Full-service gas station opens in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE - Lonnie Steinmetz says he's trying to bring back the nostalgic feel of the 1950s and 1960s with the look of his new full-service gas station.

With the new remodel, there's silver diamond plating on the building and gas pumps. Red and gray paint also accent the business.

He plans to have music from the 1950s and 1960s piped out to the pumps for customers to listen to, he said.

That's when it was the norm for an attendant to check a customer's car oil level and tire pressure during a gas fill-up, Steinmetz said.

"It's just an old-school gas station," he added. "That's pretty big for older folks, for anyone, actually."

Steinmetz and his wife Julie just opened another branch of Affordable Auto this week in Moses Lake with one difference.

The new location on Broadway Avenue will be mainly devoted to vehicle maintenance and selling regular and super unleaded gas, he said.

The couple's 12-year-old flagship business on West Driggs Drive will continue to handle heavy repairs, but some overflow maintenance work will be done at the new location, Lonnie said.

The new station will focus on full service of cars and light trucks (1/2 ton and lower), including checking the oil and tire pressures and wiper blades. Windows will also be washed.

The first day of business was Monday. Lonnie said business started hopping around noon. He was surprised at the amount of oil changes and how much gas and wiper blades were sold, he added.

The business has the latest in diagnostic equipment and mechanics can work on all makes and models of vehicles, both foreign and domestic, Julie said. They also have a computer program that shows each vehicle's maintenance schedule, she added.

The lack of maintenance is the "number one cause of vehicle failure," Lonnie said. "That's what's so important about full service," he said.

A broken timing belt on a vehicle can result in severe engine damage and with full service, the belts can be inspected, he said.

Low tire pressure will directly affect fuel mileage.

"That's huge," he added.

Manager Steve Wilson said he previously worked at Lakeside Conoco near the Alder Street fill in Moses Lake, which offered full service.

Lakeside closed three years ago and there's been a desire in town for full-service, Wilson said.

"There's always been a demand for the service," Wilson added.

There isn't many full-service gas stations left anywhere, he said.

There's no mini-mart area at the station, Wilson said. "We're taking a trip back to the past," he remarked.

Affordable Auto's hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

A free safety inspection will be offered for the month of September, which will include a brake inspection and a tire rotation, Lonnie said.

Others are noticing the sharp look of the new location. Lonnie said he's been receiving inquiries about having car shows there and he's "very open" to the idea, he said.

"I think it adds to the beautification of Moses Lake," Julie said.