August 07, 2006
At the Car Wash
The ride's a little ragged and requires some sprucing up before it rolls another mile. (This is assuming you can't just park it outside your bar and send an eager kid out there to spit-shine it for you, as some readers here may.)
Well, if you have some time, the South Grand Detail Clinic was a package deal last Friday. There was car washing, people watching, and some of the greatest soft-sells I've fallen for in a long time.
The technicians were, in appearance, one of the most intimidating lot these eyes have rested upon. Ever. They were built, braided, tattoed and there was more than one grill gleamin'.
So I was somewhat flummoxed by the absolute courtesy with which I was treated. After I requested the wash and vac special, the technician told me, "I'll put a spray on wax for you just 5.00 more." Oh! Isn't that thoughtful and generous. A bit later he gently offered this information, "Some people like us to put some freshener inside, you know, to make it smell real good." Okay, I want that, too!
Several employees expressed concern that I was sitting outside in the hot sun and wouldn't I be more comfortable in the air-conditioned waiting room? Would I like to change the channel on the television? Progress updates were frequent and appreciated, particularly since I started to get squirmy after about 40 minutes of waiting.
The vehicle looked nice outside and was immaculate on the inside. It's possible that cough syrup was used to "freshen" the interior as the overpowering, cherry-y scent drove me to roll down the windows on a 100 degree day.
No Wi-Fi as I'd heard, and 20 bucks for a car wash isn't something I'd do too often. Still, I was glad to have tried it out and if I ever need to impress someone with the cleanliness of my wheels, I'm going there.
Here's the dirt:
South Grand Detail Clinic and Window Tinting
3740 South Grand St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
314.776.6545 or 314.776.1441