Cleaning Carwash Sensors

By Christopher McElroy

A drying system is considered by many people to be one of the vital parts of any successful carwash business. Despite these and other challenges, good maintenance and housekeeping procedures help operators minimize or prevent operational issues with their equipment. The idea of cleaning the sensor in your carwash equipment fills many people with dread. It may seem difficult or complicated but it is actually much more straightforward than you may think. Here are some steps to take to avoid damaging your sensor in need of vital and expensive repairs.

First important step is to make sure your control box is turned off. Never try to clean a sensor while your machine is on! Check for damage to sensor face for dirt and residue. Scrub off the dirt and residue on the transceivers with a soft bristle brush and mild detergent and water solution. Sensors are prone to damage from pressure washing, use of chemicals and high pressure water used directly on the sensors. It is recommended to avoid applying these techniques to your sensors.

If you find hard deposit, try removing it without damaging the paint on your sensors. In Proto-Vest sensors, if there are dents or peeled off paint, it is recommended to replace the sensor. Don’t discard your old sensors! Send them to Proto-Vest for testing and evaluation. In most cases the sensor can be repaired. It is also recommended to clean the sensor face with a soft, wet cloth. Always install new sensors with a sensor grommet in place over the sensor cable to prevent moisture and dirt from getting inside your sensor. It is simple and effective maintenance tip on how to prevent buildup and corrosion on your sensors.

It is highly recommended to keep up with the maintenance of sensors in either your wash or dryer system. The more you take care of them, the less you have to worry about repair costs!

Christopher McElroy is the Chief Executive Officer of Proto-Vest, Inc.,

Visit Proto-Vest’s website at www.protovest.com and learn how to enhance your business with the ultimate in drying technology!