Something wicked this way comes … and it has a bucket and a chamois. California’s beloved haunted car wash is back again this year at Carwood Car Wash and Detail Center in Lakewood.
The Southern California location is once again pulling double duty, scaring up some fun while also helping local motorists keep their cars clean. Starting Oct. 9, the car wash will open its doors for an immersive and interactive drive-through experience on select dates throughout the month.
While the concept of a haunted car wash isn’t a new one, it has certainly taken off in the state, according to ABC7. The outlet reports several other haunted car washes across the state, including businesses in Anaheim, Montclair, and Carlsbad.
But you don’t have to drive to California to experience this unique holiday trend. There are a few haunted car washes popping up in select areas, giving more people a chance to experience some good, clean fun.
The Haunted Car Wash in Lakewood Features “Bone-Chilling Surprises”
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If you live in the area and you’re interested in checking out The Haunted Car Wash, you should prepare yourself for a car wash “unlike anything you’ve ever experienced,” according to the Eventbrite ticketing page for the event.
Reviewers on Yelp seem to love the Anaheim location’s event, giving it 4.2 out of 5 stars. One person wrote about how great the actors are, saying that they really put “their hearts into their roles.” Not only that, but it sounds like the wash itself is worth the money, with tickets starting at $28.52 for the Lakewood location. When you consider that a regular car wash starts at $24 for the “Classic – Best” service, it doesn’t seem like prices are too marked up for the event.
Car Washes Are Getting Haunted Across the Country
If this is the first time you’re hearing about the concept, you’re not alone. However, it would appear that haunted car washes have been popping up across the U.S. since the pandemic. There’s Fast Splash Car Wash in Detroit, Michigan, the Screamline Haunted Car Wash in Rockaway, New Jersey, and the Tunnel of Terror in Benton, Arkansas.
While the actual offerings vary from location to location, it appears that the common theme here is that the car wash itself gets turned into a haunted house. Then, actors dress up in scary costumes and pop out from the dark corners of the facility, scaring people as they pass by in their cars.
The terror level appears to vary by location—some spots even list thrill levels, which can range from somewhat to moderately scary—and many spots list whether or not the events are kid-friendly.
Some People Like This as a Haunted House Alternative
An old Reddit post about Benny’s Haunted Car Wash in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offered some insight into why many people are jumping on the haunted car wash bandwagon after someone asked for more info about the service.
“Do they have activities, or is it just a take on a haunted house but driving through the car wash? And if the latter, do I actually get my car washed,” Redditor ILeftYesterday wrote.
Several people filled them in on the experience, including several parents who explained why haunted car washes were so popular these days. “Went to the one at Pelican Point in Metairie,” one person wrote. “It was an experience. A mini haunted drive-thru, and yes, the car gets cleaned. I recommend it to anyone who likes Halloween. I recommend to families because it’s a fun activity for a flat rate.”
Only time will tell whether the haunted car wash trend will take off or remain isolated to certain areas, but for now it would appear that there is a very niche and devoted fan base when it comes to these types of Halloween experiences.