Lemont Express Car Wash at 1174 State St. reopened on Friday after undergoing a multi-million dollar makeover that begain in July. The business replaced its former building with a 4,800-square-foot complex that includes a 150-foot automatic car wash tunnel, state-of-the-art equipment and a 25-horsepower central vacuum system.

The brand-new Lemont Express Car Wash will remain open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. every day, 365 days per year.

Owner Bill Klump couldn’t be more excited about the results of the makeover, and is sharing his excitement with members of the community by offering the gift of a sparkling-clean car – at no cost.

“This weekend, we are offering free double washes, Klump said. "You get a tremendous Simoniz carnuba wax and shine, perfect wheels, deep rim cleaning, Armour All – your car will be church-ready or date-ready when you leave.”

Klump said that while dating future wife and business partner Maria, he always made sure his car was sparkling when he arrived at her parents' house to pick her up for a date.

“It’s not that she cared so much,” Klump said with a laugh. “But her father did.  He figured if I took good care of my car, I’d take good care of his daughter, too.”

And he wants to help local residents take good care of their cars, as well.

Car washes at Lemont Express range in price from $3 to $15. For those who want their cars to sparkle but don’t have a lot of time, Klump recommends the company’s “Express Exterior” wash.

“It’s faster, better and cheaper,” Klump said. “With our quick pass, you get a sticker in your window, the gate goes up, you stay in your car, go in, no tipping, it’s done – a $3 wash in three minutes. You can keep all your stuff – your iPad, laptop, whatever  – with you, and even stay on your phone.”

And the best part, Klump said, especially in Lemont winters, is the car wash’s “ring of fire.”

“We have 11 blow dryers with 105-degree drying temperature,” he said. “The ring of fire makes your car come out perfectly dry, with no more fear of locks or doors freezing.”

And if Fido needs a little freshening up, bring him (or her) to Lemont Express, too, where two heated pet-wash bays will be fully operational this week.

Klump, who lives in Darien with his wife and two sons, also owns Express Car Wash locations in Brookfield, Hickory Hills, Plainfield and Romeoville.

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