Tunnel Car Washes: Are They A Good Investment?

Here at Turtle Wax Pro, we understand the difficulty in succeeding within the car wash industry, and especially in trying to stand out in the market.

The car wash space has many substitutes available to consumers, ranging from self serve to full automated washes. This creates the need for your wash to stand out in the eye of consumers.

Advertising can be a great way to increase business as your potential audience can be attracted and enticed towards your car wash over another!

By targeting consumers with specific and different forms of ads, businesses can attract new customers and grow their business in ways they could not done before.

Advertisements are not only for gaining new customers, they can be essential for building general brand awareness and improving loyalty for your existing users.

In this article, we'll be walking you through why advertising is important, how you can use advertising to strengthen your business, and how you can start creating impactful advertisements.

The Car Wash market is a multi-billion dollar industry.

There are over 25,000 car washes in the United States alone. The industry employs over 150,000 people and generates over $9 billion in annual revenue.

Even now, growth is still occurring at a rapid pace. In fact, the industry is expected to grow by 3% every year.

This growth is driven by the rise in vehicle ownership, increase in per capita income, and the need for car owners to maintain their vehicles.

With the right car wash advertising strategy, businesses can tap into this growing market and improve their bottom line.

The Car Wash Market

Despite the large size of the market, the car wash industry is very fragmented.

The top 50 companies account for less than 20% of the total market share. This leaves a large opportunity for small and medium sized businesses to increase their market share.

There are many different types of car washes, from self-service to full-service. There are also a variety of different services that you can offer, from express wash to detailing.

No matter what type of car wash you have, there are plenty of things you can do to increase business and market share.

The Car Wash Industry is a Tough Market

If you run a car wash, you know that competition is fierce.

Many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.

So how can you make sure that your car wash stays competitive?

Advertising is a way to help ensure that your wash stays competitive and has a consistent flow of customers.

Advertising allows your car wash business to attract new customers, customers from competing businesses and may even stop current customers from going elsewhere. .

Unfortunately, many local businesses are going out of business because they haven’t been able to keep up with the competition as there likely are many car wash options to choose from in any given area.

Standing out is difficult, but is a must to attract customers.

Quality services and reasonable prices are important for success in owning a car wash.

If you want your car wash to be successful, you need to offer quality services at reasonable prices.

Unfortunately, many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.

In a competitive market like the car wash market, there are many substitutions present. That means for customers to choose your wash, you must provide a great wash at a great price.

Advertising a Car Wash

The first step to increasing business is to make sure that customers are aware of your car wash. Advertising can be a great way to do this.

There are many different ways to advertise and utilizing a mix of methods is the best way to ensure results.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

First, businesses should consider what type of ad would be most effective for reaching their market.

The type of car wash will dictate exactly what type of ad to use. For example, a self service car wash may have a different marketing strategy than a full service car wash.

Second, businesses should make sure that their ads are creative and attention-grabbing.

Attractive visuals, key words, free services (or discounted) will all be attention grabbing to your audience.

Finally, businesses should track the results of their car wash advertising campaigns to ensure that they are effective.

Trial and error is sometimes the only way to succeed.

An important thing to remember when it comes to advertising car washes is that not all methods will work for every business. If you want more customers, it is important to experiment with different types of ads and see what works best for your company.

Car Wash Marketing Ideas

There are a variety of different ways to advertise your car wash.

You can use print ads, radio spots, social media campaigns, and outdoor signage, just to name a few.

By using a variety of car wash marketing techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers who will appreciate the convenience and quality of your car wash service.

Print Ads

One way to advertise your car wash is through print ads. You can place ads in newspapers, magazines, or even direct mailers. Make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number so customers can easily find you.

Distributing flyers in the local area is also a great way to promote your car wash.

You can also include a coupon or special offer in your print ad to entice new business to try out your services. For example, you could offer a discount for first-time customers or a free car wash with the purchase of a detailing package.

Radio Spots

Another way to reach customers is through radio spots. You can buy airtime on local radio stations and create ads that will play during drive time.

Like print ads, make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number in your radio spot so customers can easily find you. You can also include a sales promotion within it, to cause more listeners to act.

Social Media Campaigns

In today’s world, social media is a powerful marketing tool. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach customers. Other social media sites such as LinkedIn and TikTok could prove to be useful car wash marketing tools as well.

Social media accounts are crucial for car washes because they provide a way to connect with customers and promote deals or discounts.

When creating social media posts, be sure to use attractive visuals and persuasive copy. You want to grab people’s attention and make them want to learn more about your car wash.

Make sure to include a call-to-action in your posts, such as “Visit our website to learn more” or showcasing particular services that customers will love to have done to their vehicles.

Outdoor Signage

Another way to reach potential customers is through outdoor signage. You can place banners, signs, and flags around your car wash to grab people’s attention.

Make sure your signage is visible and legible from a distance. You want people to be able to see it and read it easily so they know what your business is and what services you offer.

You can also use outdoor signage to promote special services such as your for top of the line package.

Many companies (including Turtle Wax Pro) have outdoor signages that are very appealing to the eye and showcase a premium nature to them, which cause customers to try them out.

By using a variety of advertising techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers to your car wash which will aid in succeeding even in the most competitive market.

What do you Write in a Car Wash Advertisement?

Here are a few ideas of what you can include in your car wash ad:

• Your business name
• Your logo
• A tagline or slogan
• Attractive visuals
• Information about your location
• Unique Aspects
• What services you offer
• Specials or promotions you are running
• A call to action note that entices consumers

Having a variety of these ideas can help your ad stand out from your competitors and help drive sales.

How to Create a Tagline or Slogan for a Car Wash?

Your tagline or slogan should be easily recognizable, so customers can remember it and associate it with your brand.

It should be reflective of what your company does or what you want your company to be known for. Whether it be affordable rates or the best cleaning job in town.

Also, your tagline or slogan should be reflective of your company’s values. (ex: environmentally focused)

What makes your Business Different?

The aspects that make your car wash different than the one down the road should be included in your advertisements.

You may be a local business, the only one using a specific brand of products, touchless as opposed to using brushes, an established brand, or vastly more experienced.

Small businesses have the opportunity to focus on community service or being more personal with their customers. Thus, many consumers choose to support small businesses over other options.

These are all examples of characteristics that make your car wash business stand out and are potential reasons why customers will choose you over another.

Unique Advertising Ideas for your Car Wash Business

The car wash marketing strategies mentioned before are significant in bringing awareness to your wash. But you might already have the basics covered, or maybe you want to try something different to set your business apart.

If that’s the case, here are some unique advertising ideas for your car wash business:

Sponsor a Local Sports Team or Another Popular Local Attraction

One way to get your car wash’s name out there is by sponsoring a local school sports team or another popular attraction in your area.

This could be anything from Little League to the local school. By having your name on their jerseys or arena, you’ll be getting great exposure to both new customers and existing customers.

Have a Grand Opening Event or Anniversary Event

Another way to advertise your business is by hosting a grand opening event (for a new business) or anniversary event. This is an exciting way to get new customers in the door and try out your car wash for the first time.

At special events, you can offer special pricing, freebies, free food, or other activities to bring in larger crowds. You can also use special events like these as an opportunity to introduce any new services or products you might be offering.

Get Involved in the Community

One way to endear your business to your target audience is by getting involved in the community. This could be anything from sponsoring a charity event to hosting a food drive.

By giving back to the community, you’ll not only be helping others, but you’ll also be gaining some good publicity for your business. This is a great way to build brand awareness and loyalty among possible customers and your customer base.

Offer Free Washes

Not many people can turn down something free. By giving away a free wash for their first wash, you encourage customers to try out your service.

This way they can compare your car wash to the one they typically use, and if your service is of good quality, consumers will continue for paid washes.

Have a Rewards/Loyalty Program

A rewards program is a great way to encourage current customers to continue using your wash. By offering a discount coupon or freebies after a certain number of visits, you’ll be sure to see customers coming back.

Having a loyalty program is also a great way to upsell customers on other services or products you might offer.

You can promote your loyalty club on your business website, on social media, or through in-store signage. This is a great way to increase your number of returning customers and build customer loyalty.

Thinking outside the box can separate you from the rest of the competition, and get your car wash business out in a way no one else can.

Working with an experienced company like Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro

Implementing a strong marketing strategy to ultimately increase business for you car wash can be difficult.

Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro are not only car wash suppliers, we are companies dedicated in helping your business succeed.

We understand that just owning a car wash is only a small fraction behind operating a car wash, marketing it is a must.

We have decades of experience helping car washes of all types and sizes, and thus, can provide a superior level of guidance that can help your car wash business gain market share and increase customers.

It's obvious how important advertising is to suceeding in the car wash market. By utilizing some of the advertising ideas mentioned, you can increase brand awareness to your car wash and bring in more traffic.

Advertising is an incredible powerful tool that can skyrocket the success of your business. If you believe that your car wash business could improve it's advertising, don't hesitate to get in contact with us! We at Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro can provide some guidance on how to seperate yourself from the rest of the market.

Running a car wash business can be lucrative, but it's important to find the right car wash supplier in order to make your business successful.

There are many different suppliers out there, so it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you.

Turtle Wax Pro is a great option to help supply your car wash. We offer the highest quality chemistry on the market, have decades of experience of helping wash businesses succeed, and have strong healthy relationships with our customers.

These are all key factors to look for when searching for a supplier and we believe that Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group can be the best supplier for you.

If you're in the car wash business, then you know that finding the right supplier is essential. Let's go over some key considerations to look for when choosing a supplier.

To Succeed in the Car Wash Business, You Have to be Unique

The car wash industry is a competitive one, so it's important to find a car wash supplier that can give you an edge over your competition. One way to do this is by choosing a supplier that offers unique products or services.

Car washes with no unique selling proposition are very common. You must find things that separate you from other washes if you want to succeed. The right supplier can offer you competitive prices, quality supplies, equipment, support, advice, site signage, marketing help and more that can give you a leg up in business.

Here's What To Avoid In A Car Wash Supplier

1. Avoid suppliers that just need to make a sale and offer no support after your launch.
2. Be wary of a supplier who can't answer questions. This generally means they won't be helpful if any issues arise in the future.
3. Look out for suppliers without local or regional service teams. Depending on your customer volume you may get stuck in a long line waiting for service or repairs.
4. You should also be careful of suppliers who don't have a good reputation. If other car wash owners haven't heard of them or have had bad experiences, it's best to avoid doing business with them.

Looking for a Reputable Supplier

It's also important to choose a supplier that is reputable, has a long track record of industry wins and wants to be a true partner. Businesses succeed when they have long-term relationships with their suppliers. A reputable supplier will be able to more effectively provide you with the resources and support you need to grow your business.

Watch Testimonials

You can learn a lot about a supplier by reading online reviews, case studies and testimonials from other car wash business owners. Make sure to read both positive and negative reviews in order to get a well-rounded view of the supplier.

You should also take the time to speak with other wash owners who have used the supplier. They will be able to provide you with first-hand information about their customer experience.

"When I built our first car wash in 1991 I was looking for a chemical company that could provide knowledge, dependability, service, value and high quality safe products. The Turtle Wax Pro team and Transchem delivered and for over 30 years has been our chemical suppler of choice, they've never let us down. When it comes to a soap provider you can count on day in and day out I couldn't think of a better company than Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem." - Mike Black, Founder/Owner at Valet Car Washes 

Consider the Chemistry

The chemicals dictate the final wash product you can offer your customers. The goal of achieving the perfect wash can only be met with high quality chemistry that all works together.

When choosing a car wash supplier, you should consider the quality of the products that they offer. The last thing you want is your customers' cars to be damaged by poor car wash chemicals.

Which Type of Products Does Your Wash Want to Offer?

Every car wash has staple products like presoaks and detergents but car washes can really differentiate themselves by offering unique items like fragrances, ceramics, and tire dressings.

Think about which products in particular you want to offer your customer, that decision may direct you to a particular company that carries specific supplies.

There are so many products to choose from, we recommend getting in contact with a couple of car wash chemical manufacturers before deciding on any products.

Less Is More!

Some companies can have hundreds of SKUs but you'll need to narrow your decision down to between 5 and 15 core chemicals for your wash.

The Turtle Wax Pro lineup offers more than 40 highly diverse chemicals alongside other individual chemical solutions.

This allows us to stay competitive with other industry prices, stock more product, ship faster, provide more in-depth service and streamline our operation to help you clean more cars.

Consider the Car Wash Equipment

The car wash industry is always changing and car wash equipment is becoming more advanced. You'll want to make sure that the supplier you choose offers the latest and greatest in car wash equipment.

This could include pressure washers, car wash pumps or central vacuum systems for detailing services. This will ensure that your customers are getting the best possible car wash experience.

Having to buy new equipment is expensive and time consuming so it's important to get it right the first time.

Maintenance Matters

Maintenance solutions are also important to consider when choosing a supplier. Make sure your supplier has a good relationship with one or more local distributors in your area to service and repair your equipment on a regular basis.

Consider the Extras

It's also important to find a supplier who offers training on how to use the car wash equipment. This will ensure that your team is able to properly operate the car wash equipment and provide a great experience for your customers.

Turtle Wax Pro offers in-depth training on chemistry, installation, service, business operations and more to our partners (the distributors and operators we work with). This should create reliability for you and your employees when it comes to any problems that could arise.

What about...

Perhaps you want to own a truck wash as well? A truck wash will need different equipment than a standard car wash. How easy is it to receive repair parts? How detailed are the product manuals? How quick is installation?

These are all factors you will want to consider when evaluating the right supplier. It can be challenging to know what is the right equipment and we recommend contacting a supplier (like Turtle Wax Pro) before you decide on anything.

Consider your Customer

Last but not least, you should consider your ideal customer experience when choosing a supplier. What type of experience do you want to offer your customers?

Do you want to offer a luxury wash experience or a more basic wash experience? This will help you determine which car wash supplies, equipment and add-ons you'll need to purchase.

What Does a Premium Industry Supplier Offer Their Car Washes?

1. A wide range of chemistry, services, systems and car wash equipment.
2. Advice on how to best position your wash for success. This involves marketing, best use of the products, and a full dedicated hands-on training session with ongoing learning material.
3. Help you find ways on how to reduce costs and optimize your car wash to save time and produce more sales for your site.
4. Lastly, the relationship they maintain with their partners. A top supplier will offer car washes technical support, answer any questions they have, and keep an open dialogue to continuously improve the products and services they offer.

All of these aspects are what separates the industry leaders from the rest.

Choosing Turtle Wax Pro as Your Supplier

Turtle Wax Pro is one of the most trusted car care brands in the world with expertise to drive more sales and gain market share around the world.

We strive to be the best supplier possible to all of our partners, operators and distributors. We do this by offering the best chemistry on the market, high quality car wash equipment, and knowledge from our dedicated sales and service teams.

We Know It's Hard

Picking the right supplier can be a tough process but will prove to be very rewarding if done correctly. We hope that we cleared up some questions you had and have given you a bit of direction on how to choose a high quality partner.

If you have any questions about your car wash regarding anything from products to strategy, don't hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to discuss how you can find even more success within the car wash industry.

Cleaning vehicles is the best way to maintain them and keep them looking like new. The best car wash soaps will remove dirt, grime, and other buildup without damaging the paint or clear coat.

Turtle Wax Pro has been a providing high quality chemistry for over 75 years. Our products achieve better results than the rest on the market while being formulated without any phosphates, hydrofluoric acid or ammonium bifluoride.

Turtle Wax Pro is just one option and many people will have their own opinion on the the top rated car wash soap. There is a never-ending amount of choices for car care products. Hopefully this list of criteria will help you reach a decision on the best car wash soap for you.

What is Car Wash Soap?

Car wash soap (or car shampoo) is a specially formulated detergent that is designed to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from your vehicle's surface.

It is important to use a car wash soap that is specifically designed for washing cars because regular household detergents can actually damage your car's paint and finish.

Sidebar: What is the Difference Between Soap and Detergent?

Soap and detergent are both cleaning products, but they are made from different materials and have different purposes.

Soap is made from natural materials like vegetable oils or animal fats. It is effective at cleaning dirt and grease, and it is biodegradable.

Detergent, on the other hand, is made from synthetic materials and is designed to clean in more difficult water situations. It is also more effective at cleaning oily stains.

For the purposes of this article you may see us refer to our products colloquially (informally), as both soap and detergent, but Turtle Wax Pro products are formulated as detergents!

Why Do You Need Car Wash Soap?

Car washing may seem like a simple task but the details do matter. Using the right soap to clean vehicles is a basic but vital step in achieving great results.

Obviously, some sort of soap is necessary in order to properly clean a car. A well formulated soap will remove all of the dirt, road grime, dust, swirl marks and insect bits that have built up on a car's surface.

Additionally, car wash liquid is designed to be gentle on a vehicle's surface. It will not strip away wax or polish like some household detergents can.

Existing Contaminants Can Be Harmful To A Vehicle

Road grime, dirt and other contaminants can be very abrasive, and if not removed properly, can cause damage to your vehicle.

For example, if you live in an area with a lot of clay in the soil, that clay is fine enough that it can become embedded in your vehicle's paint and cause permanent damage.

Can you use Dish Soap to Wash your Car?

Let's just say the secret to achieving a spot free car wash is not using dish soap on vehicles.

Dish soap is not designed for vehicles, and can actually strip away the wax or protective coatings on your car. This will leave your car paint unprotected and susceptible to damage.

Dish soap is formulated to remove oil and grease from dishes, which is why it  is so effective at cutting through sealants. So while dish soap might get your car clean in the short term, it will actually cause more damage in the long run.

How to Use Car Wash Soap?

The process for a DIY car wash and a professional car wash are actually quite similar. The main difference is the amount of water and soap that is used.

Automated car washes will have machinery that will take care of the majority of steps that the DIY or self serve car washer would need to do by hand.

We recommend following the instructions listed on the product, but a general guide for the best car wash is as follows:

1. Start by rinsing your car with water to remove any loose dirt or debris.
2. Apply the car wash soap to a wet sponge or cloth and wash your car in small sections, starting from the top and working your way down.
3. Rinse the soap off your car with water (ideally a pressure washer)
4. Dry it with a clean microfiber towel (or microfiber wash mitt) to ensure a streak free finish.

Dialling in the correct wash settings in a tunnel or in bay automatic.

The Turtle Wax Pro team has over 75 years of experience formulating car care products. Our amazing service team are passionate experts that are always on hand to offer advice and support.

We've got a lot of documentation and expertise around our products and cleaning cars. That means we're able to set up any wash to run at peak performance within a short period of time!

Hyper-Concentrates

At Turtle Wax Pro our detergents are all hyper-concentrated. This means that you need less detergent to achieve the same quality results when compared to other brands.

Investing in a High Quality Car Wash Soap

It is also important to discuss how car wash soaps can differ. In short, there are three main types of car wash soap:

• Budget soaps (Most of our competitors) that will get the job done (kinda) but might not be as gentle on your cars or equipment.
• Mid-grade soaps (Transchem's Autolux Line) that strike a balance between price and quality.
• Premium soaps (Turtle Wax Pro) that cost more but offer the best possible results.

When it comes to car care, you get what you pay for. Investing in a high quality commercial car wash soap will save you money in all the ways we've previously mentioned. It also offers the best results to make your customers keep coming back for more. Keep in mind it is possible to offer an affordable car wash even with premium soaps.

Choosing a Premium Manufacturer like Turtle Wax Pro

The amount of options for car wash soaps on the market today can be overwhelming. However, the importance of choosing a high quality car wash soap can not be overstated.

Turtle Wax Pro is a car wash chemical manufacturer that produces premium car wash soaps, shampoos, detergents, waxes, ceramics, drying agents, finishing products and other surface protection products.

We've been doing it for decades.

Our products are formulated with the latest car care technology to deliver outstanding results and our team of experts are always available to answer any questions you may have.

We're passionate about what we do and we want to help you get the most out of your car wash business. We know that our success is built on your success.

How does the Soap you Choose Affect your Car Wash Business?

The car care industry is a competitive one and choosing the right products can make or break your business.

If you're using lower quality car wash soaps, shampoos, and other products it will reflect in the quality of your car wash.

Your customers will notice this and it will ultimately hurt your bottom line.

Achieving the Perfect Wash

The goal for everyone in the car wash industry is to be able to provide consumers with the perfect wash. There are numerous aspects to consistently providing that level of service and your chemistry is the backbone.

To achieve the ultimate wash, you don't just need quality products. You also need those products to work together in harmony.

Turtle Wax Pro products are never formulated on their own and often go through months or years of testing alongside our existing products. This ensures that they will play nice with each other and provide you with the results that you expect.

How to choose the right soap?

There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when choosing the proper car wash soap for you.

Frequency of Washing

The ideal frequency for the best car wash is about once per week.

This ensures that the customer's car is getting cleaned on a regular basis and the finishing products are working properly to protect and maintain the paint.

Turtle Wax Pro products are formulated with this frequency in mind.

Without getting too heavily into the science, washing a car regularly will actually make the car easier to clean and shinier with each additional wash.*

The Environment

If being green is important to you then you'll want to look for a commercial car wash detergent that is biodegradable and gentle on the environment.

These soaps are just as effective at cleaning your car but won't have a negative impact on the planet.

Turtle Wax Pro is proud to say that all of our products are formulated with the environment in mind. The majority of our North American product lineup is Ecologo Certified. A certification that we drafted with regulators for high levels of environmental consciousness.

Water Quality

Water quality will differ based on your location. If you're using city water then it's likely that the water is already pretty hard.

This means that it has a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. If you live in an area with softer water, then you don't have to worry about this as much.

It's important to be mindful of what water you have and if you should make any changes to it before you decide to run your car wash business.

Most car wash soaps will not be as effective when used with hard water and will fail to produce the thick foam required for total surface coverage. There are some specially formulated soaps that are designed to work with hard water, but typically we recommend installing some type of water solution instead.

These options will remove or modify minerals from the water that cause it to be hard, and will leave you with water that's ideal for a spot free wash.

Will Car Wash Soap Damage My Clear Coat or Sealant?

The short answer is: no it won't. Since soap is meant to clean, you may think any finishing product (car wax or ceramic) that was previously applied may be compromised after a wash.

What do surface protectants do for vehicles?

Waxes and sealants are designed to form a barrier between the painted surface and the elements. They often protect against UV rays, water spots, bird droppings and road film that could potentially damage a car's surface.

So, does using soap affect the car's wax or sealant?

As long as you're using a quality detergent that is designed for use with protected surfaces, you will not damage the wax or sealant. In fact, regular car washing is actually beneficial for maintaining the longevity of these products.*

But if you use the wrong kind of soap, it is possible that it could remove that protective barrier.

Specialized Car Wash Soaps

You may have a specific need that an ordinary soap cannot supply. We'll go through the common different specialized soaps. As well as explaining when you might want to use them.

Wash and Wax Car Soap

As the name implies, these soaps are designed to both clean and protect your car in one step.

Wash and wax car soaps typically contain Carnauba wax, which is a natural form of protection for your car's paint. But the wax formula can differ depending on the product.

With a wash and wax product it is generally hard to achieve a streak free finish or avoid swirl marks due to it's application process.

• These are typically offered to DIY washing car owners who regularly wash their car in their driveway and protect their car's finish all at once
• You'll also sometimes find this type of product in a low end car detailing shop

Carnauba Wax

Pure carnauba is one of the hardest, most durable forms of protection you can put on your car. It's often used in products that are designed to protect the paint on boats and other vehicles that are exposed to harsh conditions.

So, if you're looking for a soap that will both clean and protect your car's paint but also be a low commitment method to achieving that wax protection, wash and wax soaps might be the right choice.

However, the wax protection wash and wax soaps provide is not as durable or long lasting as other surface protectants. Premium carnauba wax can last up to 12 months but will likely last much less time in wax soap combination product.

Hard Water Soaps

As we mentioned before, if you live in an area with hard water, you'll need to take that into consideration when operating your car wash.

Most auto soap will not be as effective when used with hard water. Hard water affects the quality of your chemistry and could be a major factor in producing lacklustre cleaning results.

A water softener or reverse osmosis system are recommended solutions for water hardness, but there are some special car wash soaps that are designed to work with hard water.

Hard water soaps are formulated to be slightly more acidic than other car wash soaps. This helps to break down the minerals in hard water that can cause streaking and spots on the car's paint job.

• Hard water soaps are formulated for people with less options or no options for dealing with hard water in their water supply

Wheel Cleaner

Iron stains can become apparent on vehicles, especially on car wheels. While regular car wash soaps can help to remove some of the brake dust and grime that builds up on wheels, they are not always effective at removing iron stains.

A wheel cleaner is a specialized product that is designed to remove these types of stains. Wheel cleaners typically contain an acid, which helps to break down the iron molecules that cause the staining.

Most wheel cleaners are safe to use on all types of wheels, but it is always best to read the product label to be sure.

Waterless Wash (or No Rinse Wash) Soaps

A waterless car wash soap is a quick and easy way to clean your car without having to do a rinse wash at the end. As the name suggests, you don't need water (or very little) to use these soaps.

Waterless washes are perfect for people who want to clean their car but don't have access to a hose or water source. Some waterless washes also come in a foaming formula, which makes them even easier to use.

A no rinse wash product is also a good option if you purposely want to avoid using water altogether. You simply spray the soap on your car and wipe it off with a microfiber towel/wash mitt.

• These are formulated more for the home user rather than a business but can be a convenient option to some car owners.

Why Does pH Level Matter?

pH is a scale that is used to measure how acidic or basic (not the white girl kind) a solution is. It is an important aspect to consider when looking at the proper car wash soap for your business.

The scale goes from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 14 being the most basic, and pH level of seven being neutral.

We will do a complete breakdown of how pH level affects cleaning in a future blog post but for now here is a rough breakdown:

Low pH

Low pH detergents or presoaks are effective at attacking inorganic material found on vehicle surfaces. This includes things like brake dust, road grime, salt and heavy dirt particles. A low pH car wash soap is typically considered to be in the range of 0-4.

High pH

High pH soaps are better at attacking organic material, like bugs, grease and tree sap. High pH chemicals are effective at breaking down proteins found in these organic materials. A high pH car wash soap is typically considered to be in the range of 11-14.

Neutral pH

There are also some soaps that have a neutral pH level (also known as pH balanced). A pH neutral formula can be used on all types of cars, regardless of how dirty they are.

pH balanced soaps won't be as effective at attacking either inorganic or organic materials, but they are a good option for people who want an all-purpose soap for the entire car.

Neutral pH soaps typically have a pH level of around five to eight.

Which pH level should you pick?

Picking the best car wash soap by pH level depends entirely on your wash setup, location, water quality, and what type of dirt/grime you are trying to remove.

For the ultimate wash it will be best to use both a low pH and high pH soap in your wash process. This will ensure that all types of dirt and grime are removed from the vehicle.

In most situations it's best to start with the high pH cleaners and work towards creating a low pH environment to help the finishing products adhere to the vehicle's surface.

We recommend getting in touch with a car wash chemical supplier like Turtle Wax Pro to see what kind setup is right for you.

Hyper-Concentrated Car Wash Soap

Hyper-concentrated car wash soap is the future of the car wash industry.

It involves the chemicals being in heavily concentrated form (very little water content) and the end-user (car washes) diluting the concentration to the correct ratio.

Hyper-concentrated chemistry ensures:

• Lower shipping costs as more product will take up less space
• Reduced environmental impact by using less packaging and plastic
• Easier to physically move and dispense product
• Allows business to stock up on more product as it will take up less room

This ensures every ounce of a product applied to a vehicle is cleaning efficiently with less water, while producing even better results.

We highly recommend you look at a company that uses hyper-concentration for its chemistry for all of these benefits.

The Best Car Wash Soaps

The best car wash soap is an opinionated topic. We at Turtle Wax Pro truly believe we offer the best car wash soap on the market.

• Our detergents are available in a variety of pH levels to help you overcome challenging cleaning conditions.
• High-lubricity detergents produce a rich, dense foam that gently deep-cleans for scratch free cleaning.
• We have products with multiple scent options and offer SKUs that are effective in friction, touchless and self-serve (pressure washer) car wash scenarios.

The truly amazing part of our soap options is that:

• They are all designed to work perfectly with any of our other offerings to ensure you're creating the cleanest, shiniest and driest cars possible.

To Summarize

The significance that soap holds to a car wash cannot be overstated. It is essential for keeping vehicles not only clean and shiny but also for maintaining the vehicle's finish.

The car wash formula you choose will depend on the kind of car wash you have, as well as what you want to include in your wash process.

That's right, the soap included in that car wash kit might not the right choice for you.

The process of choosing the best car wash products can be tricky but we are here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about our top car wash soaps and how to choose the right chemistry for your business.

*Finishing products like waxes and ceramics create a hydrophobic barrier on the car's finish. This protective coating helps repel water and dirt, making it harder for contaminants to reach and stick to the surface of a vehicle. This makes them continually easier to remove after each wash.

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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!