Ace Chemistry Class with Howco’s Guidance

Get Assistance in Developing Your Car Wash’s Customized Chemistry Plan

by Patrick Flynn, Territory Sales Manager-Chemicals / Howco Inc.

Car wash operators should consider their car wash tunnel a chemistry laboratory and their Howco chemical representative a knowledgeable tutor in the subject – because that’s essentially what both are.

No matter the size of a car wash tunnel or type of equipment therein, every tunnel should deliver a carefully orchestrated combination of water, chemicals, and friction that coalesce to give cars a superlative cleaning and shine. This science project of sorts should be monitored continually and adjusted accordingly.

Depending on the tunnel set-up, as many as 15 different chemicals can be used to wash each car. These can include various combinations of presoak products, tire applications, soaps, conditioners, polishes, rinses, protectants, waxes, and drying agents.

It’s imperative that these chemicals, no matter the number, work together for optimal performance and efficiency. The order in which chemicals are applied and their respective mixtures, amounts, and pH levels are critical to achieving the best car wash possible. The amount of water and its cleanliness after reclaim, along with properly functioning equipment, also come into play.

After evaluating a car wash’s geographic location and corresponding soil compositions that may come into contact with vehicles, we arrange chemicals in a customized pH setup designed for the most favorable performance in that area. 

Some chemicals work wonderfully together, while others don’t. Certain combinations can cause poor performance in addition to unwanted bacterial build-up that results in unpleasant odors – certainly an undesirable effect for customers expecting a clean, shiny car that also smells good. Reclaim-compatible products offer ideal wash results, as well as cleaner reclaim water.

Car wash chemistry is a vital and complex component of every car wash tunnel, and all Howco chemical representatives are experts in helping operators determine the best type, amount, and combination of chemicals for each car wash set-up. Contact a Howco rep today for your customized chemistry tutorial.