If you’re venturing into the car wash business, the following information can help you make decisions. Explore these car wash FAQs to learn about the various car wash types and the mechanical components that go into them. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
Tunnel car wash systems use a conveyor to move vehicles through a 60′ to 250’+ tunnel where they are washed, rinsed, waxed and dried. Handling up to 100 cars per hour, they range from quick express exterior washes to flex serve models (a la carte options) and full service washes, which include automatic and attendant-assisted cleaning and drying.
A basic list of car wash components includes conveyor belts, brushes or mitters, nozzles, pumps, electrical systems, plumbing and water systems, chemical systems and equipment (dispensing pre-soaks, soaps, foam, drying agents etc.), dryers, vacuum equipment and more. Each of these systems affects the quality of the wash and requires maintenance for optimal performance.
Full-service tunnels are car wash systems where vehicles are driven onto a conveyor belt and automatically moved through various stages of washing, cleaning, and drying. These tunnels offer comprehensive cleaning services, including exterior wash, undercarriage cleaning, waxing, drying, and sometimes interior cleaning and towel drying by attendants.
A car wash conveyor system is a mechanical device used to move vehicles through the different stages of a car wash tunnel. It ensures a smooth and consistent flow of cars, optimizing the washing process and maximizing cars per hour.
Conveyors are crucial for maintaining an efficient workflow in high-volume car washes. They allow for a continuous, automated process, reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing the number of cars that can be washed per hour to 100 or more, depending on the tunnel and wash design.
Vehicles are driven onto the conveyor track, where rollers or belts engage with the tires to pull the car through the washing stages. The conveyor controls the speed and ensures that each vehicle receives a thorough wash.
An in-bay express mini tunnel is a compact car wash system designed to fit in smaller spaces. It combines elements of a traditional in-bay automatic (IBA) system with a mini tunnel, offering a quick, automated car wash experience.
Mini express tunnels are perfect for limited spaces, washing 40-60 cars per hour—up to ten times more than traditional in-bay automatic systems. They combine the efficiency of tunnel washes with a compact footprint, making them ideal for fleets at car rental companies or dealerships, as well as IBA conversions.
Vehicles are driven into the bay and positioned on a conveyor belt. The car is then moved through a series of washing stages, including pre-soak, wash, rinse and dry. The compact design allows for high throughput and efficient use of space.
An in-bay automatic car wash is a compact washing system where the vehicle remains stationary while machinery like high-pressure sprays and rotating brushes move around it, providing a thorough wash, rinse and dry based on selected options.
In an in-bay automatic car wash, customers select their desired wash options at a self-service terminal. The car remains stationary in the bay as various equipment, including sprays and brushes, moves around to clean, scrub and rinse the vehicle. Often there is a vacuum station at the beginning or end of the wash, and a bank of high speed blowers to dry the car.
These washes are arguably easiest and most convenient for the customer, as the car stands still and the customer never leaves the vehicle. In-bay automatic car washes are also ideal for many operators with space-constrained locations, offering a thorough and customizable cleaning process.
A touchless in-bay automatic car wash cleans a vehicle without physical contact, using high-pressure water and detergents designed to work without friction. Sensors help the high-pressure washers follow the car’s contours to clean the entire vehicle.
Chemical dosing equipment in car washes precisely dispenses or applies chemicals like presoaks, detergents, waxes and drying agents, as well as scrubbing agents specifically designed for removing bugs or tar, and tire dressing solutions. Adjustable for various applications, these systems ensure efficient use of chemistry as well as the highest consistency and quality of wash.
AccuDose is an advanced chemical dosing technology offered only by NCS, for use in fully automated carwash systems. The most accurate, consistent and easily managed dosing option on the market, it can be monitored and controlled remotely via cloud-based apps on phones or other devices, with the most complete usage reporting available. AccuDose holds the promise of reducing chemical costs by up to 27% while enhancing wash quality, among many other benefits including data analytics and reporting.
AccuLevel, part of the NCS Connected Chemistry System, automatically monitors chemistry container fill levels and offers app-based control. It supports ultra-concentrate use in gallon jugs, enhancing efficiency and reducing waste, with alerts to low levels delivered to your smartphone.
Solutions control is a critical part of the car wash water back room, providing precise chemical dilution and ensuring quality control. Systems of this type ensure spot-free cleaning by optimizing water and chemical usage, significantly enhancing both cost efficiency and wash quality.
A spot-free rinse system uses mineral-free water to ensure vehicles dry without unsightly spots, eliminating the need for labor-intensive hand drying. This final rinse leaves cars spotless, enhancing customer satisfaction.
RO systems in car washes, such as the PurClean™ E³ Series, enhance water quality by filtering out minerals and contaminants. This process ensures a spot-free finish on vehicles, lowers pump pressure and reduces overall water and electrical costs.
All three phrases refer to essentially the same process in modern, sustainable carwashes. Efficient water recovery systems like reclaim up to 65-75% of water used, significantly reducing water and sewer costs. These systems support sustainability by minimizing freshwater usage and provide high-quality water, suitable for effective car washing.
Car wash dryers are often loud due to their high-powered motors and fans. However, advancements in technology and engineering have resulted in quieter systems that don’t compromise performance. For instance, the Stealth Dryer Systems by International Drying Corporation are famous for their ultra-quiet operation. These systems utilize noise-dampening features like Smooth Air Technology, which are designed to minimize sound while providing powerful drying performance.
To properly evaluate car wash central vacuum performance, assessing the suction power in cubic feet per minute (CFM) is essential to guaranteeing effective cleaning capabilities. Additionally, the durability and quality of construction materials and ease of maintenance are critical. It’s also necessary to consider advanced features such as remote monitoring.
You can recognize quality in car wash doors by looking for durable materials like galvanized or stainless steel, which offer longevity and resistance to corrosion. High-quality automatic and roll-up car wash doors will also feature advanced safety mechanisms, reliable insulation and efficient operation systems that ensure minimal maintenance and energy efficiency.
Essential parts include pumps, motors, brushes, nozzles, dryers and control systems. Each part plays a crucial role in ensuring the car wash operates smoothly and effectively.
The replacement frequency depends on usage and maintenance. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance can extend the life of parts, but high-wear items like brushes and nozzles may need more frequent replacement.
Replacement parts can be sourced from the equipment manufacturer, authorized dealers or specialized car wash supply companies. It’s important to use high-quality, compatible parts to ensure optimal performance.
You can’t fool all of the people all of the time. Poorly operating equipment results in poor wash quality, which will be noticed and hurt retention. It’s just smart business to properly inspect and maintain car wash equipment on a regular basis for best success.
