Pros 
Cons A Torrent of Disappointment: Initial Impressions of Splash 'N' Dash
Splash ‘N’ Dash, located in Halswell, Christchurch, has consistently received a scathing 1.0 rating from its customers. While the extended opening hours—spanning from 6 AM to 10 PM most weekdays and slightly adjusted on weekends (6:30 AM - 9 PM Saturday, 7 AM - 9 PM Sunday)—might suggest convenience, the overwhelmingly negative feedback paints a picture of a car wash far removed from delivering a satisfying experience. The location is relatively accessible within the Halswell borough, but accessibility is cold comfort when the core service falls so drastically short. The price points – $14, $18, and $20 – seem particularly misleading given the quality received, as detailed in numerous complaints. Many customers feel stung by the cost considering the lacklustre results.
The Washdown Woes: Common Complaints & Recurring Issues
The reviews for Splash ‘N’ Dash are remarkably consistent in their disappointment, highlighting several recurring issues. It's clear customers aren't getting what they pay for, regardless of the package chosen. Here's a breakdown of the most frequent criticisms:
- Lack of Thoroughness: The most common complaint revolves around the incomplete nature of the wash. Many customers report that their cars emerged looking little better, or even worse, than when they entered. Bugs remained, dirt stubbornly adhered to surfaces, and basic dust wasn’t adequately removed.
- Underbody & Tyre Neglect: The base ($14) package specifically omits undercarriage and tyre cleaning – standard features in many competing car washes.
- No Blow Dry & Streaky Finish: Critically, the lack of a blow-dry function is a major pain point. This leaves glass streaky and covered in unattractive run lines, requiring manual cleaning afterwards—effectively negating the purpose of a car wash to many.
- Ineffective Cleaning Systems: Multiple reviewers found the machines themselves to be inadequate, describing them as simply “dropping water and soap” rather than effectively scrubbing and cleaning the vehicle. One reviewer wryly noted they had to clean their car after using the car wash.
- Wax Spotting Issues: Some customers have reported that the machine leaves wax spots on the bonnet (hood) of the car - adding more work to return the vehicle to its previous state.
A Comparison Table (Illustrating Value)
| Feature | Splash 'N' Dash ($20 Supreme) | Caltex Hornby (Zero Touch) |
|---|---|---|
| Underbody Wash | No | Yes |
| Tyre Cleaning | Minimal | Yes |
| Blow Dry | No | Yes |
| Touchless | No | Yes |
| Price | $20 | Typically slightly lower |
| Customer Satisfaction (based on reviews) | Very Low | High |
Alternative Options & Customer Recommendations
The frequency with which customers suggest alternatives speaks volumes about the dissatisfaction with Splash ‘N’ Dash. The clear frontrunner in customer recommendations is the Caltex Hornby car wash. This competitor is often praised for being:
- Zero Touch: Eliminating the risk of scratches and swirl marks.
- More Thorough Clean: Reviews highlight a significantly better clean, removing dirt and grime more effectively.
- Blow Dry Function: Addressing the glaring omission at Splash ‘N’ Dash.
- Price Competitiveness: Offering a potentially more affordable option for a superior result.
Beyond Caltex Hornby, customers haven't explicitly suggested other alternatives within Christchurch, implying the poor experience at Splash ‘N’ Dash leads them to forgo a car wash altogether rather than risk another disappointing visit.
A Call for Improvement: What Needs To Change?
The consistent and severe criticism levied against Splash ‘N’ Dash demands urgent attention. To even remotely redeem its reputation, the car wash center needs to address the fundamental failures identified by customers. Here's a breakdown of crucial improvements:
- Upgrade Cleaning Systems: Investing in more powerful and effective machinery is paramount. Simply dispensing water and soap won't suffice; genuine scrubbing and cleaning action is required.
- Implement a Blow Dry Function: This is arguably the single most impactful improvement that could be made. Eliminating streaky glass would instantly improve customer satisfaction.
- Review Price Points: The pricing structure needs to be reconsidered in light of the poor quality of the washes. Adjusting prices downward or offering a significant upgrade in service to justify the current costs would be necessary.
- Train Staff (if applicable): While most washes are automated, any staff involvement requires proper training to ensure quality control and addressing customer concerns.
- Regular Maintenance & Inspection: Routine maintenance of the machines is essential to ensure optimal performance and prevent malfunctions contributing to the poor results. Failure to do so will only perpetuate the negative experiences currently being shared.