About Us

FiveMinuteCarWashOwners

Family Owned & Operated Since 1963

General Manager Jim Waller with a customer who just won a free car in an area raffle. 1965
General Manager Jim Waller with a customer who just won a free car in an area raffle. 1965

Our Approach

Our Story

 Our Story

It all started when Charles Perry Fenley opened up the original 5 Minute CarWash in Modesto California in June of 1963. The original location was on McHenry and Menssinger on the location of what is today Walgreens Drug Store. The current location at Oakdale Road was opened in April of 1978 and has been in continuous operation ever since, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Out of approximately 14,600 days we have only been officially closed 120 times!

Charles was a union electrician in the 1960’s and became fascinated with the business of car washes and their efficiency. He reasoned that he could provide a high level of service in small amount of time, and the first 5 Minute CarWash was born!

Charles would go on to run the business until he retired in 1995, but still visits the wash often and is seen around the property inspecting equipment and operations. Today Charles’ son Mike, and his son Brandon, and his son Duncan are all involved in the day to day operations and management of 5 Minute CarWash.

Being a part of the Modesto community for more than 55 years, we take pride in offering old fashion value and customer service that has become more rare in this day and age. Every member of the 5 Minute CarWash management team is intimately involved with virtually all aspects of the business. We love what we do, and we love our customers here in Modesto.

Original 5 Minute CarWash newspaper ad in the Modesto Bee, October 1963.
Original 5 Minute CarWash newspaper ad in the Modesto Bee, October 1963.
5 Minute CarWash Price Sheet, Early 1980's.
5 Minute CarWash Price Sheet, Early 1980's.
5 Minute CarWash Ad in the Modesto Bee, 1978.
5 Minute CarWash Ad in the Modesto Bee, 1978.

Stop by 7 days a week from 8:30am to 5pm rain or shine to enjoy breakfast in our highly rated cafe, shop in our impressive gift shop, have your car serviced or detailed or of course get one of our famous washes!

Whatever the reason, it’s always a good time to stop by and visit 5 Minute Car Wash.

Feature Photo in the Modesto Bee, 1984.
Feature Photo in the Modesto Bee, 1984.

On behalf of the entire Fenley Family and our employees and associates, we would like to thank you for your business and the Modesto area community for 55 years of love and support!

See you soon!

"Car Wash King" Charles Fenley
"Car Wash King" Charles Fenley
Charles Fenley and wife Ann in their golf cart, 2014. Mr. Fenley and his wife celebrated 70 amazing years of marriage!
Charles Fenley and wife Ann in their golf cart, 2014. Mr. Fenley and his wife celebrated 70 amazing years of marriage!