Login // SHOP
Search
Close this search box.

What to Look for in a Commercial Car Wash Dryer System

What should you look for in a commercial car wash dryer system? Here are five key considerations for choosing the right dryer system for your car wash.

A quality car wash dryer system is key to ensuring that your customers’ vehicles come out looking their best. But with so many options on the market, it can be confusing to determine which system is best for you. Here we will discuss the key elements to look for when selecting a commercial car wash dryer system.

Types of Commercial Car Wash Dryer Systems

When it comes to picking out a car wash dryer system, the first thing you need to decide is the type of system you want. There are two types to choose from: onboard dryers and stand-alone dryers.

Onboard Dryers

Onboard dryers feature a series of nozzles that are attached to an arch and dry off a car as it exits the tunnel at the end of the wash cycle. Some onboard dryers may include adjustable nozzles that can be used to direct air to specific sections of the car. These dryers work in tandem with the car wash system to quickly and efficiently dry vehicles after they have been washed.

Onboard dryers use high-velocity air to draw moisture from the vehicle and its surrounding areas, ensuring a complete, spotless dry.

You can typically set a time limit for how long these dryers will run per cycle and even display a timer to show customers how long they have to dry their vehicle.

Stand-Alone Dryers

Stand-alone dryers — also known as free-standing dryers — are set up away from the washing equipment so another car can begin the wash cycle while the previous car finishes up. 

These dryers feature powerful fans and multiple nozzles that emit hot, fast-drying air, quickly drying the car surface. They also remove any leftover water droplets and dirt particles, giving a car a streak-free finish.

Key Considerations When Choosing Commercial Car Wash Drying Systems

Once you’ve decided whether you want a fixed or free-standing dryer solution, there are five key factors to consider to make the best choice for your business.

1. Dryer Type

There are several types of professional car wash dryers to choose from:

  • High-velocity (HV) air dryer: a powerful air blower that blasts air at high speeds to quickly evaporate water droplets on the exterior of a car at the end of a wash cycle 
  • Towel system: a large air drying system with several towel car wash blowers that uses air pressure to release towels of different sizes and textures — the towels move over the car’s exterior surface, drying it and absorbing excess water
  • Blower system: draws air into the system, heats it, and forces the hot air through a series of nozzles out onto the vehicle to remove moisture, creating a streak-free finish
  • Foam-covered cloth system: uses an air mover to blow warm, preheated air through strategically placed foam-covered cloths, which help lift and contain water as the air passes through
  • Blow-off system: blasts high-pressure air to blow off and dry the vehicle surface — typically mounted at the end of the car wash tunnel
  • Closed-loop system: an automated system that uses two separate motors to move cloth pads in a circular motion, providing full 360-degree airflow around the vehicle — the airflow collects and removes water, dirt, and debris left behind from the car wash, draining it all into a separate collection bin
  • Soft cloth system: a specialized type of car wash dryer that typically features soft cloths attached to a series of rotating arms that lift and lower around the car as it passes through the dryer, absorbing excess water and polishing the vehicle’s paintwork in the process

2. Fan Style

The fan style is another important consideration when choosing a dryer system. There are two types to choose from: centrifugal and axial.

Centrifugal car wash dryer fans are exhaust devices that move air in an axisymmetric pattern. They are powered by an electric motor that forces air to move in a circular motion, creating centrifugal force. The fans’ centrifugal force increases the speed of the air and helps the car dry more quickly and effectively.

Axial car wash dryer fans use an electric motor to spin multiple blades, creating a flow of air parallel to the shaft, or axis, of the fan. They can move large volumes of air at relatively low levels of pressure, making them much more efficient than centrifugal fans. However, they are also typically more expensive due to their efficient and powerful design.

3. Fan Speed

Next, you should consider the fan speed. A longer tunnel may require more horsepower for satisfactory drying. For example, you may need a 75- to 90-horsepower centrifugal fan, or you may need a 40-horsepower axial fan for a 100-foot tunnel. 

When the fan speed is not correctly set, the drying time will be longer, or the vehicle will not dry completely. This can lead to several issues, such as:

  • Decreased energy efficiency and performance
  • Increased power consumption
  • Increased operating costs
  • Customer dissatisfaction
  • Accelerated corrosion

4. Cost

Dryer systems can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $25,000, depending on the system, its performance, and its energy consumption. So you should always consider the purchasing cost and operating costs to ensure you get a good return on your investment.

5. Energy Efficiency

Car wash dryer systems can be energy-intensive and costly to run. Therefore, energy efficiency is vital to keeping your overhead costs as low as possible. 

By using more efficient drying components, you can reduce your energy consumption, operating costs, maintenance frequency, and emissions — all while providing perfectly dried cars to your customers.

Invest in a Powerful Car Wash Dryer System for Your Car Wash Business

A commercial car wash dryer system is an incredibly important part of a successful car wash. So it’s important to consider different technical specifications, as each system has its own unique combination of features and benefits. The right system will fit the size and scope of your operation and ensure that your customers get an exceptional car wash experience every time they visit.

Are you in the market for a car wash dryer system for your car wash business? National Carwash Solutions (NCS) has the perfect solution for you. As the leading end-to-end provider of car wash equipment in North America, our professional team can equip you with the powerful dryer system you need to meet your business goals. Contact us today to see how our tailored solutions can benefit you.

Read More

Share this

VIP Golf Experience

*This is a suggested schedule, but we’re happy to accommodate your travel plans—just note that all experiences must take place on the 25th.

8:00 am

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your dedicated driver arrives at Resorts World in a luxury vehicle.

8:45 am

Arrival at the Golf Course

  • Arrive at an exclusive, world-class golf course where a personal caddy greets you with your custom-fitted golf gear and itinerary for the day.

9:00 am

Warm-Up & Practice

  • Spend time at the driving range or practice greens to loosen up, with your caddy offering assistance as needed.

10:00 - 1:00 pm

18-Hole Golf Experience

  • Tee off on a pristine course.
  • Enjoy a beverage cart service offering refreshing drinks, cocktails, and snacks throughout your round.

1:30 pm

VIP Lunch at the Clubhouse

  • Relish a gourmet lunch at the clubhouse restaurant, featuring chef-crafted dishes and premium beverages.
  • Savor panoramic views of the course while dining in style.

3:00 pm

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your driver meets you at the clubhouse to escort you back to your Resorts World in comfort.

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Cocktails & Conversations

  • Join us at Resorts World for the ultimate Restore Experience

VIP Adrenaline Mountain Experience

*This is a suggested schedule, but we’re happy to accommodate your travel plans—just note that all experiences must take place on the 25th.

8:30 am

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your personal driver arrives at Resorts World in a luxury SUV to head to Adrenaline Mountain

9:30 am

Arrival at Adrenaline Mountain

  • Be greeted by the friendly staff and receive a VIP welcome.
  • Enjoy a brief orientation and overview of the day’s activities tailored to your preferences

10:00 - 12:30 pm

Choose from an array of thrilling adventures:

  • Shooting Experiences: Fire an array of firearms, from fully automatic machine guns to vintage models.
  • Off-Roading: Conquer rugged terrain in ATVs, UTVs, or even a monster truck.
  • Heavy Equipment Playground: Crush cars or operate heavy machinery like bulldozers.
  • Archery or Axe Throwing: Test your aim and skill in these classic outdoor challenges.

1:00 pm

Gourmet Lunch in the Desert

  • Indulge in a catered meal set up in a private, shaded area, complete with refreshing beverages and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape.

2:30 pm

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your driver meets you at Adrenaline Mountain to transport you back to your hotel in ultimate comfort.

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Cocktails & Conversations

  • Join us at Resorts World for the ultimate Restore Experience

VIP Spa Experience

*This is a suggested schedule, but we’re happy to accommodate your travel plans—just note that all experiences must take place on the 25th.

9:00 am

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your luxury vehicle will arrive at your hotel to transport you to the elegant Fontainebleau Spa in Las Vegas. Relax and enjoy the ride in style and comfort.

9:30 am

Arrival at the Fontainebleau Spa

  • Receive a warm welcome and a personal consultation to customize your wellness and relaxation experience.

10:00 - 1:00 pm

Exotic Car Racing Experience

  • Immerse yourself in ultimate relaxation with a selection of premium treatments:
    • Signature Massage: A therapeutic massage tailored to your needs.
    • Rejuvenating Facial: A luxurious treatment to revitalize your skin.
    • Body Treatments: Pamper yourself with a body wrap, scrub, or detoxifying therapy.
  • Enjoy access to the serene spa amenities, including whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation lounges.

1:30 pm

Lunch at the Fontainebleau

  • Savor a delectable meal at one of the spa’s exclusive dining spots. Choose from a menu of fresh, gourmet dishes paired with refreshing beverages or cocktails.

3:00 pm

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Your driver arrives to escort you back to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and peaceful end to your rejuvenating day.

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Cocktails & Conversations

  • Join us at Resorts World for the ultimate Restore Experience

VIP Exotic Car Racing

*This is a suggested schedule, but we’re happy to accommodate your travel plans—just note that all experiences must take place on the 25th.

9:00 am

Private Driver Pick-Up

  • Begin your day in style as your luxury chauffeur arrives at your hotel to transport you to Exotics Racing.

9:15 am

Arrival at Exotics Racing Las Vegas

  • Enjoy a brief orientation with your professional racing instructor, including safety tips and insights about the supercars available for your experience.

9:45 am - 1:00 pm

Exotic Car Racing Experience

  • Choose from an incredible fleet of high-performance supercars, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, and more.
  • Start with a discovery lap in a Porsche Cayenne to familiarize yourself with the track.
  • Hit the racetrack for the ultimate driving experience, feeling the adrenaline as you unleash the power of these incredible machines with the guidance of an expert instructor.
  • Relive the excitement with professional photos and videos capturing your experience. Receive a certificate to commemorate your achievements on the track.

1:30 pm

Gourmet Lunch

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch arranged by Exotics Racing. Savor a menu of fresh, chef-prepared dishes and refreshing beverages as you unwind from the morning’s excitement.

3:00 pm

Return to Your Hotel

  • Your private driver arrives to take you back to your accommodations, ensuring a smooth, comfortable, and relaxing ride.

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Cocktails & Conversations

  • Join us at Resorts World for the ultimate Restore Experience