SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA DO IT THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY
Basha offers full service treatment during crisis to keep customers safe
John Harrison was able to fill up his gas tank without having to step out of his Dodge Durango on Monday.
A scene out a pre-1980s movie?
No, just a safety measure and convenience started by the operators of Basha’s Magical Touch car wash, gas and automotive service in Clinton Township for their customers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That’s awesome. It’s great for the quarantine,” Harrison, of Macomb Township, said.
In addition to full service at the pump for all customers, they can also ask to have their tire pressure and vehicle fluids checked – and topped off as necessary. Even before the pandemic, Basha employees used wipes every hour to sanitize gas nozzle handles, manager Armando Shami said.
“It’s just a piece of mind for people because (the virus) is something they can’t see,” he said. “You don’t have to touch the pump. We’ll do it for you. We’ve got the gloves on and sanitize.
“Some of the older people, they said it reminds them of older days, the good old days.”
Shami said some customers appear puzzled seeing an attendant standing at the pumps for the first time but they like the explanation.
“Especially the moms with kids in the car,” he said.
The family-owned facility, located on Groesbeck Highway, south of Metropolitan Parkway, also offers free car washes to doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store workers and active-duty military personnel. Basha employees will also sanitize vehicle interiors at no cost.
With a sense of community in mind, Shami said the free service to such individuals was a way to help and thank people who are on the front lines fighting the coronavirus pandemic and whose employment puts them at greater risk of exposure.
“They’re going through a lot right now,” said Shami, saying that he can see it on the faces of weary medical personnel.
“They’re risking their lives. We thought we can give them something, a little bit,” he said, adding free cleaning of their vehicle is “one less thing they have to worry about.”
For some, the trip to Basha might be a break from work to get a bit of alone time. The response has been very positive.
“They’re really appreciative,” Shami said.
Charlene Thornberry pulled up to a gas pump early Monday afternoon. She opened her door and told a Basha employee that she only wanted to purchase cigarettes at that moment. The worker went inside and got the pack for her.
Thornberry wasn’t aware of the full-service refueling.
“That’s awesome,” she said, adding she possibly would come back later in the day for gas.
Basha plans to continue the full service at the pumps indefinitely.
In addition to full service at the pump for all customers, they can also ask to have their tire pressure and vehicle fluids checked – and topped off as necessary.