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Every industry has undergone tremendous changes in the past three decades, and the car-washing business is no exception. By changing with the times, Splash Car Washes has grown from a single operation in Greenwich to its current 17 locations throughout the area.
In the view of Splash co-founder Mark Curtis, the increased emphasis on ecology has been among the biggest changes. "Car washing has always been a 'green' business in terms of treating effluent, recycling water and saving electricity," he says. "It's much more ecologically sound than washing your car in your driveway, but 70 percent of people surveyed think just the opposite."
The chemistry of washing cars also has evolved since Splash opened 30 years ago and for the better, says Curtis. "The soaps are designed with specific pH levels to better emulsify the organic and inorganic dirt that gets on cars and make it come off more easily."
The machinery has evolved as well. "We started with nylon bristles, then went to 'brushless' cloth," says Curtis. "I really think the closed-cell foam we use now is more effective and actually better for your car."
But one thing that hasn't improved over the years is the finish put on cars. "They're much more vulnerable than in the old days," Curtis says. "Just a couple coats of paint and a clear coat. You can see how fragile that is by looking at the scratches around your door handles just from opening the car with your hands." It's more important than ever to apply regular coats of wax to create a buffer layer on top, he says.
Some lucky customer will get that for free for life as part of the promotion Splash is running to celebrate its 30th anniversary. And everyone will have a chance to win discounts on washes, free detailing or prizes such as TVs, dinners or gasoline.
Looking ahead, Curtis says, "We'll continue to innovate to make the car-washing experience what our customers have come to expect. Quick, friendly service is still our mainstay." One that has, and will continue to, stand the test of time.
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