8 Trending Advances in Car Wash Technology

Explore the 8 latest breakthroughs in car wash technology. Discover innovative solutions that promise efficiency, eco-friendliness, and accurate measurements.

According to recent statistics, the US Census Bureau estimates that there are nearly 17,000 car washes with paid employees operating in the United States. These days, car wash owners and operators are concerned with conserving water, both to increase their margins and to stay within the safe zone for local water-use ordinances.

In this article, we’ll show you how recent advances in car wash technology can help you do both. 

If you provide car wash services, you’ll find that our bluebot smart water meter will help save money on your water bill, accurately measure flow volume, and improve the overall efficiency and quality of your water management system. 

We’re here to show you how you can make it work for you and your car wash system.

Let’s dive in.

1. bluebot Smart Water Monitor

Carwashes often need to adjust their flow volume to comply with city ordinances. The problem is, there’s no way to effectively measure this … until our bluebot smart water monitor came out.

Thanks to bluebot, measuring water use and flow volume is now easier than ever for carwashes. 

Our clamp-on water flow meter is a simple way to access up-to-date and accurate data at any time. Simply access your bluebot dashboard via the app to set up notifications, monitor your water flow rate, and set up alerts for irregularities. 

Our bluebot smart water meters empower you to: 

  • Plan proactive maintenance.
  • Enjoy cost savings.
  • Make data-driven decisions. 

And now, thanks to our demo program, you can try between 6-10 blueblot devices for your car wash facilities with a white glove, risk-free trial.

2. Water Recycling Systems

photo via metchem.com

Advances in car wash technology are directly related to advances in water-saving technology

By and large, the use of car wash equipment that automatically recycles wash water is increasing at car wash facilities around the country—and for good reason.

Water recycling systems contribute to: 

  • Cost savings. While factors will vary from place to place, water recycling could save you 35% or more on your water and sewer bills. 
  • Environmental sustainability. Reduced overall water usage and reduced wastewater entering municipal systems benefits everyone and moves us all into a more sustainable future.  

3. In-bay Automatic LED Lighting

photo via carwashlights.com

When it comes to car wash equipment, your lighting system may be your most important investment. 

Because LED lights use significantly less energy than other types of light bulbs, upgrading to LED lights in your car wash bays is one of the best steps you can take to lower costs and promote sustainability for your car wash. 

In addition to saving you money, reliable in-bay LED lighting systems will:

  • Increase safety. The brightness of the LED lights allows customers to see with increased clarity, lowering the risks of accidents while cleaning their cars.
  • Enhance the total customer experience. Some in-bay automatic LED lighting systems for car washes even come with both bright white and multicolored lights for entertaining programmable light shows in the wash bay throughout the cleaning process.

4. Mobile Apps

Gone are the days of forever risking being at the mercy of long lines at the car wash.

Thanks to the rise of mobile apps, advances in car wash technology now allow customers to: 

  • Schedule car wash appointments.
  • Join a waiting list from home.
  • Peruse and choose their car wash package before they arrive.
  • Pay with the click of a button. 

While customers love the convenience of apps, car wash owners love how this saves their wash operators time and energy, often lowering their labor costs accordingly.

5. UV-C Sterilization

photo via blogs.nvidia.com

Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic led to technological advancements in a number of fields, including advances in car wash technology.

Since the 1930s, scientists have been using UV light to kill bacteria and viruses. The more recent development of low-output UV-C devices now allows car wash operators to disinfect car interiors better than ever before.

The car wash industry is increasingly incorporating UV-C sanitation lights to increase the health and personal safety of customers and car wash staff alike.

6. Self-Service Kiosks

photo via dscarwash.com

For those who are particular or prefer the hands-on method, nothing beats the efficiency and ease of use of a self-service car wash kiosk. No matter the type of washing method, from a touchless car wash system to a do-it-yourself high pressure wash, car owners appreciate the convenience of a kiosk.

A self-service car wash kiosk provides an affordable and fully interactive experience. Kiosks are equipped with touchscreens and multiple payment options, allowing customers to choose their car wash settings and pay conveniently.

Plus, thanks to the remote water monitoring capabilities from bluebot’s smart water meters, self-service car wash kiosk owners can monitor the situation from offsite, enjoying increased levels of care and control thanks to the latest developments in automated car wash technology.

7. RFID Tags for Personalized Services

More recently, operators in the car wash industry have begun to incorporate RFID technology to enhance their customers’ car wash experience.

Combined with membership programs and loyalty plans, RFID tags: 

  • Save customers time and energy. RFID tags can be read automatically when the car enters the bay, pulling up the customer’s vehicle information, preferences, etc.
  • Save you time and labor. With automated RFID readers, the burden of tracking customer trends, cataloging loyalty points, and even processing payments can be lifted from your shoulders. 

 

In short, RFID tags enhance the overall customer experience while lowering your workload.

8. Automated Drying Systems

photo via aerodrysystems.com

When it comes to making sure cars are dried well post-wash, gone are the days when car washes employed a bevy of workers to run out wielding handheld chamois. 

High-powered, touch-free automated drying systems can now dry all vehicles quickly, consistently, and efficiently. 

In addition to decreasing daily labor costs and improving final results, an automated drying system can offer controlled and consistent drying methods that increase customer confidence and satisfaction overall.

Conclusion

Recent advancements in car wash technology can allow car wash owners and operators to more effectively conserve water, increase their margins, and ensure they’re staying within the safe zone for local water-use ordinances. 

Adopting these technologies may require a high initial investment, but over time, that investment will pay hefty dividends, allowing you to stay competitive and meet customer expectations with modernized car washing.

Thanks to the bluebot smart water, it’s easier than ever to get started benefitting from advancements in car wash technology. 

The bluebot smart water meter is: 

  • Widely compatible with various pipe sizes and types.
  • Easy to install.
  • Calibrated for best-in-class flow measurement accuracy.
  • Available to try risk-free.

 

If you’re a car wash operator looking for a trustworthy, independent source of water data information backed by a team with deep expertise in flow technology, look no further. 

Contact us to learn more, or check out our bluebot smart water meter demo program today.