If you own or manage some sort of transportation business – such as a bus company – or are perhaps an auto dealer or the owner of a limousine service, you understand just how important it is to keep your fleet of vehicles looking their best. First impressions are key to keeping customers, so when your clients view your clean, sparkling vehicles, they will likely decide that you’re the kind of business with whom they’ll continue to work.

If you’re just starting out in the transit business or if you’ve just opened a car lot, and you need a vehicle wash system, or if you’re looking to upgrade your current system, it’s likely you’ll have a lot of research to do before you decide which kind of system is best for you. There are, after all, plenty of choices. In addition, you have a budget you need to stick to as well as perhaps some space restrictions as well.

That’s why it’s necessary to take some time and investigate all your options, guided by a company that has plenty of experience in recommending, installing, and servicing vehicle was systems, like the knowledgeable staff at Western Oil Services.

So, where do you begin?

Brushes? High Pressure Wash?

Talk to just about any owner of a transport service of some kind and most will vehemently agree that – when it comes to getting rid of grime, mud, and all sorts of other muck – brushes are the name of the game. While high-pressure water systems may work for average dirt, they tend not to get the job done completely.

Some companies worry, however, because they believe brush systems could scratch their vehicles. But that’s a common fallacy that experts like those at Western Oil Service can tell you is just not true. However, if you do not maintain your brushes properly, dirt on those brushes could potentially cause scratches. That’s why regular maintenance of your vehicle wash system is so important.

But, on the other hand, many will agree that a combination of both high pressure and brushes is the way to go, especially since brushes can’t address issues such as bike racks or other things attached to the front or back of the bus that might make it hard for the brush to do it’s job.

The so-called “touchless” vehicle wash is also an option depending on the amount of dirt you need to address on a daily basis.

Not sure? Consult with a vehicle wash expert about brushes and high pressure to determine what kind of system might be right for you.

What’s right for the size of my fleet?

While the first question might be about the type of vehicle wash system that works best, the second will likely be about what kind of wash unit is right for the number of vehicles you need to handle on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.

For example, some companies with large fleets may be thinking about a mobile car wash – one that can be moved around your lot or pulled around the vehicles as needed – but often decide that while it’s likely cheaper, it may not be the best option for them. Often, big fleets require vehicle wash systems that are “fixed” – staying in one place on your property – and that are highly automated.

That doesn’t mean, however, that you’ll need to spend lots of money. Companies such as Ryko offer many options including one that no doubt fits your budget and will get the job done.

What about all that water we’re using?

You may also be concerned about conserving water and fear that you’re not being the best steward of the environment since you constantly use your vehicle wash system. That’s a common concern of those who truly care about the environment around them.

That’s why many manufacturers of vehicle wash systems are designing their newest systems with conservation in mind. So-called low-flow systems might be ideal for this purpose, especially if you wash your vehicles every day and don’t always need the same amount of water power to get them clean. Hence, these systems will use less water and take less time to complete their cycle.

 

Still confused? There’s a lot to consider in choosing the right vehicle wash system. For a free, no-obligation consultation, talk to the experts at Western Oil Services for more information and an honest evaluation of your needs.