As one of the core pieces of car wash equipment in your car wash business, getting the details right when spec’ing out a new self-service car wash machine can help ensure your operation remains efficient and profitable for the lifetime of the equipment – often 7 years or longer.
There’s a wide variety of self-service car wash systems on the market, from basic single-bay units to multi-bay installations with advanced features, and even if you know which works best for your business demands, each is available with a range of attributes intended to suit a variety of needs.
If you want your equipment to provide maximum value for your investment, these three tips will help you get there:
Know What Types of Vehicles You’re Washing
Overloading your self-service bays is not only detrimental to the lifespan of the machine, it’s also inconvenient for your customers. A standard-sized bay is more than capable of accommodating a Honda Civic that’s less than 15 feet long, but that same bay won’t be able to handle the likes of a large RV or a dually pickup truck, which can be over 22 feet in length.
Most car wash owners use multi-bay setups for general washing and specialized bays for oversized vehicles. When deciding on bay dimensions, business owners need to decide what vehicle sizes they want to service. When choosing between open-ended or enclosed bay designs, consider that larger vehicles should use open-ended bays, while standard cars and light trucks can use either design.
Know What Services You Will Be Providing
One self-service system may not necessarily fit every washing option you’d like to offer at your business. Do your customers demand high-pressure washing? There’s a system for that. Does your location see a lot of winter grime? There’s a foam brush option for that, too. Spot-free rinse or wax application? Those are different kinds of services, too.
In addition, it’s important for car wash owners to be intimately aware of the dimensions of their property, specifically bay width and plumbing access, before pulling the trigger on their new self-service system. Car wash operators should also consider the convenience of their customers, who can typically perform a thorough wash much faster with easy-to-use, well-placed equipment at full functionality.
Plan for the Vehicles of Tomorrow
Your car wash may only be servicing standard-sized vehicles today, but because a new self-service system is a potentially decade-long investment, business owners will want to be prepared for vehicles that may be pulling into their bays years down the line. An influx of electric vehicles or oversized SUVs, for example, will likely require system upgrades if the capabilities for these vehicles weren’t originally taken into consideration.
The marketplace is awash with self-service car wash options, and even car wash operators who are on top of their game may not be certain which system is best to suit their location’s individual needs. Business owners should never hesitate to contact their equipment provider for advice when staring down the barrel of such a large investment. This content is sponsored by WashTech.
