Most people wait until their car develops its own ecosystem before deciding it's time to clean. Preempt tiny french-fry-harvesting civilizations with today's Groupon: for $30, you get a total car wash (a $28 value, up to $30 for SUVs, mini-vans, and station wagons) and a conventional oil change (a $34 value) at Carolina Auto Spa in Cary.

Let the Carolina Auto Spa staff, with their years of automotive experience and professionally stunning uniforms, wade into your car's interior and engine, revamping both with the one-two punch of a total car wash package and conventional oil change. Your ride's interior will be dusted, vacuumed, wiped, and conditioned until it looks clean and tastes delicious. On the surface, the experts apply a generous coat of wax, rain repellant, and UV-paint protection (see the sidebar for a complete rundown of what's included). And under the hood, your engine's essential oil is swapped and topped to conventional satisfaction.

In the event that you aren't totally satisfied with your service, an unconditional rewash policy is applicable within seven days of redeeming your Groupon. Appointments, like wearing chain mail while wrestling a bear, are recommended but not required.

For the oil change, up-charges may apply for non-standard or more expensive cartridge filters or synthetic oil. For the car wash, additional up-charges may apply for excessive mud, mold, tree sap, road paint, tar, etc.

Reviews

Though reviews are polarized, Citysearchers give Carolina Auto Spa an average of 3.5 stars:

• Have been a customer for a few years. Karl (the owner) is usually on hand and working with the team. Karl oversees most jobs and motivates his crews to provide excellent customer service. – tim_shriver