Stuff You Should Know

The One About Car Washes

5 snips
Aug 1, 2024
Discover the fascinating journey of car washes, from quirky traditions to the latest in automation and technology. Explore how the industry has boomed thanks to innovations like touchscreens and conveyor systems, balancing speed with quality. Learn about the rise of subscription models and their environmental impact, along with the historical significance behind keeping our vehicles spotless. This entertaining dive showcases personal anecdotes and the cultural importance of car washes throughout the decades.
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ANECDOTE

Car Wash Routines

  • Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant discuss their car washing routines.
  • Clark uses an automated friction wash and vacuums afterward, while Bryant enjoys the "Schwifty" with his daughter and Plantasia.
INSIGHT

Early Car Washes

  • Early car washes were primarily on the West Coast, with some in Portland and San Francisco.
  • The first automobile laundry in Detroit opened in 1913, charging $1.50, equivalent to about $45 today.
ANECDOTE

Auto Bowls

  • In the 1920s, people used "auto bowls" to clean their cars.
  • These were large, concave, bumpy basins filled with water that cars would drive around in to remove mud.
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