Dryers and Vacuums Keep Customers Coming Back
By Angela Altass
A carwash experience involves more than just washing a car. To satisfy today’s consumer, the drying systems and vacuums need to be top-notch as well.
“Vacuums are extremely important,” states Travis Feller, director of product management, National Carwash Solutions. “Certain customer segments value the vacuum solutions at a site higher than the wash. Adding additional value for the carwash consumer is becoming more important in recent years. Providing premium vacuum solutions that are high performing and easy to use can help differentiate you from your competitors.”
Vacutech has recently launched the C-Vac, which was developed specifically for the c-store market, says Feller.
“The C-Vac, compared to other canister vacuums, offers up to two times the performance and five times the vacuum life,” says Feller. “It offers the longest motor life in the industry at approximately 5,000 hours or on average three to five years based on use. It also offers a long-lasting pleated filter that can be washed for easy maintenance. The C-Vac also incorporates a maintenance light to notify your staff when the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.”
When looking to upgrade or invest in new vacuums, carwash owners should concentrate on product performance, reliability and site aesthetics, says Feller.
“Customers will keep coming back to a site that allows them to easily and effectively clean the inside of their vehicles,” says Feller. “Pick a high performing vacuum system that has the required CFM to perform the task at hand. Nothing is worse than when a customer is frustrated with the performance or does not believe they received value for what they paid. Make sure your system is made from quality materials and components as well as being easy to maintain and service.”
Make your carwash site inviting and easy for customers to use, says Feller.
“Your vacuum systems should enhance your site’s aesthetics and not be a deterrent,” states Feller. “Customers are looking for easy to use, high performing and reliable solutions. These key metrics will drive customer satisfaction and five-star reviews at your sites.”
Central vacuum systems have been a key driver for growth in the express carwash market in recent years, notes Feller.
“Bundling additional value into the wash process has allowed the express wash to drive additional consumer value and retention,” says Feller. “This has crossed over into the c-store market where we are now seeing a larger focus on vacuum stations, both revenue-generating and free.”
Customers expect a clean vacuum stall, superior suction and vending kits, says Michael Van Wieren, sales manager, Tommy Car Wash Systems.
“The vending kits we use at our sites include a glass wipe, surface cleaner wipe, super absorbent disposable towel and two vent clip air fresheners,” says Van Wieren. “This is a great all-in-one solution for those who want a clean, shiny car inside and out.”
Tommy Car Wash Systems has multiple types of vacuums available, notes Van Wieren.
“Our most powerful and reliable is the Tommy 2.0, followed by the Tommy Dual Motor Vacuum,” says Van Wieren. “Our most popular, the Tommy 2.0 vacuum, boasts a robust 5hp motor for superior suction and an industry leading five-year warranty on the motor. Our Dual Motor Vacuum has a smaller motor but still very good suction and does not require three-phase hook-up. Both units offer a single containment on each vacuum stall for easy removal of dirt and debris. Depending on site size, we have as many as 20+ vacuums on each site. This alleviates any wait time as customers want to get in and out.”
Tommy’s dryers at the end of the carwash tunnel are 10hp and are strategically placed on patented round arches to push water down and away, says Van Wieren.
“Most of our washes use a combination of about 18 of these blowers,” says Van Wieren. “In colder weather climates, such as Michigan where we are located, we use two massive heated blowers at the end of the wash to help as well.”
The carwash industry is currently experiencing many changes, states Cheryl Ehmen, chief executive manager, Aerodry Systems, who stresses the importance of continuing to make system improvements based on conversations with carwash operators.
“Our industry is going through so many changes and consolidations,” says Ehmen. “There is definitely huge frustration that the result is personnel that have no clue about their products and cannot help with trouble shooting if a customer needs help with problems or failures. At Aerodry Systems, we realize time is money. I plan to start an ad campaign that tactfully uses various phrases to emphasize that we know our products and, in the unlikely event of failure, we are here to troubleshoot.”
Sound levels have become a major issue for carwashes and manufacturers have to address noise while maintaining performance, says Ehmen.
When considering upgrading or changing the drying systems at their carwash locations, owners should determine the type of improvements being sought, whether that be uptime, performance, maintenance, sound levels, space, or customer perception, says Ehmen.
“Following that lead, the owner needs to assess their facility power to determine if a new system can be supported,” says Ehmen. “Equipment specifications and manufacturer claims can be complicated. Only deal with a reputable brand that has a history of quality. The owners must research and talk to other operators as assurance the expectations of the new equipment can be met.”
When it comes to vehicle washing and drying, cars aren’t the only potential customers.
“We felt the industry was really not taking care of the people who have large trucks, the 18-wheelers,” says Jeff Reichard, president, Proto-Vest Dryers, “so, we invented a machine to take care of trucks. It’s been a big hit and has been a bit of a breakthrough.”
Reichard encourages carwash owners to take into consideration the cost savings associated with energy efficient drying systems.
Challenges with stand-alone dryers that people drive under is the variable speed at which drivers pass through them, says Curt Wade, vice president, Oasis Wash Systems.
“Some drivers go too slow while others go too fast, which can affect the quality of drying,” says Wade. “In contrast, other on-board drying systems typically operate within the wash bay where the car has just been cleaned. This can result in water dripping onto the vehicle, leaving visible water droplets that may not meet customer expectations.”
Oasis Wash Systems offers a new Eclipse drying system, which Wade says features a dry environment, controlled speed and front-to-back and back-to-front drying.
“Our drying process takes place in a dry space, eliminating any chance of water dripping from the ceiling or equipment onto the vehicle,” says Wade. “This ensures a dry and spotless finish. We have precise control over the speed at which the dryer moves over the car, which allows us to optimize the drying process for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Our unique drying method involves drying from front to back and back to front. This comprehensive approach ensures that every part of the vehicle receives thorough drying, leaving no water residue behind.”
Keeping carwash customers happy includes providing them with not only a clean exterior vehicle but also a dry one and efficient vacuum capabilities for interior care as well.
