In the whirlwind of modern life, convenience is the name of the game. Customers want what they want, and they want it quickly. In the car wash industry, this translates to speedy, efficient, and effective services that require little time or effort to achieve a spotless car. And it has to be cost-effective, too.

Enter the touchless car wash: revolutionary technology offering convenience and value while protecting vehicles from potential damage. These high-pressure water systems use powerful jets rather than physical contact to blast dirt, grime, and contaminants away from your customers’ cars without the need for friction or brushes used in a hand car wash routine.

And the best part? This type of car wash does the job in as little as three minutes. Your customers will be in and out in no time flat, so you wash more cars in a day and maximize your profits.

Touchless Car Washes 101

If you want to offer your customers a touchless car wash service, here’s everything you need to know.

How Does a Touchless Car Wash Work?

The cleaning process begins when the customer drives their vehicle into the designated area and selects their services per the instructions on the screen. Once the car is in the correct position, the machine begins the pre-rinse stage, where water removes dirt from the vehicle’s surface.

Next, a specialized system applies cleaning agents over the whole car, targeting grime and debris that may have accumulated over time. The water pressure jets then rinse away the cleaning solutions, which ensures no residue is left behind. This process sets touchless car washes apart from traditional car washes, preventing scratches and damages that conventional washing can cause. It’s also an excellent option for cars with delicate parts such as the canvas tops of convertibles and Jeeps.

Air dryers will eliminate any moisture on the vehicle with a powerful airflow that quickly removes liquid from the car’s surface. Upon completion, the system will display a signal indicating the vehicle is ready to exit the wash.

Benefits of a Touchless Car Wash for Your Business

Touchless wash technology can be an excellent addition to your car wash services, especially for customers who care about preserving protective ceramic coatings on their vehicles and minimizing the risk of scratches. Touchless car washes are:

• Time savers: Touchless car wash technology cleans a car quickly, making it attractive to customers who are short on time.
• Cost-effective: Touchless car washes are automatic, so you can save on labor costs, which can add up when running a typical car wash system utilizing friction wash.
• Environmentally friendly: Touchless, automatic car washes use fewer harsh chemicals, which is good news for the environment and your bottom line. Plus, you won’t need as much water or electricity to power the system.
• Easier to maintain: With no-touch car washes, you don’t need to worry about replacing expensive brushes or clogged filters as often. Large filtration systems keep the water clean and free of dirt and debris for optimal performance. These systems decrease maintenance costs and free up valuable time for other tasks.
• Customizable: Touchless car washes can be customized with your choice of cleaning agents and drying methods. This allows you to offer an enhanced experience tailored to your customers’ needs.

Limitations and Considerations

Touchless car washes also have a few limitations to keep in mind:

• Limited cleaning power: The jets used in automatic touchless car washes may not be powerful enough to remove stubborn dirt and grime from vehicles that haven’t been washed in a while. You may need to offer additional hand car wash options for these types of cars.
• Higher startup costs: While the technology can be cost-effective in the long run, the initial investment is steeper than offering hand wash options. Ensure you have a solid plan to repay your loan or line of credit before committing to any system.
• Drying performance: Some touchless systems may dry vehicles less thoroughly, potentially causing water spots if there’s excess moisture. You may need to invest in an air dryer or offer towel-drying services to avoid incomplete drying.

Is a Touchless Car Wash Right for You?

Investing in touchless technology may be the way to go if you want to expand your automatic car wash business and attract new customers. Touchless car washes are unique services that focus on convenience and speed, reducing labor costs and upkeep.

Before jumping in and installing a touchless system, it’s crucial to do your research. Evaluate whether it’s a wise investment for your business. Talk to your regular customers and find out if they want a touchless option. You can also look at what your competitors offer and see if a touchless car wash would give you an advantage.

A touchless car wash system can be a great way to provide an efficient and quality car wash experience your customers will appreciate. It can also help you attract new customers by offering a premium service other car washes in the area lack. However, it’s essential to evaluate the costs, features, and benefits of any solution before investing in a system. Customers want versatility and convenience, so know what they’re looking for and how a touchless car wash system can meet their needs. 

Choose the Right Car Wash Solution for Your Business

National Carwash Solutions (NCS) is committed to helping you get the most out of your car wash business with a comprehensive range of products and services. Our team of experienced professionals can provide you with the guidance and resources you need to make a knowledgeable decision about incorporating touchless car wash technology. Contact NCS today to find out how we can help your business grow.