Why Are People Washing Cars At Night?

Posted by Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 40 comments

There's a petrol station directly opposite where I work and more and more often there are people using the jet wash on their cars late into the evening or, as happening right now, in the dark. Almost one after another on some nights, including weekends. Is there something I'm not understanding? I can understand it in the summer because it's arguably too hot to be stood outside for however long it takes you but I don't get doing it at nigh, at this time of year. Any explanation other than "it's the only time I get to do it" ?

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40 Comments

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ResplendentBear@reddit

> or, as happening right now, in the dark. So not actually at night, mid-afternoon. Which is quite a difference.

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

No but it's quite dark where I am and you'd think cleaning something in daylight is more beneficial to in the dark would you not? My point is that virtually no one has used it in the daylight today and all of a sudden there's a queue as it's getting dark. I know it isn't that strange to believe people were busy but I don't think it's strange either to wonder why nobody used it during the day either.

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ResplendentBear@reddit

It's reddit, so I assume you want someone to tell you it's a front for money laundering?

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

Not a haircut, vape or American sweet in sight sadly..

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Resali@reddit

Maybe it’s not as busy later in the day.

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

No but this is what I mean, it's as if no one uses it during the day, everyone waits until the evening?? That's the bit I'm not getting as much.

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Significant-Egg8119@reddit

You live opposite the petrol station so can see when it’s busy or quiet. Other people can’t so they come when they think they won’t have to wait.

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ARobertNotABob@reddit

This is why god gave us webcams.

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-jgrk-@reddit

They all got stuff to do during the day.

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mrhippoj@reddit

Because _everyone_ assumes it's too busy during the day

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VisualMethod345@reddit

Could be ubers and pro drivers would need to be in clean cars first thing in morning

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

This would make sense.

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Either_Buffalo_7643@reddit

You know some people have jobs and things to do right?

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

Yes mate. As I said, I'm observing from my own job, I just find it interesting that virtually no one at all uses this particular one during the day. Didn't need the sarcy reply, come on.

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Either_Buffalo_7643@reddit

It’s not sarcasm. Your post genuinely sounds like you don’t know that other people work or do other things.

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

Fair enough, but yes I'm aware, 😂

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swashfxck@reddit

Why do people do their weekly shop at supermarkets in the evening instead of during the day during peak hours?!?? 🤬

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

You've missed the point of my question.

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Linkyjinx@reddit

The only other connection I can think of other than a 24/7 work schedule- I.e if a bunch of shift workers clock off, they might also have a beer at 5am with breakfast as that is their evening, is lots of car washes employ people cash in hand still, and maybe they work for cheaper prices so if you get “Bob the immigration person” washing your car in off peak hours it won’t cost you as much?

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No_Session_7519@reddit

All the car washes are run by illegals, so there's a clue. No doubt some form of trafficking masquerading as legitimate business.

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EasyPiece@reddit

> as happening right now, in the dark. Where are you in the UK that it is dark at 15:40 in the afternoon. I'm pretty much as south as you can get and its not dark yet.

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AnselaJonla@reddit

[This is a useful resource](https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london). It doesn't account for cloud cover, though. If the day is utter dreck, then even civil twilight (the lightest stage of sunset/sunrise) can seem like night compared to a sunnier or less overcast day.

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draenog_@reddit

> I'm pretty much as south as you can get and its not dark yet. Pssst. Sunset time is earlier further south and later further north in the **summer**, when the north pole is tilted *towards* the sun. It's later further south and earlier further north in the **winter**, when the north pole is tilted *away* from the sun. Sunset time is 15:39 in Newcastle at this time of year, so anywhere further north than Newcastle currently has a pre-15:40 sunset.

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Scared-Room-9962@reddit

It's dark in Northern Scotland now. It's nearly dark here in Newcastle too.

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

Dark Kent. , 😂

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PipBin@reddit

I’m in the East and although it’s not middle of the night dark it’s certainly twilight.

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calve1234@reddit

You do realise in winter the more north you are the darker it is, right? I'm in Southampton where the sunset today is at 15:59 (though god knows where it is right now) but in Manchester the sunset is at 15:49 so 10 mins earlier. Edinburgh already had a sunset 10 mins ago.

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ULTRA_Faff@reddit

The show-boating has got to be seen, this is prime time baby! 🙃

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oompaloompagrandma@reddit

Are you close enough to see if they're taxis? Could be drivers who are just about to start their shift giving the car a quick clean beforehand.

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

That would make sense, haven't paid that close attention but some would be Ubers no doubt given proximity to the station.

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caneverant@reddit

Scotland? Maybe just to wash off salt?

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

Kent, thanks for an actual logical reply though!

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matomo23@reddit

What a funny question! People are busy mate they do things when they can fit them in.

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-jgrk-@reddit

Why not?

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OwnedByGreyhounds@reddit

Why do you need an explanation beyond the obvious "this the only time I have to do it?"? For the majority of full time workers, we don't have any free during daylight hours in the working week l at this time of year.

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AdventurousTeach994@reddit

You answered your own question

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Emergency_Mistake_44@reddit (OP)

I've been here most of the day, haven't seen anyone use it. All of a sudden it's getting dark and they seem to be one after another. On a Sunday I just find it odd.

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Efficient_Radio4491@reddit

People work during the day. Days are short, so it feels like they are wishing at night. Cars usually get dirtier in winter due to wet conditions and mud and grease get covered in it.

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Kudosnotkang@reddit

- Taxi drivers and workers that use their car will do it as they finish shift. - People who hate traffic and other people will do it then when (theoretically) quieter. -accidents that require cleaning can’t wait, and may happen at night. (Spilt food/drinks/sick)

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