The car wash industry embodies a competitive edge to it that most operators fail to stay on top of, but it's important to evaluate your business and see its hidden potential. Think about how your ideal car wash would benefit from the following suggestions. Envision the efficiency. Think of the time saving technology. Appreciate the attractive amenities. But most importantly, picture the potential profit...

Making improvements will enable you to provide a cleaner, faster, better car wash that will please your customers and keep them coming back for more.

Temperature

Depending on climate conditions, water heaters may provide the extra degree of cleanliness you're searching for. Hot water greatly improves the performance of professional car wash detergents contributing to a cleaner car. According to the Principals of Touch-Free Washing manual Turtle Wax gives to its users, "all physical and chemical reactions are temperature dependant." They list several factors in cleaning that are dependant on temperature:

1. Soils and soil deposits are more soluble at elevated temperatures.
2. The surface active agents in detergents are more efficient.
3. Emulsification of dirt, oil, and combinations of these types of soils is much faster at 100°F than at lower temperatures.
4. The alkaline builders in detergents saponify the oils in soils much faster at 100°F than they would at 50°F.
   1. Saponification - the chemical reaction between an alkali and oils and grease on the vehicles surface. The alkali in the detergent reacts with and loosens the oils and grease making them easier to rinse off.
5. Solvents present in liquid detergents, such as glycol ether, solubilize soil much faster at elevated temperatures.
   1. Solubilization - the dissolving of soils into the water detergent liquid solution. This reaction is the same as dissolving salt in water. The salt is still there, however, the mineral is in the liquid suspension.

If you're having some difficulties with the performance of your chemicals, see if a water heater can boost your business. You're likely to see better results and gain an ability to clean cars like never before.

Chemicals

It's imperative to review the dilution ratio of all the cleaning solutions being used at your car wash and adjust accordingly. Every chemical is formulated differently and responds to its environment in different ways. Adjustments will help balance out seasonal changes. For example: in the winter, the drying agent strength should be increased to counter the cooler vehicle surface. Modifications allow the drying agent to break the water tension so that the water rolls off the vehicle's surface during the drying process. Essentially, you are producing a cleaner, dryer car.

Vacuums

Vacuums are a great way to increase your earning potential and attain cleanliness. Some vacuums are designed to help attract customers to your site through backlit awnings. Other vacuums offer dual-function capabilities such as interior carpet shampooers or fragrance machines. But the key to a great vacuum is its ability to clean.

Jim Coleman Company/Hanna has a Central Vacuum System designed that is ideal for Express and Full Service car wash markets. A vacuum system such as this enables employees to clean front and rear floors, ashtrays and crevices in minimal time. Having industrial strength vacuums allows operators and customers to benefit from a quick service with powerful interior cleaning capabilities.

Dryers

Capable of drying vehicles at speeds of up to 200 cars per hour, the Overhead Concorde Drying System can be configured to fit in tunnel systems ranging from 50 feet to 200 feet. This cost-effective piece of equipment operates independently by a computer, which cuts the dryers on and then off, as the vehicles transitions through the tunnel.

For the detailed touch at your car wash, you can look into the innovative dryer features of the Turbo Towel air heating system. The air heats up to 120 degrees to provide a streak and spot free finish. The Turbo Towel is recommended for drying floor mats, carpets, blasting water out of cracks and crevices and is great for motorcycles, chrome wheels and engine compartments.

Towels