Rapid Car Wash

For car owners in Connecticut, keeping your vehicle clean and well-maintained is a consistent effort, especially with the diverse weather conditions we experience throughout the year. From the salty slush of winter to the pollen and dust of spring and summer, a reliable car wash can be a key part of your vehicle care routine. In New London, Connecticut, one such option that has served the community for decades is Rapid Car Wash, located on Colman Street. This establishment has recently undergone a significant change in ownership, now operating under the Soapy Noble brand, which brings with it new operational approaches and, as seen in recent feedback, some evolving challenges.

Car washes, particularly automated express tunnels, are designed for speed and convenience, offering a quick way to refresh your vehicle's exterior. The expectation is a sparkling clean car without the effort of a hand wash, and a smooth, damage-free experience. However, the quality of this experience can vary, and local businesses, especially under new management, sometimes face a period of adjustment. This article aims to provide an overview of Rapid Car Wash (Soapy Noble), including its location, services, and important insights from recent customer experiences, to help New London drivers make informed decisions.

Understanding the current state of a long-standing local business after a change in ownership is crucial for community members. While the promise of new technologies and a fresh approach might be appealing, the reality of service delivery and customer satisfaction becomes paramount.

Rapid Car Wash is situated at 442 Colman St, New London, CT 06320, USA. Colman Street is a major commercial artery in New London, making the car wash highly accessible for residents of New London, as well as those in neighboring towns like Groton, Waterford, and East Lyme. Its location on such a prominent road ensures high visibility and convenient access from various directions, making it an easy stop for daily commuters and those running errands.

The property likely offers a straightforward entrance and exit, which is typical for an express car wash designed to handle a steady flow of vehicles. This ease of access is a significant advantage for customers looking for a quick and efficient car cleaning solution without having to venture far off their routes. The ample space usually associated with car wash facilities also contributes to a less stressful experience, allowing for comfortable maneuvering of vehicles before and after the wash tunnel.

As part of the Soapy Noble Express Car Wash chain, Rapid Car Wash offers a range of automated car wash services designed for quick and efficient exterior cleaning. While specific package names and detailed step-by-step offerings might vary, a typical express car wash system like Soapy Noble's usually includes:

• Automated Exterior Washes: Customers drive their vehicles through a tunnel where various automated processes clean the car. These generally include:
  • Pre-soak applications to loosen dirt and grime.
  • High-pressure water rinses.
  • Application of soaps or shampoos, possibly with soft-touch brushes or touchless sprays.
  • Wheel and tire cleaning.
  • Undercarriage wash, often with rust inhibitors.
  • Clear coat protectants or waxes for shine and protection.
  • Spot-free rinse for streak-free drying.
  • Powerful forced-air dryers to remove excess water.
• Tiered Wash Packages: Similar to many car washes, Soapy Noble (Rapid Car Wash) offers different wash packages. Based on general industry practices and customer mentions, these often range from basic washes to premium options, with higher tiers including additional features like ceramic coatings, enhanced shine, and comprehensive protective treatments. One review mentions paying "$22" for a wash, suggesting a range of pricing and package levels. Specific Soapy Noble pricing from other locations indicates tiers like "Touch Free Wash" ($8-$10), "Deluxe" (likely around $10-$12 single wash price), and "Ultimate" (around $15-$18 single wash price) with monthly plans also available.
• Possible Vacuum Stations: Many express car washes include complimentary self-service vacuum stations for interior cleaning, although this is not explicitly confirmed for this specific location in the provided data.

Customers are encouraged to check the current signage and pricing at the Rapid Car Wash (Soapy Noble) facility on Colman Street for the most accurate and up-to-date service menu.

Rapid Car Wash, now under Soapy Noble ownership, has several notable aspects and, according to recent customer feedback, some significant challenges.

• New Ownership (Soapy Noble): The car wash has transitioned to new ownership, becoming part of the Soapy Noble Express Car Wash chain. Soapy Noble states they bring "never-seen-before wash technologies and customer service to New England," aiming for an "exceptionally clean vehicle" and backing every wash with a "Noble Guarantee."
• Decades of Local Presence: Prior to the change, Rapid Car Wash had served the Southeastern Connecticut community for over fifty years, implying a long-standing familiarity and loyalty from local customers.
• Management Customer Service (Pre-Issue): One review initially praised a manager for "very kind" customer service, which led to excitement about returning. This suggests that individual staff members strive to be helpful.

However, critical concerns from recent customer experiences are significant:

• Vehicle Damage: Multiple reviews report damage to vehicles after using the automatic car wash. This includes "small white scratches" that were not present before the wash and "the roof of my vehicle was scratched." This is a severe concern for car owners.
• Ineffective Cleaning: Despite paying for premium washes (e.g., "$22"), customers have reported that their cars were "not properly washed" or even "dirtier than it was before the wash." Specific issues include stains not being removed and a lack of thoroughness ("doesn’t even look like they TRIED to get it off").
• Lack of Responsiveness to Damage Claims: A particularly distressing highlight is the alleged lack of follow-up from the new owners regarding vehicle damage. One customer stated that their information was taken, and staff said owners would contact them, but "I never received a phone call," and subsequent inquiries were met with excuses about new car washes being built. This indicates a significant issue with post-service customer support and accountability.
• Perceived Shift in Focus: Customers loyal to the previous ownership express sadness and frustration, feeling that the "new circus that’s running it is only worried about the money and not the customers," and that the new owners are prioritizing expansion ("new car washes that they were building") over addressing issues at existing locations.

As part of the Soapy Noble chain, Rapid Car Wash (Soapy Noble) likely participates in standard car wash promotions and loyalty programs. Common offers for express car washes typically include:

• Unlimited Wash Clubs: Soapy Noble explicitly offers unlimited wash memberships, allowing customers to wash their vehicles as often as they like for a recurring monthly fee. These often come in different tiers, corresponding to their single wash packages.
• Single Wash Deals: While a "$22" wash was mentioned, specific single wash pricing is likely displayed on-site, possibly with occasional discounts.
• Online Discounts/Coupons: Some car washes provide printable coupons or online codes for discounts on single washes or first-time membership sign-ups. The old Rapid Car Wash website mentioned a "$3 off Any Works Package" coupon.

However, given the serious customer complaints regarding wash quality and vehicle damage, potential customers should weigh any promotional savings against the reported risks. It is advisable to inquire directly at the location about their "Noble Guarantee" and how they handle customer dissatisfaction or damage claims.

For those looking to locate or inquire about Rapid Car Wash (Soapy Noble), here is the primary contact information:

Address: 442 Colman St, New London, CT 06320, USA

Phone: (860) 442-1283

The availability of a phone number should, in theory, provide a direct line for customer inquiries or to report issues. However, previous customer feedback specifically mentioned "No way to contact any one" or being told that "someone would contact me" without follow-up, which indicates that accessing responsive support might be a significant challenge despite the listed number.

Rapid Car Wash, now operating as a Soapy Noble Express Car Wash at 442 Colman Street in New London, offers a highly accessible location for residents across New London and surrounding areas in Connecticut. For those seeking the convenience of a quick, automated car wash on a major thoroughfare, its location is undoubtedly practical for integrating into daily routines.

Historically, this site served the community for over five decades, building a foundation of local familiarity. Under the new Soapy Noble ownership, there's a stated aim to bring "new wash technologies" and a "Noble Guarantee."

However, it is crucial for locals to approach this car wash with extreme caution, especially in light of recent and very serious customer feedback. The consistent reports of vehicles sustaining new scratches and damage, coupled with complaints about ineffective cleaning even after paying for premium services, are significant red flags. Furthermore, the alleged unresponsiveness of the new ownership to reported damage and the perceived shift from customer care to financial expansion are deeply concerning.

While the idea of a convenient, express car wash is appealing, the current public sentiment strongly suggests that customers may risk damage to their vehicles and dissatisfaction with the wash quality, with limited avenues for recourse. For New London residents, it appears that, at present, exploring alternative car wash options in the area that demonstrate a more consistent quality of service and a stronger commitment to customer satisfaction and accountability might be a more prudent decision for protecting their vehicles.