Which Touch-Free Car Wash Is Right For You?

Though all touchless equipment uses the same basic concept to clean cars, methods vary greatly among manufacturers. Variations in operating costs, washing speed & capabilities, dependability, construction, and washing techniques are found from one manufacturer to the next.

After choosing a location, you should have a good idea about your equipment needs. For example, an investor with a high traffic count in an accessible part of a growing community will most likely want to install more than one automatic and several self-service bays. A car wash owner in a more rural area may only need one automatic and a few self-serve bays. Once the investor anticipates how busy the site will be, considering the following factors will help determine equipment choice:

• Output – How much will be demanded from the equipment? On busy days when customers are lined up in front of the wash bay, the speed at which the equipment can clean cars has a direct effect on income.

• Operating Costs – Though costs of water and power are a factor, the real difference among manufacturers is in equipment upkeep and maintenance costs. A machine requiring frequent repair is not only costly from a parts and service standpoint, but also lost sales. A machine down for repair is not washing cars, therefore not making money. Equipment with the most streamlined construction will require the least amount of upkeep because fewer things can go wrong.

• Capabilities – To clean cars effectively, a car wash should adjust to the size of each vehicle. This ensures that the washing solutions and high-pressure water can perform properly no matter what size automobile comes through the wash. Furthermore, a capable car wash offers the end user different options about the way they want their car cleaned. Operators should be able to program the equipment to suit a wide variety of users, from those needing a basic wash and rinse to those requiring a wash complete with wax and a blow-dry.

• Simplicity – A well-designed machine is built to run efficiently and smoothly, minimizing the number of moving parts in order to last longer and require less upkeep. Furthermore, programming and making changes to the machine’s operating system should be straightforward and simple so the operator can make changes as needed.

• Warranty – Plain and simple, a car wash is only as good as the company that stands behind it. A short-term warranty is a sign of inferior workmanship or trouble-prone equipment. Protecting an investment with the best warranty possible is a no-brainer.

• Support – Distributors sell most car wash equipment to end users. This is an advantage to the investor because it means someone in their area will be readily available to provide parts and equipment service. Distributors are also beneficial to investors who are still shopping for equipment, lending expertise in everything from dealing with city councils and zoning laws to selecting a great location. A big part of an investor’s decision-making process should be allotted to choosing a distributor. If in a region without a suitable distributor, buyers should look for an equipment manufacturer with a strong, helpful, and available support staff.