The ins and outs of car wash equipment

Car wash equipment varies greatly depending on the type of car wash and services offered. Read this quick overview of car wash equipment.

There are three main types of car washes: tunnel washes, which use brushes and blowers to clean the car; touchless, which use high-powered sprayers and dryers instead of brushes to clean cars as they move along on a conveyer belt; and self-service, in which the driver can park the car and use a high-powered water sprayer to clean the car.

Here’s a quick look at some of the types of equipment you may need:

• Brushes
• Conveyor and correloter
• Dryers
• High pressure
• Tires and wheels
• Water and chemical applicators
• Wash control
• Payment systems
• High-gloss application systems

Whatever type of equipment you need, consider dependability, warranty, output capabilities, cleaning power, and durability before you buy. And don't necessarily opt for the cheapest equipment, because it could lead to more costly repairs and service delays down the road, which will cost your business more in the long run.

Check the Canadian Car Wash Association’s website for a list of car wash equipment suppliers and then contact them directly for more information on product specifications and pricing. Do some comparison shopping before you buy to determine where you can find the best deal and equipment for your needs. Car wash technologies are constantly changing and evolving, so you should think about providing customers with the latest technology for an optimal wash.