Mats, mats, mats!
One of the easiest and most affordable ways for an operator to modernize and improve
operations at their carwash is through the addition of a mat cleaning machine. The advantages
are two-fold: Operators can set a standard of cleaning for mats, this guarantees customer satisfaction, and will also be able to eliminate labor, allowing workers to tackle to more profitable tasks.
When it comes to selecting a new mat cleaner for your carwash, PC&D asked Ryan Kolquist
of J-KO Company for advice.
For conveyor operations: Kolquist suggested operators choose a hands-free model that can
offer deep cleaning in a short amount of time. For instance, J-KO carries a model which can clean
a mat in under 10 seconds. The employee simply places the mat in the cleaner and can return to
the car to vacuum or wipe down while the cleaning takes place. Kolquist also suggested a more
advanced model that can clean a mat without any pre-treating and dries it as well in under 35
seconds. “This machine makes it simple to offer a service that full-service operators can generate
money from and also keep customers coming back,” he explained.
For self-serve or IBA operations: Self-serve operators have an entirely different set of requirements, Kolquist pointed out,
adding that customers will be using this equipment on their own. Choose a machine that is safe and easy to use, he suggested, and also one that includes graphics or easy-to-understand instructions. J-KO’s self-serve models use OSHA standards
to eliminate safety concerns and feature three pictures to illustrate how the machine is used. In addition to customer use,
self-serve operators should also consider maintenance factors. Check the manufacturer’s features to learn how you will empty
the dirty tray and collect money. “Offering a self-service mat cleaner can increase profits because it is an added service that is
easy to use and eliminates the customer from vacuuming the floor mats,” Kolquist explained. It can be especially appealing to
older customers, he suggested.
and the nozzle type, placement and pump
capacity for touchless locations. In other
words, evaluate the conditions of your
mitters, nozzles and pumps and look for
upgrades which might improve their performance.
”For either type of system, frame con-
struction, bearing design and mounting
provisions can affect the equipment’s abil-
ity to run well at high speeds,” McBride
said, adding that the system also includes
the carwash controller. “Controllers that
offer greater control make it possible to
run the equipment at its peak efficiency.
With a VFD-driven electric system, intel-
ligent controller and the right software, the
wash cycle can be best ‘tweaked’ for both
optimum performance and throughput.”
Essenburg had a few ideas for increas-
ing your sales-per-car, including a change
in your menu. Unlimited wash clubs can
give an operator a guaranteed income,
as well as encourage customer loyalty by
‘locking-in’ the client. Expect to see more
operators jumping on this bandwagon in
2010, and check out our profile on p. XX
for one example of a successful subscrip-
tion-based pricing model. PC&D
Economical
