Small Town News

Long Neck Car Wash combines technology and convenience

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Two men with longtime ties to the automotive business have joined forces to open Long Neck Car Wash in front of the Giant grocery store on Route 24. Tony Senturk and George Wilson feel their new business, which opened Nov. 1, will serve the growing population of the Long Neck area with a needed service.

The full-service car wash, which includes cutting-edge technology to benefit customers and the environment, combines machinery with a team of employees to fully clean vehicles inside and out A separate detailing room offers owners the opportunity to have the interior of their cars cleaned of the finest particles.

"I was in the automotive business - repairs and service - for 35 years before moving here," said Wilson. "I like cars and being in business, so I teamed up with Tony to open this."

Senturk said his father operated a car wash in Somerset County, Pa., for 15 years. "I always liked the idea of a full-service car wash and had a desire to open one, so when this opportunity arose we went ahead and did it," he said.

Wilson said die partners went to Denver, Colo., to look at the latest in car wash equipment and came home with a full operation. "We recycle 90 percent of the water we use," said Wilson. "Computers operate everything. All of the water is captured and filtered and stored in big tanks in the back area of the building."

He pointed proudly to a meter that measures the amount of particulate matter detected in the prefiltered water and another screen that shows how clean it is before being cycled back through for reuse. "The really dirty water gets put aside for use on tires and rims. We use everything, and that's good for the environment and saves us money. We have a spray wax that gets put on after the wash. All of our brushes are foam rubber, so nothing gets damaged and big blowers at the end of the operation dry the vehicles before they leave."

Wilson said a basic car wash inside and out, costs $22. Extra services, for extra fees, are also available. A large tip box outside near the payment office encourages a little extra for the guys working fast and furiously with vacuum, sponges and towels. "The usual is 10 percent, but you'd be surprised at how many people drop in $10s and $20s," said Wilson.

In addition to cleaning services, Long Neck Car Wash sells a variety of car cleaning and engine products. "We also have a unique selection of gift items," said Senturk. Behind him hung racks of colorful sweat shirts with slogans. One bright red shirt declared, "I put ketchup on my ketchup."

Wilson said an incredibly rainy November put a crimp on business, but on a recent sunny December weekday drivers were lining up midmorning to put a shine on their vehicles. Carol Ray, a local resident, was one of them. "I've been wanting to get my car cleaned and this is obviously the place to do it - so I don't have to," she said with a smile.

Senturk and Wilson said the recent snowstorm will cause damage to vehicles if they are not cleaned. Salt from the roads clings to vehicles and can cause rust and corrosion.

Cleanings soon after storms can help retain the value of vehicles longer.

Another customer, listening to the conversation, chimed in: "By this summer, people won't be able to get in here." . "That's what we're hoping," said Senturk.





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