New England Car Wash Assn Vacuum Article

So Many Options: Selecting a Car Wash Vacuum System for Today's Car Wash Market

by Stuart Levy

Having recently returned from the South East Car Wash Show in Myrtle, Beach S.C., and knowing that I was asked to write an article on vacuums for the NECA E-News, I paid special attention to the different types of vacuums that were on the association's car wash tour. I thought that identifying the different types of vacuums now available on the market might be an interesting tutorial for New England members.

I found that in the express car wash model, vacuums with colorful stanchions and many available vacuum drops customers, have become extremely popular. There is no doubt that stanchions and shade canopies are attractive accessories and help provide better car wash identification. Too often, the motorist who is looking for a particular car wash location will drive by the site simply because there are no identifying landmarks to see from the street. However, be aware that these systems can be expensive to install.

One concern I have about these systems is that they use very large motors, typically 25 to 30 HP, and draw a lot of electrical amperage. I personally am not a fan of vacuum drops running when not being used by the customer.

A new type of vacuum system that has recently been introduced is called a “stand alone” system. These vacuums use a single low HP motor and provide plenty of suction for the customer. One of the main differences between this type of vacuum, besides lower operational cost, is that they are operated by a push button, soft start mechanism with a timer. The customer pushes the start button and the vacuum goes on for the predetermined set time. If the vacuum shuts off before the customer is finished, they can restart the unit. Since the vacuum is not running when it is not being used, electrical costs are kept down.

Self-service type vacuums have been around forever. You now can purchase a vacuum that combines vacuuming and shampoo interior cleaning as well. The self-service vacuum is an income generator. Many come with electronic coin and credit card receptors to make it easy for the customer to use and charge for the time used. This method is a lot better than having to run to the change machine to get the correct amount of quarters to make the vacuum operate. In addition, these vacuums are relatively inexpensive to purchase. They are colorful and attractive. Lighted tops provide aesthetic value to the site as well. Self-service customers need to feel secure when they are outside vacuuming; the better the lighting the more secure the customer feels. There are many different types of self-service vacuum systems available. Some are even now being used to compete with the express model vacuum.

When it comes to vacuums there is something for everybody. It just depends on your personal circumstances and what you are trying to achieve.

Happy Vacuuming!

Stuart Levy is President of Auto Glanz Solutions located in Chelmsford, MA. He can be reached at 978/828-7712 or slevy@autoglanzsolutions.com