Rt. 23 Car Wash Renovations Will Create Cozy Experience

Motorists may already be aware that the Route 23 Car Wash, on Route 23 South in Kinnelon, is undergoing major exterior renovations.

The renovations, scheduled to be completed in November, are geared toward creating a more cozy and welcoming feeling, according to Co-owner Tom Johnson.

Johnson, of Kinnelon, and his brother, Wayne, and sisters, Lynda and Debbie, have owned the car wash for 23 years. This year, Johnson said, the family decided to "modernize" the business to enhance the customer experience.

"It was a very commercial feel," he said. "It's going to be a commercial feel still but a much warmer, home-y type."

The car wash facility will feature a new convenience store, selling more food and beverage items, and waiting area where customers can spend time while they are waiting for their cars to be detailed.

The car wash is open and operational during the renovations, Johnson said, but once they are complete, even the car wash system will be enhanced. The conveyor belts and guide rails used in the car wash machine will be brand new, including with new foam brushes to wash cars without damaging them.

"The guide rails on both sides are going to be plastic because the wheels now are just so delicate," Johnson said.

Johnson said a focus of the renovations is to make the car wash "greener," using LED lights, eco-friendly soaps and trying to conserve as much water as possible. As opposed to washing at home, Johnson said the car wash is able to capture run-off water before it hits stormwater drains. Energy conservation will also be a goal with the renovations.

While a few aspects of the car wash may be different, Johnson said customer service will either remain the same or improve.

"We're not going to be so rushed, We're going to have more space and more time to be able to work on vehicles," he said.