Falls Church Automotive

Voted Best Car Wash in 2010 and 2011 by Northern Virginia Magazine, the chassis shiners at Sonic Soft Car Wash deliver a host of gleam-enhancing services at both their Woodbridge and Falls Church drive-thrus. Though services differ slightly by location, both car washes see exteriors washed, floors and seats vacuumed, and windows wiped clean of finger- and bologna-prints, plus a suite of finish-protecting treatments, such as a wheel brite and a tire shine. A Vision Clear rain repellent helps keep a truck impermeable, and a Teflon clear-coat wax brings out a vehicle's shine. Meanwhile, the three-color ultraviolet protection polish staves off the unsightly blisters and embarrassing bikini lines cars develop in heavy sunshine.

This holiday season, gift yourself or someone you care about with the chance to have their sled spicked-and-spanned by the experienced elves at Detailz Fine Auto Cleaning in Georgetown. This $79 Groupon is good for the Exterior Detail Supreme Package, a fender-to-fender overhaul that turns beaters into blenders using elbow grease and holiday cheer (up to $135 value, depending on car size). You can also convert today’s deal into an official Detailz gift certificate for stuffing holiday hosiery—just email the owner, Mike, with your name, address, and Groupon number and he’ll send a $135 gift certificate your way. Follow @Groupon_Says on Twitter.

Since 1958, Bicycle Pro Shop has helped find a matching mount for everyone from little kids just learning to pedal to United States presidents. The staff of experienced technicians—all avid cyclists themselves, including the owner, Serge, who spent 10 years as a competitive cyclist in France—oversees a stock of hybrids and road bikes from brands such as Cannondale, Scott, and Giant. In the service center, mechanics tighten up loose screws with thorough tune-ups and perform meticulous adjustments of minor yet important details such as the angle of the saddle and the crispness of the baseball cards in the spokes.

With lube and service centers spread across America, Valvoline Instant Oil Change ensures that roads from coast to coast teem with automotive vigor. Certified technicians perform a roster of services, including quick in-and-out oil changes that allow motorists to arrive without an appointment and remain in their car while Valvoline oils forge a truce between metal parts. Facilities also encourage odometers to reach up to 300,000 miles with an engine-guarantee program that helps motors live long enough to see tow trucks go extinct. Valvoline extends its care to cars of all makes and models as well as charitable organizations. They also sponsor the Goblin Gallop, and annual 5K race that raises money for the John Quadrino Foundation to Benefit Children with Cancer.

Gentle sprays of soap and water soar at vehicles of all shapes and sizes as the technicians helm a revolving-belt system that carries autos through a cleansing crucible without scrapes or scratches. After customers drive their roadsters through the wash tunnel, they can relax in Planet Auto Wash's lobby, where snacks await and a plate-glass window offers a prime view of each vehicle as it passes through the detailing area, gets an interior vacuuming and wipe down, or tackles the obstacle course.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change's experienced auto repairers classy up vehicles with a full-service treatment. An oil change, which Valvoline Instant Oil Change recommends every three months, 3,000 miles, or total lunar eclipse (whichever comes first), keeps fresh car blood coursing through a vehicle's innards, helping the engine run smoothly. The procedure also includes a complete examination of everything from the brakes to transfer-case fluid. A tire rotation prolongs the life of tires, promoting even wear and improving the overall ride of an automobile, even when running over Wham! cassette tapes.