TIPS FOR RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL CAR WASH BUSINESS.
You’ve invested time and money in a property and equipment. Everything is shiny and new. Maintaining your facility long-term will keep customers coming back and help ensure they have a top-notch car wash to come back to.
Even car wash businesses benefit from a spring clean! Seasonal checklists are a must-have. Not only do they keep business owners on track, it will help ensure a smooth transition from season to season, and that you’re ready for a new influx of business.
A checklist will also help keep track of changing priorities and identify current and potential future needs. Here’s a few to consider:
Property maintenance
First impressions count. What does your facility say about you?
Make sure walkways and the driveway are swept often and power washed several times a year. Freshen up road markings with new paint at least once a year.
Empty trash bins often. Nothing makes a property more unapproachable than overflowing trash bins and papers blowing around. Edit your signage. Is it too much? Does it look worn? Does it need an update?
Examine your buildings exterior for signs of wear and tear. Repair cracks, freshen paint, clean awnings and signage. Wipe grime from mirrors, windows and security cameras. Replace light bulbs. All these things will reinforce the idea that your customers are getting the ultimate clean with their car wash experience.
The exterior of your property can take a beating if you’re located in a harsher climate. Take a walk around and clear debris. Examine the facility for any wear and tear, including cracks, fading paint, dirty windows and doors and fading signs. Warm weather is a great time to get to repairs and give the property a fresh face.
Love the landscape
Blustery winds blow garbage and debris that cling to trees, shrubs, gutters and window frames. Clear the clutter, cut the lawn, trim or replace shrubs and flowers and add fresh soil and mulch to all the beds.
Step inside
Inspect the interior of your bay for any cracks, chips, fading paint and dirt build up and manage any cleaning or repairs that are needed.
Is your wash bay clean and attractive? Clean is what you are selling, and nothing dulls the sparkle of a car wash quicker than rolling up and realizing the facility itself is unclean. How you maintain your interior is subconsciously giving your customers an indication of the kind of clean they can expect with their own experience.
The good news is dirt is easily kept at bay with a little consistent attention. Wash walls and equipment often, and power wash concrete floors to remove dirt and salt that can build up over time and make a wash tunnel appear dirty. Wipe down equipment and components. Ensure brushes, sponges and fabrics are clear of debris.
Not only will keeping your interior clean give a good impression, it will also keep your equipment in good working condition, cutting down on possible expenses.
Gather all your maintenance equipment like buckets, detergent and stray parts and tuck them out of sight. Clean, clutter-free sightlines help instill confidence with your customers that you’re running a smooth operation.
Equip yourself
Check equipment for wear, turn off weep systems if no longer in use, oil doors and hinges and replace any fading parts. Maybe it’s time to invest in some new equipment!
Market it
Freshen any faded signage. Spring is a great time to launch new marketing initiatives. Plan a new promotion, offer a coupon, send out flyers or advertise a fun spring event at your location. Post promotions on social media to draw customers back after the long winter.
Car Wash Equipment Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your car wash will keep customers coming back and ensure many years of safe and reliable operation. Check out our list to help keep you in check and keep your car wash system in top shape.
Daily
- Pressure wash the bays
- Check water pressure and flow
- Run the cycle to ensure everything is operating
- Ensure brushes, vacuums and dry systems are free of debris
Weekly
- Check and empty receptacles
- Vacuum dust bins
- Wash out bay sediment traps
- Drain any water from the air compressor
- Check product vending levels and ensure the oil pump is full and free of water
Monthly
- Check the nozzles, hoses and lines for wear or damage
- Locate and change burnt out lights and change filters as needed
- Check belts and gears for possible replacement
Every six months
- Change out the carbon filter if you have an osmosis filter
- Replace the oil in the air compressor and oil pump and check moving components for wear and replacement
As needed
- Pressure wash the building and parking lot
- Lubricate locks and freshen up painted surfaces, including the driveway and the exterior of the building to create a warm welcome
As with any piece of equipment, repair or replace items as needed. It’s better to replace suspect parts sooner than later, as one bad part can quickly affect another.
Your equipment is one of your largest assets. Care and maintenance can ensure that your system lives several lives and resists wear and tear.
More car was equipment cleaning tips:
- Car wash maintenance : keeping your jet wash clean »
- Car wash equipment maintenance : cleaning your rollover machine »
- Car wash water quality keeps your customers coming back »
For assistance operating a successful car wash business
Good Sight has been Australia’s leading supplier of car wash machines and equipment since 1968. We are the national supplier of Ryko, Istobal and MacNeill car wash systems. Our full range of services includes car wash installation, upgrades and maintenance for clients such as car wash businesses, petroleum retailers, automotive dealerships, fleet and rental car businesses. For more information about rollovers, auto touchless, self serve, conveyors, drive through and car wash enclosures, contact our team direct for advice and assistance. We can also assist with a range of car wash accessories including coin operated vacuums and vending machines.
Call (02) 9757 4700 Send an Email Get a Quote
Article source: Istobal Car Wash Equipment.