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7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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Same Day Service Available
Price Quote Guaranteed
Top Dollar Paid for Your Vehicle!
Working Time and Location
We are a fully automated express car wash. What separates us from the competition is we provide complimentary towels, air gun and window cleaner to get your vehicle Checkered Flag Clean!
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
What clients say about Checkered Flag Lake Forest in Lake Forest (CA)
It got tree sap all over my car. It came out looking significantly worse than what I came in with. Employees and mangers would take no responsibility. Ended up costing me a professional detailer to fix the damage this place did to my car.
Terrible experience. My new car was damaged with a sticky substance during the wash cycle, and management was rude, dismissive, and refused to take responsibility. No help offered at all. I will never return and strongly warn others to avoid this car wash.
This wash got more bee and butterfly poop (the yellow dots) off my car than any other car wash. My car hadn't been washed since last winter, yet it came out very nice. It was very fast, and no long line. SO superior to the one on Los Alisos.
I like how they supply towels for drying and the vacuums. This helps keep my car clean. Up until last year I was unlimited member but I had to change due to a surgery and an extremely busy work and school schedule I had to cancel. But the alternative perk is I did recently receive my free car wash. I am still a loyal customer and I like how they created an alternative for some of who are unable to participate in the unlimited car wash program.
Went yesterday morning and they did not have any clean towels. It was barely an hour after opening. After letting the older guy know he was rude and unprofessional. I get that the towels are "complimentary" but he basically told me to bring my own and that if I don't like it "to leave." I wasted a free car wash coupon here and should have gone to Irvine instead.
I had an excellent experience at Checkered Flag Car Wash! The staff were friendly and efficient. My car looks spotless. Highly recommend this place if you want your car looking its best!
I went in for a basic wash today and left with a broken tire valve. While inside the tunnel, I saw my tire pressure drop to zero. When we got out, it was clear the valve had been damaged,and of course, that happened inside their wash.
When we brought it up, instead of taking any responsibility, they had the nerve to say “you probably hit the rail” even though one of THEIR OWN employees directed us in and positioned the car. That’s literally their job, and they’re now blaming the customer for it?
To make it worse, the woman at the front desk was incredibly rude and dismissive. She refused to give her name, offered zero help, didn’t apologize, and acted like we were just a bother. We waited over an hour in their lot for a tow truck and she never even checked on us. Not once.
Honestly, accidents can happen,but this wasn’t just an accident. This was a complete failure in customer service, basic decency, and professionalism. If something goes wrong here, they’ll blame you, ignore you, and treat you like you don’t matter.
I will never come back, and I strongly suggest you don’t either.
Excellent first experience at Checkered Flag, at Lake Forest. Very modern facility. Car came out much better than the average gas station automatic car wash. Staff were courteous and professional. Will be back as regular customer
Horrible service! Just bought my new SUV and wanted a good clean for my car. When I get out of the car wash my car was full of scratches and they said they are not responsible for any damage. The rags provided were dirty and it had a horrendous smell. The vacuums did not work and I have to waste more money to finally clean my car. Do not recommend it at all. The service was terrible and not helpful at all. If you don’t want your day to get ruined I do not recommend this car wash.
Best bang for your buck , yoy can do a better job than those other guys . Trick is get the lowest wash , I don't believe the extra money does anything different . The finish is all about your drying method, it's the real detail in that process that gets the look you desire . Everything is provided to do the job. *
Only on Sunday they provide a tire shine that works really well and doesn't sling all over the car when you leave
One of the best self serve car washes in the area. We drive out farther just to do our car washes here because the service is outstanding, most vacuums are strong, towel are included. So great that they also have two different types of towels, one for tires and one for windows. They do a very good job of replenishing the towels as well. The car wash itself was okay, not any worse, but not that much better than others. We did notice that some dirt and droppings on our car didn't come out and we needed to scrub them ourselves, but that's happened at most other car washes as well.
The prices are reasonable, they seem to have gone up everywhere, but they've not gone up as much as other things so we're happy to keep coming here regularly. It's definitely a good value and a great place for a quick car wash.
I went in on a Sunday to sign up for the monthly membership. The machine was not working. The attendant had to reboot it. It charged my card. She tried again. The second time it took the monthly membership but kept stalling on my card payment. I showed her that my card had been charged twice and she just opened the gate because she couldn’t get the machine to work. With every visit nobody could figure out why the gates wouldn’t work. I’ve sent 7 emails and nobody responded. I went back to the store and they said someone would call me. The person said I was charged for a monthly membership but I did not have a membership and she would not be refunding me. She didn’t care that the machine was broken. She didn’t care about the inconvenience. These people are crooks and will absolutely take your money. They have horrible customer service. Be careful.
The car wash does a fairly good job most of the time. Sometimes the vacuum is not very strong.
The only real problem I have with this place is I’ve been trying to cancel my membership and I have had no results in two months.
No one answers the phone and when you follow the instructions to cancel your membership nothing changes.
I get no replies with the email either.
When I go there and try to talk to a manager, there never seems to be anyone there who can help.
Update 2025: Stopped by for a quick $14.00 wash (place is close to my house, always hoping they fix the only thing wrong with this carwash—the vacuums. Vacuums still don’t work on even light sand (better results using the air-hose to blow stuff out than to use the vacuum to suck anything up). What’s the point of paying for a wash here that I can get at any gas station if I have to go home and pull out my shop vac to vacuum my car instead of using all the ones here provided as part of the cost of the wash? Maintenance is a big part of running a successful business. If they fix the vacuums at this location, I’ll become a member with all three of my cars.
Update 2024: I cancelled my annual membership because I found another car wash up the street with better vacuums. Presumably part of the cost to f the wash is the use of the vacuums, so if these don’t..vacuum anything, it’s sort of a devaluation of the money spent.
(old review) I have the annual membership because the do it yourself wash is great here, along with the availability of clean towels, etc. Only complaint is that I’ve found that most of the vacuums have almost no suction; can’t lift even loose dirt off the seat or carpet. Hoping they fix this some day.
Very Disappointed – Would Not Recommend
I had a membership with Flag Car Wash and was being charged $30 every month. But when I went for a wash, they made me pay again on the spot — essentially charging me twice. The staff offered no explanation and didn’t seem to care. When I canceled my membership out of frustration, I received no apology or even a basic explanation. Terrible customer service and a complete lack of accountability. I won’t be returning.
Terrible customer service, guy at the carwash start was cool.
Manager lady had a bad attitude. Yes my truck had a little mud on it, but the guy said I could pass through a second time if it didn't remove everything. Well it didn't and I proceeded to the line and the manager said "your car is to dirty you have to pay twice, the guy doesn't know what he's talking about" well it would have been nice to know before I payed that I was getting a 1/2 car wash... I wont be returning here again and neither will anyone else I know.
The car wash does a pretty good job of cleaning and drying my car. I never have a problem finding a stall when I get out of the wash. The stalls provide vacuum, air, and washer fluid. The microfiber towels are provided for free and they're good quality and large. My only complaint is the equipment they use to pay and scan members. I can't tell you how many times I've ended up having to wait way to long, sometimes 15 min, to get through the line. The equipment malfunctions all the time causing a line of cars. Needs to be better, way better!
Fast. Good, cheap car wash if you're ok with wiping off your car a little after the wash. They supply the towels. Free vacuums. Step stools are available. They'll tape down your wipers if you ask. Helpful, friendly workers. Nice atmosphere
Best drive through car wash around! Always a lot of towels, the vacuums are powerful and the compressed air is so helpful in getting all the dust and crumbs out. The employees are quick to help and super nice!
Exceptional Service and Sparkling Results!
I cannot recommend Express Car Wash enough! From the moment I arrived, the staff was incredibly friendly, professional, and efficient. They truly went above and beyond to make sure my car was spotless and shining like new.
The attention to detail was impeccable – every corner, nook, and cranny of my car was thoroughly cleaned. The quality of their service is unmatched, and their prices are very reasonable for the level of care they provide.
The facility itself is clean, modern, and well-maintained, making the entire experience pleasant and hassle-free. I also appreciated how eco-friendly they are, using high-quality products that left my car not only clean but also smelling amazing.
If you’re looking for a car wash that delivers outstanding results and top-notch customer service, Express Car Wash is the place to go. My car has never looked better!
Thank you, Express Car Wash, for an amazing experience – I’ll definitely be back and telling all my friends and family about you!
I moved to United States 3 months ago and bought a car 2 months ago. I had no idea how to wash my car and my car was still covered in 2-month dirt. I saw the Checkered Flag Express Car Wash website yesterday and went to the branch close to my house today and had my first free wash. First, you enter the tunnel, foam, brush, rinse and dry. Then, you enter one of the platforms reserved for final touches and apply the final touches with vacuum, compressed air and glass cleaning fluid. Even if you don't have any equipment with you, you can finish the whole job in 10 minutes and leave thanks to the clean towels prepared in different colors for the windows and body, and rims and tires. Also, the monthly subscription plans are very attractive, I recommend you to check them out on the website.
This place is terrible. If you want scratches on your new car take your car here. I brought my new 2024 Honda here and anfter one wash had large scratches down the side of the entire vehicle. Also the woman that works there is very rude and told me to move my car because it was parked in an emergency lane. Their “emergency lane” was a trashcan blocking a regular parking space. Beyond frustrated with the way this business is run. They use to let you get 2 drying towels now you’re lucky if they even have one. Do yourself a favor and use the chevron at the corner of lake forest and murilands, it’s cheaper and you get a better wash.
Absolutely blown away! Checkered Flag Lake Forest just redefined car washes for me. First time there, and seriously, wow! Exceeded my expectations on every level. My car is sparkling, the extra services are top-notch, and the whole experience was smooth and efficient. Can't wait to go back! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent facility. Clean and well run. Car wash includes vacuuming and towels. There are three levels of car wash selections and also monthly options.
Truly my go to for a quality car wash where I can dry and vacuum my vehicle while detailing.
Recommended
They have the same prices drive thru car wash as the gas stations with extra options and vacuums and air… and it feels like a little bit better of a job?
This is a continuous automatic car wash so there is very little wait time. There is an attendant that will help guide you and puts tape on rear wiper for protection. Free basket of nice clean towels to use and then return to the dirty laundry basket. Free vacuum and air compressor with wash. Best wash is approx. $18, mine was $12. I would give it a 5 star except that the vacuum was weak, going to use my shop vac at home. I would recommend this place to anyone. Thanks Mueller Mechanic
As a regular frequent customer here and signed up for monthly car washes I wouldn't think these employees would act the way they do. We arrived here yesterday at 6pm. Closing is at 7. However when we arrived to clean our car the guy there was taking everything away and turning off the vacuum. I mean an hour before closing really? I get you want to leave right when you close at 7pm however if a customer is asking for what should be provided there shouldn't be anything wrong with that especially during operation hours.
This is no longer a full service car wash! It's a glorified gas station car wash but much more expensive. Once you drive in there is NO way out, you're committed to buying a wash. Once you drive yourself through the wash you have to dry and vacuum your own vehicle. There's also a time limit of 5 minutes at the vacuum area so you better hurry! The wash was terrible! My car still had dirty spots on it. I can get the same level of service at my local gas station for about $10 less. If this is okay with you then more power to you. Have fun washing your own vehicle but if you're looking for a full service car wash then avoid this place!!
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