FOCUS: Classic Auto Wash

Todd Christopher (right) and the managers of Classic Auto Wash.

Todd Christopher and his parents, Phillip and Norma, opened Classic Auto Wash at its current location in Allen Park in 1987. By 2003, Modern Car Care magazine named Classic Auto Wash one of the top ten car washes in the country.

The son of a former Melvindale Fire Chief, Christopher was born and raised in Melvindale and now lives in Trenton with his wife of 22 years and their four children.

Before becoming the enthusiastic entrepreneur that drives the car wash’s impeccable quality and business, Christopher was an electrician for Union Local 58 installing electrical at construction sites.

Eddie Mullins prepares a vehicle for the tunnel.

Staff

Christopher gets help from long-time managers Eddie Mullins and Kevin Fox. Stephen Fox, Chris Rogalowski round out the staff to help hose off loose debris from vehicles before they enter the state-of-the-art tunnel.

Community

Christopher is community minded and shows it by supporting Cabrini and Allen Park High School football programs. He has also sponsored various hockey and bowling teams.

Also, a few selected local dealerships offer their new-car owners 30 days of $15-dollar car washes for free.

Impeccable Service

“Quality is our driving effort,” says Christopher. “We don’t cut corners; we use fresh water, we don’t brush, and we use a hot air-drying system. ‘Guaranteed Clean’ is our tagline. If it’s not right, we’ll take care of it.”

“All soaps are formulated for us and for our other business, TPC Auto Wash Supply,” he continues. “I am always playing with formulas -- improving the quality of the soaps. I was just working on a new cleaner for white walls when you came in.”

The vending area has two free mat-cleaning machines and

stainless steel sinks for spraying mats. There are ten self-serve vacuums, which are checked and cleaned once a week. There is also a free state-of-the-art air compressor for tires. It, however, only works when the car wash is open, since it’s powered by the main compressors.

Classic Auto Wash was the first in the country to implement Express Pay Terminals (XPT) for automated payment by debit, credit card or cash.

“We have a program for $24.99a a month that allows you to wash your car every day,” says Christopher. “You can sign up right at terminal. Just click Help; it takes about 90 seconds.

“It’s working well, but there were some growing pains. It doesn’t matter if it rains anymore. Just come back for a wash again tomorrow.”

FocusALLENPARK.com thanks Todd Christopher for his support, and for the support he gives his home town. Visit the Classic Auto Wash page.