Troubleshooting Car Wash Problems

Car wash profits are directly linked to how quickly and how well equipment can clean cars. If a car wash’s equipment isn’t getting the job done, or is moving slowly, it may be necessary to look over car wash parts and equipment, the type of chemicals it’s using, and the quality of water the business is using.

More often than not, poor water quality is the culprit causing car wash problems . Car washes need soft water to thoroughly clean vehicles. Hard water contains minerals that accumulate and form film on cars. Soft water does not contain these minerals, and it does a superior job in cleaning vehicles. Most car washes use water softeners to get rid of hard water minerals, to yield better performance. When checking car wash equipment, owners should check the water softener to make sure it has adequate salt. Hard water testing strips can also determine whether the softener is doing its job in getting rid of hard water. If it’s not, the softener may need to be replaced.

Car washes are tough environments and can play havoc with car wash parts. The varying temperatures, outdoor conditions, wear and tear, and exposure to water and harsh chemicals common to these businesses can often wear out equipment. Titration tests can help find problems in foot valves or nozzles, and are useful tools in troubleshooting equipment problems. Should the titration come up low, this typically means there’s something wrong with a foot valve, or the injection tip or nozzle is blocked. Titrations that come up too strong typically mean the tip or nozzle needs to be replaced, because it has become worn.

In some cases, the car wash will need a replacement pump. Using a high quality pump such as Hypro pumps are a worthwhile investment, as a Hypro pump typically has good longevity.

Pump pressure is a big issue for car washes. Too little pressure, and the customer’s car never comes clean. Too much, and you’ll strip the paint off of the car. Car wash owners should periodically test their equipment to ensure adequate pressure is maintained.

If your car wash uses manual pressure washers operated by employees, improper use of the devices can result in quality problems. Training your employees to keep the pressure washer nozzle tipped at a 15-35 degree angle, keeping sufficient distance from the vehicle when washing, and properly spraying down and preparing the vehicle for washing can help reduce quality problems.

By taking a proactive approach to maintenance and training, car wash owners can protect their profits and ensure their business has a great reputation.

Company Bio

Kleen-Rite Corp. supplies quality commercial car wash products and equipment. In business for 50 years, Kleen-Rite Corp. has developed a solid reputation for selling pressure washers, cleaning supplies, and other car wash equipment at highly competitive prices.