Blast from the Past: Windshield Washers

If you've ever pulled into a gas station to fill your own tank, chances are you may not know about full service gas stations. They were known as service stations long ago in which an attendant would pump your gas, check the oil and wash the windows without you ever leaving the car. 

But when gas prices began to rise in the 1970s, many full service stations became self service stations in order to save customers a few cents at the pump. When gas prices skyrocketed in the 2000s, people were more than willing to pump their own gas rather than being charged extra for service.

If you long for a blast from the past then stop by one of the two Arco stations on the corner of Brookhurst St. and Slater Ave. this week during regular business hours. You will find several young men dressed in bright red shirts eagerly waiting to wash your dirty windows and check out your windshield for free.

They work for Chipio, an Anaheim-based windshield repair company that can repair a chip, ding, star break, bulls-eye, or edge crack on the spot in about 15 minutes. They also can verify insurance coverage so there is no cost to you when filing a claim under your comprehensive insurance plan.

It's not exactly full service, but at least your windows will be cleaner.