THE SHAMMY SHINE CONNECTION We thought our customers would enjoy a bit of history on Shammy Shine Car Washes and wanted to share some answers to questions that we have been asked over the years.

What is the connection between Stem Brothers, Inc, a Milford NJ fuel distribution company, and Shammy Shine Car Washes?

In 1975, Craig and Dave Stem of Stem Brothers, Inc. opened the automatic car wash on Route 12 in Flemington, NJ, which is still there today. The original name of this location was Route 12 Wash & Gas, Inc.

How did the name, Shammy Shine, come into existence?

In the early 80’s, the industry introduced new technology for automatic car washes. The traditional nylon brushes were replaced with soft cloths, which safely remove dirt and salt and prevent fine scratches to the clear coat finish on cars. Although the spelling of this type of cloth is typically chamois, the company that patented this technology uses the spelling “shammy” which is an acceptable, alternative spelling according to Webster’s Dictionary. Craig Stem implemented this technology in the Route 12 location in 1982, and the name was appropriately changed to Shammy Shine Car Washes.

How many Shammy Shine locations are there?

Over the past 30 years, the company has expanded to eight locations in New Jersey and four in Pennsylvania. Shammy Shine employs approximately 150 people in the two states. The main office is located in Suite 200 of the Stem Brothers, Inc. office building, on Frenchtown Road, in Milford, NJ.

What other services does Shammy Shine provide?

The locations on Route 31 in Flemington, NJ, Airport Road in Allentown, PA and on West Main Street in Clinton, NJ are full-service washes, which includes a vacuum of the interior and hand-dry of the exterior. In addition, numerous detailing services are available. The Route 31 location also offers quick lube service, as does the Route 202/31 Flemington location; and both staffs pride themselves on checking fluids, differentials, air filters, windshield wipers and completing an oil change in just 10 minutes. The newest product offered by Shammy Shine Car Washes is our own prepaid gift card, which may be purchased on line at shammyshine.com or at any Shammy Shine Car Wash locations. The Shammy Shine gift cards may be used for any product or service (except gasoline) at all thirteen locations.

How does the automatic car wash in the town of Milford differ from the other locations?

The Milford location is unique in that the customer, with the guidance of a video attendant, chooses their desired wash and enters the bay as directed by a series of traffic lights. This type of wash is considered a rollover, as your car remains stationary and the wash mechanism moves (or rolls) safely over your car during the wash cycle. This technology is popular in the southern states and is commonly found where there isn’t adequate space to accommodate a more traditional automatic car wash.

What is an Auto-Teller and how does the Flemington Route 12 Shammy Shine work?

Auto-Tellers are a recent development in the car wash industry. Similar to an ATM machine, or many other electronic transaction devices an Auto-Teller provides Shammy Shine customers with a consistent greeting and menu selection. The Auto-Teller, in conjunction with newly developed wash equipment allows the car wash to operate with a lower overhead, and to pass along the savings to the customer. The cost of an automatic car wash is greatly reduced at this type of facility and customers enjoy a terrific wash at a bargain price.

How does Shammy Shine contribute to the conservation of water and energy?

The computer system used by all twelve locations images and sizes each vehicle in order to gauge the appropriate amount of water, wash solution and energy required to wash and dry the particular size and shape of that vehicle. An automatic car wash uses approximately 16 to 18 gallons of water per wash. Studies have shown that, on average, a car washed at home uses approximately 77 gallons per wash. Additionally, waste water from an automatic car wash is disposed of into the sanitary sewer where it is treated before returning to the water supply. Home washed run-off typically goes into the storm drain and runs off into the nearest waterway.

We welcome you to visit our Alpha, Clinton, Flemington, Milford New Jersey locations and our Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Palmer, Pennsylvania washes. If you have any questions regarding our locations or the services they offer, please feel free to call our main office at (908) 996-2177.