Blog
Stopping the NonStop Vac
A common problem that most car wash owners will eventually encounter is with vacuums that won’t shut off. The nonstop vac problem will always be one of two possibilities: 1) The timer is bad or malfunctioning, or 2) The mercury contactor is bad To discover which part is bad, test for voltage with a VOM […]
Improve Your Curb Appeal
Savvy car wash owners know that one key to a successful car wash operation is changing your customer’s vision of your wash from a necessary commodity to a destination experience. Remodeled exteriors with brightly lit entrances and bays, colorful signage, foaming wax features with LED lights, scented soaps and rinses, and sparkling clean interior walls […]
Car Wash Pump Maintenance Basics: Keep the Oil Clean!
At the heart of all car wash high and low pressure systems is the pump. You can maximize the performance and longevity of your pumps by keeping them well maintained with fresh oil. How often should I drain crankcase oil in my car wash pumps? Here are some general guidelines, check with your pump manufacturer […]
Titration & Flow Testing
What You Don’t Know Could Cost You Professional car washing today is a scientifically driven process using precision chemistry and wash programs designed to deliver consistent results day after day, through season after season. Thus, it is critically important to measure the effectiveness of your chemicals through regular titration and flow testing. Titration Titration is […]
Maintaining a High-Pressure Water Pump
Preventing cavitation is good for your car wash’s water pump – and helps you get the most out of your car wash equipment. Cavitation decreases a water pump’s output due to the combination of liquid and vapor in the pump’s inlet chamber. Cavitation will not only cause pitting in the valves and manifold, but also […]
Maintaining Car Wash Blow Dryers
Car wash maintenance should include checking your blow dryers and their motors on a regular basis to keep them performing at optimum levels. Stress Cracks: Visually inspect each motor and fan, and look for visible stress cracks in impellers. Intake Screen: The intake screen also needs to be checked and cleaned as needed. Impeller Rotation: Verify […]
Work Smart: Efficient Use of Your Dealership’s Automatic Car Wash
Automatic car wash systems, when equipped with bay dryers, usually take 3 to 5 minutes to wash and blow dry a vehicle. During this time period, the porters at Frank Leta Acura in St. Louis, MO, begin the interior detailing on cars waiting in line to enter the car wash bay. The interior detailing continues after the porter […]
Inspecting Car Wash Presoak Chemistry
If your car wash presoak is not performing as expected, inspecting your car wash presoak chemistry for water softness, foot valve leakage, and alkalinity level. 1) Ensure the water softener is working properly. Check water hardness. Water softeners can be consuming salt without conditioning water adequately, so it’s important to test water quality. 2) Check the foot valve […]
IQ 2.0 – An Easy Choice for Customer Value!
When Justin Shepard began planning the construction of his new car wash in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the first thing he decided on was installing the IQ Car Wash System from D&S. “My previous experience with the IQ system, its 3-D mapping capabilities, and its ability to use the right amount of water, the right amount of chemistry, and the […]