Are people happy when they're washing their cars?

Aurora Peters and JR Lipska like to think so.

"It's fun," said Peters, the new owner of Mud Shaver Car Wash in Bayfield, located north of First National Bank of Durango on Wolverine Drive.

There is pride of ownership in their vehicles, so lots of owners like coming and washing them, Peters explained.

The facility, which opened about eight years ago, required a lot of work to get it operating better, said Lipska, the facility manager. Peters also owns a Mud Shaver in Pagosa Springs. She purchased the business on April 1.

"We're giving the community what they deserve," she said.

The upgrades include hot water, better spot free rinse, and a repaired reverse osmosis and water softening system.

Roberts changed the soap to the Lustra brand, which she said does a better job of getting dirt off our vehicles. There are new clear-coat and degreaser formulas. She and Lipska also got the in-floor heating system working so the bays won't ice up in the winter.

"We're not afraid of getting our hands dirty!" she said. There's also a new wand on the shampoo machine so it's working better, and there are even scents you can put in your car, including piña colada, new car and cherry. Fixing the vacuums and putting a new coat of paint on the trim round out the improvements.

"She gives me what I need to keep this place working," Lipska said of his boss.

Mud Shaver is hosting events this month to welcome customers and ask them to try the new upgrades.

Tomorrow, folks are welcome to stop by First National and get a coupon for a free wash, and Lipska will be serving burgers and soft drinks.

The business also is hosting a Bayfield Chamber of Commerce meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on June 9, and all are welcome to stop by.

On Saturday, June 11, there is a grand opening with burgers and brews from Bottom Shelf Brewery in Bayfield.

The company also has corporate fleet cards available, and Peters will bill owners once a month for their carwashes. It's popular with managers of gas truck fleets and government agencies.

They also sell loyalty discount cards. $30 worth of washes costs $25, or $75 worth for $50.

The two invite folks to come by, and their numbers are posted on the side of the building if there are any issues.