# D&S Car Wash Supply > Car Wash Success Starts Here At D&S Car Wash Supply. Valuable Tools & Guidance Essentials. Count On D&S As Your Trusted Partner & Resource For Professional Guidance For Car Washes. > Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.3, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Posts ### [Blog](https://dscarwash.com/blog/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** timmermann-design --- ### [Bluebird Truck Wash](https://dscarwash.com/blog/bluebird-truck-wash/) **Published:** August 28, 2024 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** ## Bluebird Truck Wash – Caldwell, ID ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bird-signs-SM.jpg)## Big Advantages for Bluebird When new owners John Michael Fery and Dominick Fery acquired the former Bay Wash of Idaho, they promptly closed the business…temporarily. Then, with the experienced team of D&S Distributor, [Mi](https://www.mid-westequipmentsales.com/)[dwest Equipment Sales ](https://www.mid-westequipmentsales.com/)in an integral role, they embarked on a project to extensively remodel, rebrand and reopen the business as [Bluebird Truck Wash](https://bluebirdtruckwash.com/). The renovation included adding truly innovative automated equipment in the [IQ MAX](https://dscarwash.com/iq-max-truck-wash/) and many other upgrades to enhance the driver’s overall washing experience and solve many problems that large vehicles face when trying to stay clean. In late February 2024, the brothers unveiled a state-of-the-art facility which bore little in common with its predecessor except for the address and distinctive exterior profile. The host of changes did have a common denominator of achieving a consistently exceptional level of customer satisfaction. ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bird-before-exterior.jpg) ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bird-after-exterior.jpgSM_.jpg) ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bird-before-in-bay.jpg) ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/after-bird-in-bay.jpg) So far, so good… Having an established business presence and solid base of loyal Bay Wash customers gave Bluebird a head start prior to its launch and made it less dependent on publicity and promotion for success than a comparable ground-up. Nevertheless, plenty of attention came by way of the attractive makeover elements including logo’s, signage, and lighting. In short order, Bluebird has impressed previous and new customers with advantages particularly important its truck wash clientele, including the efficiency of far quicker wash times, convenient 24/7 operation and minimal waits. Of course, the essential “deliverable” is a thorough, touchless, vehicle-safe, vehicle-specific quality wash and it’s why the brothers Fery and their customers are so impressed by the IQ MAX. **Categories:** Events, Featured, Truck and Fleet, Uncategorized **Tags:** fleet wash, iq max, large vehicle wash, NATSO, travel centers, TRUCK STOPS, truck wash --- ### [WashCard Added on Meters](https://dscarwash.com/blog/washcard-added-on-meters/) **Published:** October 28, 2024 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** ## WashCard Payment Systems to Become ‘Standard Equipment” for D&S Self-Serve Meters ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PevelyCarWash_DS_TapApp-01-979x1024.png)WashCard Systems was acquired by D&S Car Wash Supply in early April 2024, benefiting customers of both companies. In the first major move of this acquisition, WashCard Systems announced that D&S has made the decision to offer WashCard All-Access Payment Systems as “standard equipment” on select D&S self service wash systems moving forward. Along the same lines, customers receiving the All-Access Payment System can also use the customizable UWashApp, also developed by WashCard. This will allow carwash operators utilizing select D&S systems to increase loyalty with their customers while also improving sales and customer service in a way they’ve never had access to before, stated the press release. [LEARN MORE](https://washcard.com/tap-to-pay/) **Categories:** Industry Insight **Tags:** Industry Insight, Wash Card --- ### [Rocky Mountain Car Wash](https://dscarwash.com/blog/rocky-mountain-car-wash/) **Published:** September 28, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** 2021 has been a great year for our friends over at Rocky Mountain Car Wash and their distributor Midwest Equipment Sales. In 2021, 3 new machines were added to Rocky Mountain’s fleet, increasing their IQ Fleet to 20. D&S Distributor Midwest Equipment Sales was a facilitator in this process, installing not only the 3 found at Rocky Mountain locations, but also installed 27 other machines around the country in 2021. **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Why RV Parks That Add Automated Washing Win More Repeat Business](https://dscarwash.com/blog/why-rv-parks-that-add-automated-washing-win-more-repeat-business/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Matthew Rogers **Content:** The RV travel community operates differently from other lodging markets. It’s social, word-of-mouth-driven, and intensely loyal to the properties and brands that solve real problems for travelers. Understanding that dynamic is key to understanding why wash capabilities have an outsized effect on repeat visitation and guest satisfaction. **The Friction of Finding a Wash** For full-time RV travelers or frequent weekend users, keeping the rig clean isn’t a vanity exercise — it’s maintenance. Road grime, tree sap, and environmental deposits accumulate fast. Left too long, they degrade surface materials, damage seals, and reduce resale value. RV owners know this, and they take it seriously. The problem is that finding a wash facility that can accommodate a full-size motorhome is genuinely difficult. Options are scarce, often inconveniently located, and inconsistent in quality. Many RV owners resort to hiring mobile detailers at premium prices, or doing the work themselves — a multi-hour job for a large Class A. When an RV park has on-site automated washing available, it removes a frustration that’s otherwise part of every trip. That’s not a minor amenity — it’s a meaningful quality-of-life improvement that guests notice and remember. **Reviews, Recommendations, and RV Community Dynamics** The RV community is highly connected. Online forums, Facebook groups, and review platforms like RV Park Reviews, Campground Reviews, and Google are active and influential. RV travelers compare notes on everything — hookup quality, Wi-Fi reliability, staff friendliness, and yes, available amenities including wash facilities. Properties with on-site RV washing get mentioned repeatedly in positive reviews. It’s a specific, concrete detail that reviewers call out because it’s genuinely useful to other travelers deciding where to stay. That visibility in reviews creates an organic discovery advantage that costs the property nothing beyond the initial equipment investment. **Longer Stays and Higher Spend** When guests can wash their RV at the property, there’s one fewer reason to leave the park for an extended period. That means more time on-site, more use of other amenities (laundry, store, activities), and often a longer stay overall. The wash capability contributes to a “why would I leave?” environment that supports longer average stays and higher per-guest revenue. For parks that offer premium or extended-stay sites, bundled wash access is a natural add-on to differentiate those packages. A “premium site” that includes regular wash access is a tangible upgrade over a base site — something guests can articulate and evaluate, unlike abstract claims of “better service.” **The Repeat Visit Driver** The most valuable marketing outcome is getting a guest to come back. Repeat visitors are more economical to acquire (no advertising cost), more likely to become community advocates, and more predictable for capacity planning. Guests who found their last stay genuinely useful — who washed their rig, recharged their batteries, and had their problems solved — are guests who book again. The wash facility is one element of that experience, but it’s a memorable one. It stays in the traveler’s mental model of “what’s good about this park” in a way that generic hospitality doesn’t. **Getting Equipped** D&S Car Wash Systems builds the IQ MAX specifically for this application — a large vehicle wash system that handles the full range of RV configurations, processes vehicles automatically without requiring an attendant at every cycle, and integrates with cashless payment systems for a frictionless guest experience. For RV park operators who want to compete on amenities and not just location or price, on-site automated RV washing is one of the clearest paths to a differentiated, revenue-generating guest experience. Learn more about D&S large vehicle wash systems at [dscarwash.com ](https://dscarwash.com/) or call **(800) 844-3442** to speak with a specialist. **Categories:** RV Wash --- ### [The Buyer's Guide to Large Vehicle RV Wash Systems](https://dscarwash.com/blog/the-buyers-guide-to-large-vehicle-rv-wash-systems/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Matthew Rogers **Content:** If you’re evaluating a large vehicle wash system for an RV park, campground, dealership, or multi-service location, you’re making a significant capital investment that will define the guest and customer experience at your facility for years. Getting the selection right matters. Here’s what to evaluate before you commit. **Vehicle Coverage Range** The first question: what vehicles do you actually need to wash? RVs span a wide range of sizes and configurations. Class A motorhomes are the largest at up to 45 feet long and 13+ feet high. Class C and Class B units are smaller but still exceed standard car wash clearances. Fifth-wheel trailers and travel trailers add yet another configuration. If your location serves mixed RV traffic, your wash system needs to accommodate the full spectrum, not just the median. Verify the system’s maximum vehicle height, length, and width clearances against the largest vehicles you expect to see. Systems purpose-built for large vehicles, like the D&S IQ MAX, are designed from the ground up with these dimensions in mind — unlike adapted passenger car systems that may accommodate some larger vehicles but weren’t engineered for them. **Wash Quality and Surface Compatibility** Not all RV surfaces are the same. Fiberglass, painted aluminum, decal graphics, rubber roofs — these materials respond differently to wash chemistry and media. A system that’s aggressive enough to clean a diesel-soaked semi truck may not be appropriate for a high-gloss motorhome with full-length graphics packages. Look for systems with adjustable chemistry and configurable wash parameters that can be tuned for different vehicle types. Understand the brush or media types used, and verify compatibility with the surfaces common on the vehicles you’ll be washing. **Throughput Capacity** How many vehicles do you need to process per hour or per day? For a high-traffic RV park or campground at peak season, throughput can be a binding constraint. A system that works fine at 5 washes per day may create queues and frustrated customers when demand hits 20 or 30. Evaluate cycle time (how long each wash takes), vehicle staging requirements (how much space before and after the bay), and how the system handles back-to-back cycles. Purpose-built commercial large vehicle systems are engineered for higher throughput than adapted car wash equipment. **Payment and Access Integration** Modern wash facilities live or die by their payment experience. Cash-only operations create friction and limit data collection. Cashless systems that support credit cards, fleet cards, and stored-value wash cards lower the barrier to purchase and enable loyalty programs. D&S offers the WashCard Cashless Payment Station, which integrates with their wash systems and supports the payment flexibility that today’s customers expect. If you’re operating in a park environment where guests stay multiple nights, card-based systems can support multi-wash packages or included-wash amenity structures. **Support, Parts, and Reliability** Wash equipment is mechanical — it will require maintenance, and at some point, a component will need replacement or repair. Before committing to a system, understand the manufacturer’s support infrastructure: availability of spare parts, technical support response time, warranty coverage, and dealer network proximity. D&S maintains a dedicated tech support operation and parts order capability (reachable at 800-844-3442), supporting operators who need to minimize downtime when equipment issues arise. Long lead times on parts or poor technical support can turn a minor mechanical issue into days of lost revenue. **Site Requirements** Automated large vehicle wash systems require meaningful physical infrastructure: utility connections (water, drainage, electrical), a properly sized bay structure, and adequate approach and exit lanes for the largest vehicles you’ll serve. Make sure your site assessment accounts for all of these before you select equipment. Work with the manufacturer or distributor early in the process to understand site requirements, not after you’ve broken ground. **Categories:** RV Wash --- ### [What RV Dealers Need to Know About On-Site Wash Capabilities](https://dscarwash.com/blog/what-rv-dealers-need-to-know-about-on-site-wash-capabilities/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Matthew Rogers **Content:** For an RV dealership, a clean unit on the lot isn’t optional — it’s table stakes. Customers making a $100,000+ purchase decision aren’t going to overlook a dirty exterior. They’re forming impressions about quality, care, and value from the moment they see the vehicle. The question isn’t whether to keep your inventory clean. It’s how to do it efficiently at scale, and whether you’re extracting every possible benefit from the investment. **The Inventory Challenge** A mid-size RV dealership might have 50 to 150 units on the lot at any given time. Between new deliveries arriving from manufacturers, trade-ins coming in from customers, and pre-owned units moving through reconditioning, there’s a near-constant need for exterior cleaning. Seasonal inventory buildups before peak selling seasons amplify that demand further. Hand-washing this volume consumes significant labor hours. Detail staff time spent on basic exterior washing is time not spent on higher-value reconditioning work — interior cleaning, mechanical prep, cosmetic touch-ups. And during high-volume periods, keeping up with washes manually becomes a bottleneck. **Automated Washing for Reconditioning Throughput** An on-site automated large vehicle wash system converts exterior washing from a labor-intensive task into a fast, repeatable process. A unit that would take one to two staff hours to hand-wash can go through an automated wash cycle in minutes, arriving at the detail bay already clean for final finishing. That throughput improvement has real cost implications. Fewer labor hours per unit, faster reconditioning cycle times, and more units ready for the sales floor on any given day. D&S large vehicle wash systems are built for exactly this kind of high-volume, commercial application. The IQ MAX handles the contamination loads common on traded-in units — road grime, oxidized finishes, roof staining — with consistent results across each cycle, without the variability of hand-washing quality. **Customer Delivery and PDI** A clean vehicle at delivery is part of the customer’s first ownership experience. Whether a dealership uses their wash system for Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) prep or to clean a customer’s existing unit brought in for service, having on-site capability means never being dependent on an off-site wash facility or a labor-intensive hand process. Some dealerships extend their wash capability as a service to customers — offering wash packages or service-visit washes as a loyalty driver. An automated system makes this economically feasible in a way that manual washing isn’t. **The ROI Framing** When evaluating the investment in an automated large vehicle wash system, dealerships should consider not just the direct revenue from customer washes, but the total value impact: labor hours recaptured from hand-washing, faster reconditioning throughput, improved lot presentation, and customer retention through service-side wash offerings. The combined picture typically yields a strong return on investment relative to the equipment cost. **Categories:** RV Wash --- ### [How Automated RV Washing Turns an Amenity Into a Revenue Stream](https://dscarwash.com/blog/how-automated-rv-washing-turns-an-amenity-into-a-revenue-stream/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Matthew Rogers **Content:** Ask any RV park operator what their guests most commonly ask about, and the answer almost always includes some version of: “Is there anywhere nearby I can wash my rig?” That question is both a signal and an opportunity. RV travelers are actively looking for wash services — and when a property can answer “yes, right here,” it creates value that ripples across the entire guest experience and the bottom line. **The Market Is There** The RV industry has grown substantially over the past decade. Millions of registered RVs are on American roads, with ownership concentrated among frequent travelers who log significant annual mileage. These owners keep their equipment meticulously maintained — RVs are expensive assets, and appearance and cleanliness directly affect resale value, surface longevity, and the pride that comes with ownership. RV owners aren’t reluctant to spend on their vehicles. They’re already spending on fuel, maintenance, campsite fees, and accessories. A convenient, professional wash at a fair price isn’t a hard sell — it solves a real problem they face every trip. **Automated Systems Remove the Labor Equation** One reason many operators hesitate to add RV washing is the labor concern. Manual washing requires staff, time, training, and ongoing supervision. For a busy RV park or dealership already stretched thin, adding a hand-wash service feels like too much overhead. Automated systems change that calculus entirely. A purpose-built automated RV wash like the D&S IQ MAX processes vehicles without requiring an attendant to operate each wash cycle. Guests drive in, payment is handled through a cashless pay station, the system runs its cycle, and the guest drives out clean. The operator’s role is maintenance and oversight — not labor-intensive per-vehicle work. That labor efficiency means a higher margin on each wash and the ability to scale volume without scaling headcount proportionally. **Pricing and Volume** Automated RV wash services typically command pricing in the $20–$50 range per wash depending on vehicle size, services included, and market. At even modest throughput — say, 10 washes per day at a 30-site RV park — the revenue adds up quickly. Operators can further increase yield by offering wash packages, loyalty programs through cashless payment systems, or bundled wash credits as part of premium campsite pricing. The D&S WashCard Cashless Payment Station supports flexible payment methods and card-based loyalty programs, making it straightforward to build recurring revenue around guests who stay multiple nights or return seasonally. **The Competitive Differentiation Angle** In a crowded RV park market, amenities drive booking decisions. Properties that offer on-site RV washing in their listings stand out from comparable options. It’s a concrete, tangible benefit — not a vague claim about “great views” or “friendly staff.” Guests can look at a park’s amenity list, see “automated RV wash on-site,” and have an immediate reason to choose one property over another. That differentiation translates to higher occupancy, more repeat visits, and stronger word-of-mouth among RV communities, which remain highly social and recommendation-driven. **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Why Your Regular Car Wash Can't Handle an RV (And What to Do About It)](https://dscarwash.com/blog/why-your-regular-car-wash-cant-handle-an-rv-and-what-to-do-about-it/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Matthew Rogers **Content:** ou’ve just finished a 1,200-mile road trip in your Class A motorhome. The rig is covered in road grime, bug splatter, diesel soot, and a generous layer of highway residue from three different states. You pull into the nearest car wash, and — surprise — you don’t fit. This is one of the most frustrating realities for RV owners: the wash infrastructure built for passenger vehicles simply wasn’t designed for them. And for businesses that serve the RV market, that gap represents a significant missed opportunity. The Size Problem Is Real The average Class A motorhome stretches 30 to 45 feet long and stands over 12 feet tall. Standard in-bay automatic car wash equipment typically accommodates vehicles up to 7 or 8 feet high — barely enough for a full-size pickup truck. The mechanical arches, brushes, and spray systems on a conventional car wash don’t travel far enough to cover the height or length of an RV without leaving large sections unwashed or, worse, causing equipment damage. The result? RV owners are largely left on their own — either hand-washing an enormous vehicle (a multi-hour ordeal), finding a self-serve bay with enough clearance and hoping the wand reaches the roof, or driving miles out of their way to one of the rare facilities with proper large vehicle equipment. **The Contamination Challenge** Beyond size, RVs present a different kind of contamination load than cars. Extended highway driving means heavy accumulation of dead insects, road salt, diesel exhaust film, and oxidized surface coating. Motorhomes with fiberglass or painted exteriors are also more sensitive to certain cleaners and abrasive media than fleet trucks — so wash systems need to balance aggressive cleaning chemistry with surface protection. Standard car wash detergent formulations and brush types aren’t calibrated for these materials. A wash designed for daily passenger vehicle traffic will under-clean an RV that’s been on the road for weeks. **Purpose-Built Equipment Changes Everything** The solution isn’t adapting a car wash — it’s deploying equipment built specifically for large vehicles from the ground up. D&S Car Wash Systems manufactures the IQ MAX, an automated large vehicle wash system engineered for exactly this challenge. Unlike retrofitted passenger car equipment, the IQ MAX is purpose-built for the dimensions, throughput demands, and contamination loads of commercial trucks, buses, RVs, and heavy equipment. The system accommodates full-size motorhomes, fifth wheels on tow vehicles, and everything in between — without asking the driver to guess whether they’ll fit. For RV parks, dealerships, and campgrounds looking to serve their guests at a higher level, having the right equipment isn’t a luxury. It’s the difference between turning a guest frustration into a genuine amenity. **Categories:** RV Wash **Tags:** iq max, large vehicle wash, large vehicle wash bay, RV, RV washing --- ### [RV and Large Vehicle Washing: What Operators Need to Know](https://dscarwash.com/blog/rv-and-large-vehicle-washing-what-operators-need-to-know/) **Published:** June 9, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** **The RV and large vehicle segment is growing — and most wash operators aren’t equipped to serve it. Here’s what it actually takes.** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ The recreational vehicle market has seen sustained growth over the past several years. Millions of RVs are on the road in North America, and that number continues to climb. Add commercial trucks, buses, and heavy equipment to the picture, and you have a large, underserved segment of vehicle owners who need regular washing and have very few good options for getting it done. That gap is an opportunity — but only for operators with the right equipment, the right site configuration, and a realistic understanding of what large vehicle washing involves. Operators who try to serve this segment with equipment designed for passenger vehicles end up with poor wash results, frustrated customers, and equipment wear they didn’t plan for. This post is a practical guide to what RV and large vehicle washing actually requires — the vehicle dimensions, the cleaning challenges, the equipment considerations, and the business case for getting it right. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Who Are Your Customers?** Before getting into equipment, it helps to understand the large vehicle customer base — because it’s more diverse than it first appears, and different customer types have different needs and willingness to pay. **RV owners** — Class A, B, and C motorhomes range from about 21 feet to 45 feet in length and up to 13 feet in height. RV owners are typically highly engaged with their vehicles and willing to pay a premium for a wash that actually cleans the full unit without damaging it. They travel frequently, often on long routes, and they actively seek out wash facilities capable of accommodating their vehicle. A well-located RV wash with strong online visibility can draw customers from a wide geographic area. **Commercial truck operators** — Independent owner-operators and small fleet trucks stopping at truck stops, travel centers, or standalone wash facilities. These customers need a functional, efficient wash — not necessarily premium — and they value speed and reliability. A truck that’s in the wash bay is not moving freight. **Municipal and government fleets** — Transit buses, fire apparatus, utility vehicles, and public works equipment. Fleet wash contracts with municipalities or transit authorities are a recurring revenue opportunity for operators with the right equipment and capacity. Buses and coaches — Charter buses, school buses, and shuttle coaches. Similar dimensional requirements to Class A RVs, often managed by fleet operators who want a consistent, reliable wash solution. **Oversized personal vehicles** — Full-size pickup trucks with lift kits, large SUVs, and towed trailers. These customers are often turned away by standard car wash equipment and actively look for facilities that can accommodate them. Understanding which customer types your location is positioned to serve — based on your geography, traffic patterns, and proximity to campgrounds, truck routes, or fleet facilities — should drive your equipment and site decisions. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ The Dimensional Reality of Large Vehicles This is where the gap between standard car wash equipment and large vehicle requirements becomes concrete. Standard in-bay automatic systems are engineered around a passenger vehicle envelope of roughly 7–8 feet tall and 18–20 feet long. Here’s what you’re actually working with in the large vehicle segment: Vehicle Type Typical Height Typical Length Class A Motorhome 11–13 ft 25–45 ft Class C Motorhome 10–12 ft 21–35 ft Class 8 Semi Truck (cab only) 13–14 ft 20–25 ft Transit Bus 11–13 ft 35–45 ft School Bus 10–12 ft 35–40 ft Full-size Pickup (lifted) 7–9 ft 18–22 ft The height gap alone eliminates most standard in-bay equipment. A system topped out at 8 feet simply cannot wash a 12-foot Class A motorhome — there’s no configuration or adjustment that bridges that gap. It requires a system built with large vehicle clearances from the ground up. Length creates a different challenge. Longer vehicles require either extended wash systems designed to cover the full vehicle length or multiple pass cycles — both of which require purpose-built equipment and thoughtful bay design. Width and geometry add complexity on top of height and length. Large vehicles have mirrors, slide-outs, external storage compartments, running boards, and chassis components that extend beyond the basic body profile. Wash systems need to reach these surfaces — and do so without contact that causes damage — which requires engineering specifically designed for large vehicle geometry. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **What Standard Equipment Gets Wrong** Operators who attempt large vehicle washing with standard in-bay equipment encounter predictable problems: **Clearance failures** — Equipment that physically cannot accommodate the vehicle height. A customer who pulls into a bay and discovers the wash arch is too low has wasted a trip. That customer posts about the experience online and doesn’t return. **Incomplete coverage** — A wash arch sized for a passenger car doesn’t cover the roof of a motorhome, the top of a semi cab, or the full sidewall height of a bus. The customer pays for a wash and gets a partial result. This generates complaints, refund requests, and negative reviews. **Damage risk** — Standard equipment operating near its height limits creates risk of contact with vehicle rooftop equipment — antennas, vents, air conditioning units, solar panels — that weren’t accounted for in the system design. An RV owner whose rooftop unit is damaged by a wash system is a significant liability exposure. **Equipment wear** — Large, heavy vehicles put different mechanical loads on wash equipment than passenger cars. Equipment not rated for these loads wears faster, breaks more frequently, and costs more to maintain. **Chemical underperformance** — The soil loads on large vehicles are different in type and volume from passenger car contamination. A chemical program calibrated for passenger car washing underperforms on road film, diesel exhaust residue, and the heavy surface contamination that accumulates on vehicles covering thousands of miles. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ What Purpose-Built Large Vehicle Washing Looks Like A purpose-built large vehicle wash system is engineered around the actual dimensions and operating requirements of the vehicles it’s designed to wash — not adapted from a smaller platform. The key design elements that distinguish a purpose-built system: **Clearance architecture** — Full-height clearance of 14+ feet that accommodates Class A motorhomes, semi cabs, and transit buses without modification or risk. This isn’t a standard system with a taller arch bolted on — it’s a system whose entire geometry is designed around large vehicle dimensions. **Extended reach wash components** — Brushes, spray arches, and wash heads positioned and sized to cover the full surface area of a large vehicle — including roof, full sidewall height, and the complex geometry of mirrors, fairings, and external fixtures. **3D vehicle mapping** — Advanced systems profile each vehicle as it enters and dynamically adjust wash component positions and sequences based on actual vehicle dimensions. This means the system handles a Class C motorhome, a transit bus, and a Class A motorhome in the same bay without manual reconfiguration — and without the conservative clearance margins that static systems require. The result is better coverage and faster cycle times across a mixed vehicle fleet. **Underbody and chassis cleaning** — Large vehicles accumulate significant road contamination on their undercarriage and chassis. A complete large vehicle wash program includes underbody spray systems that address these surfaces — not just the visible exterior. **Chemistry matched to large vehicle soils** — Detergents, degreasers, and rinse aids formulated for the heavy soil loads, large surface areas, and specific surface types (gel coat, aluminum, painted steel, rubber) found on large vehicles. **Structural capacity** — Bay construction and equipment mounting rated for the weight, height, and clearance requirements of large vehicle operation. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Site and Bay Design Considerations** Equipment capability is only part of the equation. The physical site needs to accommodate large vehicles from entry to exit. **Bay dimensions** — A purpose-built large vehicle bay typically requires a minimum clear width of 14–16 feet and a clear height of 14–15 feet at the wash arch. Bay length needs to accommodate your target vehicle types with safe approach and exit clearances. **Approach and exit geometry** — Semi trucks, motorhomes, and buses have turning radii significantly larger than passenger vehicles. Tight corners, narrow entrances, and low-clearance overhangs at the site entry eliminate customers before they ever reach the bay. Drive your site in a rented or borrowed large vehicle before finalizing your design — what looks spacious on a site plan can feel very different from the cab of a Class A motorhome. **Stacking and queuing space** — Large vehicles are long. A 40-foot motorhome in your queue takes the physical space of two or three passenger cars. Design your stacking lane accordingly. **Signage and wayfinding** — Large vehicle operators are actively evaluating whether a facility can accommodate their vehicle before they commit to pulling in. Clear, visible signage stating your vehicle height and length capacity — and confirming that large vehicles are welcome — is a meaningful conversion factor. An operator who posts their clearances on Google Business Profile and their approach signage captures customers who would otherwise drive past with uncertainty. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ The Business Case The large vehicle wash market is genuinely underserved in most markets. The customer has a vehicle that needs washing regularly, limited good options for getting it done, and a demonstrated willingness to travel for a facility that works. That’s a favorable supply-demand position for a well-equipped operator. **Pricing power** — Large vehicle washes command meaningfully higher prices than passenger car washes. A quality RV wash in a well-located facility typically prices at $30–$75 depending on vehicle size and wash package. Commercial truck washes run $20–$50 per unit. Compared to a $10–$15 passenger car wash, the revenue per vehicle is substantially higher. **Lower volume requirement** — The higher revenue per wash means you need fewer vehicles to generate the same revenue as a high-volume passenger car operation. A large vehicle bay doing 8–12 washes per day at $40–$60 per wash generates $320–$720 in daily revenue — comparable to a busy passenger car bay at much lower transaction volume. **Recurring fleet revenue** — Municipal fleet contracts, transit authority agreements, and commercial fleet accounts provide predictable, recurring revenue. A single fleet contract can represent meaningful committed volume that stabilizes your revenue base. **Competitive differentiation** — In most markets, the number of facilities capable of washing a Class A motorhome or a transit bus can be counted on one hand. Being one of those facilities is a durable competitive position — not easily replicated by a competitor installing standard car wash equipment. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ What to Evaluate Before You Invest If you’re considering adding large vehicle washing capability — either as a new build or an addition to an existing site — work through these questions before committing capital: • **What is your target customer mix?** RV owners, commercial trucks, municipal fleets, and buses have different needs, volumes, and pricing expectations. Clarity on your primary customer type drives equipment specification. • **What large vehicle traffic exists in your trade area?** Proximity to major RV routes, campgrounds, truck stops, and municipal facilities is a strong indicator of demand. Traffic counts alone don’t tell the story for large vehicle washing — you need to understand the specific vehicle types moving through your area. • **What does your site allow?** Can your lot accommodate the approach geometry, bay dimensions, and stacking space that large vehicles require? This is often the binding constraint. • **Who will support your equipment?** Large vehicle wash systems are more complex than standard in-bay equipment. Your supplier’s service capability — response time, parts availability, technician expertise — matters more here than in a standard passenger car installation. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ The Bottom Line RV and large vehicle washing is one of the more compelling opportunities in the car wash industry for operators willing to invest in the right equipment and site configuration. The customer need is real, the segment is underserved, the revenue per vehicle is high, and the competitive position of a well-equipped facility is durable. The path to capturing that opportunity runs through purpose-built equipment — systems engineered for large vehicle dimensions, not adapted from a passenger car baseline. The IQ MAX from D&S Car Wash Supply is the first automated wash system built from the ground up specifically for commercial trucks, buses, RVs, and heavy equipment. If you’re evaluating large vehicle washing for your operation, it’s the right place to start. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ D&S Car Wash Supply manufactures the IQ MAX — the only automated wash system engineered from the ground up for large vehicles. If you’re evaluating large vehicle wash capability for a new build or an existing site, contact us to talk through what the right setup looks like for your location and target customer **Categories:** Truck and Fleet **Tags:** bus wash system, car wash equipment, car wash operators, commercial truck wash, fleet vehicle washing, iq max, large vehicle wash, large vehicle wash bay, motorhome wash system, RV washing --- ### [Vehicle Wash Systems for Truck Stops & Fleet Operations](https://dscarwash.com/blog/vehicle-wash-systems-for-truck-stops-fleet-operations/) **Published:** September 21, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** **Standard car wash equipment wasn’t built for your vehicles. The Truck Wash Is.** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ If you operate a truck stop, a commercial fleet, or a municipal vehicle operation, you’ve probably run into this problem: the car wash equipment that works well for passenger vehicles simply doesn’t cut it when the vehicle is 13 feet tall, 70 feet long, and weighs 80,000 pounds loaded. It’s not a sizing issue you can paper over with a wider bay or a taller arch. The differences between washing a passenger car and washing a Class 8 truck run deeper than dimensions — and operators who try to make standard equipment work for large vehicles end up with three predictable outcomes: poor wash quality, frequent equipment damage, and frustrated drivers who stop using the wash altogether. This post breaks down what’s actually different about large vehicle washing, what a purpose-built system looks like, and why getting this right matters to your bottom line. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **The Problem With Standard Car Wash Equipment on Large Vehicles** Most in-bay automatic systems and tunnel washes are engineered around a vehicle envelope of roughly 7–8 feet tall and 20 feet long. That covers the vast majority of consumer vehicles and light trucks — which is exactly what those systems were designed for. Commercial trucks, buses, RVs, and heavy equipment operate in an entirely different envelope: • Height: Class 8 trucks typically run 13–14 feet. Many buses and RVs exceed 12 feet. Standard equipment tops out well below this. • Length: A semi with a 53-foot trailer stretches the physical limits of most wash bays and conveyor systems. • Width: Commercial vehicles are wider, with more complex geometry — mirrors, fairings, fuel tanks, step rails — that standard brushes and spray arches aren’t positioned to reach. • Weight: 80,000 lbs loaded changes the requirements for floor structure, approach angles, and conveyor systems entirely. • Surface complexity: Commercial trucks have undercarriages, wheel wells, and chassis components that accumulate road grime, salt, and corrosive material in ways a standard rinse arch won’t address. Forcing large vehicles through equipment not designed for them doesn’t just produce a poor wash — it creates clearance issues, equipment wear, and potential damage to both the vehicle and the wash system. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **What Truck Stops Actually Need From a Wash System** For a truck stop, a wash system is a revenue-generating amenity that influences driver behavior. Drivers talk. Fleet managers evaluate stops based on what’s available. A wash that works — that’s fast, effective, and sized correctly — becomes a reason to pull in. One that doesn’t becomes a reason to pass. Here’s what the operation actually requires: Throughput That Keeps Up With Traffic A busy truck stop sees significant vehicle turnover. Your wash system needs to process vehicles efficiently enough that a driver pulling in during a peak period isn’t staring at a 45-minute queue. Purpose-built large vehicle systems are engineered for throughput — not just the ability to wash one truck, but to wash trucks consistently, at volume, with minimal downtime between cycles. **A Wash That Covers the Whole Vehicle** Truck drivers care whether the cab is clean — but fleet managers care whether the entire unit is clean. Road salt, diesel exhaust particulate, and highway grime accumulate across the full length of a trailer, the under carriage, and the chassis. A system that only effectively cleans the cab and upper surfaces is leaving the job half done. Purpose-built large vehicle systems use extended reach components, underbody spray systems, and wash profiles engineered to address the full vehicle — not just the parts that fit within a standard passenger-car envelope. Reliability Under Heavy Use A wash system at a busy truck stop runs hard. Equipment that works fine at consumer car wash volumes may degrade quickly under the load, vehicle weight, and physical demands of large vehicle washing. Purpose-built systems are built to the durability and service life requirements of commercial operation — not adapted from a lighter-duty design. Chemical Performance on Heavy-Duty Soils The contamination on a commercial truck is different from what accumulates on a passenger vehicle. Road film, diesel exhaust, agricultural residue, and heavy mud require chemistry and application systems matched to the soil load. A chemical program designed for consumer car washing underperforms on commercial vehicles — leaving films, streaks, and residue that reflect poorly on the wash and frustrate drivers. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **What Fleet Operations Need From a Wash System** For a corporate fleet, a municipal fleet, or a transportation company, the calculus is different from a truck stop — but the conclusion is similar. Corrosion Prevention Is a Maintenance Line Item Salt, road chemicals, and moisture accumulate in wheel wells, frame rails, and undercarriage components. Regular washing isn’t just about appearance — it’s a corrosion management practice that extends vehicle service life and reduces maintenance costs. A system that doesn’t effectively clean the undercarriage isn’t doing the job that fleet managers actually need done. For municipal fleets — fire apparatus, transit buses, utility vehicles — this is particularly important. These vehicles represent significant capital investment and long service lives. The economics of corrosion prevention over a 15–20 year asset life are straightforward. Consistent Results Across a Mixed Fleet Fleet operations rarely run a single vehicle type. A municipal fleet might include transit buses, light-duty service vehicles, pickup trucks, and heavy equipment. A commercial fleet might mix Class 8 tractors, box trucks, and vans. A capable wash system needs to handle that range without requiring manual intervention or producing inconsistent results across vehicle types. Speed and Scheduling Fleets operate on schedules. Wash time is downtime. A system that takes 20 minutes per vehicle when you have 40 vehicles to turn around before the next shift creates a real operational problem. Purpose-built large vehicle systems are designed with fleet cycle times in mind. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **What a Purpose-Built Large Vehicle Wash System Looks Like** The IQ MAX from D&S Car Wash Supply is the first automated wash system engineered from the ground up specifically for commercial trucks, buses, RVs, and heavy equipment — not adapted from a passenger car platform. The distinction matters because purpose-built means: • Clearances and geometry designed around actual large vehicle dimensions — not extended from a passenger car baseline • 3D vehicle mapping technology that profiles each vehicle as it enters and adjusts wash components dynamically — so the system handles a pickup truck, a transit bus, and a Class 8 tractor in the same bay without manual reconfiguration • Undercarriage and chassis cleaning built into the wash profile, not added as an afterthought • Throughput engineered for commercial volume — the system is designed to process vehicles efficiently at the pace a busy truck stop or fleet operation demands • Durability specs matched to heavy use — built for the weight, the cycle counts, and the soil loads of commercial vehicle operation The result is a wash that actually cleans commercial vehicles — fully, consistently, and at the throughput rates that make it a workable part of a truck stop operation or fleet maintenance program. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **The Business Case** For truck stop operators: a capable large vehicle wash generates direct revenue per wash, increases dwell time and spend across other amenities, and builds driver loyalty that translates to repeat visits. Operators who invest in a system that works for their vehicles see utilization rates that justify the investment. Operators who install marginal equipment see it sit idle. For fleet operators: the ROI calculation runs through vehicle longevity, reduced maintenance costs, and labor savings relative to manual washing. A system that can wash 10 vehicles per hour with one operator versus hand-washing at 2–3 vehicles per hour with multiple people is a straightforward operational win. In both cases, the cost of getting this wrong — buying equipment that doesn’t perform, replacing it prematurely, or losing the revenue opportunity entirely — typically exceeds the cost of getting it right the first time. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ The Bottom Line Truck stops and fleet operations aren’t edge cases in the car wash industry — they’re a distinct segment with distinct requirements. Standard equipment wasn’t designed for this application, and the gaps show up in wash quality, equipment wear, and operator frustration. If you’re evaluating wash systems for a truck stop, a commercial fleet, or a mixed-vehicle operation, the right starting point is a system engineered for the actual vehicles you’re washing — not one adapted from a smaller-vehicle platform. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ D&S Car Wash Supply manufactures the IQ MAX — the only automated wash system built from the ground up for commercial trucks, buses, RVs, and heavy equipment. If you’re evaluating options for your truck stop or fleet operation, contact us to talk through what the right system looks like for your site and vehicle mix. **Categories:** Truck and Fleet **Tags:** automated truck wash, car wash equipment, commercial truck wash, fleet maintenance, fleet vehicle washing, iq max, large vehicle wash, municipal fleet, semi truck wash, truck stop wash system --- ### [Climate Trends & El Niño: What Car Wash Operators Need to Know](https://dscarwash.com/blog/climate-trends-el-nino-what-car-wash-operators-need-to-know/) **Published:** September 28, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** Weather drives car wash volume. Every operator knows it. But what’s actually happening to weather patterns across the U.S., and more importantly, what should you expect over the next few years? Here’s a grounded look at the data — plus what a potential Super El Niño could mean for your bottom line. **The Big Picture on Climate Trends** Climate activists frequently argue that weather is getting worse across the board — pointing to more frequent heat waves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and powerful storms as evidence that greenhouse gas emissions are fundamentally changing everyday conditions. Whether you agree with that framing or not, there’s meaningful data worth paying attention to as a car wash operator. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the story isn’t simply that weather is getting “better” or “worse.” The more accurate picture: extreme events are increasing in frequency and severity, even as day-to-day weather patterns remain relatively stable. **Key data points operators should know:** • Temperatures are rising. The average summertime temperature in the U.S. has increased by 2.6 degrees between 1970 and 2024. Winter temperatures have risen even more — up 4 degrees. The EPA projects additional warming of several degrees by 2060, translating to earlier and longer summers, more extreme heat days, and increased health risks. • Snow is declining. Operators in northern climates are seeing less snowfall than they did in 1970. The EPA tracks a consistent decline of roughly 0.19 percent per year. The direction is clear even if the rate varies by region. • Intense rainfall is up. Total precipitation hasn’t changed dramatically nationwide, but the number of high-intensity rainfall events has increased by 0.5 percent per decade since 1900. That means more of your annual rain is landing in shorter, harder bursts — not steady, wash-driving drizzle. • Coastal operators face growing risk. Sea levels have risen 6–8 inches over the past century due to ocean warming and glacial melt. Near-term projections put ongoing increases at 0.75 to 1.5 inches per year. If your car wash, tunnel wash, or automatic wash location sits near a coastline or in a low-elevation area, nuisance flooding and infrastructure disruption are risks worth building into your long-range planning. • Air quality has improved. On a more positive note, particulate matter (PM) concentrations have dropped 37 percent since 2000, ground-level ozone has declined 30–40 percent, and carbon monoxide concentrations are down more than 80 percent since 1980. Cleaner air means somewhat less surface contamination accumulating on vehicles — though road grime, pollen, and environmental fallout remain consistent drivers of car wash demand. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Enter the Super El Niño: A Near-Term Variable You Shouldn’t Ignore** Beyond long-term climate trends, there’s a more immediate wildcard on the horizon: meteorologists are monitoring the potential development of a Super El Niño event. El Niño is a periodic warming of Pacific Ocean surface temperatures that disrupts normal atmospheric circulation patterns across North America and globally. A “Super” El Niño refers to an event of unusually high intensity — with correspondingly amplified weather effects. H2 : What does a Super El Niño typically mean for U.S. weather? • Southern states and the Gulf Coast tend to see significantly above-normal precipitation during El Niño years — wet winters and springs that historically correlate with increased car wash frequency. More road spray, more dirt accumulation, more customers. • The Pacific Northwest and parts of the Midwest often experience warmer, drier winters — which can suppress the kind of road salt and grime events that drive tunnel wash and automatic wash traffic in colder months. • The Southeast and parts of the Sun Belt may see increased storm activity and heavier rainfall. High-intensity rain events can temporarily spike car wash demand in their aftermath, but sustained flooding or storm closures can interrupt operations. • The Northern Tier and Great Lakes region often experiences milder winters with reduced snowfall during El Niño events — accelerating the long-term trend NOAA already documents and cutting into the winter months that typically drive business for self serve car wash and self service car wash equipment operators who rely on road salt traffic. The bottom line: a Super El Niño is a short-to-medium-term amplifier of the patterns already unfolding. If your region typically benefits from wet conditions, a strong El Niño could be a revenue tailwind. If your market depends on winter precipitation and cold-weather grime, it may compress one of your strongest seasonal windows. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **How to Use This Data as a Car Wash Operator** Climate science isn’t a weather forecast — it’s a directional signal. As NASA notes, climate models are probabilistic and ensemble-based, not deterministic. No model will tell you whether next February will be your best month or your worst. **What the data does tell you:** If you operate in a region with declining snowfall, don’t expect dry winters overnight — but do expect the trend to continue. Build your annual revenue model around gradually softening winter peaks, and focus on what you can control: throughput efficiency, chemical performance, and retention of your existing customer base during the months that remain strong. If your self service car wash equipment or automatic wash is near the coast, sea level rise isn’t an immediate threat to your building — but increased flooding frequency is. Review your drainage, your site elevation, and your business interruption coverage. If you’re in a region that stands to benefit from a Super El Niño winter, this may be the right season to ensure your equipment is dialed in for capacity. Higher car counts during a wet, mild winter are an opportunity — but only if your tunnel wash or automatic wash can handle the volume reliably. If your region typically sees colder, snowier winters, a potential Super El Niño is a planning signal to ensure your off-season or shoulder-season revenue streams are well-developed. Memberships, fleet accounts, and detail add-ons can buffer the impact of a compressed winter window. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **The Consistent Variable: Cars Still Get Dirty** Regardless of what climate trends or a Super El Niño deliver over the next 12–24 months, one thing doesn’t change: vehicles accumulate contamination constantly. Pollen, road film, UV degradation, biological deposits, and urban particulate don’t take seasons off — even in years with less salt and less snow. At D&S Car Wash Supply, we’ve been engineering car wash equipment — from in-bay automatic and tunnel wash systems to self serve car wash and large vehicle wash solutions — through more than five decades of weather variability. Climate cycles, El Niño events, regional droughts, and record rainfall seasons have all come and gone. Operators who invest in reliable, high-throughput equipment and build strong customer habits are the ones who weather those cycles profitably. If you’re evaluating how to position your operation for the next few years — whether that means upgrading your self service car wash equipment, expanding your automatic wash capacity, or looking at what a purpose-built large vehicle solution could add to your revenue mix — we’re here to work through it with you. **Categories:** Blog, Industry Insight **Tags:** carwash, carwash equipment --- ### [Hurricane Bay Car Wash – East Branson MO](https://dscarwash.com/blog/hurricane-bay-car-wash-east-branson-mo/) **Published:** January 29, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** During the summer of 2015, the management team at Supreme Car Wash Systems in southwest Missouri discovered a neglected car wash for sale in East Branson, MO. Despite the evident neglect (see photo above left), Supreme’s team saw the potential in the facility and its location and acquired it, knowing that a major facelift and equipment upgrade were in order. Further inspection revealed that while the exterior looked great, beauty was only skin deep. All equipment was out of date and in poor condition. Only the air compressor and reverse osmosis (RO) tank were salvageable. Supreme chose D&S Car Wash Equipment Co. for its top-to-bottom remodel, and work began on August 1, 2015. First, cinder block walls in the bays were covered with clean white wall paneling, and new LED exterior lighting was installed. The existing antiquated touch-free automatic was replaced with a [D&S IQ Soft Touch](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-car-wash/iq-soft-touch/) machine. All self serve bay hardware and components were replaced with a [D&S IQ Self Wash](https://dscarwash.com/self-serve-systems/iq-self-wash/) System, including credit card readers and 12-position rotary switches. Airlift XRS vinyl doors and three new [D&S vacuums](https://dscarwash.com/vacuums/) were the finishing touches. The newly remodeled Hurricane Bay Car Wash opened the first week in November 2015 (see photo above right). Business has been building steadily – despite winter weather conditions and the recent holiday season – and customer compliments are flowing in. Congratulations to [Supreme Car Wash Systems](http://www.supremecarwashsystems.com/) for being such visionaries! **Categories:** Investors **Tags:** car wash remodel, D&S Car Wash, D&S vacuums, east branson, IQ Self Wash, IQ Soft Touch, mo, remodel car wash, Supreme Car Wash Systems --- ### [Winter Car Wash Tips for Operators: Keep Bays Running in Freezing Weather](https://dscarwash.com/blog/mid-winter-car-wash-tips/) **Published:** January 29, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** With winter in full swing in the Northern hemisphere, here are a few tips to keep your car wash equipment and chemicals performing optimally during the cold winter months. - Check the functionality of all cold weather related equipment and systems, including: - Bay and equipment room heaters - Floor heat and related equipment - Automatic bay doors - Weep systems - Blowdown systems - Hydraulic tank heaters - Meter heaters - Ensure the above items turn on when they are suppose to: - Verify temperature set points - Use a thermometer to check the sensors/thermostats are reacting properly - Verify that temperature sensors/thermostats are located in a reasonable location for their purpose. Test these systems by raising the set point temperature to ensure they activate as they should. - Not in the warmest part of the bay - Not in direct sunlight - Not near a heat source such as a bay heater - Keep salt or ice melter on hand to spread on walk ways to prevent slips and falls. Ensure you have visible signage warning of the possibilities of ice. - If an equipment freeze condition is suspected, DO NOT attempt to operate the equipment,doing so may cause additional damage. Wait until the equipment’s temperature is raised to above freezing and has been given time to thaw out. Once thawed, test operate the equipment under close observation. Watch and listen to the equipment operate. Hoses, tubing, valves, and nozzles are all at risk of failure from a freeze up condition. Pay close attention to leaks, blockages, and improper operation. - Ensure you are using “winter formula” for chemicals that are not in a climate controlled environment. Examples include the shampoo and fragrance chemicals used by detail vacuums. **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** car wash tips, mid-winter car wash tips --- ### [It's Time to Winterize Your Car Wash!](https://dscarwash.com/blog/its-time-to-winterize-your-car-wash/) **Published:** November 24, 2015 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Brrrr! Outside temps are already plunging as fall heralds the deep freeze that winter will bring. Be sure your car wash system stays in top notch condition during the winter months by putting these important system checks, *courtesy of our friends at Car Wash Boilers, Inc.*, at the top of your “to do” list! - Inspect and test all units and water heaters. - Check fluid levels. - Check glycol – change if needed. - Check system pressure – pressure test. - Check for leaks and valve functionality. - Inspect boilers and burners. - Make sure burners are clean and clear. - Check heat exchangers and scale build-up in tubing. - Do a combustion analysis. - Check all piping and exhaust emissions. - Look over your control system, electronics and connections. - Check de-icing system and set points. - Make sure manifolds are functioning properly. - Check your zone pumps for efficient operation. - Evaluate your gas and electric output/costs. [Contact us](https://dscarwash.com/contact/) to learn more about why D&S Car Wash Equipment Co. is “The Smarter Choice” for you! **Categories:** Tech Tip Center --- ### [Contactless Payments for Car Washes: Operator Guide | D&S](https://dscarwash.com/blog/the-importance-of-contactless-payments/) **Published:** March 4, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** # Contactless Payments for Car Washes: What Operators Should Know A customer is ready to wash their car—but the pay station only accepts coins, and they don’t have any. At an unattended wash, that extra step can be enough to lose the sale. **Contactless payments for car washes** give customers another way to pay quickly, whether they use a tap-enabled card or a mobile wallet. Adding payment options is not a guarantee of higher revenue. It does, however, remove a common point of friction. Here’s what to consider before upgrading a self-serve bay or automatic wash entrance. ## What counts as a contactless car wash payment? A contactless payment lets a customer pay without inserting or swiping a card. Tap-enabled credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay commonly use near-field communication (NFC) at the reader. **Cashless** is a broader term: chip and swipe payments are cashless, but they are not contactless. A mobile app may also let customers purchase or activate a wash, depending on the system. Offering more than one method helps customers pay in the way that works for them. ## Why offer more ways to pay? Payment is part of the wash experience. If a customer has to find cash, exchange bills for coins or leave a bay to use another machine, starting a wash takes more effort. This is especially important at unattended locations, where no employee is available to help. For operators, a modern pay system can also support wash-package selection, promotions or membership programs when paired with compatible software. The practical goal is to make it easier to complete a purchase—not to assume that every contactless customer will spend more. ## Where should a car wash add contactless payments? Start where customers encounter the most payment friction. That might be an automatic wash entry station, a self-serve bay or a coin-only vacuum. Before buying readers, confirm which options work with each piece of equipment; compatibility at one station does not mean the same hardware will work everywhere. If you operate an unattended wash, also plan for network connectivity, weather exposure and what customers should do if a payment cannot be completed. ## What should operators compare before upgrading? Ask a payment-system provider about: - **Accepted methods:** Tap-enabled cards, mobile wallets, chip, swipe and any app-based options your customers use. - **Equipment compatibility:** Existing meters, wash controllers and entry stations. - **Total cost:** Hardware, installation, processing fees, software and ongoing support. - **Reliability and security:** Outdoor durability, connectivity, payment-data handling and support when a station is down. - **Customer experience:** Clear instructions, accessible controls, receipts and a straightforward way to choose a wash. Measure results after installation, too. Completed transactions, failed-payment reports, wash starts and customer feedback will tell you more than a general claim about contactless preferences. ## How does WashCard All-Access fit in? The [WashCard All-Access Payment System](https://washcard.com/offerings/all-access-payment-system/) supports tap-enabled cards and mobile wallets, along with chip and swipe payments. It can also work with UWashApp for app-based loyalty and membership options. Confirm the available setup for your particular bays and equipment before choosing a configuration. D&S also offers a [WashCard Cashless Payment Station](https://dscarwash.com/car-wash-payment-systems/) for unattended in-bay automatic washes. The right choice depends on where customers pay today and which payment experience you want to offer. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I have to stop accepting cash to add contactless payments? No. You can evaluate contactless alongside your existing payment methods. Choose the mix that suits your customers, equipment and operating costs. ### Can I add tap-to-pay to an existing self-serve bay? Possibly. It depends on the meter, controller, power and connectivity available at that bay. Have a provider check compatibility before assuming a reader can be added. ### Will contactless payments increase car wash revenue? They may help customers who would otherwise struggle to pay, but results vary by location. Compare completed sales, transaction costs and customer feedback before and after the upgrade. ## Make paying as easy as starting the wash The best payment setup fits both your equipment and your customers. [Explore D&S car wash pay systems](https://dscarwash.com/car-wash-payment-systems/) to compare options for your site. **Categories:** Industry Insight **Tags:** D&S company updates, Industry Insight, Industry Insights --- ### [Self-Serves Provide Advantage and Opportunity](https://dscarwash.com/blog/self-serves-provide-advantage-and-opportunity/) **Published:** February 11, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** Discover how self-serve car washes can lean into their merits and use systems like the D&S IQ Self Wash and Mini Stack Pump Units to enhance their efficiency and versatility. ## The Benefits of Self-Serve Car Wash Systems In the ever-evolving landscape of the car wash industry, self-serve car wash systems can present a compelling alternative to trendy tunnel washes. While tunnel washes boast the ability to process a high volume of vehicles quickly, self-serve systems offer unique advantages that cater to a broader range of customer needs. These systems empower customers to take control of their vehicle cleaning process, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business. Self-serve car washes also virtually eliminate damage complaints since customers are directly involved in the cleaning process. This hands-on approach not only builds customer trust but also provides a practical solution for vehicles that are too dirty for tunnel washes. Moreover, self-serve systems accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from heavily soiled trucks to recreational vehicles, which are usually difficult to clean in a tunnel wash. ## Efficiency and Versatility: The IQ Self Wash Advantage Our IQ Self Wash system stands out as an industry marvel for its advanced engineering and efficiency efforts. Designed to deliver powerful cleaning while optimizing resource usage, this system integrates both high- and low-pressure functions into a single, compact unit. Having an all-in-one system like the IQ Self Wash reduces space requirements by up to 30%, making it an ideal choice for operators looking to maximize their facility’s footprint. Equipped with state-of-the-art electronics, including variable frequency drives (VFDs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), the IQ Self Wash also ensures precise control over every wash cycle. This optimization leads to significant savings in water, energy, and chemical consumption, ultimately boosting an operator’s return on investment. ## Caters to a Wide Range of Vehicles One of the standout benefits of self-serve car wash systems is their ability to cater to a diverse array of vehicles. From large trucks and RVs to boats and motorcycles, self-serve bays can handle it all! This versatility is particularly advantageous for customers with recreational vehicles, who often struggle to find suitable cleaning options — but certainly need them. Marketing the capability to accommodate larger vehicles can attract new customer segments and increase revenue. By highlighting these advantages through key marketing initiatives like signage, social media, and targeted promotions, car wash operators can effectively communicate the value of their self-serve bays. ## Technological Improvements Fare Well for Customer Satisfaction Advancements in self-serve car wash technology have significantly enhanced the customer experience, too. Modern systems now offer a variety of wash options, including bug cleaner, tar remover, tire shine, tri-color foams, and blow dryers. These additional services not only attract more customers but also encourage higher spending per visit. ## Embracing Business Accounts for Increased Revenue Business accounts — also referred to as “Fleet” — represent a significant revenue opportunity for self-serve car wash operators, too. Many fleet vehicles, such as delivery trucks, landscaping vans, and other commercial vehicles, cannot be efficiently cleaned in a tunnel wash (although our Large Vehicle Wash System, the [IQ MAX,](https://dscarwash.com/iq-max-truck-wash/) can handle them with no problem). Offering business accounts with automated monthly statements by using [a loyalty software like UWashApp](http://washcard.com/offerings/uwashapp) simplifies billing for these customers and encourages frequent use of your facilities. Plus, by establishing relationships with local businesses and promoting the benefits of self-serve car wash systems for fleet maintenance, operators can tap into a steady stream of income. This approach not only boosts revenue but also enhances the visibility and reputation of your car wash within the community, which can lead to even more business. By following these strategies, car wash operators can ensure that their self-serve systems deliver maximum ROI while still providing exceptional service to their customers. Reach out to our team today to ensure you stay competitive by embracing the versatility and efficiency of your self-serve car wash. **Categories:** Industry Insight **Tags:** Industry Insights --- ### [The Service Walk - An Essential Step to Closing the Sale](https://dscarwash.com/blog/service-walk-essential-step-closing-sale/) **Published:** September 27, 2017 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Thriving dealerships understand the importance of the **Service Walk** in closing a sale. Research shows that “The Dealership” ranks third in importance to most new car buyers, behind “The Vehicle” and “The Sales Person” and – in most cases – ahead of “The Deal” itself. The better and more dynamic the Service Walk, the more successful the closing rate will be.Top performing dealerships carefully orchestrate Service Walk interaction with the Service Manager, Service Advisors, and Mechanics. Visiting the Mechanic Certification and Dealership Service Award wall as well as providing coupons for free oil changes, free car washes and detailing services reinforce the customer’s decision to purchase from your dealership. Don’t forget that the service, wash, and detail bays need to be spotless – and be sure to always point out newly acquired equipment to establish your commitment to quality service. Upgrade your Service Walk and your dealership is sure to upgrade your close rate as well! **Categories:** Industry Insight **Tags:** The Service Walk --- ### [York Chevrolet – Greencastle IN](https://dscarwash.com/blog/york-auto-group/) **Published:** January 29, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** The York family of automotive dealerships first met Jason Pauley, owner of Indy Car Wash Equipment, when they purchased an auto dealership in Crawfordsville, IN next door to Jason’s car wash. The business neighbors’ common interest in clean vehicles soon spawned a conversation about York’s Chevrolet dealership in Greencastle, IN. Their dealership was washing cars by hand, but looking for a better, more efficient method to supply their customers with clean cars. Jason suggested the [IQ Soft Touch In Bay Automatic System](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-car-wash/iq-soft-touch/) because of its industry leading 3-D vehicle profiling technology and resulting savings in water, energy, and consumables. A new drive-in back-out bay at York’s dealership was built to IQ specs, and the actual equipment install took less than a week. The IQ Soft Touch has been operational for a month, and York’s dealership has had no down time. Daily car washing totals also are up 25%, utilizing far less manual labor to provide the high quality clean that York’s customers deserve and expect. **Categories:** Auto Dealers **Tags:** 3-D Profiling, IQ Soft Touch, York Chevrolet --- ### [Big Boys Truck Wash](https://dscarwash.com/blog/big-boys-truck-wash/) **Published:** July 2, 2024 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** ## Big Business in store for Big Boys After an initial fine-tuning phase, this ground-up, 3 bay truck wash celebrated its official Grand Opening with much fanfare on July 21, 2024. At its highly visible location to significant truck traffic, Big Boys made a splash with a festive day-long event, gladly attended by a host of D&S’rs. Owners Dan Wojcikowski and Kevin Rennaux have operated a successful full-service truck and auto service business, Big Boys Towing since 2011. That background and countless interactions with truck drivers and fleet operators was the incubator for the idea of adding truck washing to their offering. Three years and many decisions later, the realization of their vision debuted in fine form on a warm June day in the mid-Missouri town of Rolla. Plenty of pre-event publicity drew visitors throughout the day, including first-time customers, area fleet operators, local commerce groups and dignitaries, media and curious onlookers. A steady stream of trucks kept all three IQ MAX systems humming non-stop amid the festivities of this professionally planned event featuring: Wash Discounts and Coupons Giveaway Items and Prize Drawing Food Truck & Live Remote Radio Broadcast Van Ribbon Cutting Ceremony And the payoff? A surge in Big Boys brand awareness, tons of goodwill among a small legion of newly comers to spread the word, a pipeline of fleet wash prospects one step closer to a contract, a successful demonstration of high-volume efficiency, and drumroll please…**a truly impressive 100+ one-day wash count.** ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BB_family.jpg) ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BB_pumps.jpg) ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BB_bay.jpg) ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BB_line.jpg) Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony https://youtu.be/lMFQ5b4V_70?si=l1oTEOfsuZsRUPL6 **Categories:** Events, Featured, Success Stories, Truck and Fleet, Uncategorized **Tags:** fleet wash, iq max, large vehicle wash, NATSO, travel centers, TRUCK STOPS, truck wash --- ### [Giant Truck Wash](https://dscarwash.com/blog/giant-truck-wash/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** ## Giant Truck Wash – Tilbury, ON Canada ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/manandplaque.jpg) ## A Giant Step Up for The Giant Truck Wash Considered the longest North American expressway operated without tolls by a single highway authority, the MacDonald Cartier Freeway (Highway 401) stretches 820 km (509 mi) through Canada’s richest economic region. From Windsor on the US border to the Ontario-Quebec boundary, 401 traverses dense urban areas and miles of checkerboard farms. Where this dual lane divided highway bends westward toward Michigan, the town of Tilbury straddles it for a few miles in an otherwise desolate leg. Like an oasis, Tilbury draws motorists in need of food, fuel, rest and repair to its dozens of travel service businesses. That high volume coupled with a substantial percentage of commercial freight traffic, RV’s, construction and agricultural-related vehicles make Tilbury an ideal location for a truck wash. Part of that traffic includes vehicles in the 1,500-truck fleet of Mississauga, Ontario based BRAR’s Foods. In just 20 years, the family-owned firm grew from a small restaurant into a multimillion-dollar international supplier of ethnic foods. As a member of that family, Dennis Pabla gained much experience and connections within the transport and logistics sector, and that sparked his interest in exploring the opportunity of a truck wash business. Soon he was “all-in” and after considering several sites for a ground-up operation, determined an ideal site existed in the ideal location of Tilbury where many of his fleet patronized the Tilbury Truck Wash. That ideal site sits within a stone’s throw of 401 and features easy access critical to attracting truck wash customers. After acquiring the business, and while renovating and equipping it with an **[IQ MAX ](https://dscarwash.com/iq-max-truck-wash/)**and rebranding as **[The Giant Truck Wash](https://gianttruckwash.com/index.php),** Dennis came to envision multiple washes throughout Canada, and established **[Auto Wash Solutions](https://autowashsolutionsinc.com/index.php)** as a large vehicle wash distributor to pursue that opportunity. ## What a Location….what a site! ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/giant-from-road.jpg) Today, The Giant Truck Wash is a model of state-of-the-art truck cleaning and highly effective marketing. It’s success and the professionalism of Dennis Pabla’s distributor firm have garnered the latter D&S’s exclusive authority for IQ MAX sales and distribution in Canada. Look for additional IQ MAX-equipped washes as Giant adds locations and Auto Wash Solutions assists other investors throughout Canada. **Categories:** Featured, Success Stories, Truck and Fleet, Uncategorized **Tags:** fleet wash, iq max, large vehicle wash, NATSO, travel centers, TRUCK STOPS, truck wash --- ### [Why Attending Trade Shows Boosts Your Business](https://dscarwash.com/blog/why-attending-trade-shows-boosts-your-business/) **Published:** February 3, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** ## See the Latest Equipment and Technology Owners and operators who attend trade shows get an unparalleled opportunity to make educated business decisions based on what they observe in real time. For those who are considering upgrading their systems, integrating new technology, or building new locations, seeing equipment firsthand provides invaluable insights that can’t be gained from brochures or online research alone. At trade shows, you can explore complete professional car wash systems directly on the floor or with the help of sales representatives. When you visit the D&S booth, this can include our in-bay automatics, large vehicle wash, self-serve solutions, and other equipment you may be interested in. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding the nuances of different models and configurations, and talking with our team ensures that you are making an informed decision when it comes to your own car wash operation. ## Learn from Industry Experts and Innovators Hearing things directly from industry experts and leading innovators allows you to see into the brains of the best and brightest in the field. Whether you attend a seminar on optimizing operational efficiency or a roundtable discussion on reducing maintenance costs, the insights you gain can be directly applied to improving your business operations. Knowing the importance of education across the industry, D&S is proud to sponsor several trade shows, as well as occasionally present about our innovative contributions, like [the IQ Max](https://dscarwash.com/iq-max-truck-wash/). ## Take Advantage of Exclusive Trade Show Deals One of the most compelling reasons to attend relevant trade shows is the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive deals and promotions. D&S is planning to offer custom specials that are only available to trade show attendees, so be sure to stop in our booth! These deals can include discounts on new equipment, bundled packages, or customized integrations, making it a financially savvy move to attend and get an updated quote directly from our team. By securing these exclusive offers, you can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading your car wash systems, thereby maximizing your return on investment. The cost savings and added value from these deals can make the expense of attending the trade show well worth it. ## Upcoming Trade Shows Featuring D&S Car Wash Supply Convinced of the benefits of attending a trade show? You’ll be pleased to know that both D&S and WashCard Systems will be present at several upcoming events throughout the year. Here are some of the key trade shows where you can find us: - [National Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) Connect](https://natsoconnect.com/): February 24-26, 2026, Albuquerque, New Mexico - [Southwest Car Wash Association (SCWA) Expo](https://swcarwash.org/events/2026-convention-expo): February 25-27, 2026, Fort Worth, Texas - [Southeast Petro-Food Marketing Expo](https://www.sepetro.org/): March 4-5, 2026, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - [Gulf Port Food & Fuel Expo](https://foodandfuelexpo.com/): March 18-19, 2026, Biloxi, Mississippi - [Heartland Carwash Association (HCA) Product Show](https://www.heartlandcarwash.org/): March 24-26, 2026, Bellevue, Nebraska - [Mid-America Trucking Show](https://truckingshow.com/): March 26-28, 2026, Louisville, Kentucky - [International Car Wash Association (ICA) The Car Wash Show](https://thecarwashshow.com/): May 11-13, 2026, Nashville, Tennessee - [National Association of Convenience Stores Expo](https://www.nacsshow.com/): October 7-9, 2026, Las Vegas, Nevada These events provide a perfect place to meet our team, see our equipment in action, and discuss how our innovative solutions can help you achieve your business goals. We look forward to seeing you there! **Categories:** Events, Industry Insight **Tags:** Events --- ### [Leadership Transition at D&S Car Wash Supply: Welcoming Ryan Beaty as President and CEO](https://dscarwash.com/blog/leadership-transition-at-ds-car-wash-supply-welcoming-ryan-beaty-as-president-and-ceo/) **Published:** September 5, 2025 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** **Published: September 5, 2025** --- ### Leadership Update Overview D&S Car Wash Supply, a leading manufacturer of innovative car wash systems and the parent company of WashCard Systems, is excited to announce an important update to its executive leadership team. Effective **October 1, 2025**, **Ryan Beaty** will join D&S Car Wash Supply as **President**, with a planned transition to **Chief Executive Officer (CEO)** on **January 1, 2026**. Current CEO, **Dave Smith**, will continue to lead D&S through the fourth quarter of 2025 before moving into his new role as **Executive Chairman** effective January 1. ### Why This Matters for Our Customers Ryan’s leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of **both the operator and manufacturer perspectives**. His experience working with equipment suppliers, distributors, and large-scale operators means he knows the challenges car wash owners face firsthand — from scaling operations to improving customer experience. - **Stronger product innovation** – Ryan has a track record of pushing forward technology and design that directly benefits wash operators. - **Enhanced distributor support** – With years of partnership experience, Ryan knows how to strengthen collaboration between suppliers and distributors to better serve end users. - **Operator-focused solutions** – Having advised operators with 500+ wash locations, Ryan brings practical, real-world insights that will shape future D&S offerings. Simply put, Ryan’s leadership will ensure that D&S continues to deliver products, technology, and support that help our customers thrive. ### A Message from Dave Smith “This leadership transition comes at the right time to take D&S through its next phase of growth. With Ryan’s extensive experience in the carwash space coupled with the existing first-class team at D&S, we look forward to bringing even more value to the market through our products, people, and passion. I look forward to supporting Ryan and the management team during this transition and going forward in my new role as Executive Chairman.” — **Dave Smith, Current CEO, D&S Car Wash Supply** ### Welcoming a Seasoned Industry Leader Beaty brings with him nearly 25 years of car wash industry experience and a proven record of driving growth and innovation. He has held leadership roles at **Carson Oil Company** and **Mark VII Equipment**, and most recently served with **B3 Wash Concepts**, advising a large convenience store operator with more than 500 wash locations. In addition, Beaty has been a **member of the D&S Board of Directors since 2024**, giving him unique insight into the company’s operations, culture, and opportunities for growth. He holds a degree from **Ferris State University** and currently resides in **Carefree, Arizona**. --- ### Looking Ahead As D&S enters this next phase, our focus remains clear: **helping operators succeed**. Under Ryan’s leadership, customers can expect: - Continued **investment in new technologies** like advanced wash systems, lighting, and payment solutions. - Expanded **training, onboarding, and sales support** to empower distributors and operators alike. - A sharpened commitment to **operator profitability**, ensuring every D&S solution adds measurable value to the bottom line. With Ryan at the helm and Dave’s ongoing guidance as Executive Chairman, D&S is positioned to accelerate growth while staying true to what has always defined us: **products, people, and passion.** --- **Ready to Start Your Next Wash Project?** Connect with our team to schedule a free consultation and get expert guidance tailored to your site: 👉 [Schedule a Consultation](https://meetings.hubspot.com/cwardwell) **Interested in Seamless Payment and Customer Loyalty Tech?** Explore how WashCard solutions can modernize your site and simplify operations: 👉 [Learn More About WashCard](https://washcard.com/) **Categories:** Company Updates, Featured **Tags:** D&S company updates --- ### [D&S Joins NATSO](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-joins-natso/) **Published:** September 20, 2023 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ## D&S Joins NATSO as Preferred Allied Vendor ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NATSO_full_logo.png)D&S is pleased to announce our membership as a preferred allied vendor in the prestigious trade organization, **[The National Association Of Travel Centers and Truckstops.](https://www.natso.com/)** Founded in 1960, NATSO represents more than 2,200 travel centers and truck stops nationwide, owned by over 260 corporate entities representing more than 16,000 fueling locations. We look forward to and introducing our state-of-the-art IQ MAX automatic large vehicle wash system and establishing relationships with these fine businesses. ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/redsemi.jpg) **Categories:** Truck and Fleet **Tags:** fleet wash, iq max, large vehicle wash, NATSO, travel centers, TRUCK STOPS, truck wash --- ### [D&S IQ 2.0 Soft-Touch Side Blaster Kit & Upgrade Option](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-iq-2-0-soft-touch-side-blaster-kit-upgrade-option/) **Published:** January 25, 2021 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/sideblasterblasting-400x533.jpg "IQ 2.0 Soft-Touch Side Blaster")## IQ 2.0 [Soft-Touch](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) Side Blaster How do you improve the best cleaning IBA system on the market? D&S is pleased to announce the addition of an exciting new upgrade feature on our [IQ 2.0 Soft-Touch](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) Genius Series machines to provide customers with the best wash possible – no matter their location. The new[ IQ Soft-Touch](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) Side Blaster Upgrade Feature improves cleanability on all vehicles from the addition of a strategically positioned 2nd spinner wand on each side cabinet, and provides twice the volume of water during the side blaster function due to the larger 16gpm (gallons per minute) pump. The[ IQ 2.0 Soft-Touch](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) Side Blaster was first conceived halfway through 2020 in Beresford, SD – a predominantly agricultural market with heavy muddy vehicles that are hard to clean. An existing [IQ Soft-Touch](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) there was modified with an additional second wheel blaster installed near the bottom of each drop leg on the machine. This significantly improved the end results of the wash around the wheel well and bottom half of the vehicle. The idea then caught the attention of D&S’ engineering department, who began developing the concept based on customer feedback. The goal was to develop this enhancement by standardizing equipment & creating a universal fit in order to offer as an IQ Upgrade option for wash locations with a high percentage of hard to clean vehicles. The real test was with the pump manufacturer, to determine whether a larger pump that produced more volume could be retrofitted to the existing pump stand. The pump manufacturer worked with D&S to develop a proto-type unit, which went to Hurricane Bay Car Wash in Bolivar, MO for testing. The side cabinets were also modified with a second side blaster for testing in Bolivar. An upgrade kit was designed and produced for Rocky Mountain Car Wash in Casper, WY in order to retrofit their existing equipment and for additional testing. In addition, a kit was provided to Greg Schiller of the Morden Gr8 Wash in Morden Manitoba, Canada who successfully retrofitted his existing [IQ Soft-Touch](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) and cited “It’s the best of both bay washes.” The Side Blaster feature is now available with an [IQ 2.0 Soft-Touch](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) Genius Series unit and can be purchased as an add-on to an existing [IQ Soft-Touch 2.0](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) Genius Series package. The[ IQ Soft-Touch](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) has been redesigned with the same components as the kit to support the additional cleaning power. The redesign also features a new high volume pump stand which includes the new larger pump and motor that provides additional high pressure to the Soft-Touch wash process. D&S Chief Innovation Officer Jerry Canfield says “To have a product that is fully integrated as both a standalone machine and an upgradable add-on is a huge success.” The Side Blaster creates an alternative in the market, as everyone else in these areas are strictly using Touch-Free technology. “It’s a greener solution than is otherwise available in these areas.” To request more information on the new Side Blaster Feature or discuss with your authorized D&S Distributor, click the button below. [![Start Here](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4088874/hub_generated/resized/1aeddc8f-51ee-477f-851f-08215ae30168.png)](https://info.dscarwash.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=184735dc-3c6f-4679-bd3d-4291d02b76e2&signature=AAH58kGrr5HlK9Fv4VHAeQt0JBCp4OWnBg&placement_guid=4e89e1dc-93e4-45ce-9210-548096ddbf8a&click=632aee86-7fa0-46a3-857b-b306d90a615a&hsutk=677c7003135ee7d809b93eb91b32f81b&canon=https%3A%2F%2Fdscarwash.com%2Fds-iq-2-0-soft-touch-side-blaster-kit-upgrade-option%2F&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fdscarwash.com%2Fturning-your-car-wash-into-cash%2F&portal_id=4088874&redirect_url=APefjpF8C0Yb8Jkn03mtF9QUrC_vgovLwRtLoasrbcWIPhI2BDiGCJALfuntxhPvaOpsmvIn6PF9by8iae7wOfZfzksE8GLiKsfWF3FaOC3xaMSBTSGe30Y6McVi7wRYCntu_vs-tGP9t6bsipb94AOH8RDTHdAAfypDAny9o5b-op7ZBEMtDphhCBQHcLM7PCLA4vfFUOo6Z0AeEoz2NYj-Gv2weucdb5Yqb9uXJel-LrZtC56oZvngNClQIP4HqrC6kXFfwX8yGckC3hE8nFEschJWt5_efA&__hstc=48662969.677c7003135ee7d809b93eb91b32f81b.1665499906974.1665611881643.1665616084201.7&__hssc=48662969.21.1665616084201&__hsfp=585944452&contentType=blog-post)Be sure to follow D&S on our social media channels to stay updated on stories like these! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** D&S, IQ, IQ 2.0, IQ 2.0 Soft Touch, IQ Car Wash, IQ Side Blaster, IQ Soft Touch, IQ Soft Touch Side Blaster, IQ Upgrade, Side Blaster --- ### [Bulldog Car & Pet Wash - St. Clair, MO](https://dscarwash.com/blog/bulldog-car-pet-wash-st-clair-mo/) **Published:** February 16, 2022 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** # Bulldog Country Branding and Community: two aspects of the car wash industry receiving particular attention of late, which both are focal points to the proud midwestern town of St. Clair, MO – an hour from the south side of St. Louis. For this community, there’s one thing that commonly ties them all together: arguably the hallmark for the small town – around those parts, it’s Bulldog Country. Since 1842, St. Clair High School has united it’s town through its mascot: the Bulldog – commonly seen on the football field. Through this choice of branding, the St. Clair High School has embraced its community – tying together a natural and palpable hometown spirit for generations to come. This was the same idea for Bulldog Car & Pet Wash – homed on the stretch of Highway 30 which runs directly through St. Clair. In branding the car wash after the hometown symbol, it created another sense of community: one which extends to vehicles and pets rather than the gridiron. In this case, the Bulldog Country residents are made proud once again – as the addition to a car and pet wash in their town is certainly a welcome one. Bulldog Car and Pet Wash’s Facebook page already documents some of the positive reception about the location: Alexxus B. – *“Love the pet wash! So happy to have one close to home. Absolutely amazing I can wash a 100lb rotti mix in 10 minutes with a couple minutes to blow dry him!”* Skylar H. – *“I talk about how good that car wash smells way more than I should!”* Skye M. – *“Guess what I’m doing on my next day off!”* Bulldog Car and Pet Wash features two IQ 2.0 In-Bay Automatics from D&S, a Soft-Touch and a Touch-Free – and also sports 5 self-serve bays with a vacuum station, all stocked with D&S equipment. The location also features a pet wash with a double K9000 pet wash station, providing the option to wash 2 of your furry friends at once. The equipment was installed by D&S Distributor Bill Hoaglin and his team at DSS. **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [D&S Legacy Highlight - DS5000 #3 & #4](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-legacy-highlight-ds5000-3-4/) **Published:** July 20, 2022 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** DS5000 #3 currently homed in STL Auto Wash of Sunset Hills, MO ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/warran-copy-200x375-1.jpg) ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/UPDATED0531DS_FSS_Logo_one_lineV2_full-color-009-1024x425.jpg) 2022 is a year not only of incredible growth and advancement for D&S Car Wash Equipment Company – seen with its latest innovation the IQ MAX – but so too is it a year of reflection. Holding the special moniker of D&S’ 50-Year Anniversary, we’ve shined a fair bit of light on D&S Legacy Equipment over this year. The D&S Odyssey, Quicksilver, and i5000 lines of equipment all played integral roles for D&S’ success over the last half-century – but arguably the first monumental breakthrough for the company came in the form of the DS5000 line of equipment, the grandaddy of them all. We’ve explored the contributions this machine provided for D&S as well as the industry at large previously, but 2 examples of the power of the DS5000 are at the forefront of today’s focus. The first being the 3rd DS5000 machine ever installed located in Sunset Hills, MO – along with it’s brother, DS5000 #4, located in Bowling Green, MO. Both machines were installed in 1991 – which puts each of their lifespans at 31 years each. Anyone in the car wash industry knows that this amount of life in a piece of car wash equipment is truly something to admire. Making the mark even more remarkable is that one of these machines is set to be dismantled by the same pair of hands which installed them all those years ago – the hands of one Warran Mason of D&S Field Sales & Service will dismantle the machine in Sunset Hills, MO 31 years after he installed it in the first place. Mirroring the quality in longevity as the equipment he installed, Warran’s career has spanned over 3 decades and his hands have been part of hundreds of machine installs across the country – a truly remarkable career for himself crafted by the quality of his installs. ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/TriState.jpg) Having a product on the market for nearly a third of a century is any business’ dream, but having machinery cleaning vehicles in the field for over 3 decades is almost unheard of – and is truly a sight to behold. When asked about the workhorse designation of these particular installs, Head of D&S’ Field Sales and Service Division Bill Hoaglin said: “The revenue these machines have produced exceeds millions of dollars. \[Both machines’\] usable lives have extended over 3 decades of wash strength, reliability, and toughness.” The amount of washes both units have seen – as well as the revenue these machines have generated – are nigh incalculable given their lengthy histories, and serve as testaments to D&S’ penchant for setting car wash operators and investors up for success from the very first step – especially when your people work just as hard as your machinery as evidenced with the capable and reliable hands of Warran Mason. DS5000 #4 has already been replaced with an IQ Touch-Free unit by Corey Scheurman of D&S Distributor Tri-State Car Wash Solutions LLC. In a world where new products constantly come in and are swept away just as quickly, these machines serve as a reminder of D&S’ commitment to producing the highest quality vehicle washing equipment on the market for the last 50 Years and beyond! **Categories:** Blog, Featured, Investors **Tags:** Bowling Green MO, car wash, car wash equipment, D&S car wash supply, D&S field sales & service, Distributor, ds car wash equipment company, DS5000, DS5000 Install, DS5000 Rehab, Durability, Install, IQ, IQ Car Wash, IQ Touch Free, Legacy Equipment, Lengthy, Long Lasting, Long Lasting Car Wash Equipment, Sunset Hills MO, Toughness, Tri State Car Wash Solutions, TriState --- ### [Mid-West Equipment Sales + D&S Car Wash Supply](https://dscarwash.com/blog/mid-west-equipment-sales-ds-car-wash-supply/) **Published:** July 20, 2022 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/DS_Midwest_Horizontal-600x130.jpg "DS_Midwest_Horizontal")It’s been said that the key to operating a successful business is one thing above all else – people. Whether it be your consumers, employees, benefactors, or even yourself – establishing good relationships with people have always made the business wheels turn in all areas of industry. This is especially exemplified with the passion and dedication of the folks from Mid-West Equipment Sales based out of Wichita, KS – one of D&S’ longest and strongest distributor partners. For 38 years, D&S and Mid-West Equipment Sales have continued their joint journey of taking care of the customers’ needs and proving the new industry standard for customer service. By getting to the root of the customer’s desires – and asking the questions such as why they want to break into the car wash business in the first place – allows the folks at Mid-West to cultivate meaningful relationships with their customers. Kyle Merz, Regional Sales Manager at Midwest Equipment Sales, spoke to this facet of his family’s company: “Customers turn into family and keep doing business with us. That’s how we like to treat them – like family – so we know they’re taken care of.” For Kyle, he’s seen this kind of treatment his entire life – as Mid-West has been his lifelong occupation since he was a young boy traveling with his father and grandfather on road trips to new car wash install locations. “I remember the first time I went into the field with my dad \[Brian Merz\] and grandpa \[Dick Merz\] – it was to Tonganoxie, KS where we laid in-ground floor heat. That was my first time getting my hands dirty and I was fascinated with the process.” For the oldest of 4 children in the Merz family, Kyle had a true inside look as to what made his family’s business so successful. “I remember traveling through different states and my dad was always – always on the phone the whole way talking to people. He’s always good with technical issues and remote troubleshooting, so he’d provide support to customers as we were driving. He and the company are extremely customer-centric – and has always been that way.” Along with watching his father connect with people, he also gained more boots-on-the-ground experience with his grandfather. “He helped me understand the employee point of view of the business – he’d take me for collection days and we’d rinse the coins off to deposit every week.” This level of customer care isn’t a mere whim either – it’s a characteristic of the whole family. To date, Kyle as well as his 3 brothers all work for their family business along with friend and colleague Jason Rose. For Kyle in particular, every project has its own story & lessons rather than just being another install job. “Making yourself part of the process, finding openings to just sit down and talk to people about their needs \[and how you can meet them\], things that you pick up on and learn for next time – they all play a role in your overall experience.” This ingrained ideal in the minds of the Merz family greatly assisted their procurement of successful clients to boot – such as the folks of the Rocky Mountain Car Wash and IQ Car Wash franchises. At 10 and 8 locations respectively with multiple pieces of D&S equipment (and with both planning more on the way), both entities under the Mid-West umbrella have found unbridled success. This is undoubtedly due to the way the Merz family does business, and its penchant for placing the customer and their needs at the forefront of their responsibilities. For D&S, connecting with an organization which holds customer service and support at such high standards is critical – and it visibly sees Mid-West’s support isn’t limited to simply the customer. The relationship between D&S and Mid-West Equipment Sales dates back to the mid 1980’s, when founding members of both groups worked together in the distribution space. It was throughout this time and the rest of its history that D&S has felt the “family-focused” mantra that exists within Mid-West, and its critical role in the success of the business. With a history as rich as these two entities, D&S is proud to consider Mid-West a “longtime family friend” to our organization. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication Mid-West! **Categories:** Blog, Featured, Investors **Tags:** D&S, D&S car wash equipment co, D&S car wash supply, Distribution Partner, Distributor, IQ, IQ Car Wash, midwest, midwest equipment sales, Rocky Mountain Car Wash --- ### [Ensuring Proper Tightness on Binder Connector](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ensuring-proper-tightness-on-binder-connector/) **Published:** October 16, 2019 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Moisture can ingress into the power connector pins if not tightened properly. Use Corrosion X HD and tighten the motor power connectors properly to keep moisture out. Use Corrosion X HD and tighten the motor power connectors properly to keep moisture out. **Categories:** Tech Tip Center, Uncategorized **Tags:** binder connector, carwash equipment --- ### [Saluting our Veterans](https://dscarwash.com/blog/saluting-our-veterans/) **Published:** November 11, 2019 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Veteran’s Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors all military veterans. It reminds us that freedom isn’t inherent, it doesn’t come free of charge, and that it is truly worth fighting for. On this Veteran’s Day, D&S had the pleasure of treating its veterans to an honorary lunch in celebration of their selflessness, bravery, courage, and determination. On behalf of everyone at D&S, we would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the following employees for their service: | Paul Kienzle | Charles Tresch | Roger Moore | |---|---|---| | David Songer | Jerry Canfield | Tim Cheslock | | Tommy Roam | Richard Pepper | Jason Burgess | | Bill Hoaglin | Chris Matz | | At the lunch, these veterans shared with us some of their memories and stories from their time in the military, as well as some of the life experiences they learned along the way. D&S CEO Jon Jansky asked them one simple question that every single veteran had a unique answer to: “What was the biggest lesson you learned in the service that you have been able to apply in everyday life?” It was one question, but the answer from each individual veteran varied a fair deal. For instance, Tommy Roam – a former Army Staff Sargeant – learned that no matter what kind of problem you are faced with, no matter what challenge stands in front of you, you can never quit. You either have to fix it or keep trying. Tim Cheslock – former Air Force Senior Airman – took something quite different away from his time in the military. He experienced a renewed sense of patriotism, as he took extreme value in what he was fighting for. Tim was proud that he was able to fight for and defend his country, and he firmly believes that America is the greatest country on the planet. Richard Pepper learned a valuable life lesson as well during the beginning of his time in the Navy (eventually becoming an Interior Communications Electrician). As Richard recalled the first time he saw the SS Abraham Lincoln (the ship on which he was stationed) he was incredibly overwhelmed due to the gargantuan size of the ship. As he began to perform his duties though, things began to get a bit more manageable. This led him to remember that no matter how overwhelming something may seem, it is always manageable. These responses were just a few among the many of different lessons the military taught these veterans. Be sure to thank a veteran for their service today! **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [D&S CTO Elected AMAE 2nd Vice President](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-cto-elected-amae-2nd-vice-president/) **Published:** January 3, 2020 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Congratulations to D&S Chief Innovation Officer Jerry Canfield on his recent election to 2nd Vice President of the *Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers* (AMAE) at *Missouri University of Science and Technology* (Missouri S&T). The AMAE at Missouri S&T was established in 1995 to recognize outstanding alumni for their professional achievement and success, and to create a group that would provide organized assistance to the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. Jerry was inducted into the Academy in October 2015 and was soon thereafter asked to serve as Chairman for the Senior Design Committee – which he has actively supported since 2014. In this role, Jerry helps prepare the senior mechanical engineering students for entrance into the industry by mentoring them in their problem-solving approach, solution analysis, and presentation skills. Over this time, D&S has sponsored – and Jerry has led – 4 projects with the Senior Design Team. These projects served as powerful experiences for both D&S as well as the Mechanical Engineering students. D&S benefited from a tremendous amount of talent and creativity, while the students absorbed hands-on experience in designing solutions to real-world problems. Some of Jerry’s background: -Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering 1989, University of California – Davis -Master of Business Administration 1996, University of Nebraska – Lincoln -Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering 1999, University of Missouri – Rolla Upon graduating from UC Davis, Jerry was commissioned an officer in the US Navy. He served 8 distinguished years in the submarine force with multiple long-term deployments into the Asian Pacific Theater. After leaving the Navy, Jerry relocated to the St Louis area and began a 10-year career with MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. During that time Jerry progressed through the technical and operational leadership ranks that brought him to assignments around the world including Italy, Japan, and Malaysia. Since 2005 Jerry has been the technology leader at D&S Car Wash Equipment Company. During this time, he led his team in the development of several major lines of automatic car wash equipment – the most recent being D&S’ flagship brand and industry revolutionizing IQ Car Wash. The AMAE also includes D&S CEO Jon Jansky as a member, who complimented Jerry for his accomplishment in saying “this is a well-deserved selection…it’s a good accomplishment and recognition by a solid group of peers.” Congratulations Jerry, and thank you for everything you do for D&S! For more of the latest news on the D&S home front, be sure to follow our social media pages. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Academy of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineers, AMAE, car wash, carwash, D&S, D&S Car Wash, IQ, IQ Car Wash, Jerry Canfield, Missouri S&T, Missouri University of Science and Technology --- ### [Convenience Stores Step Up Car Wash Game](https://dscarwash.com/blog/convenience-stores-step-up-car-wash-game/) **Published:** July 15, 2020 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** | **Better Wash Quality, More Options and Speedier Service Woos Customers** \| It seems counter intuitive in these uncertain times, but the trend in the convenience store/petroleum retail sector of investing in upgraded car wash operations remains stronger than ever. According to research from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), as gas margins and tobacco sales continue to thin, one category that has seen an evolution towards higher profits is the car wash. We list some additional reasons why at the [end of this article](/#reasons). **\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_** First, let’s define what an upgraded c-store car wash might entail. From a customer standpoint, it means a clean, bright and more inviting environment versus the typical mold-covered, claustrophobic wash bays with noisy outdated equipment. \| \| ![](https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/43c2df9a401/5c280a81-af4b-4c18-9ff7-d9dff3b87c05.png) \| \|---\|---\| \| **Mach 1 – Mt. Vernon, IL** \| \| \|---\| \| **![](https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/43c2df9a401/12cc63a8-6979-49af-a93a-dffa658bd919.jpg)** \| \| ![](https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/43c2df9a401/9554edda-b314-4c5f-b459-7fd2b18ceadd.jpg) \| \| **Midway Marathon – Alpharetta,** **GA** \| \| \|---\| \| Neil Saunders, managing director and retail analyst at GlobalData Retail, a research firm based in Paradise Valley, Ariz., said to build car wash revenue, convenience stores should consider taking any of several steps, beginning with adding new features to the car wash itself. This often includes illuminated entry and menu signage listing add-on/premium wash choices. Many of these treat the vehicle occupants to colorful foamy soaps, delicious scents, entertaining lights and softer sounds than ever before. Of course, the most delightful change customers find is upon exiting with their cars sparkling clean and dry without streaks, scratches or missed spots. Saunders also recommended convenience store operators offer ‘smart’ services like automatic payment or pay by apps available for use with the car wash. Store operators view a car wash upgrade a bit differently. New signage, systems and state of the art equipment must drive strong financial results in revenue, profit, and efficiency. Consider that perhaps a small percentage of patrons select a c-store/gas station on factors other than location convenience and that a gallon of gas or a Snickers bar are nearly impossible to differentiate except on price. On the other hand, the vast differences in car wash experience, options, and quality serve to strongly influence consumer’s purchase decisions and loyalty. A superior grade wash is a distinct competitive advantage that translates into greater market share and revenue. Plus, with premium wash levels and add-ons customers are no longer looking for a “Free with fill-up” inferior wash, but one they are willing to pay extra for. Needless to say, the profit margins on these “Deluxe” washes are astounding! Finally, the store manager will discover an immediate improvement in efficiency from an equipment upgrade by lowering chemical, water and electricity expenses and increasing speed and throughput than older, economy model systems. We should also emphasize the owner can expect practically an overnight elimination of customer complaints and vehicle damage claims \| \| ![](https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/43c2df9a401/49736a2c-cefa-40bc-b938-daed4bda60ed.jpg) \| \| **Wheaton’s Corner Texaco – Bend, OR** \| \| \|---\| **Stepping Up a Grade** We’ve described the benefits of an enhanced car wash for c-store/petroleum retailers and their clientele, but how exactly is this achieved? The simple answer is technology. There’s a world of [![IQST_Bay_Red_Camaro_Web](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IQST_Bay_Red_Camaro_Web.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IQST_Bay_Red_Camaro_Web.jpg)difference between advanced car wash systems and “old-school” machines with hydraulic mechanisms, inverted “L” wands, clunky, error prone, high maintenance beasts inoperable half the time. For example, the IQ 2.0 System from D&S generates a flawless profile scan for every vehicle which then directs the machine throughout the cycles providing an utterly unique wash. It’s that individual scan that reduces excess chemical and water use while minimizing missed spots and the risk of vehicle damage. With systems like the IQ 2.0 and especially the IQ Express, both wash speed and overall capacity increase substantially while offering menu features like Bug-Off, Triple Foam Wax and Tire Shiner to boost revenue per car by 20% or more. Other big advantages come from the ability to remotely manage and monitor the wash system and also the space-saving design of its pump system. ### **Why Some C-stores are Upgrading their Car Wash** \| **1.** \| ### **Ageing Car Wash Equipment Fleet** C-store operators seeking solution to higher operating costs** **maintenance** **and repair expense of older machines** \| \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| \| \| **Request a Free Car Wash** **Assessment** **and Professional Consultation** \| **2.** \| \| \| \| ### **Consumer Demand** **Customer preference for high quality wash with same upgrade options as retail car washes.** \| \| **3.** \| ### **Car Wash / Gas Price Tie Ins** **Per gallon discount with car wash purchase drives profit and builds loyalty** \| \| \| \| \| [![](https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/43c2df9a401/f3f7cdab-3087-4cd9-96ec-811d3ce9d98f.png?ver=1594666814000)](https://info.dscarwash.com/c_store_contact_request-0-0) \| **4.** \| \| \| \| ### **Limit Liability** **C-stores can greatly reduce insurance claims for vehicle damage on occupant safety with upgraded equipment and bays.** \| | |:--| **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Increased Water Recovery](https://dscarwash.com/blog/increased-water-recovery/) **Published:** October 23, 2017 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** D&S Car Wash Equipment Company has recently partnered with [Diamond H2O](http://www.diamondh2o.com/) to provide its **Clear-Flo line of Reverse Osmosis Systems** on all D&S Self Serve and In Bay Automatic Car Wash Systems. The Clear-Flo line is the most efficient Reverse Osmosis equipment available today for the car wash industry, with far less waste (70-75% average recovery vs. 45-50% typical industry average). The Clear-Flo line is available in both basic and deluxe models, and features the same high-quality construction and design of pumps, valves, and fittings as is found in D&S equipment. [Contact D&S](https://dscarwash.com/contact/) today to speak to one of our experienced car wash professionals about your specific car wash requirements! **Categories:** Blog --- ### [The IQ reaches 10 Million Washes Milestone](https://dscarwash.com/blog/iq-reaches-10-million-washes-milestone/) **Published:** August 3, 2018 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** On July 27, 2018 D&S Car Wash Equipment Company announced that its IQ model of in-bay automatic car wash systems achieved ten million cumulative washes delivered among its worldwide customer base. The first two IQ’s were installed in the summer of 2011 at Hurricane Bay Car Wash in Ozark, Missouri and at Luv Bugs Car Wash in Dade City, Florida. Both machines are still going strong and nearing 100,000 washes each. Jerry Canfield, the firm’s Chief Innovation Officer states, “The IQ was developed as a highly intelligent platform, including its sophisticated performance tracking capabilities. Being able to monitor and track all facets of equipment activity provides owners and our Tech Support Team with important real time information.” The current version is the IQ 2.0, and is offered in a touch free and soft touch format. “The IQ reached the ten million wash milestone relatively quickly in large part due to its operational efficiency, minimal down-time, and strong customer appeal. With hundreds of new machines placed in service every year, the total washes growth curve is almost vertical now,” states Ken Underhill, Marketing & Communications Manager for the company. **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Titration & Flow Testing](https://dscarwash.com/blog/titration-flow-testing/) **Published:** November 22, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** # 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 a common laboratory method of quantitative chemical analysis that should be performed at your car wash. Titration is used to determine the unknown concentration of an identified chemical species. Since volume measurements play a key role in titration (in the car wash industry it is also known as volumetric-metrics), **concentration should be monitored regularly and to maximize the cleaning process**. Concentration levels are determined by the chemical used and as recommended by the chemical manufacturer. **Flow Testing** Flow testing is measuring how much final solution is used in each application of the vehicle cleaning process and is achieved by adding an inline flow meter to each output line or visually measuring solution used from tank after each pass. Flow testing is a good practice that can help you control consumption, efficiency and costs. **How Often** Monthly Titration and Flow Testing is recommended with semi-monthly being the best practice. These tests should be performed when noticing a change in cleaning results and when changing brands. Consult with your D&S Authorized Distributor for specific recommendations. **Benefits** Regular Titration and Flow Testing will keep your car wash running at peak performance, delivering clean vehicles and happy customers and can periodically uncover components in your car wash that may need maintenance such as clogged or broken injectors, faulty pressure regulators, or solenoids. **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** titration and flow testing --- ### [Maintaining a High-Pressure Water Pump](https://dscarwash.com/blog/maintaining-high-pressure-water-pump/) **Published:** August 24, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** 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 reduces the lubrication of the seals, resulting in reduced seal life. Eventually, cavitation leads to loss of pump flow and therefore lack of system pressure to do the job. Cavitation also produces excessive pump noise. Cavitation occurs when there isn’t a sufficient volume of water at the water pump inlet. When this happens, some of the water vaporizes to fill the low-pressure chamber of the pump. On the forward stroke of the pump, vapor “bubbles” are pressurized, quickly collapsing and causing violent implosions. The release of energy created by these implosions causes pitting and erosion of the water pump’s internal parts. Best practices to prevent water pump cavitation include: - Increase the size of the pump inlet line – it should be one size larger than the pump inlet port. - Use flexible reinforced hose at the pump inlet and discharge the pump ports to absorb pulsation and pressure spikes. - Keep elbows on the pump inlet line to a minimum and less than 90° if possible. - Check all connections and plumbing on the pump’s inlet for air leaks. - Clean inlet filters or strainers regularly. **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** cavitation in water pump, high-pressure water pump maintenance --- ### [Maintaining Car Wash Blow Dryers](https://dscarwash.com/blog/maintaining-car-wash-blow-dryers/) **Published:** July 28, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** 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 the correct rotation of the direction of the impeller. The blower will move approximately 50% less air when the impeller is running backward, plus it will draw excessive amp load. - **Greasing:** Dryer motors need to be greased annually, so you may want to add this to your annual maintenance checklist. - **Motor Starter:** We also recommend checking the motor starter overload relay and fuses, if applicable. Verify that the control voltage is correct for the magnetic starter coil. - **Single Phasing:** If the motor makes a buzzing noise and runs slowly, it may be single phasing. For more information about proper dryer maintenance, or if you are having a problem, [contact D&S](https://dscarwash.com/contact-us) for the name of your Authorized D&S Distributor. **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** blow dryer maintenance, car wash blow dryer maintenance, car wash blow dryers --- ### [Caring for Stainless Steel Equipment](https://dscarwash.com/blog/caring-stainless-steel-equipment/) **Published:** December 22, 2015 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** # Caring for Stainless Steel Equipment No one wants to clean their vehicle at a dirty-looking car wash. Customers return to locations with clean, nice-looking bays and equipment. Regularly cleaning your car wash’s stainless steel surfaces will improve their corrosion resistance and appearance. Thus, not only the longevity of your equipment increases, your revenue can increase too! **Properties** Stainless steel is not a single alloy, the name applies to a group of iron-based alloys containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Other elements are added along with the chromium to improve corrosion resistance, heat resistance, mechanical, and other properties depending on the needs of the application. There are over 50 grades of stainless steel recognized by the American Iron and Steel Institute. **Performance** Cleanliness and stainless steel are closely related. In many applications, they are dependent on each other. Stainless steel provides a degree of corrosion resistance; however, stainless steel performs best when clean. Cleanliness is essential for maximum corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is protected by a thin layer of chromium oxide, which is formed on the surface formed by the combination of the chromium and oxygen. Contamination on the surface may reduce the formation or effectiveness of this protective layer, reducing corrosion resistance. **Best Cleaning Practices** Any surface or material exposed to the environment, especially one designed specifically to remove dirt from an object such as a car wash, can get dirty. Dirt and soil will vary greatly in appearance and their effect on corrosion resistance. Warm water with or without a gentle detergent is often enough to remove most dirt and soil. You may also use mild non-scratching abrasive powders found as typical household cleaners if a general detergent is not enough. These can be used with warm water, brushes, sponges or clean cloths. Carbon steel brushes and steel wool should not be used as they can embed particles into the stainless steel which can lead to rusting. Cleaning should always be followed by rinsing with clean water. **Cleaners & Protectants** There are also many cleaners available for stainless steel in household and commercial strengths. Avoid cleaners which are abrasive or contain chloride. If using some kind of cleaning pad, such as a green scotch pad, it should be used in the same direction as the grain pattern on the material. Clean or scrub the entirety of the surface evenly. Spot cleaning or aggressive spot cleaning will result in unevenness and shiny spots that are generally unaesthetic. Some also report success in maintaining surfaces and preventing chemical stains by applying light coats of products such as lemon oil after cleaning. [Contact us](https://dscarwash.com/contact/) today to speak with one of our experienced D&S car wash professionals about your specific needs. We’re here to help! **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** car wash business equipment, car wash equipment, car wash tech tip, tech tip --- ### [Good Quality Water Delivers a Cleaner Car Wash](https://dscarwash.com/blog/good-quality-water-delivers-a-cleaner-car-wash/) **Published:** October 15, 2015 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Poor water quality can be the primary issue when cars aren’t being cleaned properly at the car wash. Here are some things to consider. Because of its lower mineral content, reverse osmosis (RO) water is often used in car washes during the final vehicle rinse to prevent water spotting on the vehicle. RO water also enables a car wash operator to reduce the demands on the vehicle drying equipment such as air blowers. Other benefits of using RO water include less need for towel drying after the vehicle has finished the wash process and less soap required to mix with RO water because RO water has fewer minerals and total dissolved solids, thus requiring less soap to be effective. Due to the very small pore sizes of the RO membranes it is vital that ground and surface water is adequately pre-treated prior to the reverse osmosis process. Depending on the hardness of the water involved, scaling of the filter membrane is likely to occur. Keeping a log of the following system parameters can help you determine if scale is forming: ***Water Softener*** is used to remove calcium and magnesium hardness from the feed water to prevent hardness scaling. This can also remove a small amount of iron. ***Carbon Filter*** is used to remove chlorine and organics from the feed water. Free chlorine will cause rapid irreversible damage to the RO membranes. The chlorine present in most municipal water supplies will damage the thin film composite structure of the RO membranes. Carbon filtration should be used to completely remove the free chlorine residual. ***A Prefilter Cartridge*** is used to remove smaller suspended solids and trap any particles that may be generated by the other pretreatment. The cartridge(s) should be replaced when the pressure drop across the housing increases 5-10 psig over the clean cartridge pressure drop. Typically installed on the feed water side of the reverse osmosis system, this is not considered the primary pretreatment. When a reverse osmosis system is fed with good quality (softened, chlorine free) water, it can be trouble-free for years. In fact, RO membranes can last up to 3 years (if not longer), and a reverse osmosis system can last up to 15 years. **Categories:** Tech Tip Center --- ### [How to Remove & Install Car Wash Decals](https://dscarwash.com/blog/how-to-remove-install-car-wash-decals/) **Published:** October 15, 2015 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** As a dealership, offering free car washes to today’s savvy customers is just good business. It shows you value their car and want to help them protect their investment. It’s important to maintain a clean, bright wash bay for your customers’ use, including replacing machine and sign decals when they become faded, worn, or damaged. With only a bit of preparation and a few simple tools, replacing machine and sign graphics is a task your detail department can quickly complete – easily and effectively. Click on the video at left to watch D&S demonstrate a safe and effective way to remove your worn or damaged decals and install new decals. **Categories:** Tech Tip Center --- ### [Using the Full Potential of the IQ Car Wash](https://dscarwash.com/blog/using-the-full-potential-of-the-iq-car-wash/) **Published:** October 21, 2015 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** The full potential of an IQ In Bay Automatic Car Wash System can be realized simply by adding broadband internet access and a standard desktop computer to the control room of your car wash. Using these communication tools, you can take advantage of the IQ’s Email Notification and Remote Access functionalities to maximize uptime and minimize costly troubleshooting time. Each morning your IQ will send out a wash count email to inform you know how many washes were performed the previous day as well as the total washes performed since its activation date. In the event your IQ Car Wash experiences a shutdown fault, it will automatically send you, everyone you designate, and a D&S representative an email to ensure the fastest possible response time. Remote Access allows you and everyone you designate to remotely access, monitor, and control all features of the IQ Car Wash from your web browser – the same as can be done on site in person. This includes: - Manually activating all functions of the wash, including remote wash reset - Troubleshooting the machine variable frequency drives - Viewing the entire fault and anomaly history - Modifying wash parameters and recipes [Contact us](https://dscarwash.com/contact/) to discuss your car wash needs with one of our experienced D&S car wash professionals – we’re here to help! **Categories:** Tech Tip Center --- ### [Automated Truck Wash ROI: IQ MAX Fleet Cost Guide | D&S](https://dscarwash.com/blog/iq-maximize-your-profit-margin-cleaning-power/) **Published:** March 10, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** # IQ MAX Automated Truck Wash: Calculate Fleet Washing ROI For a fleet, the cost of washing a truck goes beyond soap and water. Labor, trips to an off-site wash, vehicle downtime, utilities and maintenance all affect the total. An in-house automated truck wash can improve that equation, but the result depends on your vehicle mix and how often you wash. The [IQ MAX touch-free large vehicle wash system](https://dscarwash.com/large-vehicle-wash-equipment/iq-max/) uses 3D vehicle scanning to tailor each wash to the vehicle’s dimensions. Here’s how to compare it with your current process and identify the numbers that matter most. ## What drives fleet washing cost per vehicle? Start with the actual cost of your current wash process, not just the price on a service invoice. For manual or outsourced washing, include: - **Labor:** Employee time spent washing, driving, waiting and managing the wash process. - **Downtime:** Time a truck or bus is unavailable for its usual work. - **Wash expenses:** Outsourced fees, water, electricity, chemicals and other consumables. - **Consistency:** Rework when vehicles need another pass or difficult areas are missed. Then compare those figures with an on-site system’s oversight labor, utilities, chemicals, maintenance and installed equipment cost. The more vehicles you wash each month, the more washes over which you can spread a fixed investment. ## How does IQ MAX change labor, downtime and cleaning? The IQ MAX is an automated, touch-free system designed for large vehicles. Its light-grid and 3D scanning technology profiles each vehicle and guides nozzle movement around its shape. This helps the system reach areas such as roofs, mirrors, ladders and stacks while reducing contact-related damage risk. The published IQ MAX article describes wash cycles of **10–20 minutes**. Actual time will depend on the vehicle and wash program. Bringing washing on-site can also remove travel and queue time associated with an off-site facility. D&S describes the system as requiring one operator for oversight, rather than a full manual washing crew. Its all-electric design uses variable-frequency-drive motor control, and its remote monitoring tools provide access to wash counts, settings and service information. These features matter when you’re assessing bay availability, staffing and long-term operating cost—not only cleaning speed. ## Which vehicles and sites can IQ MAX accommodate? IQ MAX is designed for mixed large-vehicle fleets, including vans, work trucks, school buses and tractor-trailers. Published product specifications list an **optimal operating height of 13 ft 6 in**, a **maximum vehicle height of 14 ft**, and a **maximum vehicle width of 10 ft**. At the maximum height, the top wand operates slightly outside its optimal range. Before estimating throughput or payback, check your bay dimensions, vehicle accessories and utility capacity against the [IQ MAX specifications](https://dscarwash.com/large-vehicle-wash-equipment/iq-max/). A D&S specialist can help determine the right configuration for your fleet and site. ## How to calculate automated truck wash ROI Use your own numbers for a comparison you can defend: 1. **Calculate current annual wash expense.** Add outsourced wash fees or manual-wash labor, travel and waiting time, supplies, utilities, and any measurable vehicle downtime. 2. **Estimate IQ MAX annual operating expense.** Include oversight labor, water, chemicals, power, maintenance and remaining vehicle downtime. Get site-specific estimates rather than applying a generic cost-per-wash figure. 3. **Find annual operating savings.** Subtract the IQ MAX annual operating expense from your current annual wash expense. 4. **Estimate simple payback.** Divide the total installed equipment cost by annual operating savings, if savings are positive. This is a screening estimate; financing, taxes and future cost changes require a fuller analysis. For a fully loaded **cost per wash**, also allocate the equipment investment over its useful life and divide total annual costs by expected annual wash volume. If you operate a paid truck-wash bay, model revenue per wash and bay utilization separately from fleet cost savings. ## Can IQ MAX support a commercial wash bay? For operators serving outside fleets or retail customers, the same automated wash can be paired with RFID access and WashCard payment options. In that case, profitability depends on local demand, pricing, washes per day and operating cost—not just wash-cycle speed. The [IQ MAX product page](https://dscarwash.com/large-vehicle-wash-equipment/iq-max/) is the best next step for equipment options and a site-specific quote. ## IQ MAX fleet washing questions ### How long does an IQ MAX wash take? The published D&S article cites **10–20 minutes per cycle**. Ask for timing based on your vehicle types, soil levels and wash settings when comparing it with your current process. ### Does IQ MAX work for mixed fleets? It is designed for vehicles ranging from vans and work trucks to buses and tractor-trailers. Confirm the dimensions of your tallest and widest vehicles, including mirrors and accessories, against the published specifications. ### Will automated washing lower my cost per wash? It may, especially when manual labor, off-site travel or wash-related downtime are significant. The result depends on wash volume, local labor and utility costs, maintenance, and the installed price. Use the calculation above with your own fleet data. **Ready to run the numbers?** [Explore IQ MAX specifications and request a site-specific quote](https://dscarwash.com/large-vehicle-wash-equipment/iq-max/). **Categories:** Truck and Fleet **Tags:** Truck and Fleet --- ### [Your Slowest Season Could Be Your Most Profitable — Smart Summer Upgrades](https://dscarwash.com/blog/your-slowest-season-could-be-your-most-profitable-smart-summer-upgrades/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** *Originally posted on the [WashCard Systems blog](https://washcard.com/the-importance-of-contactless-payments/).* Why summer is the smartest time to upgrade your wash. ## **Prep for Profitability** Summer car wash upgrades turn your slowest season into preparation for your most profitable months. With fewer cars in line, you can shut down bays for maintenance, install new equipment, and train staff without sacrificing as much revenue as you would in fall or winter. ## **Is Summer Really Slower?** Across the U.S., operators report that summer is typically the quietest stretch between pollen season and winter grime. One industry analysis notes that volumes often dip noticeably in mid-summer as families travel and spend time away from their usual routines. That lull is painful if you only look at daily counts — but powerful if you treat it as an annual “construction season.” In Minnesota (where WashCard is based!) and other cold-weather markets, you already think in terms of two seasons: winter and construction. Adopting the same mindset for your wash means planning any major work — especially anything involving concrete, plumbing, or extended closures — for the warm, dry months. That way, you hit fall with fresher equipment, better chemistry, and fewer surprise breakdowns. ### **Upgrade Option 1: Operational Advancements That Reduce Downtime** The most profitable summer projects are often the least flashy: the operational upgrades that keep bays running in January when every minute of uptime counts. Start with a detailed inspection list: pumps, hoses, nozzles, weep systems, undercarriage sprays, lighting, and any aging touch points in the bay. A practical tactic is to schedule one bay “offline” each week during your slowest day and time. Rotate through all bays, replacing worn tips, repairing leaks, and checking water pressure. Document each change so you can see which components fail most often. Many operators find that a few hundred dollars in proactive part replacement saves thousands in emergency calls during the first cold snap. If you run an in-bay automatic, summer is the moment to address chronic issues like uneven coverage, misaligned blowers, or arch failures. Bringing in a trusted technician now, when they’re not slammed with winter calls, usually means faster scheduling and better rates. Ask for a written performance baseline—cycle time, water use, and chemical consumption—so you can compare again after winter. Finally, consider automation that reduces labor and human error. Simple add-ons like remote monitoring for bay faults or chemistry levels can cut response time from hours to minutes. A fully automated payment lane, tie-in to your site controller, or remote start/stop capability all reduce your chances of discovering an issue only when a line of cars is already backed up. ### **Upgrade Option 2: Modern Payments That Match How Drivers Want to Pay** Updating how customers pay is one of the highest-ROI car wash payment upgrades you can tackle in summer. Drivers now expect tap-to-pay (via mobile or card), EMV chip, swipe, and mobile wallets everywhere — from coffee shops to gas pumps — and a wash that only takes cash or magstripe cards feels outdated the moment they pull up. Industry data shows why this matters. [A payment study](https://blog.payroc.com/car-wash-payments-why-throughput-not-tech-features-drives-revenue) from Payroc emphasizes that in car washing, payment technology isn’t just about convenience; it’s about speed and throughput. Every extra tap, misread card, or confusing screen adds seconds, which quickly turn into abandoned lines and lost revenue. Installing tap-to-pay readers and a clean, simple user interface at your pay stations reduces friction. Customers spend less time figuring out buttons and more time moving through the wash. Pair that with a mobile app solution like [UWashApp](https://washcard.com/offerings/uwashapp/) that supports loyalty, subscription plans, and in-app payment, and you create a habit: customers choose your wash before they even pull out of the driveway. Summer is ideal for these changes because you can test, tweak messaging, and train your regulars while volume is lower. Promote the upgrade clearly on signage: “Now accepting tap-to-pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay” or “Download our app for faster washes and rewards.” By the time fall traffic returns, paying at your wash feels effortless — and that ease directly supports higher ticket averages and membership adoption. ### **Upgrade Option 3: Low-Cost Cosmetic Improvements That Refresh Your Site Fast** Not every summer upgrade has to be a six-figure equipment project. Small, cosmetic improvements often deliver an outsized impact on how clean, modern, and trustworthy your wash feels to passing drivers. The goal is to make someone who hasn’t stopped in months think, “Wow, this place looks new.” Start with visibility. Fresh, high-contrast signage is one of the cheapest ways to boost curb appeal. Replace faded or wordy menus with bright, simple graphics that highlight your best packages and any new technology: “Contactless Pay,” “Mobile App,” or “Fleet Options Available.” Even swapping out old fluorescent bay lights for clean LED strips can make concrete and equipment look years newer. Walk your lot at night and in bad weather. Are your entrances clear? Are vacuums well lit? Is there a clean, obvious path from the street to the pay station? Many operators discover that a weekend of pressure washing, repainting curbs, and fixing potholes transforms the feel of the property. Customers equate a tidy lot with well-maintained equipment and better wash results. Inside the bays, fresh wall coatings, new foam brushes, and simple instructional decals go a long way. Consider adding clear “Step 1, 2, 3” visuals or QR codes that link to a quick how-to video. Each of these projects can typically be completed during a single slow day, but they compound into a noticeably improved experience when fall and winter customers return. ## **Marketing Moves to Relaunch Your Upgraded Wash in the Fall** Upgrades pay off fastest when you tell people about them. Treat your summer projects as the build-up to a fall “relaunch,” even if you never fully shut your site down. The story you want customers to hear is simple: “We used the slow months to make your wash faster, easier, and better.” Begin by documenting your work. Take before-and-after photos of bays, payment kiosks, and signage as you complete each upgrade. These become powerful visuals for social media, email campaigns, and in-app messages. A short caption like “New tap-to-pay and brighter bays — ready for back-to-school traffic” connects your investment to their everyday life. Consider a limited-time fall promotion to encourage trial. For example, offer a small bonus on stored-value accounts loaded through your app, or a discount on your top package for customers who use contactless payment. Tie the offer to a clear deadline, such as Labor Day or the first week of school, to create urgency. Don’t overlook on-site marketing. Windshield stickers, pump toppers at nearby gas stations, and flyers at local businesses remind drivers that your wash is ready for the season change. Partnering with youth sports leagues or school fundraisers in August and September can also bring new families through your upgraded site. ## **Planning Your Summer Upgrade Roadmap with Realistic Numbers** To make summer upgrades sustainable year after year, build them into an annual plan and budget. Instead of treating projects as one-off emergencies, map out a three-year roadmap that covers equipment replacement, payment technology, cosmetic refreshes, and marketing. Start with your revenue data from the last 12–24 months. Identify your slowest weeks by average ticket count, then pencil those in as your target windows for closures or large installs. If your summer volume is, say, 25% lower than your winter peak, you can estimate the “cost” of taking a bay offline for a day and compare it to the value of the upgrade. For example, if the new [WashCard Cashless Payment Station](https://washcard.com/offerings/cashless-payment-system/) costs you roughly $19,000 and you estimate it can increase throughput enough to add three extra cars per hour during peak times, run the math. At $16 per ticket and 20 peak hours per week, that’s up to $960 a week — meaning the pay station could pay for itself in under six months of busy-season operation. Finally, schedule regular check-ins on your upgrade ROI each fall. Track membership growth, average ticket size, rewash rates, and any reduction in emergency service calls. When you can tie summer investments to concrete improvements in fall and winter performance, it becomes much easier to justify the next round of upgrades — and to keep turning your slowest season into the foundation of your strongest profits. **Categories:** Industry Insight **Tags:** Industry Insights --- ### [How Much Does It Cost to Open a Self-Service Car Wash?](https://dscarwash.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-open-a-self-service-car-wash/) **Published:** October 5, 2026 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** **A realistic breakdown of what you’ll spend — and what drives the numbers.** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Self-service car washes have one of the most accessible entry points in the car wash industry. Compared to a full tunnel or even a single in-bay automatic, the capital required to open a self-serve operation is lower — and the simplicity of the model means fewer moving parts, lower labor costs, and a straightforward path to profitability when the site and execution are right. But “accessible” doesn’t mean cheap. The range of investment figures you’ll encounter in your research — anywhere from $75,000 to well over $500,000 — reflects genuine variation in site conditions, bay count, equipment quality, and market costs. This post breaks down the real cost categories so you can build a credible estimate for your specific situation. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **The Short Answer: What to Expect** A new self-service car wash installation typically runs between **$150,000 and $500,000** for a 4–6 bay operation, all-in. Smaller builds in lower-cost markets can come in below that range. Larger multi-bay sites, premium equipment packages, or locations requiring significant site work can push well above it. Here’s how that investment typically breaks down: Cost Category Typical Range Site / real estate $30,000 – $300,000+ Equipment $15,000 – $35,000 per bay Building & construction $60,000 – $200,000 Permits & fees $5,000 – $25,000 Working capital $20,000 – $60,000 These are ranges, not guarantees. Your actual numbers depend on where you’re building, how many bays you’re putting in, and what level of equipment you’re specifying. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **1. Site and Real Estate** As with any car wash format, real estate is your biggest variable — and the factor that will most determine whether the business works long-term. The good news for self-serve operators: you typically need less land than a tunnel wash and a simpler structure than a fully enclosed in-bay automatic facility. A 4-bay self-serve operation can work on a relatively modest commercially-zoned parcel. That said, location quality still drives everything. Your site cost depends heavily on whether you’re: • **Buying land for a standalone build** — Commercially zoned parcels with strong traffic visibility vary dramatically by market. In secondary and rural markets, you may find suitable land for $30,000–$100,000. In suburban or urban areas with the traffic counts you need, land cost can exceed $300,000. • **Leasing a commercial site** — Reduces upfront capital but adds a fixed monthly expense. Make sure the lease term is long enough to recover your equipment investment — a 5-year lease on a 15-year equipment life creates a mismatch. • **Adding bays to an existing property** — If you operate a convenience store, gas station, or other commercial site, adding self-serve bays to existing property is often the most capital-efficient path. You’re leveraging real estate you already control. **What makes a self-serve site work**: Self-serve draws from a tighter geographic radius than automatic washes — customers choose self-serve when it’s convenient, not when it requires a detour. Neighborhoods with strong owner-occupancy rates, truck and SUV ownership, and limited nearby competition tend to perform well. Aim for a site with at least 10,000–15,000 vehicles per day on adjacent roads. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **2. Equipment** Self-serve equipment cost is calculated per bay — and the number of bays you build directly multiplies this line item. A typical self-serve bay includes a high-pressure pump system, chemical metering and delivery, the meter box or payment terminal, foam brush, rinse arch, and related plumbing and electrical components. **Equipment cost per bay:** • **Entry-level systems:** $15,000 – $20,000 per bay • **Mid-range systems:** $20,000 – $28,000 per bay • **Premium systems:** $28,000 – $35,000+ per bay For a 4-bay operation, that puts equipment cost between $60,000 and $140,000 before ancillaries. For a 6-bay operation, budget $90,000 to $210,000. The quality differences between tiers show up over time: pump longevity, chemical system reliability, ease of service, and component durability in a high-cycle, all-weather environment. A busy bay can process thousands of vehicles per year. Equipment that holds up under that load and is easy to service when something needs attention pays for the premium over its service life. **Also factor in:** • **Payment systems** — Modern multi-bay payment terminals and loyalty-capable systems typically add $5,000–$15,000 per location depending on configuration. This is increasingly a required investment rather than an optional upgrade. • **Vacuum stations** — Self-serve vacs are a natural ancillary revenue source. Budget $2,000–$5,000 per vacuum unit installed. • **Chemical inventory and dispensing setup** — Initial chemical stock and supply system setup typically runs $3,000–$8,000 at opening. • **In-bay automatic addition** — Many operators find the combination of self-serve and a single in-bay automatic on the same site significantly increases overall revenue per square foot. If you’re considering that addition, budget an additional $80,000–$175,000 for the IBA unit. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **3. Building and Construction** Self-serve construction is generally less complex than a fully enclosed in-bay facility — but site conditions can move this number significantly. Budget for: • **Site prep and civil work** — Grading, drainage, paving, and utilities. This is the category most first-time builders underestimate. A site that looks straightforward can require $20,000–$80,000 in civil work before a single piece of equipment is installed. Get a site-specific estimate early. • **Canopy and bay structure** — A self-serve wash typically uses an open or semi-enclosed canopy structure. A quality steel canopy covering 4–6 bays typically runs $40,000–$100,000 installed, including concrete approach and equipment pads. • **Utility connections** — You’ll need adequate water supply and pressure, drainage meeting local environmental requirements, electrical service for pumps and payment systems, and heating for cold-climate operation. Budget $10,000–$40,000 for utility connections depending on site conditions. • **Reclaim and water treatment** — Many jurisdictions now require wash water reclaim or treatment systems. Budget $10,000–$30,000 if required; confirm local regulations before finalizing your project budget. • **Lighting and signage** — Budget $5,000–$15,000 for exterior and bay lighting plus signage that keeps the location visible and professional after dark. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 4\. Permits and Regulatory Fees Permitting for a self-serve car wash follows standard commercial construction requirements — with specific considerations around water use, drainage, and environmental compliance that vary significantly by jurisdiction. Typical costs include: • **Building permits:** $2,000 – $8,000 • **Environmental and stormwater permits:** $1,000 – $5,000; more in regulated watersheds or where reclaim systems are required • **Water and sewer connection fees:** $2,000 – $15,000 depending on municipality • **Zoning, conditional use, or variance applications:** $500 – $5,000 Work with a local civil engineer or permitting consultant before you commit to a site. They’ll know what approvals are required, how long they take, and where projects commonly stall. A two-month permitting delay is two months of revenue you’re not earning. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **5. Working Capital** Working capital is the reserve that keeps your operation running through the early months before you’ve built consistent volume — and covers the unexpected costs that come with any new build. Budget for: • **Operating expenses before cash-flow positive** — utilities, chemicals, insurance, debt service, and maintenance during ramp-up. Budget 3–6 months of operating expenses as a reserve. • **Initial marketing and launch** — $2,000 – $8,000 for grand opening promotions, local advertising, and signage that announces you’re open. • **Equipment contingency** — New installations often require adjustments after commissioning. Keep a reserve of $5,000–$15,000 for early service calls or fine-tuning. • **Ongoing chemical and supply inventory** — Budget for 60–90 days of supply inventory at opening. A working capital reserve of $20,000 – $60,000 is appropriate for most self-serve builds. Going in undercapitalized is one of the most common failure modes in new car wash investments — the business is sound, but an early equipment issue or slower-than-expected ramp drains reserves before the operation finds its footing. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **How Many Bays Should You Build?** Bay count is the most direct lever on both your investment and your revenue potential — and the right number depends on your site, your market, and your capital. • **2–3 bays** — Suitable for smaller markets, lower-traffic sites, or operators testing the model alongside an existing business. Lower capital, lower revenue ceiling. • **4–6 bays** — The most common configuration for standalone self-serve operations. Enough throughput capacity to serve a solid customer base with reasonable construction cost per bay. • **7+ bays** — Makes sense in higher-traffic markets or where you’re building a destination wash. Construction cost per bay decreases at scale, but total investment rises significantly. A well-located self-serve bay can generate $15,000–$35,000 in annual revenue depending on market, pricing, and traffic. Model out your specific situation before committing to bay count. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ What Drives Your Number Up or Down **Push it higher:** • Urban or high-cost real estate markets • Sites requiring significant grading, drainage, or utility work • Larger bay counts • Adding in-bay automatic, vacuums, or vending • Cold climates requiring heated bays and freeze protection • Jurisdictions with strict water treatment or reclaim requirements **Pull it lower:** • Adding to a property you already own • Rural or lower-cost construction markets • Smaller bay counts with phased expansion planned • Minimal civil work required on site \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Building a Pro Forma Before You Commit The cost breakdown above tells you what you’ll spend to open. What matters equally is what you’ll earn. The self-serve model has genuine strengths for a pro forma: low labor requirements, relatively predictable operating costs, and a revenue stream that runs around the clock without staffing. A realistic 4–6 bay self-serve operation in a solid location can generate $80,000–$180,000+ in annual revenue with operating margins that compare favorably to other small commercial investments. Before you commit capital, model out your break-even: what volume do you need at your planned pricing to cover debt service, operating costs, and earn a return? If you’d like help thinking through the numbers for a site you’re evaluating, that’s exactly the kind of conversation we have with prospective operators every day. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ The Bottom Line Self-service car washes offer one of the more straightforward paths into the car wash business — lower entry cost than an automatic wash, minimal staffing requirements, and durable customer demand that doesn’t go away. The operators who succeed are the ones who go in with a realistic picture: honest cost assumptions, a site chosen for traffic and convenience rather than cheap real estate, and enough working capital to get through the early months. Plan carefully, build quality, and choose a supplier who’ll still be a resource five years from now — not just at the point of sale. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ D&S Car Wash Supply has been helping operators plan, build, and run successful car wash operations for over 50 years. If you’re evaluating a self-serve investment or looking to expand an existing operation, contact us to talk through your project. **Categories:** Industry Insight **Tags:** car wash bays, car wash business, car wash construction, car wash investment, car wash operators, car wash permits, car wash ROI, car wash startup costs, self-serve equipment, self-service car wash --- ### [IQ Car Wash Fleet Surpasses 2m Wash Mark!](https://dscarwash.com/blog/iq-car-wash-fleet-surpasses-2000000-wash-mark/) **Published:** October 15, 2015 **Author:** MarCom **Content:** Our Smarter. Cleaner. Greener.™ IQ Car Wash fleet recently reached – *and surpassed* – its ***2** **millionth*** wash! Since 2010, our 3D vehicle-scanning technology and simple design have proven to be reliable and effective for car wash owners, convenience store chains, and auto dealerships alike. They know the IQ Car Wash provides a high quality wash and very low cost of ownership. We can help you work Smarter. Cleaner. Greener.™ with an IQ Car Wash System! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** IQ Car Wash --- ### [Get Ready for Spring! Time Check List](https://dscarwash.com/blog/its-spring-daylight-savings-time-check-list/) **Published:** March 14, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Here’s a handy spring car wash check list to help pull your car wash out of the winter “doldrums” and prepare properly to keep your customers happy during the warmer (and busier!) Spring/Summer season. **Check/Reset Clocks and Timers** Equipment Using Date & Time Timers for On Site Lighting • Parking Lot • Bay Lighting • Illuminated Equipment (Vendors, Vacuums, etc) **Check Fire and Theft Prevention Equipment** Fire Extinguishers Smoke Detectors CO2 Detectors Security Alarms **Check Batteries on Emergency Exit Signs and Emergency Lighting** **Clean or Replace Air Filters** HVAC Systems Air Compressors **Check, Inspect and Replenish On-site First Aid Kit and Equipment** **Check Hoses in the Attic and Bays for Wear and Winter Damage** **Check RO and Water Softeners Filters and Membranes** **Drain, Flush and Inspect Water Heater Tanks and Elements** **Check and Top Off Hydraulic Tanks** **Dispose of Empty Chemical Containers from the Winter** **Clean and Inspect Building Gutters and Drains** **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** car wash spring check list, spring car wash check list --- ### [2024 NATSO CONNECT](https://dscarwash.com/blog/2024-natso-connect/) **Published:** January 5, 2024 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/natso_NEW_full_logo.png)D&S will participate at this year’s premier industry event for travel centers and truck stops. **RSVP** **Categories:** Events, Truck and Fleet **Tags:** iq max, large vehicle wash, NATSO, travel centers, TRUCK STOPS, truck wash --- ### [IQ in the FastLane](https://dscarwash.com/blog/iq-in-the-fastlane/) **Published:** July 27, 2021 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Life in the fast lane can surely make you lose your mind, but only when singing the lyrics to the famous 1977 Eagles single. Nowadays life in the Fastlane is incredibly convenient, combining the petrol services of a gas station with the additional provisions of a shopping center, resulting in the chain becoming one of Missouri’s fastest growing C-Store centers with over 35 locations across the state. Their mission to provide such a high level of service to their customers doesn’t stop inside the building or by the gas pumps though – as the C-Store chain recently acquired 2 IQ Soft-Touch machines for their on-site car washes, one for their location in Wentzville, MO and the other at their Valley Park, MO location. For the Wentzville location in particular, the firm decided to install the full IQ Express treatment. Along with the IQ Soft-Touch machine, the Wentzville location received Clear Coat Protectant and Spot-Free Rinse arches and Tire Shiner to be placed in succession after the initial Soft-Touch scrubbing section of the wash cycle. These additional features coupled with the Convenience Store setting perfectly showcases the hybrid function of the IQ Express – as it displays the best of both IBAs as well as Tunnel washes. Manager Brian Baker continues the family legacy at this location: as he now manages the Wentzville FastLane – one of a number of locations owned by him and his folks. Baker stated when asked about the Express onsite: “I love it. It’s my favorite wash the company \[FastLane\] uses. My cousin actually calls me to get him a wash every few weeks.” For Brian, the benefits of an on-site car wash at a C-Store location are clearly evident. In it’s 3,000+ vehicles washed in its 4 months of operation, the equipment has proven to be a breeze to maintain. “I haven’t had any issues a tech has had to come out for. I’ve had to manually reset some things here and there, but it was simple – not a hassle at all.” When asked about his personal feelings toward the wash, Brian listed his favorite aspects of the Express as the tire shine and IQ scanning ability. Brian also explained his genuine enthusiasm for the equipment: “I tell people about it all the time, and when I do I explain that despite me having the wash at my store – I try not to be biased. It’s literally the best system I’ve used. It’s thorough and makes my truck look pristine for the rest of the week. It’s great.” For the Valley Park location, the genius approach was used – as the installation called for a replacement of old equipment in favor of the new IQ 2.0 Soft-Touch Genius Series. With limited space at this location, it didn’t receive the same Express treatment as its sister – but the Valley Park location serves as yet another case of worn-down equipment being replaced by the Smarter, Cleaner, and Greener IQ. For this location, the tried-and-true IQ Soft-Touch became the answer to provide another on-site avenue for passive revenue. For Kelly Edwards, manager of the Valley Park site, it wasn’t just the machine that impressed her – but also the prompt service from her distributor when assistance is needed. “The team D&S sent out for install and support are responsive, they’re quick, and they get it done. For me and my team, that’s been so great.” In both cases, the needs of not only the customer – but also the wash itself and logistics – were considered and utilized to create the best possible return on investment in these locations. For the Wentzville location, the larger size of the bay coupled with the C-Store setting made the IQ Express a perfect fit. The higher throughput, shorter wait times, and reduced complexity of the Express compliments the C-Store style perfectly – as it puts convenience at the forefront while maintaining the same amazing wash quality. For the Valley Park location, the emphasis on customer service and assistance from the service team is what makes the difference. Whatever the vehicle cleaning needs of your C-Store may be, the IQ has been proven time and again through its versatility that it belongs in your bay. D&S Regional Manager Bill Hoaglin headed both installations. **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [D&S Joins "Buy Missouri" Program](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-joins-buy-missouri-program/) **Published:** May 22, 2018 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Recently, D&S Carwash Equipment was accepted into the “Buy Missouri” Program sponsored by the Office of Lieutenant Governor, Mike Parsons. As a Missouri-based manufacturer, we are proud to be recognized with this designation in support of our business and state economy. The campaign will include a categorized interactive directory of qualifying Missouri-made products, national and international marketing and promotion, as well as additional events and publicity to showcase “Buy Missouri” member companies. In turn, D&S is committed to supporting this program by giving appropriate consideration to sourcing products and services from fellow participants. **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Highway 84 Auto & RV Wash - Hartington, NE](https://dscarwash.com/blog/highway-84-auto-rv-wash-hartington-ne/) **Published:** October 17, 2018 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** A Ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 during a week-long open house celebrating the grand opening of Highway 84 Auto & RV Wash in Hartington, NE. The new 2 bay car wash features an IQ 2.0 Touch Free Automatic and a self-service bay is owned by Jackrabbit Ventures LLC, which features the first initials of the owners’ names: Jody Koch, Chrys Koch, Keith Eickhoff, Ryan Eickhoff and Brandon Eickhoff. The group’s extensive business background and the discussions about the progress in the town of Hartington kickstarted the beginnings for a new car wash. The initial journey started with the group researching various car wash companies around the US. They decided to further investigate D&S Car Wash Equipment Company and after visiting the factory in the Spring of 2017. Impressed with the equipment, they soon knew they wanted to bring the IQ back to Hartington. “When we were at the factory they were in their research lab working with the chemical makeup of their soap and how to break down grasshopper remains on the windshield of vehicles in the southern United States where they are going through a drought. This was another reason to convince us that D&S wants to have the best car wash in every aspect,” Jody Koch said. The group initially wanted to get Highway 84 Auto & RV wash operating before the end of 2017 but the obstacle was time. However, after almost two years of planning and researching, ground was broken in mid July 2018. Keeping the building of the facility and IQ 2.0 concept of Smarter, Cleaner and Greener in mind, the principals utilized eco-friendly and energy efficient products in everything they could. Constructing the walls from LiteFoam and poly liner panels that are fastened with stainless steel screws on the interior of the bay. Highway 84 Auto and RV wash also features LED lights, and in-floor heat. “It will have a long life and low maintenance,” Jody said. Installers from MidWest Equipment Sales lead by Brian Merz, Kyle Merz and Jason Rose came to install the equipment the week of Sept. 17 and the business shortly opened its doors Oct. 6, even though they had planned on waiting a few more days. “It was such a beautiful October day and we were so excited to finally have it ready for people we decided to open two days early,” Chrys Koch said. Keith Eickhoff thinks people will appreciate the new business. “A vehicle is an investment. Just like one should change the oil regularly and replace tires as needed, keeping a car clean should be a priority,” he said. **Categories:** Investors --- ### [Grub & Scrub - Eugene, MO](https://dscarwash.com/blog/gs-ds-success/) **Published:** September 22, 2021 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** # G&S + D&S = Success! What kind of food can you get at a car wash? It seems like a bizarre question, but not for inquisitive patrons at Eugene MO’s Grub & Scrub (G&S) – a business which houses both a restaurant featuring Cajun menu staples plus an on-site 3-Bay car wash. On the long stretch of MO’s I-54 to make the journey from the State’s capital Jefferson City to the must-see Missouri destination The Lake of the Ozarks, there isn’t much to write home about. For the most part, drivers who embark on this journey have a long track of lonely road ahead of them – with a vehicle spotted with Missouri’s natural pollen and dust along with an empty belly. These patrons often pass by the G&S building on I-54 and are caught by the sight of the only wash in 15 miles. Upon further inspection, they see that it’s not just a car wash – but also a place to grab a bite to eat! According to Grub & Scrub employee Cierra, one of the things she hears most often when patrons enter the business is “what kind of food can you get at a car wash?” to which she replies “come and find out!” While the restaurant features many different options for your meal like burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, ice cream, and appetizers, the menu shines brightest in the Cajun section – which features southern delicacies such as shrimp, jambalaya, crab, gumbo, and etouffee. This may seem like a rather unorthodox business plan, but it all spawned from a simple whim: provide members of the community with a supplement to their needs. Through this process, owner Shawn Dworaczyk experienced first-hand what it was like to go through the entire car wash process from the planning phase, to finding a distributor, to morphing his business along the way and reaping the rewards for his success. **The Beginning** The undertaking began when Shawn and others in the community continued to be frustrated with an inferior wash location in their area. Prior to G&S’ conception, the only wash in the area was a neglected Self-Serve bay – a worn-down building with obsolete equipment caked in dirt and grime. It was then that Shawn saw an opportunity to bring clean vehicles to the central point between the State’s Capital and Lakeside tourist destination. The first step of this, of course, is to decide on the right equipment. As Shawn traveled in his search by experiencing various wash systems first-hand, one equipment system caught his attention by doing an absolutely stellar job. It was then Shawn decided to equip his new project with an IQ Touch-Free machine from D&S Car Wash Equipment Company. **Distributor Unlocked** Shawn’s next step was to establish connections, where he met with D&S Distributor Brian Templeton of Supreme Car Wash Systems. From there, Brian and Shawn worked together to lay out exactly what the wash was going to be. At first, Shawn’s vision simply portrayed a car wash. As the project grew, Shawn’s love of cooking tempted him to expand his idea. Shawn recollected “At first, I just wanted to serve hot dogs and burgers as a small side attraction – something for people to be able to sit down and eat.” As the project continued to expand, as did the menu. “It started with just a few of my favorite foods, and I just kept adding on to the menu. I figured since I travel to New Orleans a lot, I could bring authentic Cajun food to Mid-Missouri.” And so he did, crafting a Cajun section of the menu dedicated to bringing fresh seafood from the bayou all the way to the small, unincorporated, Boone county area – which seems like a perfect thematic fit for a car wash given the common link of water between a car wash and seafood. **Two Birds with One Stone** This unique business plan of providing a community with multiple different needs at once is what made the difference for Shawn, as the popularity of the site was plainly evident upon opening. Shawn explains “The restaurant was open first, and people liked the food a lot – but we would always hear people ask ‘when’s the car wash opening?’ or ‘when can i get a car wash?’. When it did, it was an immediate hit. From our opening in April \[2020\], we were packed all the way until October \[2020\].” The success of the site is no secret, as it is truly a one-of-a-kind business plan which caters to two different needs of the community – a place to wash your car and a place to sit down and have a good meal: both missions at which the business excels. Coupled with the state-of-the-art IQ Touch-Free, which provides a customized 3D ultrasonic scan for each vehicle that passes through the bay and provides a wash tailor-made to that vehicle, Shawn’s desire to bring authentic Cajun food to the site lends a culinary outlet otherwise unavailable in the area. As an avid seafood fan, this marketing communications specialist decided to test his palette on the grub side of Grub & Scrub during his visit and was not disappointed. A bowl of the Cajun Seafood Etouffee (pronounced Eh-Too-Fay) was my dish of choice – which contained shrimp, crawfish, and rice sauteed with the cajun trinity served with bread. In a sentence, it was simply delicious – and on a more personal note, my wife shares the sentiment after trying the leftovers I brought home that evening. This pairing of outstanding food and a great car wash supplements the business twofold and continues to fuel its success from both ends. **The Future** At the moment, things seem to be going great for Shawn, his family, and his team – but Shawn’s eyes are already set for the future and expansion. Shawn’s interest in D&S’ new IQ MAX equipment designed for large vehicles stems from yet another need in his life. Shawn owns a fleet of 53 Semi Truck Auto Haulers and a fleet of 10 Dump Trucks through another business under his ownership – S&S Auto Transport – and has become interwoven in the trucker community in the area – so he fully understands the desire for an automatic large vehicle wash for these individuals. Shawn elaborates “The closest truck wash is in Kingdom City – about 45 minutes away. To drive all the way out there, sit in line for a potential 3 or so hours, then drive back – that’s about 5 or 6 hours just wasted. So much money lost in labor and simply cleaning the vehicle. Having this alternative solution closer to home would be huge.” We look forward to seeing what the future holds in store for Shawn and the entire team at Grub & Scrub! Shawn was assisted by Brian Templeton of Supreme Car Wash Systems, which supplies car wash equipment sales and service, replacement parts and chemicals, training and consultation for the Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas areas. *“Our goal is to help you build and operate a successful carwash business.”* Check out D&S Distributor Supreme Car Wash Systems here: [Supreme Car Wash Distributor (supremecarwashsystems.com)](http://supremecarwashsystems.com/) And don’t forget to check out what makes the IQ System a cut above the rest! [In Bay Automatic Car Wash Systems – D&S Car Wash (dscarwash.com/)](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/) **Categories:** Blog, Investors --- ### [IQ 2.0 – An Easy Choice for Customer Value!](https://dscarwash.com/blog/iq-2-0-easy-choice-customer-value/) **Published:** June 28, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** 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](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-car-wash/) 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 right amount of brush pressure or nozzle distance is the equivalent of giving each of my customers a custom wash for their vehicle. Choosing the IQ system was an easy choice.” Justin even named his car wash after the equipment he uses! The new equipment install took just over 2 weeks and included both IQ Car Wash Systems – Soft Touch and Touch Free – as well as a 4 bay IQ Self Wash system. The official opening was April 18, 2016, and after only 2 months, Justin’s wash numbers are just as impressive as his facility. Justin reports around 2,400 washes per month with his IQ in bay automatics and in excess of 6,000 vehicles per month from the self serve bays. Justin adds, “if I had more real estate I would build more bays!” Justin states that his IQ equipment has been very reliable with almost no downtime. He also says that his distributor, **Mid-West Equipment Company in Wichita, Kansas**, has provided a professional install as well as superior service on the rare occasions that he has needed it. Most importantly, Justin states that his growing customer base is delighted with the quality of car wash they receive from his IQ equipment. “We have lots of endorsements on the cleanliness and value we deliver each and every time!” [Contact Us](https://dscarwash.com/contact/) today to learn more about how D&S Car Wash Equipment Co. is “The Smarter Choice” for your car wash business! **Categories:** Investors **Tags:** IQ 2.0 Car Wash, IQ 2.0 Soft Touch, IQ 2.0 Touch Free, IQ Car Wash, IQ Soft Touch, IQ Touch Free --- ### [Inspecting Car Wash Presoak Chemistry](https://dscarwash.com/blog/inspecting-car-wash-presoak-chemistry/) **Published:** June 28, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** 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 for leakage.** Make sure the foot valve is not plugged and is holding chemical without letting it leak back into the chemical container. Replace if necessary. **3) Determine the alkalinity level.** To do so, collect a sample of the presoak from the wash bay. The sample size needs to be approximately 50 – 100 ml. Allow the bubbles in the sample to dissipate, then pour 18 ml into a graduated cylinder. Add 10 drops of “Indicator” to the sample. The sample will be blue in color. Then, add “High pH Titrate Solution” a drop at a time. Count the number of drops necessary to change the sample color from blue to yellow. The number of drops from the sample can be compared to the ‘Titration Chart” to determine the alkalinity level of the presoak. This number is a point of reference to help ensure consistent wash quality and can be modified by changing tips on the presoak draw tube. [Contact Us](https://dscarwash.com/contact/) today to speak to an experienced D&S Car Wash professional about how D&S Car Wash Equipment Co. is **“The Smarter Choice”** for your car wash business! **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** inspecting presoak chemistry --- ### [Work Smart: Efficient Use of Your Dealership's Automatic Car Wash](https://dscarwash.com/blog/work-smart-efficient-use-dealerships-automatic-car-wash/) **Published:** July 19, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** 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 moves the vehicle into the dryer area. Keep your staff working efficiently and your customers smiling by delivering expertly detailed vehicles in less time! **Categories:** Tech Tip Center --- ### [Wiring Basics](https://dscarwash.com/blog/wiring-basics/) **Published:** August 29, 2017 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Car wash owner/operator duties often include that of a “service technician” as well. When tackling electrical issues, always remember these basic steps: - Disconnect breaker before beginning any service. - When unplugging a wire, cable, or connector, label it and the contact before it is disconnected so you know where to reconnect. - Take a picture of the connections before unplugging or unwiring connections. This is helpful when hooking it back up. - If you have a wiring diagram, you can use it to help find the wires that you need to check. - Use a digital multimeter (DMM) to check that you have the right wires. With a DMM, you can check the circuit polarity and verify that the proper voltage is present. And when you’re finished, it’s on to water and chemical matters! **Categories:** Investors, Tech Tip Center --- ### [IQ Touch Free Now Available for Shorter Bay Lengths](https://dscarwash.com/blog/iq-touch-free-shorter-bay-lengths/) **Published:** October 30, 2017 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** D&S Car Wash Equipment Company has enhanced the design of revolutionary IQ 2.0 Touch Free In Bay Automatic Car Wash System to fit existing 28-foot car wash bays. Design changes to the IQ 2.0 are subtle, featuring modifications to the carriage, photo eye curtains, and top wand nozzles. Now car wash owners with 28-foot bays do not need to lengthen their building to accommodate the IQ 2.0 system. “This can be a huge savings for a car wash owner on the total cost of reloading or remodeling a car wash,” states Jon Jansky, D&S President and CEO. “This enhanced design allows longer vehicles to receive a reliable, consistent, custom wash in shorter bays, so car wash owners with shorter bays will now be able to expand their market potential to wash longer vehicles such as pickups,” adds Jansky. The first production units are now being shipped. Continuous evolution and innovation from new ideas to create profitability for car wash owners is a D&S cornerstone. Originally introduced in 2010, the IQ 2.0 is the leader in “smart” car washing technology, utilizing 3-D scanning and vehicle profiling, and offers both Soft Touch and Touch Free technologies. “We never stop striving to improve our products,” states Jerry Canfield, D&S Innovation Officer. D&S is an industry-leading car wash manufacturer that works to exceed its customers’ expectations for quality, service, and value. D&S is passionate about producing the highest quality, most innovative, and best performing brands in the industry. For more information about the [IQ 2.0 Touch Free](https://dscarwash.com/product/iq-2-0-touch-free/), call 800-844-3442and speak to one of our car wash professionals about your specific needs! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** D&S Car Wash, IQ 2.0 Touch Free, IQ Car Wash, IQ Touch Free --- ### [IQ Car Wash – The Key to Success!](https://dscarwash.com/blog/iq-car-wash-key-success/) **Published:** October 31, 2017 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Bill Hoaglin of D&S Car Wash Systems recently presented a ceremonial “key” to John Londoff, Jr. (Owner/President), and Bruce Weiner (Operations Director) of Johnny Londoff Chevrolet in Florissant, Missouri, to recognize the completion of the dealership’s [IQ Soft Touch Car Wash](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-2-0-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) lease/purchase agreement. Johnny Londoff Chevrolet recognized the value and economies provided by the IQ Soft Touch Car Wash soon after its introduction, and thus became an early adopter of this technology. Bruce Weiner has been delighted with the performance of the IQ, which has been operational since February 2014 ([Interview with Bruce](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1mt3LJMqso&t=52s)). With completion of the IQ lease/purchase agreement, Johnny Londoff Chevrolet not only owns its own building and lot (as John’s father famously stated in his TV commercials), it owns its car wash as well. Also attending the presentation was Julie Sells on behalf of the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association, which recently selected D&S Car Wash Systems as its **Preferred Vendor for Dealership Car Wash Equipment**. Learn more about how you can [own your own](https://dscarwash.com/auto-dealership/ds-dealership-programs/)! *(Photo – L to R: Bill Hoaglin, John Londoff, Jr., Bruce Weiner)* **Categories:** Auto Dealers, Blog **Tags:** ds car wash equipment company, IQ Car Wash, iq car wash system, johnny londoff chevrolet --- ### [D&S Logo & Name Change](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-logo-name-change/) **Published:** July 20, 2022 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** Since its founding in 1972, “D&S” has been the core of our identity with occasional changes to our tagline over the years. Likewise, the faithful blue shield of our logo has stood the test of time from nearly the beginning. We began this year with a special logo in recognition of our 50th Anniversary. Today we’re excited to publicly present an all new D&S name and logo! The rationale for the change: - To project a dynamic, forward-looking symbol of the ownership change to Lometa Capital Partners while maintaining our core D&S identity. - To rebrand as D&S Car Wash Supply in a manner which differentiates the name change more effectively than a simple word substitution - To accommodate brand extension logos such as our Field Sales & Service Division\* - To give the fifty-year-old face of D&S a makeover for a more contemporary, compelling and up-to-date symbol of our firm. For those interested, the logo development entailed researching graphic design, color and style trends, creating various conceptual renderings, soliciting feedback from a variety of people, ranking of finalists, refining selected design. If you have any questions about the logo and transition, please feel free to reach out to D&S Marketing for more information. \*another version of the updated logo is currently in use by D&S Field Sales and Service (FSS). This image is designated with the addition of “Field Sales and Service” below the logo. **Categories:** Blog, Featured **Tags:** D&S, D&S Car Wash, d&s car wash equipment, D&S car wash supply, ds car wash equipment company, IQ, IQ Car Wash, logo change, name change, new, new logo, new name --- ### [IQ System hits 50 million total washes](https://dscarwash.com/blog/iq-system-hits-50-million-total-washes/) **Published:** June 17, 2024 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/50million-1024x538.jpg)From its introduction in 2011to nearly 1,000 systems today, the IQ brand has been synonymous with continuous car wash innovation. The IQ marked a bold advance in the In Bay Automatic category, beginning with revolutionary 3-D vehicle scanning technology, high efficiency electronics and remote enabled management. This week the IQ fleet of Soft Touch, Touch Free and In Bay Express models reached a major milestone of 50 million total washes provided. Whether you’re looking for a premier system for your car wash, or a great place to wash your car, look no further than the IQ System from D&S. **Categories:** Featured --- ### [D&S Car Wash Supply Acquires Wash Card Systems](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-car-wash-supply-acquires-wash-card-systems/) **Published:** April 8, 2024 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** – D&S Car Wash Supply (“D&S”), has acquired WashCard Systems, Inc. (“WashCard”) Headquartered in Centerville, MN, WashCard is an industry leader in payment hardware and software technology for the car wash sector. WashCard loyalty software has created opportunities for owner-operators to build traffic, average transaction, and profitability – all while offering transparency into their businesses and customer base. The company has continued to grow and evolve through changing economic conditions and the shifting technologies, including adoption of tap-based payment methods, QR codes, as well as a mobile app and pay station hardware, both of which can integrate with the customers’ experience. To learn more about WashCard Systems, please visit [www.washcard.com](https://www.washcard.com/) ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Black_White_Logos.png)Yarusso, founder and owner of WashCard stated, “We’re looking forward to working with Tim Huntington and the D&S team and put WashCard payment system technologies, experience, capability to work for many more car wash owners across the United States and Canada.” Yarusso added, “The newest payment technologies, like tap-to-pay and mobile apps, are dramatically enhancing both the consumer wash experience, and car wash operator sales and profitability. This partnership will allow us to bring better technology to more operators in more markets. That’s exciting.” “We’re thrilled to welcome aboard WashCard Systems pioneering technology to complement our D&S cutting-edge solutions within the car wash industry” commented Tim Huntington, CEO of D&S. “By integrating the expertise of this leading innovator, we’re poised to drive innovation to new heights in the car wash industry.” **About D&S Car Wash Supply** D&S Car Wash Supply is a manufacturer and supplier of brand-recognized car wash equipment, including in-bay automatic, self-serve, and truck wash systems, spare parts, auxiliary equipment, chemicals, and maintenance and install services. D&S’s line of IQ-branded systems are manufactured with the highest quality materials and feature proprietary, state-of-the-art technology that results in unparalleled wash quality and efficiency. D&S serves customers in the professional car wash, truck wash, convenience store, and auto dealership segments across the U.S. and Canada. **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** Car Wash Payment Systems, D&S, D&S car wash supply, WashCard --- ### [Dealership IQ Success Story - Watermark Nissan](https://dscarwash.com/blog/dealership-iq-success-story-watermark-nissan/) **Published:** April 19, 2023 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/marionnissan-1.jpg)They call the triangle-shaped southern tip of Illinois “Little Egypt”, where its fertile soil between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and remaining Native American mounds evoke Egypt’s Nile Valley and ancient pyramids. Our success story today returns to the town of Marion – the hub of the universe in the heart of Little Egypt – for an update on an amazing demonstration of Auto Dealership and Car Wash exceptionalism. Odd as it may seem, both are occurring in the same place. The Watermark Auto Group, headquartered in Marion (notoriously known for its ownership of the United States Penitentiary Marion) operates seven dealerships in the region, including Marion Nissan which they acquired in 2013. Within two years, the firm planned a new state of the art facility for the Nissan dealership. As construction proceeded, and to raise the bar on its vehicle prep of its customers’ newly purchased vehicles specified the IQ Soft Touch in bay automatic from D&S to accomplish this lofty goal. That IQ Installed by D&S Distributor Dirtbuster in a single week went operational on January 14, 2015. As of late, The Watermark Nissan of Marion has been on a roll concerning the car wash industry, washing a grand total of 132,000 vehicles since the IQ’s installation. For reference, only two other IQ machines have washed more, and both have been in service for 2+ years longer than Marion Nissan’s. Another fact that makes this feat so impressive is that neither of the 2 machines that have the Marion Nissan wash beat are Auto Dealership washes, they are strictly business to consumer car washes. Though it may seem a bit out-of-the-blue for a dealership wash to be doing so well, this car wash is one that helped define one of the newest trends in the car wash industry – the conversion of a dealership wash into one that is open to the public. This dealership specializes in new and used Nissan vehicles and serves the Marion, IL area with its services. It also holds the distinction of being consistently ranked in the top 2 in customer satisfaction out of all the Nissan dealerships in the entire country, as it is consistently praised for its ability to wash cars efficiently and quickly. As with any dealership, they also rely on a car wash to ensure their vehicles are in their utmost cosmetic condition. Since the wash’s installation, the IQ has washed an average of 78 vehicles per day serving the Nissan store and Watermark’s other dealerships nearby. This number is tremendous on its own, however, in mid-2018 the daily count began to eclipse 100 washes per day, which coincided with Watermark’s decision to utilize the IQ as a marketing tool. By offering complimentary washes to its sales and service customers, they created another reason for them to feel good about the dealership and another reason to return. The reliability, efficiency, and marketing success of Watermark’s IQ System had management considering more of a good thing. Realizing their workhorse equipment still had the capacity to spare, Marion Nissan modified their facility to serve the public as a commercial car wash. The result? Add another 25+ washes to the **daily** average processed by the IQ. Having been in service for over 4 ½ years, this IQ 2.0 Soft-Touch wash was one of the earliest examples of the potential that could be realized by converting a dealership wash into a public wash and the enhancements that come with such a move. By using the consistent model of $7 – $10 per wash, the dealership is enjoying an increase in profit from its car wash and has watched how much their wash has benefitted their business. It all seems to have worked out in their favor, as they are enjoying quite a successful time over at Watermark Nissan of Marion in terms of car washing. With over 130,000 cars washed during its lifespan, it’s not hard to see the evidence of the benefits to such a transition. Proving it’s possible to be “ahead of the curve” even in a small midwestern town, Watermark is part of a nascent trend among progressive car dealers. By breaking from the stereotypical mold of deficient, after-thought vehicle prep station, Marion Nissan and other visionary dealers have created profitable new revenue streams as a commercial car wash. A car wash that can bring hundreds of potential new customers to their business at large. With The Watermark Nissan of Marion topping the D&S fleet report charts and being able to continue its gold standard of car washing, this wash continues to provide the dealership with increasing levels of success as time goes on. This wash is only one example out of the recent string of washes that have begun to unquestionably prove that converting your dealership wash into a public wash can pay dividends to you and your future. **Categories:** Auto Dealers, Success Stories, Uncategorized **Tags:** Auto Dealer Car Wash, Dealership wash, IQ, Marion, Watermark Nissan --- ### [D&S Car Wash Supply & Lometa Capital Partners Acquire D&S Systems (DSS) - Restructured as D&S Field Sales & Service (FSS)](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-car-wash-supply-lometa-capital-partners-acquire-ds-systems-dss-restructured-as-ds-field-sales-service-fss/) **Published:** July 20, 2022 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** June 2, 2022 – D&S Car Wash Supply (“D&S”), a portfolio company of Lometa Capital Partners, has acquired D&S Car Wash Systems (“DSS”). Headquartered in High Ridge, MO, DSS was the exclusive distributor of D&S’s brand-recognized, high-performance car wash systems including in-bay automatic, self-serve, and truck wash products, in the St. Louis MSA. In addition to selling equipment, DSS provided its customers with the day-to-day service required to keep a top-tier car wash in excellent working condition including new equipment install, maintenance, chemical supply, and business advice. DSS customers included neighborhood car washes, regional c-store chains, car dealerships, and car rental facilities, among others. DSS will form the nucleus of D&S’ new Field Sales & Service division (“FSS”) which will focus on areas where historical distributor coverage has been non-existent or weak. FSS will strengthen D&S’ relationship with car wash owners by enabling seamless integration from new equipment sale to install, to chemical sales and maintenance, and full-circle back to equipment refurbishment. FSS will augment its organic growth with additional distributor acquisitions to further expand D&S’ reach. Tim Huntington, CEO of D&S, said, “We are thrilled to expand our relationship with DSS and formally bring them onto our team after years of successfully working together at the distributor-level.” Bill Hoaglin, former owner of DSS and President of FSS, remarked, “A combination of D&S and DSS creates an exciting value proposition for car wash owners which will separate FSS from its competitors in a rapidly changing marketplace.” **Categories:** Blog, Featured **Tags:** Acquisition, D&S, D&S car wash supply, D&S Car Wash Systems, D&S field sales & service, ds car wash equipment company, IQ, IQ Car Wash, Lometa Capital Partners --- ### [D&S 50-Year Anniversary Career Highlight: "Grady" Greg Mercer](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-50-year-anniversary-career-highlight-grady-greg-mercer/) **Published:** March 16, 2022 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** # “Grady” Greg Mercer: ## *The D&S One Man Army* ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/13_GradyCareerHighlight-600x375.jpg "#13_GradyCareerHighlight") As the longest serving employee in D&S’ history at an astounding 33-year career and counting, one man walks the grounds of D&S with unparalleled knowledge and know-how of the operations within. We’re talking of course, about the one-man-army known as Greg “Grady” Mercer. Hired in 1989 as part of the vacuums department, Grady has nearly done it all on the manufacturing side of the process and has become a pivotal point in D&S’ structure. When within the walls of D&S on any given day, the most spoken phrase is often “have you seen Grady?” in attempts to track the man down for assistance or input. A one-man-army isn’t built in a day, but Grady began to build and grow very quickly. During his time in the vac department during D&S’ early years, Grady would build 10+ vacuums a day while assisting with packaging and loading. For the young 20-year-old Grady – it was a good gig, as even in those early years, D&S was a family owned company with good people all around him. “\[I’ve always\] liked the work, it’s been a very good company all the way through. I remember Judy \[Gonzalez\]’s sister running up to me with the news that my son was being born and to get to the hospital with my wife. And if you ever have a problem, there’s always someone here willing to listen and help address those concerns.” Fast-forward a few years, and Grady would reflect these thoughts with his actions by continuing to improve his skill set and lend a hand wherever needed inside the company. After gaining experience in the vacuum department, Grady would then accumulate skills in the Meter Room, Vending, Packaging, Shipping, Receiving, Assembly, among many others. It’s not an exaggeration to describe the man truly as a one-man-army – but he also never fails to recognize the importance of the roles other people play in the process. “Judy \[Gonzalez\], Warren \[Mason\], Berni \[Enghauser\], Wanda \[Stilwell\], I’ve worked with a lot of amazing people that helped make everything happen, no matter what it was.” With this level of humility, Grady also realized the astounding transformation of car washing technologies over his career. “The DS5000 changed the game with U-Rails – before that \[the norm\] was just a hovering sprayer on a track above the car. Then with the IQ and its ultrasonic scanning – it’s incredible the change in technology over the years.” Grady has particularly noticed the change in self-serve technology, and the comeback its made with consumers. “Self-serve especially has changed a ton. It used to be just dirty hoses, now you have stack units which incorporate injectors and can operate multiple bays at once. Easier, cheaper, and much more user friendly technology being used now that attracts more people to come wash their cars.” Through his deep experience with D&S, Grady has watched the company become a car wash industry powerhouse, but also observed the evolution of the company itself. Grady has been around for all 3 sets of D&S Ownership, and throughout all 3 iterations, Grady expressed that “D&S has always been a family-owned company – and that itself is a great thing.” Additionally, Grady mentioned that he sees “no real ceiling in the realm of possibility” for the future of the company. “People around the industry are saying *‘this is what’s needed’* to which D&S answers *‘we’ll make it happen.’* and we do. We continue to fill needs in the industry that are otherwise unavailable. Look at what’s happening with the Large Vehicle \[segment\]. A wash that can clean an 18-wheeler – the question becomes *‘what will they come up with next?’* That’s what’s going to keep this company moving forward for a long time.” The experience and knowledge Grady has of D&S, the industry at large, and that of his own 2 hands create a pillar of the company that we wish to take this time to acknowledge. Thank you for 33 years of amazing work Grady! Follow all of the greatest hits from D&S’ 50-Year History through our social media channels below! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** 50 Year, 50 Year Anniversary, Car Wash Industry Veteran, Career Highlight, Drew Dressler, Industry Veteran --- ### [D&S 50-Year Anniversary Career Highlight: Drew Dressler](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-50-year-anniversary-career-highlight-drew-dressler/) **Published:** March 4, 2022 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** # Drew Dressler: ## *The Man, The Myth, The Legend* ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/DrewCareerHighlight_8-600x375.jpg "DrewCareerHighlight_#8") For long-time contributors to the car wash industry, one name that may surely ring a bell is **Drew Dressler** of D&S Car Wash Equipment Company. Since 1989, Drew’s fascination with car wash equipment and the industry at large has led him through countless roles, equipping him with knowledge that is second to none in the industry. Whether it be In-Bay Automatics, Tunnels, Self-Service, Sales, Marketing, and arguably the most important: People, Drew possesses expertise in all which has not only served him valuably throughout his career, but has also gifted him with many lifelong friends. While Drew’s exposure to the industry started in 1989, it was in 1992 Drew was hired on by D&S Car Wash Equipment Company to solidify their marketing department. During these early years, Drew was one of only a handful of people outside the financial department with a computer – and used this unique positioning to craft the new line of D&S marketing materials as well as fleshing out the trade show circuit roadmap. After planning and implementing these advancements, Drew hit the trade show circuit running and cemented his place at D&S as the Head of Marketing. Drew stayed in marketing for 15 years, while working closely with the friends he made along the way, crafting relationships which ran much deeper than the business – and oftentimes leading Drew to double as their regional manager. This facet of Drew’s role is one which highlights his passion, and by 2006, Drew made the full transition from the Marketing Department to a permanent Sales role. In this new role, Drew’s main focus transitioned to the development of new car wash projects along with managing and supporting existing projects. This role piqued a facet of Drew’s personality, as he always shines brightest when interacting with people. This new opportunity presented him to open his social wings more than ever before, and has reflected in his performance. Since taking on the new role, Drew has become the exclusive regional manager for D&S car wash equipment across the East Coast and Canada and has hit record-breaking sales. Drew’s presence in the industry has been undeniable over his 33-year career – so much so that the mere mention of his name at a car wash trade show often receives a warm “oh you know Drew? I love that guy!” D&S certainly wouldn’t be where it is today if it weren’t for the marketing and sales guru that is Mr. Drew Dressler. Thank you for your years of service and dedication to D&S Drew! Follow all of the greatest hits from D&S’ 50-Year History through our social media channels below! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** 50 Year, 50 Year Anniversary, Car Wash Industry Veteran, Career Highlight, Drew Dressler, Industry Veteran --- ### [2021 Recap](https://dscarwash.com/blog/2021-recap/) **Published:** January 7, 2022 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ***Highlights of 2021:*** ## **IQ Side Blaster Debut** In 2021, the IQ Side Blaster Kit & Upgrade Option were released by D&S as supplementary add-ons to IQ Soft Touch 2.0 Genius Series machines to target the lower half of the vehicle in harsh conditions. This addition was met with positive feedback, especially in regions of the country with harsher winter conditions, and continues to be a highly requested addition. **Cyrus Wardwell \| Scott Tate \| Rachelle Bicklein \| Janet Dodson** 2021 saw 4 new additions to the D&S office staff: -Cyrus Wardwell came aboard as D&S’ Inside Sales Consultant, nurturing and facilitating leads from step one to them meeting their distributor. -Scott Tate stepped up as D&S’ new Controller, managing the financial department. -Rachelle Bicklein joined the financial department as well, assisting with billing and invoicing. -Janet Dodson, PHR filled the shoes of one Bernadette (Berni) Enghauser as D&S’ HR Manager. ## **SCWA Show** The first Car Wash Trade Show Post-Covid was a qualified success! The Fort Worth event was abuzz with car wash enthusiasts hungry to dive back in to the trade show atmosphere and discuss all things about the industry! ## **600 Operational IQs** In 2021, D&S officially counted over 600 IQs currently in operation in its fleet around the country. This is more than the combined number of D&S Odyssey Equipment, Quicksilver Equipment, and i5000 Equipment in the field. With 600 IQs in the field, D&S continues to grow its fleet – continuing to make its mark on the car wash industry. ## **Employee Appreciation Day** As is tradition, 2021 saw the return of D&S’ Employee Appreciation Day. The event featured a fun Cornhole tournament for D&S employees. ## **IQ MAX Debut/ JHF Day** D&S joined their partners at John Henry Foster (JHF) to celebrate the debut of the IQ MAX Large Vehicle Wash Equipment at the Truck and Fleet Wash of St. Louis in Berkeley, MO earlier this year. The event boasted the capability of the Large Vehicle Wash Equipment and launched D&S into a new market segment of the industry. ## **NAFA Show** With the new IQ MAX, D&S attended their first truck wash trade show – the NAFA Show in Pittsburgh, PA. The show was successful and a great first taste of a new market segment for D&S. ## **Most Innovative Product or Service: Heartland Car Wash Association \| IQ MAX** D&S was awarded the ‘Most Innovative Product or Service’ award at the Heartland Car Wash Association Show this year for the new IQ MAX Large Vehicle Wash Equipment. Thanks very much for HCA for this honorable distinction! ## **ICA Show** The biggest car wash show of the year returned for 2021, and it didn’t disappoint! This year’s ICA Show in Vegas saw the return of all corners of the car wash industry excited to be in the same place once again! ## **Christmas Party** Christmastime at D&S is always filled with love and cheer – and this year’s was no different. D&S’ famous Cookie Contest returned for the event, and was wrapped up with the joys of gift-giving! ## **Bernadette Enghauser Retirement** After 31 faithful years, D&S says goodbye to HR Extraordinaire Bernadette (Berni) Enghauser. Not exactly a highlight of 2021, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t send Berni off with one final goodbye. Incoming HR Manager Janet Dodson, PHR will be assuming the role and has worked closely with Berni for an easy transition. Thank you so much for 31 wonderful years Berni – may your retirement treat you wonderfully! ## **90 IQ Installations in 2021** Over 2021, D&S Shipped 90 IQ machines up the hill and installed them at C-Stores, Dealerships, Car Washes, and Fleet Sites across North America. That’s a lot of stainless and a lot of vehicles washed! **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** 2021, 2021 highlights, 2021 recap, best of 2021, D&S 2021, D&S 2021 best, D&S 2021 highlights, D&S 2021 recap, D&S best of 2021 --- ### [The Best Lil' Car Washes in Geneva & Hartford, AL](https://dscarwash.com/blog/the-best-lil-car-washes-in-geneva-hartford-al/) **Published:** April 21, 2021 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ### The Best Lil’ Car Wash ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Best_Lil_Carwash_Geneva_AL.jpg) Sweet Home Alabama is currently a hotbed for IQ installations – as two of the best little car washes around are now operational in the state’s Geneva county. The Best Lil’ Car Wash in Geneva and The Best Lil’ Car Wash in Hartford are located in this area known as the Wiregrass Region, just 20 minutes apart and a stone’s throw from the border to the Florida panhandle. The retired army Boeing Chinook pilot Mark Rader needed a new passive business investment after hanging up his boots, and found car washing to be a good fit for his needs as opposed to other forms of passive investment like real estate. After deciding to invest in this more tangible opportunity, his search then brought him to D&S Distributor Jeff Smith of Clean Tech – who provided a full consultation and also presented the more human side of car washing. Part of this process involved refurbishing the dilapidated car wash Rader had acquired in Geneva, with Smith insisting to not only upgrade his equipment, but also the wash’s aesthetic. ### “The Old Car Wash is New Again” “I told him you gotta make the building attractive. I convinced him to paint the bricks of the building white and to invest in an LED sign \[in the parking lot\] to really make the business stand out.” These decisions influenced by a more investor-centric approach paid dividends for Rader, as the Geneva wash is already making a name for itself both around town and on the web. The Best Lil’ Car Wash in Geneva’s Facebook Page is already ripe with positive feedback from its customers. **“Works great every time.”** -David F. **“This \[equipment\] does a wonderful job! Such a car friendly unit.”** -Trevor M. **“Next to the McDonald’s. The old car wash is new again.”** -Michael D. After the great success of his Geneva location, Rader took the opportunity to double down and quickly created a second business investment in the form of his Hartford location to supplement his first – once again choosing an IQ Soft-Touch as he did his first time around. Excitement for the Hartford wash even crossed over to the Geneva location Facebook page, with one patron saying **“If it’s like Geneva, it will be nice!”** -Josh H. With Geneva opening only a year ago, and with Hartford being operational for a few months, the pair of locations are enjoying great success – with over 30,000 vehicles washed between them. Smith claims the key to this success is “a really nice building, great marketing, and good equipment.” Rader’s plans don’t stop at 2 though, as the former pilot aims to fly his “Best Lil’ Car Wash” brand high and is currently looking at options for expansion. Make sure to keep up with D&S’ social media channels for updates on stories like these! Distributor: Jeff Smith – Clean Tech www.cleantechcarwash.com **Categories:** Blog, Investors, Success Stories **Tags:** best lil car wash, best lil car wash geneva, best lil car wash hartford, clean tech, D&S, D&S Car Wash, d&s car wash equipment, IQ, IQ 2.0, IQ 2.0 Car Wash, IQ 2.0 Soft Touch, iq car wash equipment, jeff smith --- ### [Turning your Car Wash into Cash](https://dscarwash.com/blog/turning-your-car-wash-into-cash/) **Published:** February 8, 2021 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ### The Emerging Trend of Car Dealerships Upgrading to Commercial-Grade Car Wash Systems ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/dealerpagehero2-1024x334.jpg)Here’s a question: when was the last time you ventured into the dark, damp, cramped space where your dealership preps cars for delivery? Why would you even go in there in the first place? One reason may be a surprising trend taking place in the lowly dealer car wash operations. In the last few years, a small but growing coterie of dealerships have literally upended a low priority cost center operation into a revenue stream and marketing dynamo. Before dismissing the idea as trivial or ludicrous, hear us out. Today’s dealerships spend an average $222,000 per year washing cars \[Auto Laundry News\] and from that expense comes neither a dime of profit nor a single showroom car buying prospect. Recently some of our peers thought to ask, “why not?” Why not spend a bit more on decent equipment and surroundings, save on operating costs like labor and chemicals, actually clean the cars, open it to the paying public, and draw another 500 people onto the lot per week? Glen Smith of [Auto Solutions Group](https://www.autosolutions.bm/) was one of the first to ask and then act on the “Why Not?” question he posed. Glen, along with his manager of vehicle prep, Peter Richold, began seeing success when they provided complimentary car washes to customers (car buying and service). The initial positive response of this perk warranted [Auto Solutions](https://www.autosolutions.bm/) to expand the offer to include showroom visitors. Naturally, as word of this free wash incentive spread an uptick in ups resulted. That’s when Smith and Richold determined the need for higher quality car wash equipment than the typical dealership systems, and ultimately selected the [IQ 2.0 Soft Touch In-Bay Automatic System](https://dscarwash.com/product/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) from [D&S Car Wash Equipment Company](https://dscarwash.com/). In addition to improving cleanliness and consistency, this advanced equipment saved car prep costs including labor, water, chemicals, and utilities. ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Bermuda_Detailer_Eblast-header2.jpg)With these cost savings, the dealership began marketing their state-of-the-art car wash via advertising, promotions and the media. Like most dealers, [Auto Solutions’](https://www.autosolutions.bm/) location was also ideal for a profitable commercial car wash, and soon enough transitioned theirs into an income generating entity. So, within a relatively short time span the firm saw its run-of-the-mill vehicle prep evolve into a money-making marketing engine for their core business. That’s the kind of win-win idea catching on among Fixed Ops Managers and driving a new trend taking place in our industry. *Jeremy Bene is Marketing Communications Specialist for [D&S Car Wash Equipment Co.](https://dscarwash.com/) in High Ridge, Missouri.* **Categories:** Auto Dealers, Blog **Tags:** Auto Dealer Car Wash, Auto Dealer Car Wash Open to the Public, Auto Dealer Commercial Car Wash, Auto Dealers, car, car wash, Car Wash Cash, Car Wash into cash, Commercial Car Wash, Commercial Car Wash Auto Dealer, D&S, Dealership, Dealership car wash, Dealership wash, IQ, IQ 2.0, Self-Serve, Soft-Touch, Touch-Free --- ### [IQ System Milestone - 500 Units in Operation](https://dscarwash.com/blog/iq-system-milestone-500-units-in-operation/) **Published:** April 9, 2020 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** D&S and the IQ recently reached a momentous milestone: The 500th operational IQ unit was installed on March 26, 2020 in Sharpsville, PA by Wash Kingdom. This mammoth achievement is a proud landmark for both D&S and the car wash industry at large – but it didn’t happen overnight. It took the hard work, dedication, passion, and inspiration of many over a ten year span to reach this point. [![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/500thoperationalIQ-300x300.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/500thoperationalIQ.jpg) [![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/500iqBIGerAI-300x300.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/500iqBIGerAI.jpg) A decade ago, a meeting of the D&S Management Team was held to map out a strategy for designing the next generation of car wash equipment. With the successes of the Odyssey, Quicksilver, and i5000 models, D&S had established itself as a major player in the car washing industry and aimed to create a model of car wash equipment utilizing advances in technology occurring since the design of those earlier products. It began with a wish list; a compilation of the greatest wants and needs of the car wash industry. Something smarter – possessing the ability to give each customer a customized wash for their vehicle, something cleaner – granting every single customer the absolute best wash possible, and something greener – reducing required chemicals, energy and power to decrease operation costs while remaining mindful of the effects on the environment. As the ideas took shape, the wants and needs turned evolved into core features of the new machine – giving life to the wash’s moniker: ***“Smarter, Cleaner, Greener”.*** It was these revolutionary core features that inspired the naming of the machine as the “IQ” for its intelligence, performance, and one-of-a-kind scanning ability. As with any new invention though, the initial challenges and a few headaches were experienced after the first IQ’s installation in 2010. It was the feedback and experiences of early adopters such as Brian Merz, Troy Roush, and Brian Templeton among others that assisted in the machine being enhanced, thus creating the refined line of equipment in the IQ 2.0 – which today includes [Soft Touch](https://dscarwash.com/product/iq-2-0-soft-touch/) and [Touch Free](https://dscarwash.com/product/iq-2-0-touch-free/) models and the [IQ Express.](http://info.dscarwash.com/iq-express-car-wash) Though much credit is owed to those who spawned the ideas, a host of other individuals have played an integral role in the IQ success story. First and foremost, we are truly grateful to our D&S distributors and IQ customers in the car wash, auto dealer, and convenience store markets. Through their success selling the system and investing in the IQ to delight their consumers we are able to celebrate this milestone. [![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/groupphoto-1024x464.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/groupphoto.jpg) D&S CEO Jon Jansky would also like to personally credit the following individuals for their contributions to the success of the IQ line of equipment: “*Jerry Canfield* – For having the vision and creativity for designing and building such an incredible machine. *Wanda Stilwell* – For being here through all the ups and downs of building and shipping every one of the 500 units. *Brian Templeton*, *Brain Merz*, and *Troy Roush* – For having faith in the machine and being the early adopters on the machines and made so many contributions to make the unit dependable. *Drew Dressler* – For selling the units and for handling the Trade Shows over the years. *Cody Cross* – We’re on the 6th revision of code and it has never been better. *Process Engineering* (*John Arras*, *Ken Canfield*, *Jason Burgess*, and *Warren Mason*) for all the little and not so little improvements that made such a difference during the equipment evolution like the wheels etc. *Chris Matz* – Who wrote every one of the 500 quotes for the IQ and helped do the bay layout. *Bill Hoaglin* – For sales, service, and support all over the country. *Dave Marsh* – For the DSF (D&S Financial Program). We sold a lot of IQ over the last 10 years because of DSF. And all of those I did not mention who helped out in so many ways.” In the words of D&S COO Tim Huntington “We have a special machine that others have tried to copy without success. This is a credit to our engineering team and other key suppliers. We have a good team of folks at the plant from building, to designing, to selling the IQ.” In the 10 years of its existence, the IQ has proven itself times over – now becoming the main revenue and growth engine for D&S and our Distributors. With the 500 unit milestone, the IQ has surpassed the combined unit count of the Odyssey, Quicksilver, and i5000 washes in the field. That fateful meeting changed everything for D&S, and has significantly impacted the car wash industry at large. Jansky went on to say “I am very grateful, proud and happy that we have hit this major milestone, here’s to the next 500!”. Congratulations to everyone involved with the inception, growth, and spread of the IQ line of equipment, and congratulations to D&S! **Categories:** Blog, Uncategorized **Tags:** car wash equipment, D&S, IBA, In Bay Automatic, IQ, IQ 2.0, IQ 2.0 Car Wash, IQ Car Wash --- ### [Tech Tip Video Series](https://dscarwash.com/blog/tech-tip-video-series/) **Published:** October 16, 2019 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ### D&S Producing Tech Tip Videos In an effort to help minimize those off hour emergencies that we all know and love, D&S has undergone an effort to create and make available a series of video tutorials on various topics. This will be a sustained effort and feedback is greatly appreciated! The latest video is a short tutorial on how to use the “IQ Update” tool to backup the software and configuration files on your control, and install the latest released version. Be sure to check our YouTube Channel for additional videos, and our Tech Emails announcing new ones. [IQ Car Wash Software Update Tutorial](https://youtu.be/JjKiiowmpDA) **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** carwash tech tip, IQ car wash video --- ### [D&S Joins ICA Century Club](https://dscarwash.com/blog/ds-joins-ica-century-club/) **Published:** February 6, 2019 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** [![ICA Century Club](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/international-carwash-association-century-club-logoE8DB3A6B8509.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/international-carwash-association-century-club-logoE8DB3A6B8509.jpg) ## D&S Announces Membership in ICA Century Club Today, D&S Carwash Equipment is pleased to announce our membership in the prestigious Century Club of the [International Car Wash Association](https://www.carwash.org/). D&S has enjoyed a long history of active participation as an allied vendor in the ICA, and joining the Century Club demonstrates a strengthening of this relationship. As our industry’s eminent trade organization, the ICA plays a vital role in promoting the growth and development of car wash owners and suppliers around the world. Century Club membership represents an elite designation for vendors who provide elevated levels of support and financial contribution to the ICA. **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** car wash equipment, Century Club, ICA, International Car Wash Association --- ### [Car Wash Winterization Checklist](https://dscarwash.com/blog/car-wash-winterization-checklist/) **Published:** November 30, 2018 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** ### Comprehensive Car Wash Winterization Checklist - Over 100 recommended steps for In Bay Automatic and Self Serve Washes to prepare for winter - Covers: Bays, Meter Boxes, Vending and Vacuums, Pumps, Boilers, Compressors, Chem Systems, Low Pressure Systems, Weep Systems, Coin Changes, Buildings and Grounds Download this Free pdf, and start preparing for Ol’ Man Winter’s return [![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/winterwash2bw.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/winterwash2bw.jpg) [![Start Download](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DOWNLOAD-BTN-e1517523751173.png)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/winter-check-list2018.pdf) **Categories:** Blog, Uncategorized --- ### [Stopping the NonStop Vac](https://dscarwash.com/blog/stopping-nonstop-vac/) **Published:** July 12, 2017 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** [![D&S Vacuum](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/DS_Vacuum_mats.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/DS_Vacuum_mats.jpg) ## 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 on the coil of the mercury contactor. If there is no voltage across the coil, then the contactor is bad. If the mercury contactor has voltage, then the timer is the culprit. You can then proceed with the repair. **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** fixing a nonstop vac --- ### [Improve Your Curb Appeal](https://dscarwash.com/blog/improve-curb-appeal/) **Published:** May 26, 2017 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** 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 add to the total customer experience – but only after they have entered the wash. The competition for car wash business is also based on your facility’s exterior appearance – its **curb appeal**. - Is the exterior construction updated? - Are the bay entrances brightly lit? - Is your signage attractive and colorful? The curb appeal of your car wash also includes your site’s **landscaping** and negative spaces. Attractive landscaping and foliage soften the negative spaces of your car wash, such as pay stations, islands, and curbs. Filling these areas with too much signage adds chaos instead of appeal. Each plays a role in your customers’ overall experience and, therefore, need to be given proper consideration and evaluation. Today’s car washes add appeal to these areas with terrace-style landscaping, bright seasonal flowering plants and shrubs, or even a water feature. Avoiding the old-school commercial hard-scape appearance with these soft touches will make your car wash stand out from your competition. [![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Landscape-story_web-300x199.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Landscape-story_web.jpg) [![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PowerWash-3_web-300x199.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PowerWash-3_web.jpg) **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Car Wash Pump Maintenance Basics: Keep the Oil Clean!](https://dscarwash.com/blog/car-wash-pump-maintenance-basics-keep-oil-clean/) **Published:** January 23, 2017 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** 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?[![Cat-35 Pump](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Cat-35_Pump-copy_web-300x206.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Cat-35_Pump-copy_web.jpg)*** Here are some general guidelines, check with your pump manufacturer for specifications on your make and model: • For standard piston and plunger pumps, oil should be changed after the first 50 hours and every three months or 500 hours thereafter. • For R-series RAM Pumps, oil should be changed after the first 20 hours and every 3000 hours thereafter. ***How do I change oil in my pump?*** All pumps will be equipped with a crankcase drain plug, or a remote oil drain option supplied by the manufacturer. Drain the oil from the crankcase and replace the plug. The amount of oil required to refill the crankcase will vary based on the size of the pump. The amount of crankcase oil for each pump model is indicated on the pump’s data sheet. Many pump models are equipped with oil level indicators. See the pump manufacturer’s supporting documents for more information. Always use an oil specified by your pump manufacturer for your specific pump make and model, failure to do so could shorten pump life and void manufacturer’s warranty. The oil amount can also be verified on most pumps with built-in bubble gauges (red dot is the fill level) or dipstick. Oil level verification should be done when the pump is on a level service. Over filling will cause oil spitting out of the oil fill cap. Under filling will cause inadequate lubrication of crosshead area of the pump and my result in drive-end failure. ***Why does the crankcase oil appear milky?*** Milky colored oil is as sign that water has entered the crankcase due to faulty high or low pressure seals. Water is a contaminant to the crankcase oil and will cause the oil viscosity to increase resulting in a loss of lubricity and may oxidize crankcase components. This lack of lubrication over time may result in damage to the drive -end components or complete drive-end failure. If you detect milky colored oil in any pump schedule service as quickly as possible. **Categories:** Tech Tip Center **Tags:** car wash, car wash tech tip --- ### [Success Story – Wilsonville Subaru Chooses IQ 2.0 Soft Touch](https://dscarwash.com/blog/success-story-wilsonville-subaru-chooses-iq-2-0/) **Published:** June 24, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** **Wilsonville Subaru**, the newest and largest Subaru dealership in the U.S., has chosen the **[IQ 2.0 Soft Touch Car Wash System](https://dscarwash.com/in-bay-automatics/iq-car-wash/iq-2-0-soft-touch/)** – the Smartest, Cleanest, Greenest car wash system available today – to handle its new and service customers. Currently under construction in Wilsonville, Oregon, Wilsonville Subaru is the largest Subaru dealership in the U.S. with a massive 92,000 square feet of total space. ![](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016-11-05-09.44.14-768x1024.jpg) Keeping with Subaru’s commitment to the environment, Wilsonville selected the eco-friendly IQ 2.0 Soft Touch Car Wash System from D&S. The spacious new car wash bay is 65 ft x 16 ft and includes vacuuming and engine cleaning pre-wash areas. Three 15 hp blowers will handle drying at the end of the bay. A remote activation station located at the entrance will allow the dealership to track up to 8 different wash levels. A separate wash recipe can be programmed for service customers, used car inventory, new car inventory, demos, PDI (pre-delivery inspection) wash, and delivery wash. The dealership can also allocate wash usage and split the cost of the wash with each department. As with all D&S IQ 2.0 in bay automatic systems, the servicing distributor will have internet access to the wash, allowing them to log into the wash from anywhere to assist with maintenance questions, operation of the wash, and diagnosis. Stay tuned for the Grand Opening of the “Grandest” Subaru dealership in the U.S.! **Categories:** Auto Dealers, Blog --- ### [Pop N Wash – Monticello, IN](https://dscarwash.com/blog/pop-n-wash-monticello-in/) **Published:** February 15, 2016 **Author:** Jordan Fletcher **Content:** [![Pop N Wash Car Wash](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Pop_n_wash_car_wash-300x169.jpg)](https://dscarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Pop_n_wash_car_wash.jpg)In October 2015, Dave Mote and his **Pop N Wash** car wash team replaced one of two aging touch free in bay automatics with a new IQ Soft Touch In Bay Automatic System from D&S Car Wash Equipment Company. The Pop N Wash property has three self serve bays in addition to the two in bay automatics, and is located in a very competitive market where 16 wash bays with six in bay automatics serve a rural town of just 5,000 people. Dave decided to keep one old touchless automatic in the bay next to the new IQ Soft Touch system, at the old low prices to satisfy certain loyal customers. He then strategically leveraged the speed and features of the IQ Soft Touch system to boost wash prices to $8, $10, $12, and $15. “It felt like a big risk and investment in such a small, competitive market, and our team was nervous,” he says. His goal was to get at least 8,000 cars to use the new IQ Soft Touch at an average price of $10 per car. Dave is excited and relieved to report that both his car count ***and*** ticket average have greatly exceeded his expectations. It’s clear already to him that changing to the IQ Soft Touch will greatly increase the wash volume at the property, and the average ticket through the IQ Soft Touch will be over $11 – “I could have never imagined generating an $11 ticket average in that market,” he says. Customer satisfaction is at an all-time high. He is especially pleased with the wash quality, speed, and programmability of the IQ Soft Touch system. “We can give an absolutely excellent wash in just 4 minutes, not including the drying time,” he says. “And during peak winter wash days when we are lined up and the cars are easier to clean, I can simply toggle a switch to activate my pre-programmed washes that reduce wash times to just 4.5 minutes for our most popular $12 wash,” Dave adds. “Wash quality has greatly exceeded our hopes and has become a source of pride with our staff. We operate six wash properties in the region, including a high-speed express tunnel. The IQ Soft Touch produces the cleanest, glossiest car I have ever seen from an in bay automatic or express tunnel. It really excels in cleaning the back of both cars and trucks,” he says. “We face very aggressive competition in our little market, so we have been very pleased at the number of new customers coming over from other washes that have quickly become regulars at our new IQ Soft Touch. Their comments and attitude have breathed new life into the property and our team. What a great experience it has been for us all!” **Categories:** Investors **Tags:** IQ Soft Touch, IQ soft touch car wash system, pop n wash car wash, pop n wash monticello --- ## Pages ### [Commercial Car Wash Equipment | D&S Car Wash Supply](https://dscarwash.com/) **Published:** February 19, 2026 **Author:** timmermann-dev --- ### [Truck Stops & Travel Centers](https://dscarwash.com/large-vehicle-wash-industries/truck-stops/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** timmermann-design --- ### [Auto Dealerships](https://dscarwash.com/industries/dealerships/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** timmermann-design --- ### [Large Vehicle Wash Industries](https://dscarwash.com/large-vehicle-wash-industries/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** timmermann-design --- ### [Accessibility Statement](https://dscarwash.com/accessibility-statement/) **Published:** March 2, 2026 **Author:** timmermann-design --- ### [D&S Car Wash Supply FAQ's](https://dscarwash.com/resources/12163-2/) 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