Car washes in Northern Cyprus — where to wash your car, prices, and tips

In Northern Cyprus, the easiest way to wash your car is at car washes located at gas stations or at standalone automatic/manual washes. Below is a brief guide on prices, formats, and tips to save time in queues and achieve a good result.

• Where to wash your car
• Prices and what's included
• How long it takes
• Self-service and automatic washes
• Useful tips
• Frequently asked questions

Where to wash your car

Car washes can be found at almost every gas station, as well as standalone facilities — both automatic (portal) and manual. In cities and along highways, some complexes offer vacuum cleaners and waiting areas.

Prices and what's included

A basic exterior wash costs from 200 TL — typically including foam washing and rinsing.

A "body + interior" package costs around 500 TL. This usually includes vacuuming the interior and trunk, wiping the dashboard and windows. Additional services like polish/wax, mat cleaning, and air freshening are paid separately.

How long it takes

The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes for a simple wash and about an hour for a full interior and exterior clean. Note that popular car washes can have queues, so actual waiting time may be longer. Evenings and weekends are busier.

Self-service and automatic washes

There are self-service washes on the island: you pay for a timer and use foam and rinse. This format is good for a quick wash and saving money. Automatic (portal) washes are convenient for a fast exterior clean without staff, but they are less effective on tough dirt and hard-to-reach areas.

Useful tips

• Payments: mostly accept cash and cards; sometimes self-service requires coins — keep small change handy.
• Queues: arrive before 11:00 on weekdays — shorter waits.
• Extra requests: ask for blowing mirrors/handles and wiping seals after washing to prevent streaks.
• Car body details: inform staff about loose moldings, electrically operated trunks, and other protruding parts.
• Interior: valuable or fragile items are better removed before washing; check if sponges/brushes can be used on glossy surfaces.
• Rain and pollen: during dusty seasons or after rain, schedule a quick "maintenance" wash every 3–5 days — cheaper than one thorough monthly wash.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book in advance?
Usually no — walk-in queues. But at busy locations, you can call or message on WhatsApp to check waiting times (if contact is provided).

Do they wash the engine?
This service exists but is not recommended unless necessary: check how and with what it is done, and ask to cover electrical connectors. Better stick to dry cleaning and spot cleaning.

Can I pay with a foreign card?
Depends on the location. Cash is the most reliable; local bank cards are usually accepted.