What is the Working of Car Washing?
Car washing is a process of cleaning your car using various equipment. Each piece serves a specific function to help clean your vehicle.
The exterior of your car is under constant duress from minuscule bits of road tar, bird droppings and general dirt. Washing it on a regular basis at Car Wash Gastonia NC helps prevent moisture from entering the frame and interiors to cause corrosive damage.
The Water
Using a hose at home to wash your car can be environmentally harmful because water used for the washing and rinse is not being recycled or treated. This water flows directly into the local groundwater and sewer systems where it can then be sent to lakes, rivers, or streams where it contaminates the waters with chemicals that can cause environmental harm.
Luckily, this is not the case at professional car wash facilities. The majority of car wash facilities have a water recycling system in place, and this helps to reduce the amount of freshwater that is needed to run the wash and keep cars clean.
This is a great benefit, especially in areas that are experiencing a drought and may be subject to stricter water use restrictions. It also helps to reduce the wear and tear on the equipment by decreasing the amount of water that is pumped through it each day, extending its lifespan and lowering maintenance costs.
The process of water recycling works by capturing the wastewater produced by the car wash equipment and treating it before being reused. This greatly reduces the need to purchase freshwater from a municipal water supplier and cuts down on the amount of water that is sucked into the local sewer system and discarded.
Each type of water – recycled or not – that is used during the cleaning or rinsing process is carefully matched to the specific needs of each stage of the washing cycle. High efficiency nozzles that use less than a quarter of a gallon per car are combined with safe chemical cleaning products and protection products to accomplish the most work in the least amount of water.
The reclaimed water is then filtered through underground settling tanks where heavy sediments and bacteria are removed and the water is balanced to a neutral pH before being returned to the final tank to be used on lower parts of your car like the wheels and underbody. The rest of the water that is not reclaimed is sent to a sanitary sewer where it can be treated and disposed of without any environmental impact.
The Soap
The soap used to clean the car is a crucial part of the washing process. There are a wide range of soaps available, from the simplest dish soap to more advanced options that are specifically designed for car wash use. It is important to only use soaps that are designed for car washing — regular dish or laundry detergents can damage the paint finish and may contain degreasers that can strip wax from the paint.
The first step of the carwash process is the pre-soak. This is when the vehicle passes through a metal arch fitted with small nozzles that spray a cleaning solution over the car to soften and loosen dirt. It is important to use a pre-soak that is safe for all types of vehicles and paint finishes.
Once the dirt is loose, it is time for the soap to start its work. The best soaps are gentle enough to be effective but strong enough to remove stuck-on contaminants. Many of the newer chemicals can better penetrate and lift soils from a variety of different car surfaces. These chemistries also allow carwashes to use less water than older offerings, which reduces environmental impact as well as backroom and transportation costs.
It is also important to use a soap that creates lots of suds, as this helps to lubricate the vehicle’s surface and reduce scratching. It is also important to use a high-quality, biodegradable soap. Many of the newer chemistries also have added ingredients that help to improve a car’s shine and protect it from damage. These ingredients can be added to the soap during the production process or as a post-wash additive.
When it comes to choosing a soap, it is important for car wash operators to look at their customer base and what they want their customers to be able to see when the vehicle leaves the wash bay. Other says that some of the most popular products are those that add a shine to tires, wheels and painted surfaces.
It is also important for the car wash to have a finely-tuned system. If the soaps, rinse agents and drying agents are not working properly, it is essential that the carwash owner find and fix the problem rather than simply turning up or down a chemical dosing, as this could have a negative impact on the customer’s experience.
The Rinse
The rinse is a high pressure spray of water that carries away dirt and loosens the stickiest bugs, road salt and grime. It also helps to clean the underside of the vehicle, which is a common spot for debris to accumulate. The rinse may be followed by a foaming arch or a rinsing arch that sprays a chemical mixture to help the water and chemicals stick better to the vehicle. A nozzle with different settings is used to vary the intensity of the spray.
The wash cycle may be completed with a wheel cleaner, triple foam or other chemicals that either further clean the vehicle (conditioner) or add a layer of wax to the car (polisher). Triple foams are particularly popular as they are both a visual effect and provide a high level of protection for the vehicle. These chemicals are usually an upgrade at a car wash, but the benefit they provide is well worth it.
When using carwash chemicals, it is important to understand that the chemical products have been specifically designed to work with specific water conditions at a given location and time. A better understanding of the characteristics of the water at a given location allows a carwash operator to select the best chemical products for the site, which results in a more consistent, clean and dry car.
While it is not required by all car wash managers, many operate closed loop reclaim systems to reuse and reclaim the water they use in their wash process. This reduces the amount of fresh water used and keeps it from being dumped into the general water supply or the environment.
In addition to the reclaim system, there are also methods of recycling the soap, rinse and wax chemical used in a car wash. This has been shown to result in significantly reduced nonpoint source pollutant loads, especially those of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. However, more research is needed on the long term effects of these car wash management practices to verify their effectiveness in reducing pollutant load. The EPA has also developed a list of Best Management Practices to further protect the water quality for washing vehicles and other uses.
The Drying
Drying is the last stage of the car wash and is a crucial element for a great finish. After the car is rinsed, it is dried with a clean microfiber cloth. The use of microfiber is recommended because it does not leave scratches or spots on the vehicle. It is important to blot the car rather than drag the towel over the surface, especially in areas where there may be dirt particles lodged into the fabric. It is also important to have several towels available to replace the ones that are becoming saturated with water.
Another drying method is using a device called a water blade that functions like a windshield wiper and a squeegee. This can dry cars up to 3x faster than traditional methods. However, it is important to check the blade often to ensure that no dirt or debris has lodged into the blade and that it can still function properly. Finally, it is important to dry the wheels and tires as well as any windows and mirrors that are prone to fogging.
While there are many different drying techniques used in the car wash industry, a few best practices can help to make the process faster and more effective. First, always start from the top down as gravity aids the drying process, reducing the need to revisit areas due to water trickling down on the surface of the vehicle. Additionally, it is important to work in small sections to avoid overwashing the vehicle and leaving water spots. Finally, it is important to be mindful of local and state water preservation regulations that vary by region and govern the amount of water that can be used at a given time.
Overall, the car wash industry continues to grow and evolve. There are new advancements in technology and products that allow car wash operators to increase chain speed, deliver superior pay wax services, and more. In addition, there is an increased focus on sustainability and preserving the environment in which we all live. This is reflected in the continued growth of the eco-friendly or “green” car wash movement.
Car washing is a process of cleaning your car using various equipment. Each piece serves a specific function to help clean your vehicle. The exterior of your car is under constant duress from minuscule bits of road tar, bird droppings and general dirt. Washing it on a regular basis at Car Wash Gastonia NC helps prevent…