CITRUS HEIGHTS Car Wash
CLEAN, QUALITY & CUSTOMER SERVICE
ABOUT the car wash
The car wash was originally built in 1982 by the Neal Family, but never had a business name. When Kimberly purchased it in 2003, it looked dirty, dreary and neglected. Though it's "bones" were strong, it just needed some cosmetic TLC (tender loving care). Over the past 20 years, Kimberly has literally poured blood, sweat, tears, and profits back into her beloved car wash to become the bright, clean and modern facility you see today. The most noticeable improvements were upgrading the color scheme (2006), adding the name "Citrus Heights Car Wash" (2014), converting to $1 tokens and accepting credit cards (2015), adding in-bay air dryers (2018), and adding Coinless mobile payment app (2022). Like a devoted mother, she's always looking for ways to make her car wash more convenient and efficient for her loyal customers!
MY business PHILOSOPHY
Most self-service car washes are owned by men. I used to be intimidated by this fact, but have learned to use my strengths to personalize my business. I want to be a beacon of light to my customers, whether with a smile, an encouraging word, or simple act of kindness. I'm very grateful to own a business I enjoy so much, that provides many opportunities to be of service to my customers and my community.
I enjoy the unpredictability and variety of my work. No two days are ever the same, and there is never a dull moment! For me, it's NOT about making money. Every day is an opportunity to make a personal connection (a new friend) and a positive impact. I receive an immense sense of satisfaction helping new customers, leave thrilled with their shiny, clean car. Most days, you can find me on-site sweeping, cleaning, greeting new customers, making change and explaining how the wash works, while being alert to handle unexpected issues such as jump-starting a dead battery or making a quick repair.
In this day, a little kindness goes a long way, that customers will long remember. One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou (American Poet): "People don't always remember what you say or do, but they'll always remember how you made them feel!" At the end of most days, I am tired and dirty but feel an enormous sense of satisfaction, peace, and joy!
cAR WASH THAT CARES!
HISTORY OF Lincoln Highway
CITRUS HEIGHTS CAR WASH is located at 7742 Auburn Boulevard in Citrus Heights, California.
Auburn Boulevard is on the historic US Route 40 corridor, originally known as "Lincoln Highway." It was finished in 1913 and ran from San Francisco, CA, to Atlantic City, NJ.
Carl Fisher was an automobile pioneer who had the vision to create a transcontinental highway that ran from coast to coast. The concept was originally funded by Frank Seiberling, president of Goodyear Tire, and Henry Joy, president of Packard Motor Car Company. To give it a more "patriotic appeal," they decided to name the highway after President Abraham Lincoln.
"Lincoln Highway" extended almost 3400 miles, from San Francisco, CA to Atlantic City, NJ, and through 14 states (California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, into New York). Its purpose was to celebrate the automobile, mobility and encourage leisure driving.
Before the "Lincoln Highway", most of the nation's roads were made of dirt and difficult to drive on. In the summertime, the roads were cracked and dusty, that turned to thick mud during the rainy season.
As the automobile grew in popularity in the 1950s, President Dwight Eisenhower pushed for a national highway system. He wanted to connect the country, help it grow, and move troops in case of war. In 1956, the National Interstate and Defense Highway Act was passed that funded the interstate highway system we know today.
After the US Numbered Highway System was established, the "Lincoln Highway" name was gradually replaced with numbered designations - US 40 Route and Interstate 80.
Although the California segment of this highway was decommissioned in 1964, "Historic US 40 Route" signs have been placed along the remaining parts of the highway in California, notably along Auburn Blvd. in Sacramento, Citrus Heights and Riverside Drive in Roseville.
Sources: Citrus Heights Historical Society, Lincoln Highway Association
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- Lincoln Highway Association (with interactive map)
- Frank Brusca's Route 40
- Sierra Nevada Map Guide
7742 Auburn Blvd.
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(corner of Antelope Road)
Accepted payment methods:
Buy $1 tokens with paper bills, credit & debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay. OR use Coinless payment app
