When it comes to keeping a car looking in top shape, Dave
Dominguez has plenty of experience.
When it comes to keeping a car looking in top shape, Dave Dominguez has plenty of experience.
Years ago, Dominguez was involved with Suds Car Wash and Detail Center when it was known as Dave’s Car Wash. Then he left the business to follow his interest of painting cars. Now, he and his wife Kelly are the new owners of the car wash.
“Things have changed a lot through the years,” Dominguez said. “The chemicals and soaps they use now are better for the paint of the vehicle. A lot of places have a degreaser which takes off the wax. The stuff we use puts it back on.”
Some people are hesitant to try a car wash. Others get immediately hooked.
“We had one guy recently who was amazed at how quickly his car was done,” Dominguez said. “He wondered why he’d spent so much time washing his own car and told me he was never going to wash his car again. Instead, he’d bring it here.”
Employees take a car through the wash at some car washes. Not so at Suds.
“A lot of people are more comfortable taking their own cars through. Then they can sit and watch our employees finish it for them,” Dominguez said. “Almost any size vehicle can fit through the wash, including utility trucks with racks.”
Suds Car Wash offers a basic wash and dry for $5.95. One of the most popular packages is the exterior special – a machine wash, wax and dry, with the choice of rims or tires cleaned for $8.95. The deluxe treatment includes a wash, wax and dry, windows washed inside and out, vacuum, dusting of the dashboards and seats, a shampoo of the floor mats and an air freshener spray for $16.95.
“We also offer a hand wash,” Dominguez said. “This is a little more expensive, but some people prefer it. We’re also available for cleaning boats and motor homes.”
Those who want to have their cars detailed can choose from a variety of packages. Dominguez said detailing can take up to six hours, so appointments are necessary. The car wash is currently booked two weeks in advance for many of these time-consuming jobs.
“Another thing we provide is a buff and wax,” Dominguez said. “A lot of people don’t know how to buff a car; you can mess up the paint job on a vehicle if you do it wrong. I’m often able to take out fine scratches by doing a wet sanding, then buffing it off. On a faded paint job, buffing isn’t good to do – you can take off what paint is left.”
Employees of the car wash have been there a long time, Dominguez said, and they care about their work.
“We want our customers to leave here happy,” he said. “If they have a complaint, I want to hear it. I can’t change things if I don’t hear about it.”
Since taking over the car wash, the Dominguezes have put in a new conveyer and computer system. They plan to continue upgrading, but some customer favorites remain the same.
“We still have the Suds Club,” Dominguez said. “This is where you purchase a pre-paid card for five car washes. The sixth wash is free. Even though we offer gift certificates, people tell me they like to purchase Suds Club cards to use as gifts.”
Accounts can also be arranged for businesses that have several vehicles to keep clean and want to pay just once a month.
“The bottom line is, we’re here to please our customers,” Dominguez said.
-Suds Car Wash and Detail Center is located at 40 Santa Ana Road. Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watch for extended summer hours. For more information, call 637-5678.
