Automatic Car Wash Systems (Rollovers)
Automatics (In-Bay Automatics), or Rollovers to which they are often referred, can be found primarily in the following locations: Retail C-Store/Petroleum sites, Self-Serve/Automatic sites, and Stand-Alone Automatic sites. Automatic models can be friction, touch-free, or a combination of both cleaning methods. The common characteristic of these models is that the vehicle remains stationary in the wash bay while the automatic "rolls-over" the customer's car. The primary service offered with these machines is an exterior wash with throughput (the numbers of vehicles that can be washed) typically averaging 10 to 15 cars per hour. Customers generally pay for their services through an automated Pay Station (Autocashier) located at the entrance to the wash bay. These types of washes make up approximately 40% of the U.S. car wash market.
Friction Automatic Car Wash
This type of machine uses a variety of wash materials (cloth, closed-cell, foam, or a combination) to clean a vehicle. The wash material's contact with the vehicle surface agitates and loosens the soils and contaminants wtih a final rinse completing the cleaning process. Car Wash Solutions uses only the finest friction automatic car wash equipment, the Mark VII SoftWash.
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Hybrid Automatic Car Wash
The hybrid automatic machine uses a combination of both the touch-free automatic (rollover) car wash and the friction automatic (rollover) car wash cleaning processes. Generally speaking, the friction portion is most effective on the large surface areas of a vehicle while the touch-free portion of the wash process enhances rinsing and the cleaning of the smaller, harder to reach areas of the car.
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Touch-Free Automatic Car Wash
The touch-free automatic (rollover) car wash machine washes vehicles using high-pressure water and car wash detergents to remove the various dirt and grime found on the surface of the customer's car. Touch-Free Automatics are dependent on a proper combination of car wash chemicals, dwell-time, water quality, temperature, and impingement.
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Tunnel Car Wash Systems
Tunnel car wash systems are defined principally by the use of a conveyor by which the vehicles are pulled through a series of stationary wash components. Tunnel systems come in many configurations: Full-Service, Flex-Serve, Express Exterior, and Mini-Tunnels. Vehicle throughput and capacity are greatly enhanced by the use of a conveyorized system. The demographics, market area, and land will determine the best model for a specific location. Additionally, the willingness to deal with employees will play a significant role in the model best suited for a particular owner/operator.
Express Exterior Tunnel Car Wash System
An express exterior tunnel wash location features a conveyorized tunnel package where the primary service is an exterior vehicle wash often accompanied by free self-serve vacuums. At an express exterior tunnel no interior cleaning services are offered by the wash staff.
This model relies heavily on speed, convenience, and price and is normally located on a high traffic, highly visible parcel of land. While these sites are attended, the sales process is entirely automated and handled through an entry station (autocashier/pay station). Throughout the entire wash, customers remain in their vehicles and actual ride through the tunnel wash. Approximately a third the number of employees are needed for the express exterior tunnel was as compared to the full-service tunnel model.
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Flex-Serve Tunnel Car Wash System
Flex-serve tunnel locations feature a conveyorized tunnel equipment package combining the elements of the full-service tunnel car wash and the express exterior tunnel car wash. A flex-serve tunnel allows an owner/operator to maximize profitability by offering a complete package of interior and exterior services found at the full-service tunnel car wash but also the speed and value associated with an express exterior tunnel car wash. Centralization and cross-training of employees is a key benefit to this model if properly designed.
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Full-Service Tunnel Car Wash System
A full-service tunnel wash location features a conveyorized tunnel equipment package with the primary service being an exterior vehicle wash with interior cleaning services (vacuuming and window cleaning). Full-service tunnel car washes are always attended and require the greatest number of employees to properly operate. Employees handle the loading and unloading of the customer's vehicle after the wash package has been selected. Full-service tunnels are often complimented by a lobby, detailing service, quick lube and oil change.
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Hybrid Tunnel Car Wash System
A location featuring a conveyorized tunnel equipment package combining the processes of friction washing with the use of high-pressure applications. Most tunnel car washes today feature elements of the Hybrid Tunnel Car Wash System.
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Mini-Tunnel Car Wash System
A location typically operating a 70' or shorter conveyorized tunnel package. This type of wash can be found at Convenience Store / Petroleum sites or where the property is at a premium. This type of facility competes well with the automatic market but will be limited in its offerings as compared to the longer tunnel locations.
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Self-Serve Car Wash Systems
Self-serve car wash systems attract the "do-it-yourself" customers who prefer or enjoy washing their own vehicle. These locations and bays feature multiple wand bays (bubble brush and high pressure gun). The primary service of a self-serve car wash system is a manual exterior wash. These sites are often outfitted with one or more automatics (rollovers) and a variety of additional self-serve offerings such as vacuums, shampooing, and vending. Self-serve washes are mostly unattended and can be found on secondary roads among high density residential areas.
Compact Self-Serve Car Wash System
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Multi-Pressure/VFD Self-Serve System
Multi-pressure, single pump self-serve systems utilize Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) to control the speed and pressure delivered to each wash bay. This clever design allows for the use of just one pump per bay and typically requires less backroom space for the pump plant. Currently only a few manufacturers offer this technology with their equipment.
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Car Wash Support Equipment
Air Compressors
Air compressors come in a number of shapes and sizes. Air is used to control movement and actuate components in a variety of systems. It is also used in the foaming of chemicals for all types of wash equipment.
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Bill Changers
Bill Changers are used principally in the self-serve car wash segment. Their purpose is to change customer's bills (up to $20.00) and dispenses quarters or tokens as determined by the site owner. Bill Changers come in single and dual models as well as "Credit Card to Token" dispensers.
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Vending
Car wash vending machines or islands create a tremendous profit center for your car wash in just a small amount of space. With a variety of car care products available, car wash vending machines are the perfect profit center for small spaces. Car wash vending machines can house cleaning materials to get your car spotless, car fresheners, or food and beverages. Vending machines allow you to widen your bottom line while maximizing small space at your site. There are even vending machines that accept debit and credit cards making impulse buying even more convenient for your customers.
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Water Softeners
Wash and rinse your car with hard water and you will see spots all over the surface if it isn’t dried thoroughly but with a water softener you don’t need to worry about the cars going through your site leaving with water spots. Water softeners remove calcium, magnesium and iron with a blend of premium resins that produce soft water which results in improved vehicle washing by limiting spotting and hard water film build up.
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Car Wash Chemicals
From presoak to clear coat sealants and protectants, there is an array of car wash chemicals at your disposal to give your customers a clean shine that makes them loyal to your car wash site. Car wash presoak chemicals are designed for use in friction and frictionless cleaning systems and are particularly effective at cleaning glass, chrome, wheels, and softening bugs. Soap and polish chemicals such as concentrated tri-foam clear coat polish are great for tunnels, automatics, and self-serve and are also visually appealing to customers. Color and scent can be added based on customer needs. Car wash clear coat sealants and protectants are ideal for upper end packages in tunnels, automatics and self-serve car washes. Color and scent can also be added to these per customer needs.
CSI
Cleaning Systems Inc. (CSI) formulates, manufactures and markets cleaning and protection products for the transportation industry. CSI focuses solely on cleaning and protection products and is broken down into two divisions to further focus resources in order to achieve mission of being the world leader in cleaning and protection of transportation vehicles.
The Lustra division specializes in the car wash industry and Car Wash Solutions takes advantage of their specialized knowledge in addressing the unique requirements involved with the cleaning and protection of automobiles. Lustra’s approach includes high quality products, technical innovation, outstanding service and an extensive marketing program. With over 30 years of proven performance in vehicle care, Lustra car care products provide exceptional cleaning performance while giving the car wash user the ultimate car wash sensory experience with rich scents and vivid colors.
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Turtle Wax
Turtle Wax is the number one car care brand in the world and is a trusted, reliable resource in the car wash industry. Delivering total surface protection, Turtle Wax is a premium body protectant designed for use in touch-free and friction in-bay automatics, tunnel washes and self-serve systems. Combined with a synthetic polymer technology with siliconized carnauba wax, Turtle Wax provides a protected, shiny, dry car. The multi-surface protection of Turtle Wax seals the four primary vehicle surface areas – clear coat paint, chrome, windshield glass and plastic/vinyl trim. Turtle Wax is the new standard in shine.
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Chemical Applicators, Pumps, and Arches
Motor City Wash Works
A manufacturing company specializing in the professional car wash industry, Motor City Wash Works sells quality equipment, parts and accessories to the vehicle wash industry at extremely affordable prices. Car Wash Solutions offers the following cutting-edge technology from Motor City Wash Works: Super Shiner Tire Gel Applicator, Chemical Applicators, Chemical Pumps, Arches and High Pressure Pump Stands.
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Entry Systems (Autocashiers, Pay Stations, and Gates)
Car wash entry systems are being more and more sophisticated as well as having better designed user interfaces with a wider array of payment options and in some cases built-in, enhanced marketing capabilities to allow customers to upgrade their car wash packages. With car wash entry systems now accepting credit cards as well as debit cards, prepaid cards, gift cards and loyalty cards, operators are finding that these entry systems are increasing revenues about 8 to 10 percent as a result of credit card customers tend to buy the more expensive car wash services. Entry systems that offer internet based systems have the advantage of processing a card in 3 seconds rather than 30 seconds thereby decreasing the time it takes to get customers through the entry. These savings are crucial for car wash operations with high throughput.
Hamilton Manufacturing
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Other Units Offered (Entry Systems)
Car wash entry systems are being more and more sophisticated as well as better designed user interfaces with a wider array of payment options and in some cases built-in, enhanced marketing capabilities to allow customers to upgrade their car wash packages. With car wash entry systems now accepting credit cards as well as debit cards, prepaid cards, gift cards and loyalty cards, operators are finding that these entry systems are increasing revenues about 8 to 10 percent as a result of credit card customers tend to buy the more expensive car wash services. Entry systems that offer internet based systems have the advantage of processing a card in three seconds rather than 30 seconds thereby decreasing the time it takes to get customers through the entry. These savings are crucial for car wash operations with high throughput.
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Unitec Electronics
Unitec Electronics, the leading provider of advanced technological solutions to the car wash industry, designs and manufactures car wash entry systems, accounting systems and bill changers for all segments of the car wash market. Their successful growth can largely be attributed to their understanding of the importance of customer interface. Unitec Electronics’ superior products allow car wash owners to offer their customers convenient solutions which increases customer loyalty, keeping customers returning time after time to your car wash. Unitec strives to make it easy for car wash operators to grow and profit from their business.
With customizable entry systems including Wash Select II, Wash Select II POS, Wash Select II with Speedpass, and Portal TI, Unitec has the finest reputation in the industry for quality, price, and after-sales service. As a Unitec partner you are guaranteed the most return for your investment. As a customer driven company, many of Unitec’s products and their unique features were developed as a direct response to customer requests. Unitec’s products combine state-of-the-art technology, user-friendly operation, and dependable, rugged construction.
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Financial Services
Leasing Resources Available
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SBA Loan Resources Available
SBA loans are potential resource for your needs when you are starting a business or expanding one. SBA loan programs have programs to assist small business in getting your business started. It is important to note that the SBA is primarily a guarantor of loans made by private and other institutions and does not offer business loans to small businesses. SBA loan programs can help qualified businesses obtain financing even when their collateral may not meet conventional lending standards.
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Traditional Loan Resources Available
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Water Recovery (Reclamation) Systems
Water recovery systems or water reclamation systems for vehicle washes provide water that is purified to enable reclaimed water to be used in a positive displacement pump. This type of reclamation system provides for continuous flow of water through the vehicle wash setting pit with an aerator to oxygenate the water and prevent odors typically produced by stagnant water for wash system settling pits. Water recovery systems keep you environmentally compliant when washing cars.
Pur-Water Recovery Systems
PurWater – the perfect combination of function and form incorporating the versatility of variable frequency drive technology. PurWater eliminates the need and on-going expense of antiquated bag of disposable filters while providing you with a consistent production of optimum engineered certified 5 micron product water. The PurWater Recovery System also eliminates the odor typically associated with reclaimed water. Innovative technology that is good for your bottom line and the environment.
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Spot-Free (Reverse Osmosis) Rinse Systems
Spot-free (reverse osmosis) Rinse Systems, such as New Wave Industries PurClean Rinse System, enhance the quality of the wash you provide as well as your customer’s wash experience when visiting your car wash location. Spot-free rinse systems rinse away all residual chemical and city or mineral laden water (including reclaim water) and allow the entire vehicle including all glass, chrome and painted areas to dry perfectly spot-free. These systems purify soft, chlorine-free water through reverse osmosis to produce a pure final rinse that leaves no streaks or spots as the vehicle dries.
Pur-Clean Spot-Free Rinse Systems
PurClean – the professional choice for delivering spot-free car washes every time. Utilizing the process of reverse osmosis to eliminate the mineral content in the water, PurClean is manufactured with only the finest quality components and the unique pre-treatment system. The PurClean Spot-Free Rinse System addresses water hardness, operates efficiently and cost-effectively while eliminating the need and upfront cost of a water softener. PurClean can be fitted to your specific wash needs.
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Signage
Signage at your car wash site can make a big difference in how your business is perceived by your customers. What do your car wash signs say about you? Car Wash Solutions can offer customized your car wash signage to leave memorable impressions with your customers and increase their loyalty to your site. With little cost to you, you can customize your signage so it tells your customer where they are and what you offer in a package that is pleasing to the eye and brings more dollars to your pockets. In today’s saturated marketplace, signage is a way of life and establishing your identity as one that promises value is a critical component to your site. Bring excitement to your business with customized signage at your car wash site.
In-House Design Offered
Car Wash Solutions now offers in-house marketing and design for your site. Car Wash Solutions’ Marketing and Design Department offers customized signage, branding, and marketing consultations for your car wash site. You can now customize all of your car wash signs with your own car wash identity. Increase your profits with customized marketing plans and strategies and a brand identity that promises value to your customers. Car Wash Solutions provides you with the freedom to make your car wash site your own through customized car wash signage and marketing guidance.
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Surveillance Camera Systems
Earn the confidence of your customers with complete video surveillance systems like DigiCapture at affordable prices. With the latest technology in video surveillance, you can watch your business live from anywhere with a phone line or internet access and a PC. Your car wash surveillance video will be digitally recorded on a hard drive, providing many times the quality of a time lapse VCR.
Packages from DigiCapture include: Dell PC server with 17” monitor and keyboard, color weather proof cameras, 100’+ of video/power cable per camera, central power supply, all connectors for video and power, software for remote site, surge protector, and installation and operation manual.
Car Wash Solutions recommends only professional grade security cameras that keep you and your customers safe. You can view up to 16 cameras at one time or view as one in full screen. You easily search for recorded video, just pick the date, times, and cameras you want to payback. Advances in digital technology have made video surveillance more flexible and easy with IP (Internet Protocol) cameras are easy to install and maintain and are infinitely customizable, allowing Car Wash Solutions to create a security system that conforms to your car wash surveillance needs.
Multiple Systems Available (Surveillance)
Earn the confidence of your customers with complete video surveillance systems like DigiCapture at affordable prices. With the latest technology in video surveillance, you can watch your business live from anywhere with a phone line or internet access and a PC. Your car wash surveillance video will be digitally recorded on a hard drive, providing many times the quality of a time lapse VCR.
Packages from DigiCapture include: Dell PC server with 17” monitor and keyboard, color weather proof cameras, 100’+ of video/power cable per camera, central power supply, all connectors for video and power, software for remote site, surge protector, and installation and operation manual.
Car Wash Solutions recommends only professional grade security cameras that keep you and your customers safe. You can view up to 16 cameras at one time or view as one in full screen. You easily search for recorded video, just pick the date, times, and cameras you want to payback. Advances in digital technology have made video surveillance more flexible and easy with IP (Internet Protocol) cameras are easy to install and maintain and are infinitely customizable, allowing Car Wash Solutions to create a security system that conforms to your car wash surveillance needs.
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Vacuums, Combination Units and Islands
Proven to be a very profitable source of income, vacuums, combination units and islands units at your car wash will add even more revenue to your site while the wash bays are in use. Vacuums offer a way to boost impulse buys at your site as well as upgraded service. With a variety of vacuums available, you can customize vacuum selections per your and your customers needs. Basic vacuums that accept all payment types with standard features are available as well as vacuum islands with canopies that are an around-the-clock customer attraction. Vacuum islands can arrive at your wash site ready to be bolted in place fully installed with trash can holder, awning pole receptacles, and you can choose between different model combination unites with single or double vacuums, decal design, awnings and lettering coloring. Custom designed to fit your location, vacuums, combination units, and islands make it easier to get even more profits from your wash. Liquid products, dri-foaming shampoo, spot remover and premium fragrances are also available.
Fragra*Matics
Since 1978, Fragra*Matics has manufactured innovative, quality built car care products offering a complete line of products designed to maximize impulse income and generate profits for your car wash site. Fragra*Matics is the leader for self-service car care equipment and supplies. Fragra*Matics gives your customers a choice that boosts your income. With Fragra*Matics line of income generating products for the car wash industry which include the ever popular pedestal mount dispensers, a full-service dispenser, combination vacuums, vacuum islands, and their latest island package that even includes air service. In addition, Fragra*Matics also produces liquid products such as specially formulated shampoos, spot removers, fragrances, and carpet protectant. They introduced ‘dri foaming’ products and were the first in the car wash business to offer a polymer-based carpet protectant to self-service car wash customers.
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J.E. Adams
J.E. Adams gives car wash operators the ultimate choice in high-quality vacuum profit centers that are able to provide dependable, long lasting, revenue generating equipment to the car washing industry for over 30 years. With vacuums that provide the fastest payback in the industry, J.E. Adams vacuums give you lower total costs of ownership while the premium services generate extra profits for you. At the forefront of the high-pressure car wash industry, J.E. Adams is driven by innovative product design and efficient manufacturing procedures and provides the highest quality products.
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