Most years our area has a short winter weather reprieve in mid-to late-January. It came this weekend. Just a few days ago it was 14°, then it started warming up. Yesterday was 43°. Today is 58°; time to get outside, because tomorrow will be back down to 12°.
We've had a couple of minor snow events in the past few weeks, which left my car with a thick layer of dried salt residue and road grime. After lunch today I decided to go to a nearby do-it-yourself car wash and give my vehicle a cleaning. I wasn't the only one with that idea; when I got there every bay had two or three cars lined up. I picked one of the lines and waited for my turn.
I use this place several times a year. It's always been coin operated, so I have to make sure I have a pile of quarters with me to feed the machine. Last time, though, I noticed they'd upgraded the payment stations. Now you could pay with quarters or use a credit or debit card.
The new option was handy because Hubby Tony had just cashed in his change cup at the bank and there were no quarters to be had. When it was my turn to use the washing bay I swiped my card and waited for the signal to start. Using coins, you start with $2 worth of time. It's always a challenge to guess just how long the wash is going to take and add the appropriate amount of quarters (or risk running out of time before the car is completely washed and rinsed). Today I didn't have to keep an eye on the time meter, but I did have to remember to hit the STOP button so I didn't get charged for time I didn't use!
Five years ago today: The Writing On The Wall
I'm sure your car was very happy!
ReplyDeleteYes...for a short time. There's still quite a bit of snow residue in the corners of parking lots.
DeleteGlad they upgraded from quarters.
ReplyDeleteMe, too!
DeleteI use the drive through (I'm old!), and go on a Tuesday and get the "everything" two for one. Keep the receipt and come back any time before the world ends for the free wash. I tip the guys who dry my car each time five bucks, which is almost half the cost of the free wash.
ReplyDeleteI wish there was a car wash like that near me; everything within five miles is either self-serve or unattended drive through tunnel.
DeleteI remember our car washing days in Chicago. In Hawaii, we can wash our car outside all year long, thank goodness. It's necessary because of the salt air.
ReplyDeleteYou might remember that in areas that get snow the salt they put down on the road is the problem
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