Finding Serenity In The Car Wash
How many of you remember the days of traveling through the car wash in your vehicle? I remember those days fondly; they elicit memories of the scent of car wax, soap suds and my dear old dad.
The reason that I ask is because during that brutal cold snap that we experienced here in Hicksville, my husband and I opted to take our salt-encrusted Ford Explorer to the car wash on Barclay Street. The dashboard thermometer registering the outdoor temperature registered 10 degrees, and there was absolutely nobody on line. This gave me pause, as the line to the car wash is usually quite lengthy. My husband drove in, ever hopeful that we could get the sand and dirt from the exterior and undercarriage. It’s vital during the winter months to get the grime off, in order to preserve the paint and keep the vehicle looking pristine.
The attendant who wrote out our service ticket explained that although other car washes in the area were closed because of the frigid temperatures, their location would remain open for customers. He quipped, “We’re open all the time.” Offering him a grateful smile for braving the elements to clean our truck, my husband and I left our vehicle in his capable hands and went into the office to warm ourselves up and wait for the service to be completed.
I really enjoy watching the car being washed as it moves automatically along the tracks. There’s something about witnessing the filth being hosed off, hot wax being applied, and the brushes and sponges as they lather every last bit of grime that gives me a great deal of satisfaction. I remember my youth, when I could witness the process firsthand.
Dad used to wash our cars in the driveway of our North Levittown home, usually once a month on a Saturday morning. Sometimes, he’d wash it more frequently than that, especially if salt and sand were threatening to burn a hole through the paint. He used to joke with us that it would most likely rain the next day, because he had just washed the car. I’d always remark that we’d get to enjoy the shine for one day, at least. Sometimes Dad let me help him sponge off the tires, and sometimes I got to spray the car off with the hose. The best part of washing the car, however, was when I got to sit inside and listen to the peaceful sound of the water as it sprayed over the hood and roof. It was as though the entire world disappeared. I enjoyed the solitude and serenity so much that when Dad took his car through the automated wash, I’d sit inside, close my eyes and enjoy every moment of the stillness. Watching the car getting lathered and cleaned was a pretty good perk of driving through too—but there was just something about that stillness that really appealed to me.
Hicksville Car Wash on Barclay Street elicited a great shine from our truck that cold morning. My husband and I were able to enjoy that luster for one whole day, as it snowed the following morning. As I watched the process of cleaning our vehicle, I was instantly transported to those days of yesteryear, when I took my own thrilling trips through the wash. Perhaps next time, I’ll ask the attendant if I can ride through just once, for old times’ sake, to experience that wonderfully peaceful hush once more.
