Under Body Wash: The Key To Caring For Your Undercarriage

Rust is a top challenge for both car owners and car wash operators during the colder months.

It's critical to take the appropriate actions and precautions against rust in order for your customer's vehicles to continue to shine.

Today's blog will describe those preventive measures, so you can continue to succeed in the car wash business even as the dreaded winter weather approaches.

What exactly is rust?

Rust is the result of a reaction between oxygen and iron.

When these two elements come into contact with each other, they create a chemical called ferrous oxide. This substance is very corrosive, and it can eat away at the frame of a vehicle, most commonly in wheel wells or doors.

Rust can also occur when water or moisture comes into contact with the metal. The water will cause the metal to oxidize, and this will result in rust.

How do cars get rust?

There are a few different ways that rust forms.

Exposure to Salt Water, Road Salt and Rock Salt

One way a car can be damaged is if it's exposed to salt water.

Saltwater is very corrosive, and it can damage the metal on your car. If you live near the ocean, or if you frequently drive in salty conditions, you will need to be extra careful about preventing rust.

Salt can also damage a car if it's used to melt ice on the roads in the winter season. If salt comes into contact with a car, it will start to corrode the metal. This can cause significant damage to the car, and it will likely require extensive repairs.

Depending on the type of road salt or sand used it can also create small projectiles that can chip away at the paint and expose metal, furthering the problem. In areas the rely on rock salt it is possible to experience the same effect as rock chips if a large enough piece of salt contacts the body paint.

If you live in an area that uses salt to de-ice roads in winter months, you will need to take extra steps to prevent rust from forming on your car. Make sure you wash your car regularly to avoid salt stains. You may also want to consider keeping your car covered when it's not in use. This will help keep the salt and moisture away from the metal, and it will help extend the life of your vehicle.

Damage to the Paint or Clear Coat

Another way that cars can get rust is if the paint becomes damaged.

If the car's paint is scratched or chipped, it can expose the metal underneath to oxygen and moisture. This will cause the metal to oxidize, and it will eventually result in rust.

If you notice any damage to the paint on your car, make sure you take steps to repair it immediately. This will help protect your car from exposure to oxygen and moisture, and it will help prevent rust from forming.

Thunderstorms, Heavy Snow or Ice Storm

Another way that cars can get rust is if they are involved in thunderstorms, heavy snow or ice storms.

When the snow and ice melt, the water can seep into the cracks of your car, between doors, under the hood or into wheel wells. This can cause any exposed metal to oxidize, and it will eventually result in rust.
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If at all possible it is best to avoid driving during a major storm.

How does rust affect cars?

The majority of people are unaware of the significant effect rust can have on cars.

Damage the Metal

One of the most obvious effects of rust is that it can damage the metal. If the metal on your car becomes corroded, it will become weaker and less structurally sound. This can lead to serious problems, such as holes in the vehicle's frame, or even the collapse of the metal.

Damage The Paint

Another effect of rust is that it can cause paint damage. If the paint on your car becomes damaged, it will not only look bad, but it will also be more susceptible to further damage from rust.

Rust can also cause the paint to peel or chip off, which can expose additional metal underneath to oxygen and moisture. This will cause the metal to oxidize, and it will eventually result in more rust.

You can see the problem, rust damage can snowball out of control quickly leaving you with an unsightly and dangerous vehicle.

Damage the Value of Your Car

Another thing to keep in mind is that rust can affect the value of your car, due to the factors mentioned above.

If you're planning on selling your car, or if you're interested in trade-ins, rust can significantly reduce the value of your vehicle.

How to prevent car rust?

Just like if your in dash warning lights came on, if you see rust forming on your vehicle, you'll want to take action.

Wash Your Car Often

One of the best ways to prevent car rust is to wash your car more often.

How often will depend on your weather conditions, lifestyle, and usage but ensure your vehicle is well taken care of.

Washing your car will remove any dirt, grime, or salt that has accumulated on the body panels and undercarriage. This will help to prevent rust from forming in the first place.

Use a Rust Inhibitor

Another way to prevent car rust is to use a rust inhibitor.

Rust inhibitors are products that you can apply to the surface of your car. They create a barrier between the metal and oxygen, and they can help to prevent rust from forming.

There are many different rust inhibitors on the market, so be sure to do your research to find one that will work best for you.

Store Your Car in a Garage

If you have the option, store your car in a garage.

This will help to protect it from the elements, and it will also help to keep it clean. A clean car is less likely to develop rust than a dirty one.

Preventing rust on your vehicle isn't a difficult thing to do, but it takes some maintenance on your part. You may have some questions related to car and rust, so let's go through some of the common questions.

Does a car wash cause rust?

This is a common misconception. And it isn't true.

As long as you use a reputable car wash, they will not damage your paint or promote rusting and will go on a long way in preventing road salt damage and discouraging rust formation.

Does washing your car in winter prevent rust?

Washing your car in winter will help to remove any salt or grime that has accumulated on the surface.

Road salt is one of the major causes of rust forming on cars, and washing your car will lower that possibility.

Can you prevent rust underneath a car?

Yes, you can prevent rust on a vehicle's undercarriage.

You can apply a rust inhibitor to the underside of your car. Which applies a protective coat to the underside of vehicles.

Car washes usually also clean underneath vehicles, which also helps in preventing rust formation.  

How often should you wash your car?

Again, this will depend on your individual circumstances, but you should aim to wash your car at least once a month, but every week or two is even better.

If you live in an area with a lot of salt, snow or dirt, you may need to wash it more often.

Another thing to note is that modern vehicles may need to be washed less frequently than older ones, especially vintage models that are prone to rust and looking faded.

Does car wax protect against road salt?

Car wax is a protective coating that you apply to the surface of your car. It helps to protect the paint from scratches and UV damage.

While waxing won't provide the same amount of protection as a rust inhibitor will, it may be enough to stop some of the road salt from affecting your vehicle's exterior.

Washing and waxing your car regularly will help to keep it in good condition.

Do ceramic coatings help against road salt?

A ceramic coating on your vehicle may help with the salt affecting your vehicle as it does add some protection.

This protection is not as durable as a rust inhibitor though and will not last as long. It is important to remember that even with a ceramic coating, you should still wash your vehicle regularly to help prevent rust and keep it in good condition.

Not sure how to tackle the winter season? Reach out to Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem

Turtle Wax Pro is a universally recognized brand who is a leader in chemical manufacturing. Transchem Group adds decades of experience cleaning cars and supporting car wash operators in all seasons, and that includes the harsh winter ones.

If you operate in a region that faces what winter brings: salt, snow, ice, then you will need to be sure to tune your wash to meet those needs. The best way to do that is to reach out and ask for help. Contact us today, and we will help you get ready for the winter season!

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If you own a car wash business, you know sometimes things do not go as planned. Equipment breaks down, it stops working, there's a leak, or something else is wrong. Sometimes these issues are a quick fix and other times, not so much!

It is important for your car wash business to know how to handle repair situations as sometimes they can be time-sensitive (or financially sensitive) matters that you should look to handle as efficiently as possible to reduce the amount of downtime you face.

Things break down - Expect to Encounter Repairs

No matter the type of car wash equipment you have, there will a day when something goes wrong. It could be something minor that you can fix yourself or it may be something larger where you will need help from some factory trained technicians.

All machinery, including your existing car wash equipment has a lifespan as well where things may just need to be replaced entirely. It is important to see the warning signs so your business won't be left closed for too long.

It is also a great idea for your car wash to know what those warning signs might be, as well as what kind of issues are easily fixed and others that may not be.

Car Wash Equipment Warning Signs

Most of the time when something goes wrong with your equipment, there will be some sort of warning sign. For example, if you start to notice any leaks, it is probably an indication that there is a bigger problem.

Another common sign that something is wrong is strange noises coming from your equipment. If you notice any grinding sounds, hissing, or something that just doesn't sound right, it is important to take a closer listen and see if you can identify the source of the noise.

If your equipment isn't working as efficiently as it used to, this could also be an indication that there is a problem. If you notice any decrease in performance, it is important to take a look and see if there is anything that could be causing the issue.

Identifying the warning signs can save your car wash system a lot of potential down time.

Repairs for Car Wash Systems

Car wash equipment accessories and their machinery can break in lots of different ways. For example, the rollers that help move the car through the wash may become worn down and need to be replaced which can be seen as a quick replacement.

But things can be more extreme, such as a pump breaking or hybrid car wash equipment not working as it should. These types of issues will require more time, money, and effort to fix and may even warrant a call to the manufacturer or someone who is factory trained.  

Some car washes even employ an in house mechanic to aid in their own maintenance, this will keep your wash running through most minor work.

Don't Forget About Maintenance!

Car wash maintenance will help ensure that your equipment lasts as long as possible and runs as efficiently as possible.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preventive maintenance and care. For example, many car wash systems will need to be descaled on a regular basis to prevent build-up of minerals that can damage the equipment. Factory training can be another useful tool if the manufacturer offers it.

You should also develop a regular cleaning schedule for all of your car wash equipment. This will help remove any dirt, grime, or other build-up that could potentially cause problems.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your car wash running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.

If you do encounter a problem that you can't fix yourself, it is important to have a reliable car wash repair solution or supplier nearby that can help you through those issues and give you a variety of profitable solutions.

The Importance of Training

Having the right training will help your car wash and its employees know the ins and outs of all your car wash equipment. That can be especially useful when things encounter fixable problems and you have someone in house who knows how to take care of it.

In the car wash industry, its tough to stand out but with the right training, many aspects of your business can improve and help you separate yourself within the market. In the case of equipment repairs, the right training will help you stay running for longer and avoid that devastating downtime that may turn away customers in the future, it could also help your business save money from repairs that can then be used to improve your wash in another way.

Long-standing service customers appreciate quality service, so you will want to have a fine reputation by prioritizing car wash training.

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Rely on your Supplier (or Distributor) - Transchem Group

That is also why it is important to have a great car wash supplier or car wash equipment distributor to take the time to properly train your car wash on your equipment, chemicals, and wash processes.

This is a big focus for Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro who strive to establish confidence in our car wash operators on how they service car wash systems. We routinely hold both traditional service (in-person) training sessions for our clients and operators as well as online sessions. Turtle Wax Pro even has an online learning center where users can log on and start training modules at any moment!

A Supplier Close to Home - Direct to Market in Alberta

Having your car wash supplier nearby your car wash is a huge advantage for your business! We are proud to say that Transchem is direct to market in Alberta, meaning we can support your car wash from top to bottom!

We have a state-of-the-art facility in Calgary and have the means to support your Alberta-based car wash to the greatest ability. Being close by ensures products arrive faster, training can be done more effectively, and if problems ever do arise, you can lean on us being there quickly to ensure your car wash can get back to business in a flash! You can learn more about our Alberta offerings here.

Have Concerns about your Repair Options? Contact Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro

If your car wash is ever in need of repairs or you have questions about the best options for your business, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We would be happy to chat with you about your specific needs and help you find a solution that makes the most sense for your business, whether that is finding you the right person to take care of your issue or supporting you in the future with preventive maintenance measures.

With decades of experience supporting car wash businesses of all types, we know a thing or two about problems that arise with car wash equipment. You can rely on us to support you through your issue and help your business shine in anyway we can!

Although a great car wash can make any vehicle look amazing, not properly drying it afterwards can completely ruin the effect!

The drying stage is an essential element of a successful wash. The drier the car, the less likely it is to experience water spots or streaks. A drying agent is a unique product that makes water evaporate and wick away quickly, providing you with a streak-free car. Today, we'll be discussing what a drying agent is, how they are best used, and how to choose the right one for your car wash.

To start off, What is the Drying Process?

In a car wash, the drying process is crucial in order to prevent spots or streaks on the car. This can be done with a few different methods, but the most effective is to use a drying agent. Choosing the right one and using it properly can be instrumental in leaving your customer's vehicles dry and clean! Most car washes also use high-powered dryers to speed up the evaporation process.

A Wet Surface Can Spell Disaster For Your Wash

After your car wash cleans vehicles, a large amount of water will remain on the surface.

Leaving a car's surface wet is an easy way to ruin your finished product as once the water eventually evaporates, water spots and streaks will remain.

Customers will see this and won't be pleased with their car not looking the way they thought it would. Ensure your wash process includes a drying aid to make sure your vehicles leave as dry as possible.

What is a Car Wash Drying Agent?

A drying agent, also known as a drying compound, is a chemical solution that helps remove water from surfaces. It works by breaking the interfacial tension of water, which allows it to evaporate more quickly.

Water evaporates when it comes into contact with a surface that is hotter than the water itself. In order to speed up the drying process, car washes use high-powered dryers to blow hot air onto the surface of the car. This helps to quickly dry the water sheet and push it off the surface to avoid streaking and spotting.

How Does The Chemistry Work?

When it comes to drying aids, there are a few different types available on the market. Each one has its own unique set of ingredients that help it evaporate water quickly. Some of the most common ingredients in a drying agent include surfactants, solvents, and alcohols. Each of these ingredients helps to break down the water and evaporate it more quickly.

A drying agent usually contains a surfactant, which is a compound that lowers the surface tension of water. This allows it to spread out more easily and evaporate quickly. The surfactant also helps to break up any water droplets that may be clinging to the surface of the car. This prevents them from sitting on the paint or glass and drying slowly.

What are the Different Stages of Car Washing?

1. The first stage of a wash is generally a high power rinse to remove debris or an immediate presoak bath to begin to work on tough dust, dirt and grime.
2. After the rinse, a foam detergent is applied all over the car to break down any remaining dirt or grime.
3. Once the foaming action has had time to work, another high-power rinse is used to remove all the residual detergent from the surface of the car.
4. At this stage a ceramic, wax or sealant coat is applied to the car if requested by the customer for a high gloss shine and improved longevity of the paint. Say hello to scratch free paintwork.
5. Finally, the drying process begins! This is where a drying agent comes in to lower the surface tension of the water on the vehicle.
6. A final rinse with fresh water is applied to remove any drying agent residue and then the car is dried with high-powered dryers.

How to Dry a Vehicle After Washing?

Cars can be dried using multiple different methods. What is the best drying aid? Often these methods are used in combination, in the most effective way, to lower drying time and leave the customer with the most dry car.

Drying Agent

A drying agent is a type of product that helps water to evaporate and wick off quickly. They come in many different forms such as liquids, powders, or a simple spray.

Dryers/Blowers

Dryers are devices that use warm air to evaporate or push water from the surface of a vehicle. The dryers in a car wash are arranged in a way that allows them to quickly and efficiently dry the surface of a car. The dryers are placed in an arc that can blow hot air onto the vehicle from all angles, allowing for the water to be dried quickly. This is the most common and efficient drying technique.

Towels

Towels can be used to physically absorb water from the surface of a car. This method works well but is typically impractical for commercial businesses. Lately, car washes have been offering a station for a customer to collect a premium microfiber towel to dry their car while they vacuum or wash their floor mats (at a tunnel or self serve car wash. This is a great way to add value and increase customer satisfaction.

Air Drying

This is the process of allowing water to naturally evaporate off the surface of a car. This method will not only be lengthy, it will likely leave water spots all over the vehicle. Spots are the result of water evaporating and leaving minerals or other contaminants, that were dissolved in the water, on the surface of a vehicle.

Benefits of Using A Drying Agent, Car Wash Success

Water Wicking

Drying agents help water to evaporate and wick off quickly, which is important for preventing water spots. This is known as giving a vehicle's surface hydrophobic properties.

What does being Hydrophobic mean?

The word hydrophobic literally means "water-fearing." In terms of car care, hydrophobic technology refers to a product or coating that repels water. This means that the water will bead up and run off the surface instead of sitting on top and creating water spots. Many drying aids produce a hydrophobic surface, which helps to wick as much water off the vehicle as possible, helping them become drier.

Streak-Free Finish

When used correctly in combination with fresh water or clean water, drying aids can leave your car with a streak and spot free finish.

Preventing Rust

By removing all the residual water from your car's surface, you can help prevent rust and corrosion. Even a small amount of water can cause these problems over time, so it's important to make sure your vehicle is totally dry.

Paint Protection

Some drying aids can offer adding extra protection to vehicles as well. It won't be as strong as a synthetic sealant or ceramic coating but it can still be extra protection for paint from light scuffs and marks.

Shine

Some drying aids may even help with giving vehicles a little brilliant shine. This is an advantage that many customers love as everyone likes their car with a high gloss finish.

Why are drying agents used?

Many people believe that a dryer or cloth is all they need to get the water off their car, but that's not always the case. Because they are not reusable between cars and require additional time, a large drying cloth is impractical in most cases (other than the home washer). A dryer, without additional help, can only remove so much water in the few seconds they will have before that car must exit.

A drying agent will give that additional help to ensure a completely dry car, instead of one with remaining water droplets, which will put a damper on your entire wash!

Can I just dry my car with a microfiber drying towel?

The home car washer may want to keep things simple and dry their car by wiping it with a clean microfiber towel. It is a good method for single cars as it is cost-effective and simple. But you still won't receive the numerous other benefits of drying aids. On a large scale, however, using a microfiber towel to dry cars becomes impossible.

Sidebar: What is a microfiber drying towel?

A premium microfiber towel is a cloth made out of a material that will be gentle on a vehicle's surface. They are also made to be heavily absorbent, picking up more water with ease.

Can I just let my cars air dry?

This is not an effective way to dry your car. The sun may evaporate the water on the surface, but it will leave streaks and spots, ruining the entire wash! It's always best practice to use a drying agent in conjunction with a high-powered dryer.

How to choose a drying agent? Choosing a high-quality option like Turtle Wax Pro

Not all drying agents are created equal and there are a few things you'll want to consider before making your purchase.

Product Quality

You'll want to make sure you're using a high-quality drying agent on your customer's vehicles to ensure it is doing a great job. Cheap and ineffective products will only leave a poor wash after the final rinse.

Some may think the higher quality has to mean expensive, but that is not always the case. We at Turtle Wax Pro believe you can find great quality, for also a great price. We strive to help all of our customers and partners with this.

Compatibility

Your car wash chemistry is made up of different products: presoaks, shampoos, detergents, protectants, tire cleaners, etc. A big factor in achieving the perfect wash is having those products not only work together well but actually help each other work better! Turtle Wax Pro chemistry is expertly designed to work together, ensuring every process works to its highest ability.

The Supplier

You'll want to find a reliable supplier who can provide you with consistent quality and service. Look for someone who will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have as well as offer helpful tips along the way.

The supplier you get your chemistry from is an aspect that cannot be understated. A good supplier will not only carry top-tier products but they will offer advice and experience in using and positioning those products. Whether that be in extensive product training or marketing support.

If you believe Turtle Wax Pro could be a good fit for your car wash and its needs, feel free to reach out anytime! We truly believe our chemistry is the best on the market. Turtle Wax Pro has everything you need to get started and we're always here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help your business grow!

One of the core values of Turtle Wax Pro is environmental protection. We not only develop products that clean, protect and beautify your cars, but we also work to find ways to reduce our environmental impact.

Our eco friendly car wash chemicals are just one example. Our products are just as effective as products containing hydrofluoric acid, phosphates and other harsh chemicals, but without the environmental damage.

We are also constantly working on ways to reduce our water usage. We do this by using hyper concentrated chemistry, which allows us to do more with less. This means that we ship less water and reduce our plastic packaging waste.

We believe that it is our responsibility to protect the environment, and we are always looking for ways to reduce our impact. We hope that you'll join us in this effort!

In this article, we will share some tips on how you can make your car wash more eco friendly.

What Does Being Eco-Friendly Mean?

When we talk about being eco-friendly or sustainable, we mean reducing our impact on the planet. This can be done in a number of ways, but one way is to use products that are less harmful to the environment.

Environmentally friendly car wash soap is made from sustainable materials and are often biodegradable. This means that they won’t pollute surrounding ecosystems or harm wildlife.

Using a sustainable detergent is a great way to become more green while still keeping a vehicle clean of dirt and grime.

The Benefits of Using an Eco-Friendly Car Wash Soap

There are many benefits to using biodegradable cleaning products.

It’s better for the planet

As we mentioned before, sustainable products are made from sustainable materials (ex: phosphate free) and are often biodegradable. This means that they won’t pollute the environment or harm wildlife over the long term.

It’s gentle on vehicles

'Green' detergents are gentle on paint, won’t strip away wax or polish and will still clean cars. This is important because a good paint job is key to making a car look its best.

It’s affordable

Biodegradable detergents are just as affordable as regular detergents. This is because they are often made from sustainable materials that can be less expensive to produce.

Turtle Wax Pro works extremely hard to produce chemistry that performs competitively when using a cost-per-car analysis.

It protects your equipment

Many chemical companies produce cleaning products containing hydrofluoric acid. This is a corrosive chemical that can damage your equipment and cost over $100,000 through early replacement.

Turtle Wax Pro products don’t contain any hydrofluoric acid or other harmful chemicals, so they won’t damage your equipment or lower its life span. HF is also just one of many dangerous chemicals that can lead to long term severe health problems for you or your employees. It can also cause acute issues including skin burns, eye irritation and inhalation of toxic fumes.

The Importance of Being Eco Conscious As a Commercial Car Wash Owner

As a business, it’s important to be eco-conscious for many reasons.

• Not only is it the right thing to do for your local ecosystem, but it can also save you money in the long run. You can go beyond biodegradable products by using water reclaim systems or hyper concentrated chemistry to save on water costs.
• Additionally, being eco-conscious can be used as a great marketing tool for commercial car washes. Customers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are more likely to do business with a company that shares their values.

Choosing an Environmentally Conscious Brand like Turtle Wax Pro

Making a choice on car wash chemistry is the most important decision in producing clean cars.

The things to consider are quality of products, quality of service, and working with a company that fits your needs.

Turtle Wax Pro is a leader in the development of environmentally friendly car wash products. Leadership in environmental conservation and stewardship is fundamental to our ongoing success. We endeavour to innovate products that respect our physical environment and adhere to the highest standards in our industry.

We work with many companies who have an environmental focus and help them establish a much stronger eco presence.

If your business has any concerns about their considerable environmental impact, we would be happy to discuss aspects on how you can improve your strategy.

How to Make your Car Wash Eco Friendly?

There are many easy ways to make your commercial car wash more eco-friendly.

Using eco-friendly products

As we’ve already discussed, using eco-friendly car wash chemicals is a great way to be more eco-conscious. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also just as effective as regular car wash soap.

Installing energy-efficient equipment

Another great way to be more eco-conscious is to install energy-efficient equipment in your car wash. This can include things like LED lighting, high-efficiency pumps and solar panels.

Recycle materials

Using recycled materials is a great way to reduce waste and cut costs. Some examples of recycled materials that can be used in a car wash are recycled soap dispensers, signage and hoses.

Recycling water is a great idea for your business to reuse its biggest resource, cut costs, and perhaps even save the local sewer systems. Water reclaim systems recycle the water used in the car wash by filtering out dirt, grime and chemicals so it can be reused again.

Be careful when selecting a system as some types can lead to a not-so-great smell when water is reused.

Save water from running off into storm drains

Water is one of the most important aspects within a car wash. Many car washes waste a large amount of water each day.

It is very important for a car wash to have a system in place to not violate various storm sewer laws and contribute to water wastage. Contaminating storm drains with soapy water is a big problem as it can find its way to local waterways and harm wildlife or aquatic life.

The best way to accomplish this is to have a water reclaim system that collects the water run-off and recycles it back into the car wash. This will save a large amount of water and money over time. This is true for all car wash types, from self serve to tunnel washes.

Washing Wisely for the Home Car Washer

There are many ways the home car washer can practice sustainable behaviour as well. By following a few tips, you can minimize your environmental impact and save money at the same time.

Limit your water usage

One of the easiest ways to be more environmentally conscious when washing your car is to use less water.

You can do this by using a bucket instead of a hose or by using a waterless car wash product.

Waterless car wash products are good for small jobs and a great way to conserve water when washing your car. They work by using a special cleaning solution that is sprayed onto the car surfaces and then wiped off with a cloth. This solution is designed to remove dirt, grime, road film, brake dust and other debris from the surface of the entire car.

While not truly a 'waterless wash' these products will use less water than a traditional soap or detergent and still make the car clean.

Use biodegradable products, avoid dish soap and other household cleaners

Using biodegradable soap is a great way to be more sustainable when washing your car in the driveway.

As a helpful additional tip, do not use liquid dishwashing detergent to wash your entire car.

The temptation for many to fill a bucket with water and add a squirt of dishwashing liquid to create lots of suds is strong, but dish washing liquid is too strong and formulated for an entirely different purpose. It is not the right choice to wash your vehicle.

Other products like a spray bottle of Simple Green or other all-purpose cleaners are also not a great choice as they aren't formulated to cut through road film, large dirt or other tough stains. Simple Green does make a car wash specific product, always look for a product that is made specifically for cars.

Try to control where dirty water flows

After washing your vehicle. Do your best to contain the water to your own driveway or lawn and allow it to seep into the ground, rather than flowing straight towards the storm drain.

Toxic wastewater can enter the water system and cause problems, both legal and environmental.

Lastly, visit a commercial car wash

If you are looking for the most sustainable way to wash your car, visit a commercial car wash. At a professional facility, water is filtered and reused multiple times before being released into the sewer system.

While there are many sustainable car wash practices, these are just a few tips to get you started. By making even a small change, you can have a big impact on the environment. So when it comes to choosing your car wash chemistry and equipment, it's time to make the greenest choice. It’s good for business and good for the planet.