Getting Ready for the Tunnel, Plus Plans for Families, Fleets and Fundraisers

A tunnel wash goes smoothly when the car is ready for it, and the prep takes under a minute. Marina Express Car Wash in Stockton also has plans for households with more than one car, businesses that run fleets, and groups raising money for a cause. This post covers both: how to get your car ready, and which program fits who you are.

Before you pull in

• Fold in your mirrors if they fold. It keeps them out of the way of the brushes.
• Lower or remove a mast antenna. A fixed mast antenna is the item most likely to get bent in any tunnel wash.
• Close every window all the way, and close the sunroof too. Check that the windows are fully up, not just close.
• Secure or remove anything loose on the outside, like a bike carrier, a cargo box, flags or accessories with loose parts. If you're not sure about a roof rack, ask an attendant first.
• Clear the front seat of anything you'd hate to chase around, and make sure the doors and trunk or tailgate are latched.

None of this is specific to Marina Express. It is the same checklist that applies at any tunnel wash, and it protects the parts of a car that stick out: mirrors, antennas and anything bolted on after the factory. Doing it in the parking lot before you reach the entrance also keeps the line moving for the drivers behind you, which they will appreciate on a busy Saturday.

Then follow the attendants' directions as you roll in. They do this all day, and a quick question at the entrance beats a surprise inside. If you have a lifted truck, a large aftermarket accessory or anything unusual, ask before you commit.

Big trucks and vans

The Marina Express Fleet Program states that it cannot accommodate big vans or duallies. If you drive one, call the wash or ask on the contact page before you make a trip, so you aren't turned around at the entrance. A regular pickup or an SUV is a very different question from a dually, and the staff can give you a straight answer.

Family Plans

If you have more than one vehicle in the household, the Unlimited Club has Family Plans. Each additional plan is $5 off, and all the plans must be on the same credit card. Two Express memberships come to $22.99 plus $17.99, which is $40.98 a month. Three Deluxe memberships come to $29.99 plus $24.99 plus $24.99, which is $79.97 a month. Each driver can choose their own package, so the commuter can take the Express while the weekend truck takes the Ultimate. Picture a household with a commuter sedan and a family SUV: the sedan collects freeway dust five days a week, the SUV collects whatever the kids and the weekend bring in, and the savings on the second plan add up over a year of monthly bills.

Entry runs through a license plate reader, and changing a plate or swapping a car takes a few clicks under manage membership online or a word with an employee at the wash. Billing lands on the anniversary date of when each plan was signed up.

The Fleet Program

Businesses that run vehicles can apply for the Fleet Program. The form lists several kinds of fleets: auto sales, vehicle rental, limousine, funeral and other. A dealership that needs a lot full of clean inventory, a rental business turning cars over, and a limousine company all have the same problem, which is a lot of vehicles that need to look right every day. The Fleet Program page has the form, and the exclusion for big vans and duallies applies to every fleet.

The Fundraising Program

Marina Express also runs a Fundraising Program for non-profits, community projects, schools, and church and synagogue groups, with an other option for anyone who doesn't fit the list. The wash puts it this way: we strive to support our community. If you're organizing a school fundraiser or a church group drive, start on the Fundraising Program page and tell them about your group. The details of each arrangement come from the wash, so ask what applies to yours.

Gift cards and the first responder discount

Gift cards are sold online or at the wash, which makes them an easy present for someone with a dusty truck. First responders, active military and veterans get 10% off any wash at Marina Express. Stop by the wash and speak to an attendant to get your code.

While you're there

The wash sits next to the Arco, so the stop can double as a fuel stop. The Arco counter serves Louisiana Cajun style crispy crunchy chicken and other hot food, there is coffee, and the convenience store covers the rest. Marina Express is at 2908 W Benjamin Holt Dr in Stockton and open from 7:30am to 7:30pm, Monday to Sunday, weather permitting.