cleaning away road debris protects components like suspension parts and the vehicle frame from buildup and damage. 
• Improved Vehicle Life: Regular undercarriage cleaning can help prolong the life of your vehicle. 

Things to Consider

• Check With Your Car Wash: Not all washes are the same; ask the attendant or check their website to see if they offer an undercarriage wash and what it includes. 
• Quality of the Wash: The effectiveness depends on the water pressure and how long the jets spray under your vehicle. 
• Limited Reach: Even with high pressure, these sprays may not reach all areas, such as inside door panels or the deepest parts of the frame. 
• Manual Cleaning: For a more thorough clean, especially for deep rust or hard-to-reach areas, manual pressure washing or professional detailing may be necessary. 

Is undercarriage wash worth the cost?

Undercarriage cleaning prevents all these issues and prolongs the lifespan of various parts that lay under the cabin — and the vehicle itself. Consistently visiting a car wash with an under-car pressure washer is the best way to clear away road salt buildup, oil, dirt, and other contributors of corrosion.

Does take 5 do undercarriage wash?

At Take 5 Car Wash, our Wash, Triple Clean, Pro5™, and Pro5™ Plus packages all include this essential undercarriage cleaning.