Local car washes, even those offering four-dollar service, have suffered during this heat wave. As temperatures rise, the number of vehicles coming through drops. A.J. Rassamni, owner of Great American Car Wash, said "It does affect the business. People don't want to come out when its too hot to wash the car. Not only the carwash but any business. People don't like to be out in the heat."
Neither do cars. Mechanics say this is their busiest time of year. Cars tend to break down in the intense heat. Mike Bailey, Service Manager for Sebring West, said "The charging system goes out. Your battery loses charge, your alternator gets overheated. Your cooling system really needs to be worked on."
Bailey says Sebring West has serviced about seven air conditioners every day this week. He added "This is when they break because they work the hardest this time of year and they just don't have time to cool down."
Many car lots are empty because it's just too stifling to browse for hot deals. The serious heat brings out only the serious buyer. George Benitez of the Tag Auto Center said "Now with this heat wave as soon as we see a customer on the lot we know they're here for a reason, not just to shop around for prices."
Kids prefer to shop around for cool places to hang out. Many jump at the chance to go to Fashion Fair Mall. Not to shop but to splash around in the fountain area. Marketing Manager Kelly Tallant said "Here by the interactive fountain a lot of moms bring their kids here to enjoy, have play dates and things of that nature. They do go inside."
People are flocking to the mall and the movies to take advantage of someone else's air conditioning.
The heat wave has also boosted business at "The Island" Water Park and Wild Water Adventures.
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