Hundreds line up for car washes as temperatures rise

The unseasonably mild weather has people coming out in droves to get their cars washed. (WTOP/Mike Jakaitis)
The wait for a car wash at Germantown Auto Spa was about 35 minutes on Saturday. (WTOP/Mike Jakaitis)
The wait for a car wash at Germantown Auto Spa was about 35 minutes on Saturday. (WTOP/Mike Jakaitis)
Lines for the car wash snaked around the gas station. (WTOP/Mike Jakaitis)
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The wait for a car wash at Germantown Auto Spa was about 35 minutes on Saturday. (WTOP/Mike Jakaitis)

WASHINGTON — If you thought this mild weekend was a perfect opportunity to get the salt washed off your car, you’re not alone. Hundreds of people waited in lines at area gas stations Saturday and crowds are expected Sunday too.

At Germantown Auto Spa in Montgomery County, Maryland, at least 500 people had their car washed on Saturday. Marketing director Cheryl Hanes and manager Zach Grimnes had to stand outside and direct traffic.

“It was fantastic, the perfect storm of events created it,” Grimnes said.

The line of cars snaked all the way around the adjacent gas station. At 5 p.m., the wait was about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Hanes said the car wash has been that way since the recent cold spell in the D.C. area finally let up.

“We are going to have a record breaking weekend at all of our auto spas,” Hanes said.

Temperatures on Sunday are expected to reach the upper 50s, but it won’t be as sunny as Saturday. Check WTOP’s weather page for the latest updates.

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