Car Wash Dryers: How to Best Use Them

Car washes exist all over the world in so many different environments, locations, with various clienteles, and of course, vehicles. But something all car wash businesses need is car wash chemicals. With the common goal of cleaning cars and so many different chemical options on the market, it's tough for newly starting out car washes to know what they need to operate and what can they add to their wash lineup.

As a car wash owner, you will want to ensure you have a strong understanding of car wash chemistry, chemical types, and their uses.

Car Wash Chemistry

Car washes are designed to clean customers' vehicles, specifically the exterior of vehicles. They use a variety of chemicals to not only clean cars but protect them and improve their appearance by providing a strong shine.

There are no one size fits all car wash chemicals, there are many different types of chemicals and they have different jobs. Some may even have unique advantages over another and some may have disadvantages. Chemicals will also differ in the method you intend to use them as touchless washes for instance will need different types of chemicals than soft-touch washes.

Touchless Car Washes

In touchless washes, the car is cleaned without any physical contact between the wash equipment and the car's surface. This type of wash uses high-pressure streams of water to remove dirt and grime instead of soft cloths or brushes.

Since friction aids the cleaning process greatly, chemicals in touchless car washes need to be prepared to do more heavy lifting and thus need to be different than other chemicals.

Let's take a look at all the different types of chemicals car washes use.

The Basics

The 'basics' are the chemicals that most car washes need to do their job of washing vehicles. Though these car wash chemicals can still differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, almost all car washes will use these chemicals to conduct their business.

Presoaks

Presoaks are the first step in any car wash and their job is to loosen up all the dirt, grime, and build-up on a car. This makes it much easier for your other chemicals to clean and do their job effectively. This is especially the case for the application of protectants such as waxes and sealants.

Tunnel car washes will typically have a presoak arch at the beginning of the wash but some do not use presoaks in their wash process. This is typically due to a lack of space with smaller tunnel washes but we highly recommend your car wash utilizes presoaks as it will make the rest of your wash that much better.

Presoaks come in a variety of pH ranges, mostly low pH and high pH but some products offer a middle ground to ensure the experience can be tailored for every situation.

Impact of pH in Presoaks

Higher pH presoaks will do a better job of tackling organic material, greasy and oily soils on vehicles, this is due to it being more alkaline.

Lower pH presoaks are more acidic and thus, better at removing non-organic dust and dirt off surfaces.

Which presoak your car wash will want to use will depend on various factors but your location is one of the most important.

Detergents (aka Shampoo or Car Wash Soap)

Detergents are the next step in the wash process. These products are best at removing dirt. Detergents can also vary in pH from high to low and car wash soap is also used to prepare cars for drying as they aid in water wicking.

The incorrect type of car wash soap can create a water-retentive surface, so it is important to choose the right kind of product for your wash scenario.

Tire/Wheel Cleaners

Tire cleaners come in acidic and alkaline types and as you might have guessed, is used to clean the wheels of a vehicle. Specifically, tire cleaners take off the dirt and grime from wheels, tires, brakes, etc.

Wheels often are the dirtiest part of the vehicle, so it is a must for car washes to tackle them with the utmost quality and speed, especially since not all rims will be OEMs and may be an aftermarket part. The last thing you want to happen as a car wash is to damage a customer's vehicle.

Triple Foam Products

Triple foams are neutral or acidic products that either further clean the car (condition) or apply a layer of wax (polish), and in many cases, car washes opt to use both.  

A triple foam of some variety is used by many car washes, but customers usually must upgrade to receive it on their vehicle. They are a popular choice of customers as they have a strong visual benefit of the tricolors, this is where the product gets its name from.

It even strengthens the rest of the washing process by not only cleaning it further but preparing the car for a protectant and helping the drying process in a later stage.

Paint Sealants, Ceramic Coatings, Waxes and other Protectants

Protectants come in many different forms and they all have their unique advantages and disadvantages.

Sealants bond with the vehicle's surface and protect it from weather and light marks, they may also offer some form of shine. Sealants are synthetic and try to bond in the pores of a car, this allows them to be exceptional at UV protection.

While wax will focus on providing a brilliant shine, with a weaker form of protection than sealants could provide. Waxes can be synthetic as well but are usually made of more natural ingredients, carnauba being a popular option.

Ceramic coatings are a thin layer of polymer that create a barrier between the vehicle and anything that comes into contact with it. Ceramics provide paint protection from the elements and UV rays, hydrophobicity, shine, and more.

Drying Agents

After all the cleaning has taken place, the vehicle will be given a drying agent which provides a hydrophobic nature to its surface. They are typically synthetic oil based and thus, are used to repel water off the vehicle in water beads. This helps the high powdered dryers to quickly wick the water off the vehicle, so it can leave dry.

Those are the more standard car wash chemicals you will see used in car washes. Next up we'll discuss the more niche or specialty chemicals that car washes will use.

Specialties  

Specialties are car wash chemicals that you may not see being used in every car wash. Only some washes will choose to offer this product as it may pertain to their location, climate, or business model. Some car washes will only carry a limited stock of it to fit a certain time of the year, such as bug season.

Bug Removers

These are often alkaline chemicals used to remove the remains of bugs on vehicles, also often called bug splats. In some areas and some times of the year, there may be a high prevalence of bug splats on vehicles and they can be difficult to remove them.

They work by essentially 'dissolving' the bug so that it can be easily removed by the wash process but it is not always a quick process. The chemical may need to sit on the vehicle for a minute or two for the effect to take place.

Glass Cleaners

Glass cleaners are used to clean the windows of a vehicle and leave it streak free. They help driver impairment by making water and other vision blocks wick off the surface quickly.

Undercarriage Rust Inhibitors

The car wash will spray a light coat of inhibitor on the undercarriage which will help to prevent rust from forming. It becomes a protective coat underneath the vehicle which provides protection against moisture from water and snow year-round.

Tire Dressings

Tire dressings provide a consistent shine and protection to the rubber. It also can help repel water and snow which will keep the tires from degrading as quickly. They come in a few different forms such as water based which are the thinnest and least lasting, solvent-based which has better shine, and silicone which is the thickest and carries the best shine.

Tire dressings can also make future cleaning easier.

Wheel Protectants

Wheel protectants also offer shine but are often used for their protection from scraps, dirt, and grime. Using wheel protectants also makes cleaning easier in future washes.

Interior Cleaners

While most car washes only focus on the exterior cleaning of vehicles, there are some that will also clean the interior of vehicles as well.

Interior cleaners or detailing products are different than exterior ones as the materials within a car are greatly different than the outside of a car.

If you're interested in reading about interior cleaning and their chemicals, you can read our previous article here.

Chemical Concerns? Contact Turtle Wax Pro

Turtle Wax has a 97% brand recognition for good reason, we manufacturer great chemistry and support our clients and customers so they can achieve success within the car wash industry. The right chemical supplier will ensure your business has all the supplies, training, and expertise it needs to compete within the market.

If you have any questions regarding the car wash chemical types, your own current chemistry, or looking for a place to start, get in contact with us! We would be happy to walk you through the different chemical options and see what is the best fit for you and your car wash business.

An important factor for any type of car wash business is equipment. Whether it's big commercial machinery, a pressure washer, or even just drying towels, equipment is what helps us clean and dry cars.

But there is a lot of equipment on the market, most of which is not necessary for every car wash. However, as a car wash business owner, how can you decide on which equipment you need, or which you don't need.

That is exactly why we're here to walk you through car wash equipment, with the goal of leaving you more confident in deciding what equipment you should be purchasing for your car wash.

Equipment For a Car Wash: What Every Wash Can Use

When you first think about car wash equipment, you may think of conveyor belts, huge dryers, and moving water pressures systems that automatic car washes use. While that is important, it does not stop there, there are other less flashy types of equipment that should be used in a car wash business.

Reverse Osmosis System or Water Softener

This type of system is used to remove impurities from water before it even enters the car wash. This ensures that your car wash equipment doesn't get gunked up with minerals and other particles that can cause damage. Water with lots of minerals, or hard water, can even interfere with the car wash process itself, leaving a poor result. We have a blog detailing all the effects about hard water. In order to get a spot free rinse a reverse osmosis system is required.

Water Reclaim System

A water reclaim system is used to recycle water from the car wash. This helps to cut down on water usage, as well as sewage fees, because less water is being sent down the drain.

These systems turn dirty, used water, into clean water that can be used again. ClearTech specializes in water recycling and you can check them out if you're interested.

Types of car wash equipment for an automatic wash

Brushes

Some automatic car washes use brushes that will rotate and scrub off dirt, grime, and marks off of vehicles. These brushes are large, and vary in abrasive level. Automatic washes won't always use brushes, but it's a common method for those that do.

Conveyors

A conveyor carries the vehicle through the car wash. Not all automatic washes use a conveyor system.

If they do use one, it is typically for a tunnel car wash, where the vehicle is carried through a long tunnel. With each section being a different stage of the car wash that cleans all those painted surfaces, windows, and wheels of a car.

Dryers

After a vehicle is washed, it needs to be dried off before the residual water evaporates and leaves water marks. Automatic car washes typically have very large and strong dryers that will quickly and efficiently dry off the vehicle.

High Pressure Water Systems

Automatic car washes have high pressure washers that do an excellent job at quickly and efficiently washing and rinsing vehicles.

These are especially important in touchless car washes, where no friction is used, and will need an precise amount of water pressure to leave a spot free rinse!

Wheel Cleaners

Some automatic car washes have wheel cleaners. These are special machines that will quickly and easily clean the wheels of a vehicle. Situated before the dryers, the wheel cleaner cleans off any residual water and brake dust that may be on the wheels.

Chemical applicators

Automatic car washes typically have chemical applicators that will apply presoaks, soaps, detergents, waxes, and other chemicals to the vehicle during the wash process. Often these applicators can be embedded within arches for additional show.

Types of Equipment for a Self Service Car Wash

Self Serve Systems

Self serve washes need much less individual equipment to operate. These types of car washes commonly have an all-in-one system that is multi purpose and has all the features that customers need to wash their vehicles.

These systems can apply presoaks, triple foam detergents, wax, tire cleaner, drying agents and more. This way, you can save room and money, while keeping everything in one area for people to use in washing their cars. They typically have a spray gun or brush that customers use to apply the solutions themselves.

Extras

These help the job, like a tire scrubbing brush, or microfiber towels or microfiber cloths. These are pieces that can make the process quicker or easier, but typically aren't necessary to get the job done.

Types of Equipment for a Full Service Car Wash

All in One Systems

Since full service washes also wash cars by hand, it would make sense that they also use a similar type of car wash system as a self service car wash. The employees would use a system that can apply presoaks, soap, wax, and other chemicals to the vehicles, and clean them for customers.

Extras

These are small extras such as drying towels, microfiber cloths, and other related tools that help the employees clean and dry cars effectively.

Central Vacuum Systems

A central vacuum system is a very important piece of equipment for full service car washes. This is because it allows the employees to quickly and easily clean the inside of customer's vehicles without having to lug around a heavy and inconvenient vacuum cleaner. Central vacuum systems may be available at automatic and self serve washes but since those business' are catered towards cleaning only the exterior of vehicles, it is more of a priority for full service car washes.

Types of Equipment for a Truck Wash

Since trucks are so large in size and sometimes have a challenging shape to clean, there are specially designed equipment to tackle their wash.

These systems are usually sold together in two varieties:

Drive Through Truck Wash

Almost like an in bay automatic wash, but with a twist of tunnel washes, trucks drive through a wash bay where stages of equipment will clean the truck as it drives through.

Roll Over Truck Wash

In this system, trucks go into a wash bay and stop while equipment goes around the truck and washes it. The advantage of this type is that it can clean more effectively for trucks with unique shapes.

How to choose the right car wash equipment for your business

When starting a car wash business, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right car wash equipment.

There are many factors to consider, including the type of vehicle you will be washing, the climate in your area, and your budget. For example, if you live in an area with harsh winters, you will need equipment that can withstand freezing temperatures.

Alternatively, if you plan to wash high-end vehicles, you will need equipment that can provide a gentle clean.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can begin to narrow down your options and choose the car wash equipment that is right for your business. With the right equipment, you will be able to provide an excellent wash for your customers and build a successful car wash business.

Maintenance and cleaning tips for car wash equipment

As anyone who has ever operated a car wash knows, keeping the equipment clean and well-maintained is essential for proper functioning. Not only does this help to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, but it can also extend the life of the equipment and prevent costly repairs.

Here are some tips for keeping your car wash equipment in top condition:

• Inspect the equipment regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
• Make sure all moving parts are properly lubricated.
• Keep the exterior of the equipment clean and free of debris.
• Periodically check hoses and other plumbing components for leaks.

By following these simple maintenance tips, whether you have one location or many. you can keep your car wash equipment running smoothly for years to come.

How much should you pay for car wash equipment?

The exact amount you pay for your car wash equipment will dependent on any number amount of factors. But whether you buy the cheapest equipment you can find, or the most state of the art, can impact your car wash business in many ways.

Car wash equipment is expensive and you will need to account for it when deciding to buy or replace your business' equipment. But buying the cheapest equipment on the market can leave you with lackluster results, on top of potentially breaking down sooner.

On the other hand, buying the latest and greatest thing can leave your business in a such a large financial hole, you may not be able to allocate the funds necessary for all the other aspects of your car wash business, such as staffing, training, chemical selection, or marketing.

Be sure to do your research on the specific pieces of equipment you are looking at. We highly recommend Washworld Inc.'s equipment as they are some of the best pieces you can buy but still for a realistic price. You can view their featured products.

Still unsure of your equipment choices? Contact Us - Turtle Wax Pro

The world of car wash equipment is vast, and it's tough to confidently know where to turn on your own. That is why you should rely on your car wash supplier for advice, at the end of the day, the equipment has to synergize well with your chemical selection.

Turtle Wax Pro is one of the industry leaders in car care, and have been for over 75 years. We know car wash chemicals and how to best position them for success, and that includes what equipment you should use. You can count on us to help guide you through that process.

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If you're running a car wash business, it's important to be aware of the effects hard water can have on your equipment and customers.

Hard water contains high levels of minerals, which can cause problems when when combined with presoaks and detergents. Today, we'll discuss the effects hard water can have on your car wash business and offer some tips for dealing with it.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause problems when used with detergents, as they can bind to the detergent molecules and prevent them from being fully dissolved.

Water hardness varies depending on the geographical location. In general, hard water is more common in areas with high mineral content in the soil, such as the Southwestern United States.

What Causes Hard Water?

Water Hardness is caused by a high concentration of minerals or salt in the water supply. These deposits can come from a variety of sources, including:

• Dissolved limestone
• Magnesium sulfate
• Calcium carbonate
• Other minerals in smaller amounts

These minerals cause hard water and when they bind to detergent molecules, they prevent the detergent from being fully dissolved.

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Why is Hard Water a Problem?

Hard water is a problem because it leaves behind deposits on surfaces that it comes into contact with. These minerals can have multiple ill effects when it comes to washing cars.

For example, hard water can:

• Dull paint
• Etch glass
• Corrode metal
• Leave spots or streaks 
• Lower foaming capabilities
• Create soap scum
• Eventually clog pipes
• Affect self-serve equipment

This is why it's important to be aware of the hard water levels in your area and take steps to protect your car wash business from hard water problems.

Where is Water Hardness Common?

As we mentioned before, water hardness is more common in areas with high mineral contents in the soil. In the United States, this includes the Southwestern states as well as parts of the Midwest.

Some of the hardest water can be found in:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Montana

What is TDS or Total Dissolved Solids?

TDS is a measure of the total amount of dissolved minerals in water. The higher the TDS level, generally, the harder the water.

You can test the water hardness levels in your area with a TDS meter, which you can purchase online or at a hardware store. To get an accurate reading it's best to test the water at your car wash business, as water hardness levels can vary depending on the location.

What is The Difference Between Hard Water, Soft Water and High TDS Water?

The terms hard water, soft water and high TDS water are often used together, but there is a difference between the three.

• Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium.
• Soft water is water that has been treated to remove calcium and magnesium by replacing them with sodium.
• High TDS water is water that contains a high concentration of dissolved solids, but not necessarily calcium and magnesium. This means that soft water can still have a high TDS level if it contains other dissolved solids, such as sodium.

Does Hard Water Have Any Advantages?

In a car wash setting, hard water has no advantages. In fact, it can cause all sorts of problems for your business, from damaging equipment to leaving customers with subpar results.

If you have hard water, the best thing you can do is take steps to mitigate the effects.

How Do You Know if You Have Hard Water?

Water Hardness Test Kit

The best way to know if you have hard water would be to test the water with a hard water testing kit that can be found online, at your local hardware store, or your friendly car wash supplier.

To use a water hardness test kit, simply follow the instructions that come with the kit. In general, you'll add a sample of water to the test kit and then compare the results to a chart that comes with the kit.

Digital Hard Water Tester

Another way to test for hard water is to use a digital hard water tester. These testers are placed in the water and then give a reading of the hardness level.

By Eye

If you suspect you may have hard water and want a quick way to know before testing, look at your taps, shower heads or equipment.  If there is a white film or spots present then you likely have hard water. It is important to note that the varying degrees in hardness level may impact how visible it is on your taps.

Measures of Water Hardness

The standard guidelines in water classification include 0 to 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate as being soft. Water systems involving groundwater or well water often exceed 60 mg/L. This is because water travels through calcium carbonate deposits in rock or soil and becomes hard.

Hard water can range from being slightly hard to very hard, the degree of hardness is classified into different categories:

• Soft water contains up to 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate.
• Moderately hard water contains 61 to 120 mg/L of calcium carbonate.
• Hard water contains 121 to 180 mg/L of calcium carbonate.
• Very hard water contains more than 180 mg/L of calcium carbonate.

How Does Hard Water Affect Your Car Wash Business?

Hard water can affect your car wash greatly by impacting the quality of your wash and its ability to function.

The high calcium and magnesium concentrations in hard water can cause soap scum to build up on surfaces which can lead to equipment not functioning well. This leads to continuous (and more frequent) servicing.

Also, it can damage equipment by corroding metal or affecting the seals. This may cause a lower lifespan of your car wash's equipment. The American Water Works Association estimates it could affect the lifespan of equipment by as much as 30% in some cases.

Having problems with your equipment will increase downtime, cost money for repairs/replacements and leave cars improperly washed.

In addition to affecting your equipment, hard water prevents you from getting a great clean on vehicles. It leaves mineral deposits, spots and streaks on glass and paint, which will lead to unhappy customers.

Your car wash chemistry is also greatly affected by hard water. The hard water can bind with the detergent, making it less effective. This means you'll have to use more detergent or presoak to achieve the same level of clean. Costing you more money.

In addition it will also create a milky foam instead of rich suds, which does not clean as well.

All of these things can lead to a decrease in business and revenue. That's why it's important to take steps to protect your car wash from hard water.

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The Importance of Water to a Car Wash

Water is the most important part of any car wash business. It's what you use to clean the cars and it's also a big part of your operating costs. So, it's important to make sure that the water you're using is high quality.

We've discussed the importance of having soft water or low TDS water but that is not the only aspect of water that is vital for your wash.

Water temperature, pressure, volume and more all play a role in the quality of your wash.

An Aside On Water Heaters

Water heaters can be critical to a car wash in colder climates. Not only do they help to maintain water temperature but they can also provide extra pressure.

Hot water is important in a car wash because it helps to clean the cars better. The higher temperature helps to break down the dirt and grease on the car, making it easier to remove. It also helps to reduce the amount of time it takes to wash a car, which can be important for a business.

While most car washes use cold water, some businesses do offer hot water washes for an extra fee. If you operate in a climate where it gets cold, you may also want to consider using a water heater to maintain the water temperature from your water supply.

Water's importance cannot be understated, it is vital that you have a strong grasp over the water you use for your business.

How to Deal With Hard Water at Your Car Wash Business?

If your business only has access to hard water, there are a few things you can do to ensure your water is clean and primed for car wash success.

Use a Water Softener:

A water softener is a device that removes calcium and magnesium from water, making it softer.

Water softeners work by exchanging the hard minerals for sodium. This is done by passing hard water through a tank filled with resin beads. As the hard water passes through, the resin beads create an ion exchange between calcium/magnesium and sodium. The softened water then exits the tank and is ready to use.

While a water softener is great at removing minerals from hard water, they do have some minor disadvantages.

Aside from the initial cost of purchasing and installing the water softener. Some regular maintenance will be needed, most notably in regards to salt. Water softeners must be regularly filled with salt, or they will not be able to function properly to create soft water.

Use a Reverse Osmosis System:

An RO system filters hard water and removes minerals, leaving you with clean, low TDS water. This is the best option for your car wash business. Reverse osmosis systems can remove up to 99% of dissolved solids.

Reverse osmosis works by using a high pressure pump to increase the pressure on the hard water side of the machine. This forces each water molecule across a semi-permeable membrane, leaving almost all of dissolved solids behind.

The biggest disadvantage is the cost. Reverse osmosis systems can be quite expensive, both to purchase and maintain. They also require a fair amount of space, so if your car wash is limited on space, this may not be the best solution for you.

Are There Any Alternatives to a Water Softener?

Hard Water Detergents

If a water softener is not an option you can use detergents that are designed for use with hard water.

They contain solutions that help prevent the calcium and magnesium ions from binding to the detergent molecules. This results in less scum and fewer spots on dried vehicles.

While not a perfect solution, hard water detergents can be a good way to deal with hard water if soft water isn't an option.

Water Conditioners 

Water conditioners work by changing the structure of the water molecules. It does this by passing the water over a specialized material known as template-assisted crystallization (TAC) media. This causes the hard water minerals to form "seed crystals".

This helps to minimize spots and scaling but does not remove the high concentrations of minerals.

The main disadvantage of using a water conditioner is that it does not remove the minerals from the water. You will still have hard water, and some of the problems that come with it.

While water conditioners are a good temporary solution, they are not a long-term fix for water softening.

Does Water Pressure Matter at a Car Wash?

Yes, water pressure is important for several reasons.

First, high pressure helps remove dirt and grime more effectively. It does this by breaking up the particles so they can be rinsed away more easily.

Secondly, less water pressure can lead to hard water spots. This is because the water is more likely to cling to the surface of the vehicle and dry, leaving behind magnesium or calcium deposits.

If you are having trouble getting enough pressure at your car wash or start to notice problems, there are a few things you can try.

1. Check for leaks in your system. A small leak can reduce water pressure significantly.
2. Make sure all of your hose connections are secure. Loose hose connections can also cause a drop in pressure.
3. If you have an older car wash, the pipes may be too small. This can be remedied by upgrading to larger pipes.

Choosing the Right Car Wash Supplier

If you suspect you have hard water the first step is to seek guidance to ensure your business starts on the right foot. We suggest getting in contact with a reputable partner like Turtle Wax Pro or Transchem.

Working with a company like us at Transchem gives you access to a team of experts that can offer guidance and support on choosing the best solution for your business.

We have been working with car washes for decades and take pride in helping washes succeed in any way we can!

This means choosing not only the right system to tackle your hard water, but choosing the right chemistry to match.

Hard water is a very common problem and as a result, we have the experience and expertise treating hard water to help you choose the best system for your business.

By taking these steps, you can protect your car wash from the damaging effects of hard water. Starting with the right water is the foundation to achieving the cleanest, direst and shiniest cars.

As always, if you have any questions regarding your water quality, do not hesitate to contact us!