A terrible winter is beneficial for car wash business. So is a steamy, sweltering, "buggy" summer. Anecdotal evidence abounds regarding the factors that contribute to spikes in the volume of people visiting car washes. It is difficult to determine the exact number of vehicle washes in the US. The website of the International Carwash Association® (https://www.carwash.org) is a useful resource for quickly learning about the size and power of the car wash sector. According to numerous reports, there were about 16,000 car washes in operation in the US in 2019 and they brought in almost $10 billion. (Firm statistics are challenging because NAICS codes do not fully distinguish between companies that detail and wash, those that only wash, etc.) More importantly, the car wash industry is strong while the US economy is booming. To start with, there are more cars on the road. Second, individuals would rather hire a professional car wash than do it themselves. Most cities have very severe laws governing the operating parameters of car wash facilities, and many of them are stricter than those set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Recognizing that wash owners want to accomplish more with less water and chemicals is the first step in selling to the car wash industry. Industry members have always been collaborators in achieving that objective. The past ten years have seen a lot of changes. The changes are advantageous to the environment, car wash owners, and customers. According to Cliff Reed, president of Hydro-Spray Wash Systems Inc. in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, "cleaning chemicals have gotten better, more effective, more accurate, and more consistent." "This is because chemical manufacturers have been able to formulate better solutions, whether they are for a specific application or multipurpose application, thanks to newer and better formulations, testing, results, and compiled data." Manufacturers consider end users' needs from all angles. Additionally, equipment has changed. Actually, equipment usually falls into the same category of accomplishing more with less. According to Reed, "the need for multiple pumps has been eliminated by equipment that can dispense cleaning chemicals more accurately, such as with the use of chemical injectors." "We have been able to inject chemical into the water flow downstream of the high-pressure pump using just one pump powered at multiple rpms—using variable frequency drives to adjust pump flow and pump pressure.” Reed explains a design that has resulted in numerous savings. He says, "It improves chemical coverage and provides a much more accurate ratio of chemical to water to know exactly what the chemical costs are per gallon of operation, etc. It results in fewer pumps and components and less wear items." Yes, but—contractors reading this post might be thinking—since it appears they have nothing to offer the car wash industry. However, Reed clarifies that this isn't the case. Car wash shops could be both buyers and sellers of cleaning. "I frequently advise my car wash owners to get quotes from a contract mobile wash contractor for yearly or semi-annual cleaning, especially for larger operations like tunnel washes and multi-location operators," adds Reed. It has to do with the specialized equipment and methods that contract cleaners can offer to the work. Some car wash operators find it difficult to clean the exterior brick or block walls and the inner wash bay walls because they lack the necessary chemicals or hot water pressure washers. To finish the task efficiently, strong alkaline and acidic cleaning solutions are frequently needed, according to Reed. "And the car wash operator really can't justify not doing it this way for the money." Owners of car washes might not want to invest the cash in hiring a mobile contract cleaner to clean the outside of the facility and the bay walls. However, they ought to think again so that their establishment presents a clean image of what a customer desires in a freshly washed car. In the event that a facility is not cleaned, Because of this, car washes frequently become dingy over time and never truly appear like the day they were created, according to Reed. "However, the facility can be restored to its original appearance every time hot water pressure washers and appropriate industrial chemicals are used." Home curb appeal is not the only benefit. According to Reed, "curb appeal is very important in the car wash industry, and the car wash bay itself should be clean once the customer enters." There are chances for members in our sector to sell anywhere there are car washes. Make use of them. According to Reed, "there is a mobile wash contractor opportunity in every town." The owner of the obstinate car wash who insists he or she cannot afford it may require him or her to present proof of concept. I'm telling them, though, that they can't afford to refuse. Conversely, a number of contract cleaners within our sector have expressed interest in establishing a mobile wash facility of their own. See the related piece, "Setting up a Drive-Thru Wash," on page 36 of this issue.] Specifications and Information Numerous car washes double as detailing locations. This is something that suppliers and manufacturers who sell to car washes consider. Reed's business sells cleaning and detailing chemicals. "We feel it's necessary to offer solutions for both applications, and we do offer both," he says. Reed states, "Especially when you are a supplier who adds other value to their customers, many customers see value in being able to purchase what they need from one supplier rather than multiple suppliers." Consider what will make a customer's purchase process as simple as possible while making a pitch to the car wash or any other sector. It's easier for a car wash connected to a detailing shop to rely on a supplier who carries both product lines. "Having chemicals and equipment for both car washes and detailing is crucial," says Shannon Yordy, senior graphic designer at Kleen-Rite Corporation in Columbia, Pennsylvania. "Although there is some overlap, these are two distinct industries with different problems and solutions." It is imperative for businesses who supply the vehicle wash sector to stay up to date with advancements. According to Yordy, "ceramic sealants and coatings, for example, have changed significantly in the last ten years." Yordy adds, "The best advice I can give is to research your options." It's a piece of advice that works for distributors, manufacturers, and final consumers alike.