Specifics of Car Wash Services

In Montenegro, car washes (in the local language — Auto pranje) are a common and affordable service. Due to climatic features (dust, sea salt, sand), cars need to be washed frequently. The infrastructure is well developed: service points are available at almost every major gas station and along highways, especially in coastal areas (Budva, Tivat, Bar) and in Podgorica.

The service is focused on speed and functionality. Waiting areas with coffee are rare, but prices remain among the lowest in Europe despite inflation in recent years.

Types of Car Washes

There are three main service formats on the market. The choice depends on available time and budget.

1. Self-Service Car Washes (Samouslužno pranje)

The most popular type due to low cost and 24/7 availability. They consist of bays with high-pressure spray guns.

Equipment: Water, active foam (shampoo), wax, osmosis (salt-free water for spot-free drying).
Vacuum cleaner: Usually located in a separate area and paid separately.
Feature: Payment is made using tokens or coins. Machines do not give change.

2. Automatic Portals

Located at large gas stations. You drive the car into a bay where rotating brushes perform the washing.

Pros: Fast (5–10 minutes), no need to get wet yourself.
Cons: Brushes may leave micro-scratches on the paintwork ("spider web").
Programs: From simple water rinsing to a full cycle with drying and underbody wash.

3. Hand Car Washes (Full Service)

A classic option where staff wash the car. Includes body, mats, door sills, wiping glass and plastic.

Time: 30–60 minutes. Queues are possible during the season.
Additional: Interior dry cleaning, tire blackening, bitumen stain removal, headlight polishing.

Warning: At hand car washes, overly aggressive interior fragrances are sometimes used, or staff may smoke near the open car. If you are sensitive to smells, warn in advance: "Bez mirisa" (no scent).

Service Prices (2025–2026)

Prices vary depending on the region: more expensive on the coast during the season, cheaper inland. Payment is mainly accepted in cash.

Self-service: 1 token/minute costs 0.50–1 euro. Average bill for a full wash (foam + water + wax) — 2–4 euros.
Automatic wash: Basic program — 4–6 euros, premium (with underbody and wax) — up to 8 euros.
Hand wash: Body + interior — 10–15 euros.
Interior dry cleaning: from 50 euros.
Headlight polishing: 10–20 euros.

Important: Self-service car wash machines accept coins of 0.50, 1, and 2 euros. Banknotes are rarely accepted, cards — almost never. Prepare coins in advance.

Where to Find Car Washes: Popular Locations

To find the nearest location, use Google Maps with the query "Auto pranje" or "Car wash".

Tivat and Kotor:
- Radanovići area (near Tivat Airport) — a large hub with car dealerships and self-service car washes (4 bays).
- Kotor — the car wash is located immediately after the Vrmac tunnel toward Budva (next to a bakery).
Budva: Several large self-service complexes are located along the Adriatic Highway and at the exit of the city toward Bar (Bečići area). There are hand car washes with detailing services.
Bar: Many inexpensive locations at the exit of the city toward Ulcinj.

Self-Service Instructions

If you are using a car wash in Montenegro for the first time, follow this algorithm:

Prepare coins. Exchange machines are often unavailable, but you can ask staff (if present) or a nearby shop to exchange money.
Insert the deposit.
Select the program using the button:
- Šampon / Pjena — application of active foam.
- Ispiranje — rinsing with high-pressure water.
- Vosak — application of protective wax.
- Osmoza / Sjaj — final rinse with demineralized water (so you don’t need to dry the car).

Tip: During the summer season, try to wash your car early in the morning or after sunset. In the heat, foam and water dry instantly, leaving stains on the body, and overheated metal can deform from cold water.

Specifics of Car Wash Services