Troubleshooting Chemical Delivery System for Poor Wash Quality

by Chipper New, Chemical Sales Manager / Howco Inc.

At Howco, we emphasize that each car wash operation is a finely tuned orchestration. Proper setup and continual monitoring ensure the many parts and processes work in concert to produce superb results that keep customers coming back. 

When car wash performance gets out of tune, operators often focus first on the efficacy of the chemicals used. However, these are rarely the cause of poor car wash results, particularly if the operator is utilizing a chemical program expertly tailored for their wash.

Instead, the culprit in unsatisfactory washes can be one or more components of the chemical delivery system. 

Diagnose Wash Quality Issues 

To diagnose car wash quality issues, confirm the operation is applying the five factors of cleaning properly – time, temperature, chemicals, pressure, and procedure. This includes checking the condition and performance of every facet of the chemical delivery system, including: 

• Air compressor 

• Air hoses – check for holes or leaks 

• Solenoid 

• Chemical applicators 

• Foam generator 

• Chemical lines – look for breaks, disconnections, or restricted flow 

• Dilution station -- solenoids, injectors, meters, draw lines, and split valves 

Product Consistency and Quality 

All Howco chemical vendors emphasize product consistency and quality control to ensure their solutions perform exactly as intended. Typically, only post-production circumstances, such as improper storage that exposes products to extreme heat or cold, may render chemicals suspect. 

Please reach out to one of our experienced Howco representatives for details and assistance in keeping your chemical delivery system performing its best.