Pros 
Cons EZE WASH: A Mixed Bag of Suds and Opinions
EZE WASH, located at 634 Devon Road, Strandon, New Plymouth, NZ, is a 24/7 self-service car wash facility catering to the Taranaki region. With a respectable rating of 4.2 out of 5, it certainly attracts a steady stream of customers. Operating under the phone number +64 27 227 9274, EZE WASH boasts both self-serve bays and an automated wash option, striving to offer a solution for every car cleaning need. The facility is conveniently situated in the Strandon borough of New Plymouth, providing easy access for locals. Its around-the-clock availability, a significant highlight, is a massive draw for those struggling to find time for car maintenance during standard business hours. Payment options include debit cards and NFC mobile payments—although credit card facilities aren’t currently available.
The Good, the Convenient, and the Value?
Several customers rave about the convenience and overall experience offered by EZE WASH. Here’s a breakdown of the positive feedback:
- Always Open: The 24/7 operation is a frequently cited advantage. Perfect for early risers, late-night cleaners, or anyone with a hectic schedule.
- Automated Wash Efficiency: Patrons appreciate the speedy automated wash, frequently noting the minimal wait times. Paying by card from the driver's seat adds to the ease of use.
- Self-Serve Capabilities: The self-serve bays are well-regarded, with good water pressure and all the necessary features for a thorough wash. Options include soap, brushes, blasting, and blow-drying features.
- Cleanliness & Navigation: The environment around EZE WASH is described as clean and easy to navigate, creating a pleasant experience.
- Value (Sometimes): One enthusiastic customer declared it "the best $10 [they’d] ever spent to wash [their] car!" highlighting the perceived value at $1 per minute, offering a range of options.
"Stink, a great spot for a quick and easy car clean! They offer both self-serve bays and an automated wash, so there’s an option for everyone." - Happy Customer
| Feature | Positive Feedback |
|---|---|
| Operating Hours | 24/7 availability |
| Automated Wash | Quick, easy card payment |
| Self-Serve Bays | Good water pressure, sufficient features |
| Overall Cleanliness | Clean and easy to navigate |
| Price | Can be excellent value |
The Downsides & Concerns – Tokens and Troubles
Despite the positive reviews, EZE WASH also faces some recurring criticisms, primarily concerning pricing and equipment reliability.
- Price Perception: Some users feel the pricing is on the higher side. One reviewer noted feeling that $1 for 50 seconds was closer to $1 for 40 seconds due to delays in product delivery. They also pointed out that the tokens are site-specific, restricting their use elsewhere.
- Vending Machine Issues: The vending machine has been a source of frustration, with reports of lost money when items fail to dispense. One customer lost $4 due to this malfunction.
- Token Dispenser Problems: There's an account of a customer losing out on $16 worth of tokens despite spending $20 at the dispenser. It's therefore worth being wary of potential issues with how tokens are dispensed.
It’s worth noting a direct response to a comment mentioning high car wash prices within NZ and Australia - the aforementioned commenter explicitly stated that EZE WASH's pricing was an outlier.
A Final Assessment & Recommendations
EZE WASH presents a compelling option for New Plymouth car owners, largely due to its 24/7 availability and the presence of both automated and self-serve washing options. The core service—washing your car—is generally well-regarded, with positive feedback consistently highlighting the ease of use and functionality of the facilities. However, prospective customers should be aware of the potential for inflated pricing compared to other car washes in the region.
Recommendations for EZE WASH Management:
- Investigate Vending Machine & Token Dispenser Reliability: Addressing these recurring issues would significantly enhance customer satisfaction and minimize frustration. Regularly maintain the machines and consider implementing improved error handling.
- Review Token System: Consider the benefits of allowing tokens to be used at other locations, thereby accommodating customers who travel.
- Transparency on Timing: Ensure the advertised wash times accurately reflect the actual time spent with product application.
- Consider Credit Card Payments: Adding credit card options would cater to a wider range of customers and improve convenience.