Original article published in the Mower County Independent, Thursday, July 27, 2023. Reprinted with permission and gratitude.
By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy
So shiny, even the crows know it’s automatic. “It is a fully automatic car wash with a separate drying bay,” said Midwest Sales representative Stacey Rath, speaking of the new @ The Car Wash automatic automobile soapbox that now stands on the south end of the Midwest Sales dealership’s lot just off Highway 63 in Spring Valley.
Rath explained that the owners of the Midwest company, which owns the Midwest Sales dealership, determined that there was a surplus of dusty cars and a dearth of places that could suds, brush and dry them to satisfactory condition, short of standing in one’s driveway and getting soaked while obsessing over that one spot that won’t buff out.
“After the closing of Fowler’s car wash, we knew there was a need for the area to have one, and we just needed to find the location. When Midwest moved into the Kuehn Motors location, the wheels started turning. Midwest had been planning this since the summer and fall of 2022, and the previous building on the lot had to be torn down so we could construct a new site and make room for the car wash and a shop for Midwest to utilize in place of the one that was removed.” She elaborated, “Construction began after the purchase of the location in 2022, but getting equipment and parts has been a struggle that delayed the hopeful spring 2023 opening. Waiting on materials was the biggest challenge because we experienced several delays with getting materials and shipping.”
The car wash had its first spin cycle in late June or early July, and it’s spacious enough for vehicles of most sizes. “We can wash cars, SUVs and pickup trucks. The maximum height is 90 inches, so see the posted sign outside of the wash bay for instructions. We do not have a wash bay for oversize vehicles or semi-trucks. We can wash a variety of vehicles that are under 90 inches in height—please be cautious of the pressure from the washer and dryer, and be sure remove any loose items on your vehicle and/or in truck beds before entering the car wash—and @ The Car Wash offers three different levels of washes, including Elite, Elite Plus, and Fire and Ice, along with several a la carte items and a vacuum for your use after you exit the wash and dryer bays. We do have heat in the car wash, and there is a separate drying bay with automatic blower that goes around your vehicle twice.”
Rath explained that the first wash option, an Elite, is “your basic wash that includes a chrome and glass clean, a hot foam bath, underbody wash, Turtle Wax triple foam, high pressure rinse…the Blazing Glaze, finished off with a spot-free rinse and blow dry.” Drivers may choose to upgrade to the Elite Plus or Fire and Ice washes to further scrub and polish their cars or trucks and see how much attention it attracts from people and curious crows who can see their reflections in just about every angle and not have to see “those pesky bugs plastered on your vehicle.”
She added, “We also offer some additional services, such as ice and mud prewash, an all-hot water wash, liquid ceramic coating and a double rocker (panel) blast. Check out our Fire and Ice package for…a shiny clean car.”
@ The Car Wash is open to the public and will also serve Midwest Sales. Rath pointed out that customers may choose to stop through and use it for one wash or many. “Memberships are available for those that want a hands-free experience at the pay station, so see Midwest Sales during business hours to get your membership…we do offer gift cards and monthly memberships.”
What’s more exciting than something that’s new, and not to mention the car wash has some great features to keep your vehicle clean.”
Midwest Sales representative Kristi Jack added in conclusion, “All of us from @ The Car Wash, Midwest Sales, Leasing and Contracting would like to extend our appreciation to the community of Spring Valley for the warm welcome and voices of encouragement that they have extended. Also, to the Kuehn family for allowing us to be an extension to their family legacy. We plan to be in this community for years to come and be your total car care provider, just as you expected from the Kuehn family in years past.”
For more information on Spring Valley’s new car wash, log onto the @ The Car Wash Facebook page at At The Car Wash_Spring Valley.
Courtesy of the Mower County Independent, 135 E Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951, (507)-324-5325
