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PhrasesAt the Petrol StationC'è un autolavaggio qui?
A2

C'è un autolavaggio qui?

Is there a car wash here?

Pronunciation

'Autolavaggio' — 'au-to-la-VAD-jo'. Five syllables; 'gg' before 'i' gives a soft 'j'; stress on fourth syllable.

When to use it

Ask when your car is dirty and you want to use an automatic car wash at the petrol station.

What it means

'Autolavaggio' means car wash (auto = car, lavaggio = washing). Italian petrol stations commonly have tunnel car washes ('tunnel di lavaggio') or jet wash bays ('idropulitrice').

Variations

Quanto costa il lavaggio?

How much does the car wash cost?

Direct price question.

C'è anche la lucidatura?

Is there also a wax polish?

'Lucidatura' is a wax/polish treatment.

Come funziona il tunnel di lavaggio?

How does the car wash tunnel work?

Asks for instructions on using an automatic car wash.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è un autolavaggio qui? — Sì, il tunnel è in fondo a destra. — Quanto costa? — Sei euro per il base, dieci con la cera.

— Is there a car wash here? — Yes, the tunnel is at the far right. — How much is it? — Six euros for basic, ten with wax.

Cultural Note

Italian petrol station car washes are called 'autolavaggio' and are common at larger stations. Tokens ('gettoni') are purchased at the cashier. In summer queues form quickly — arrive in the morning for the shortest wait.