For Car Wash Operators, it can be difficult to balance efficiency with providing customers with the very best service possible. Keeping an eye on the bottom line means looking for ways to maximize revenue while also keeping customers happy.
One of the very best ways to do this is to offer touchless car washes. Not only are they highly efficient, but they offer a great clean that some customers much prefer.
To find out more about the benefits of touchless car wash systems, keep reading and we’ll explain everything you need to know.
Touchless Car Wash Systems Explained
Most car washes operate by friction. At the most basic level this involves hand sponges and clothes and in the case of drive-throughs, soapy brushes or drapes that rub along the surface of a car.
Touchless car washes, however, use no friction. Instead, the only thing that makes contact with a car is water, chemical solutions, and air.
Cars are parked within a bay and their position and size are measured by lasers. This then allows the precise application of soap, high-pressure water, and powerful cleaning agents to remove dirt and grime without any physical pressure. Some touchless car washes will also apply jets of air to dry the vehicle and apply a finishing wax after cleaning.
This type of drive-through car wash has risen in popularity in recent years thanks to the technology being more readily available and commercially viable.
6 Main Benefits of Touchless Car Wash Systems
Adding a touchless car wash to your operation is a wise move. Not only do some customers prefer them, but they also offer some significant efficiencies in terms of overheads and time.
To make things clearer, here are the Main Benefits of a Touchless Car Wash System:
1. Preserves Paintwork
Car washes that operate on friction can often run the risk of damaging paintwork. Brushes and drapes can sometimes have debris from prior washes caught within them that can be abrasive on the exterior of a vehicle.
Touchless systems, however, do away with brushes, sponges, and anything else that might introduce hard objects to the top layer of a car’s bodywork. Not only does this prevent harsh scratches, but without rubbing, paintwork does not become dulled which can happen even with gentle cleaning.
2. Frees Up Workers Increase In Productivity
Thanks to laser guides, automated machinery, and advanced built-in software, touchless car systems do not need to be manned or monitored.
This frees up staff to conduct other work such as add-on and detailing services that can make more revenue for a business. Despite being highly effective, touchless systems involve fewer moving parts, meaning staff can spend less time fixing problems and more time being productive.
3. Makes More Money Per Hour
Touchless car washes will typically clean more cars per hour than a regular friction car wash, especially older models and self-serve operations. Using pre-programmed, accurate cleaning cycles and powerful (car-safe) chemicals, vehicles are renewed much quicker.
Most touchless systems will complete a cycle in a few minutes, meaning more cars are able to be cleaned per hour. This is achieved without sacrificing cleaning quality either.
4. More Convenient for Customers
Being relatively advanced technology, touchless systems typically feature self-payment devices. These allow customers to pay for the services at the machine itself.
This means that even if your main car wash operation is shut, the touchless system can be left operational. Some car wash owners choose to leave their touchless system running 24/7 to maximize their earnings and take advantage of drivers who work at night, for example.
5. Water efficiencies
While touchless car washes rely primarily on water, they typically use a lot less than regular car washing techniques like self-serve and handwashing.
Using precisely applied jets of water and cleaning solution, touchless systems make each drop count. Rather than haphazard splashing or wastefully spraying in the general direction of the car, touchless systems know how much water is needed to wash and rinse a car. High pressure also means less water is needed to achieve the same effect.
For car wash operators, this can help keep water bills down and within reasonable limits.
6. Lower Maintenance Costs
Touchless systems feature fewer mechanical, moving parts than regular car washes. As these require regular maintenance and repair, this means touchless car washes can reduce overheads considerably.
As well as this, touchless car washes can make use of hyper-concentrated formulas and the aforementioned water efficiencies, While the machine itself may cost a lot up front, these ongoing maintenance and operation savings can mean a more profitable business in the long term.
Verdict
While touchless systems might seem too good to be true, they live up to the hype. Offering cost savings, water and maintenance efficiencies, and a scratch-free clean, they are a preferred car wash for owners and operators alike.
