Pros 
Cons Royal Touch Car Wash & Detailing: A Mixed Bag of Shine and Sighs
Royal Touch Car Wash & Detailing, located on Lincoln Road in Addington, Christchurch, is making waves in the car cleaning scene. Boasting a solid 4.8-star rating and a friendly team, this establishment promises premium car washes and detailing services. With opening hours extending from 8 AM to 6 PM Monday to Friday and Saturday, and a slightly later 10 AM to 5 PM on Sundays, it's often a convenient option for busy Christchurch residents striving for a pristine ride. Phone: +64 21 280 8909. However, recent reviews reveal a slightly more complicated picture, blending enthusiastic praise with notable concerns about service consistency. The tempting allure of a voucher gift went sideways for one customer, highlighting a potential gap between expectation and execution.
The High Notes: Detail, Friendliness & Transformation
Several customers highlight a truly exceptional experience at Royal Touch. The "Awesome Group" living up to their name, with brothers running the business displaying remarkable conversational skills while diligently working on the cars. Here’s a breakdown of what consistently impresses patrons:
- Interior & Exterior Transformation: Many reviewers consistently describe a dramatic change, comparing the experience to transitioning from an old car to a new one. The detailing is evidently thorough, leaving vehicles looking remarkably fresh.
- Attention to Detail: Customers commend the level of care and precision in the cleaning process, exceeding typical car wash standards.
- Friendly & Welcoming Staff: A recurring theme is the exceptional friendliness and hospitality of the Royal Touch team, creating a positive and relaxed atmosphere. Specifically, shout-outs to AP (Arpit) for being a “champ” and managing the business efficiently are frequently mentioned.
- Quality Products & Fresh Scent: The use of quality cleaning products is appreciated, and the lingering fresh scent after the wash adds to the overall experience.
- Amenities & Comfort: Free refreshments offered while customers wait are a nice touch, enhancing the comfort and convenience of the service.
- Efficient Service: Reviews point toward prompt service – cars are cleaned and ready within the timeframe they promised.
“It's as if you pull into the lot with a car that's looking old and pulling out of the lot driving a brand new car lol which is what everyone us looking for.” – A satisfied customer
The Roadblocks: Inconsistency and Lingering Concerns
Despite the overwhelming positivity, a significant minority of customers have voiced disappointment. One particular review painted a stark picture:
- Lack of Thoroughness: The primary issue raised is a lack of thoroughness in the cleaning process. One customer, travelling from North Canterbury, felt their vehicle remained visibly dirty despite a lengthy wait (3.30-5.30pm) and a paid service. Including photos as evidence.
- Time Commitment vs. Results: The wait time, combined with the unsatisfactory result, left the customer feeling that the experience wasn't worth the effort, especially considering the subsequent traffic delays on the return journey.
- Potential for Variable Quality: The disparity between glowing reviews and this significant complaint suggests a potential for inconsistent service quality. It raises questions about standardisation of procedure and quality control. Reaching a "perfect fit" for the general public based on a consistent quality may be a little hard to achieve.
- Commute Traveled: Customers coming from a longer distance might be unnecessarily disappionted by the results.
The Verdict: Potential Shining Brightly, A Few Rough Patches
Royal Touch Car Wash & Detailing undeniably possesses significant potential. The overwhelmingly positive reviews speak to a talented team capable of delivering exceptional results and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Arpit Patel and his team apparently have the core ingredients for success – enthusiasm, a focus on detail, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. However, the concern regarding inconsistent cleaning quality is a factor that needs addressing. Improvements in standardisation and quality control, ensuring that every vehicle receives the “Royal Touch,” could elevate this business from a promising contender to a truly outstanding car care destination in Christchurch. For those living nearby, and after checking their current schedule, it’s a worthy gamble, but those travelling further afield should perhaps investigate specific service packages and consider recent reviews before committing to a visit.
Address: 319 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand