Laura Unbound

It’s the middle of summer, the days are long and the sun is hot. Now is the time to start thinking about one’s winter preparations. Car wash operators are notorious for forgetting the nagging winter issues once the weather warms up. The sun is a feel good prescription for the winter blues but don’t let it dash one’s memory of all the items that need to be addressed before the cold weather hits. Taking care of these general maintenance and winter prep items will make a wash more profitable during the cold weather. As a operator/owner, there is nothing worse than thinking – I should have taken care of this last summer! Carnauba wax allows the everyday person the ability to buff, wax, and polish their boat, car or RV like a professional. We have a wide variety of cutting compound to choose from our store. That product does suspended in a soft paste, sort of a liquid sandpaper.

Planning for winter can be overwhelming because of many issues that need to be addressed. The best way to tackle all the items is to develop a plan of attack. Many operators “claim” they have a winter preparations plan but when asked to view it they say “its all up in my head”. As a good owner/operator once told me if you don’t have it written down, it’s not a plan. With that in mind, one should sharpen their pencil and write down a list of items needing addressed; consider it a brainstorm session. One’s next step is to categorize the similar items, such as, building maintenance, equipment preventative maintenance, back up supplies and lot maintenance. The following are some common items that one should consider when developing one’s plan.

Building Maintenance

– General Painting
– Whether it is structural and/or concrete post guards it is a must to keep exposed items protected from winter oxidation.
– Trough Insulation
– Trough hoses freeze and break, damaging the surrounding insulation. Many operators neglect replacing the insulation after a hose or fitting is changed. This leaves a mess and reduces the freeze protection level, exposing the new hardware to future freeze ups. One should take the time to look through the entire trough and replace any damaged insulation.
– Roof
– Summer is a great time to check one’s roof for leaks and possible weak areas. If one has a steel roof evaluate the need for a coat of sealer and if the roof is shingled look for any damaged/torn shingles. Replacing them now will be a lot easier than when it is below freezing and water is dripping into your pump room.
– Lighting
– Important to every wash is ample lighting. Many operators have working lights but do not take the time to clean the glass lenses. Dirty lenses can reduce the available light by 25% or more. A well lit car wash improves security and will attract customers.

Equipment Preventative Maintenance

– Weep System
– Weep sensors need to be cross checked to verify they are reading the correct temperature. Using either a handheld temperature gauge, the displayed temperature in your vehicle and/or the local weather forecast verify your sensor is with in three degrees plus or minus. If one’s sensor is outside of this range a good investment may be to have it serviced and/or replaced. Keep in mind if one’s sensor is in or out of direct sunlight this will affect the reading.
– Weep control solenoids need to be checked for proper operation. Since weep systems operate using normally open solenoids operators tend to unplug their control systems in the summer and shut the water supply off to the solenoid.

Periodically, check to make sure the solenoid is not opening and closing properly. By shutting off the water supply for long periods of time, this creates a place for any loose debris to build up. The resulting debris (line oxidation and/or contamination) can plug up the solenoid and create major issues when the first freeze hits. Water flow will be restricted or stopped causing unnecessary freeze ups.

– Floor Heat System
– Recirculation pumps should be jogged throughout the summer to keep the impellors and seals lubricated. If the pump will not turn over, shut it off and disconnect the power at the main breaker. Using a pair of pliers, grip and rotate the shaft. Once the impeller is loose, turn the power back on and jog the pump.
– Run the entire system for 30 minutes once per month – check for any leaks in the associated plumbing and proper anti-freeze level. Check intake and discharge venting for obstructions.
– If ones trough heat system is integrated into the floor heat system make sure to cycle it and check for leaks or suspect lines, changing where appropriate.
– Boilers
– If one heats water year round this is a non-issue. If one does not, follow the same plan as the floor heat system. Run the boiler for 30 minutes once a month. Look for leaks, check intake and discharge venting for obstructions.
– Pumps
– Depending on what make and model of high pressure pumps one has follow the manufactures guidelines for changing oil, inspecting high and low pressure seals and greasing (if required) the electric motors. Make sure to follow the manufactures guidelines. Over and/or under lubrication can cause sever damage to pumps and motors.
– Vacuums
– If one does not have a extra set of vacuum bags, this is a must. Each vacuum should have its bags washed and dried at least once before the winter season. Using the extra set, replace one vacuum bag at a time, washing/drying the dirty ones and using them for the next and next and so on. Always check motor and coin acceptor operations. Fix those pesky cherry switches and/or suspect coin acceptors before it is cold. There is nothing worse than trying to wire a coin mechanism or vacuum motor when it is snowing and blowing!
– If one has combination vacuums such as combo fragrance or shampoo/spot remover, make sure you have stocked up on your “winter” fragrances and shampoo/spot remover
– Locks
– One of the most overlooked items to prepare for the winter time is locks. Ironically it takes the least amount of time and effort to service. Using either a aerosol can or oil drops, lubricate each tumbler (lock). Make sure to work the lock several times to ensure the oil has spread throughout the lock, coating each mechanical piece. This helps fight corrosion because the oil will naturally repel water.
– Coin Boxes
– Coin boxes are in the direct fire of moisture intrusion. This leads to corrosion and eventual shorts inside the box. Inspect each box for suspect wiring and corroded fittings. Replace the corroded fittings and apply a light coat of di-electric grease to protect for the up coming winter season.
Back Up Parts
– Swivels, Hoses and Guns
– Winter conditions are hard on swivels, hoses and guns. Make sure one’s back up supplies are in good shape, including an appropriate level of stock. Always keep in mind the following situation, one’s weep system fails due to loss of power, solenoid plugs and or any other reason. If ones car wash freezes up the hoses, swivels and guns will be the “durable” items needing replaced. The question to the owner/operator, “Do I have enough stock to get my car wash back up and running?” Make sure one has ample stock or can re-stock quickly.
Lot Maintenance
– Parking Lot
– The summer is a great time to tend to parking lot damage created by the freeze/thaw effect and snow plowing. If one has a concrete or asphalt parking lot, evaluate cracks, pot holes and faded parking lot markings. If one is not well versed in parking lot maintenance contact your local contractor to address the issues. The cost to maintain an existing lot is considerably less than having to replace it. Keeping your lot well maintained is a good capital cost avoidance measure.
– Snow Plowing
– Investigate the cost to sign a contract for winter snow removal. Most contractors will give discounts for upfront deposits made in the summer.
– Car Wash Pits
– Check your pits debris level and clean if necessary. Secondly, don’t forget to check the parking lot interceptor. Remember it is always easier to clean them out when they are not completely full. If this service is contracted out, make sure to schedule it before the snow flies.

After reviewing some of the basic winter preparation items, one must keep in mind that all car washes are different. Each wash has it own special nuances which must be accounted for. Make documented plans accordingly. Engage the plan by assigning responsibility to a person(s) and document when the task was completed.. Post your customized plan in the pump room or most visible location.

One’s plan does not need to be an electronic spread sheet. A piece of paper, ruler and pencil will create the exact same plan. Most important, complete the car wash plan before winter arrives! Learn more about winter preparations to protect your car.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2313059

When I first heard about waterless car washing products I was skeptical. Being a car guy who takes a certain amount of pride in the appearance of my vehicles, I had long ago developed a method for detailing my cars, and water was definitely part of the equation! A neighbor of mine was regularly using a waterless car wash product, and introduced me to it. I tried it and was very favorably impressed. It was easy to use, cut straight through the grime, and took about half as long for me to clean my car. But what impressed me the most was the shine, looking as good as if I had waxed it. In light of these things, I’d say my initial foray into waterless car washing was a success. Still, I wasn’t ready to give up my hose and bucket method just yet. Instead, I kept tabs on my neighbor and his car over the next three years. I wanted to see how well his paint finish looked after repeated use with waterless car wash products. He owned a black pickup truck, and after three years the finish was as deep and as glossy as the day he brought it home for the first time. Still, a creature of habit, I stuck with my hose and bucket method. It wasn’t until I moved to Florida and discovered how expensive water usage is here (this state is surrounded by water, and I’ve got about 13 ponds in my neighborhood alone, so how can water be so freakin’ expensive?!!) that I really decided to hang up my hose and bucket and go waterless. I’m glad I did and here’s why:. I have faith in commercial car products that are used by professionals around the world and now you can get those same professional results at home.

1) These products work! Whether you’re using standard waterless products such as Dri Wash n’ Guard, or an environmentally friendly product such as Eco Touch, this stuff works. I won’t go into detail too much here, but basically you spray a section of your car with the product, and the dirt is lifted off the surface and trapped within the foamy liquid, which you gently wipe off with a microfiber towel. You then take a second towel and quickly buff the paint to bring out the shine. Oh and it does shine. No scratches either, surprisingly.

2) Waterless is cheaper per wash than the Hose and Bucket method. Consider that to wash a standard sized vehicle, you use roughly 100 gallons of water, or as much as 250 gallons if you’re one of those big manly truck dudes. That water shows up on your water bill, and if you’re washing your car every week (like you should be) then those washes are putting a sizable dent in your water bill. Look it up. Then consider what you pay in car wash soap, bug and tar remover, wheel cleaner, mitts and chamois and all the other stuff. Washing with a hose and bucket isn’t as cheap as you assumed it was.

3) Waterless is so much faster. No brainer here. You spray one section of the car at a time, wipe it off, and move on to the next. I drive a small car, and I can clean it all in 15 minutes. Previously it took me that long to get out the hose and bucket, fill the buck and wet the car down! And don’t get me started on how long it took to dry the car with a chamois. With waterless I’m probably most pleased about not having to dry all that hard water off of my vehicles.

4) Waterless is immensely more convenient. I mentioned some of the hassles of the hose and bucket method above. With waterless you don’t even have to pull the car out of the garage! Just grab the bottle of waterless and your two rags and off you go. Speaking of go, throw it in the trunk and take it with you. The next time you’re tapped to drive everyone to lunch, take a couple extra minutes and wipe your car down before you go. Like I said before, to a car guy this stuff is important!

5) Waterless is greener. It’s not often that you meet a car guy who’s genuinely interested in helping the environment. I’m not that guy either, really, but when it’s this simple to be “green” then it’s hard to ignore. Going waterless means that not only are you saving at least 100 gallons per wash, but that 100 gallons was never polluted by your car grime and the chemicals you used to wash it. And then that 100 gallons wasn’t swept down your driveway, down the street and into the storm drain where it eventually made its way to a lake or river.

Saving money, time, and being more environmentally conscious, all while maintaining a brilliant shine on your vehicles has never been easier. You heard it hear first: Waterless car washing will one day be the standard. So go ahead and try it!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/758687

Nano paint protection for cars is the very best possible sort of finish for your automobile s surface area because not simply does it keep the sparkle of your paintwork gleaming as though it has actually merely left the showroom, but it is also self-cleaning. Sometimes, ceramic coating Brisbane is recommended prior to coating the vehicle by your installer.

The procedure behind it is remarkable and is based upon something from attributes. It is called the lotus effect due to the fact that it was found that the lotus flower has self-cleaning residential properties on its leaves. This also puts on other plants such as cane, nasturtium and prickly pear. Furthermore, some insects such as particular butterflies and dragonflies have the very same ability.

When Was The Lotus Impact Found?
Researchers initially began to research this sensation in 1964, and the work was additional created by Barthlott and Ehler in 1977; it was they that initially coined the term the lotus effect. The fallen leaves of the lotus blossom have an exceptionally higher water repellent residential property which is called super-hydrophobicity. When it rains, water droplets roll throughout the leaves and pick up dirt, removing it from the surface, hence allowing the plant to stay tidy and the fallen leaves to execute their function of photosynthesis to enable the plant to increase.

The higher surface area stress of a water droplet means that it tends to minimize its surface area in an undertaking to attain a form which is as near to a sphere as possible. On making contact with a surface, forces of bond cause the surface to end up being wet. The surface area could become partly wet or entirely damp and this will certainly rely on the liquid strain of the water droplet and the sticky nature of the surface.

The much less of the water droplet that is in contact with the surface area, the higher that surface s hydrophobicity is claimed to be. This hydrophobicity could be assessed by the contact angle of the water droplet on the area. The lower the contact angle, the lower the hydrophobicity and vice versa. If a get in touch with angle on a certain surface area is much less compared to 90 levels the area is described as hydrophilic. Higher than 90 degrees it is hydrophobic.

Some plants have a call angle of as much as 160 degrees meanings that simply about 2 % of the water droplet touches with the surface area. When it come to lotus leaves, the contact angle is as higher as 170 levels. These areas are said to be super-hydrophobic. The surface area of a water droplet in contact with a lotus fallen leave could be as litlle as 0.6 %.

Exactly how Does Gunk Get Cleaned Off The Area?
When filth gets on to such a surface area the amount of adhesion between the filth bit and the surface is much less compared to on many others areas. When a water droplet rolls across the surface the quantity of bond in between the surface and the dust fragment is much less than that between the filth fragment and the droplet, so the dust fragment is picked up by the droplet and carried away leading to automated cleansing of the area. This only works because of the higher level of surface area strain of a water droplet and does not work in the same method with natural solvents.

Essentially, that is how it works for the lotus leaf. Specifically the exact same concept is utilized in nano paint innovation for car paint protection Melbourne.

Just how Does Nano Paint Protection Help Autos?
Nano technology has advanced to the point where a difficult protective ceramic finish could be applied to the lacquered finished area of the car s paintwork when it leaves the factory. The lacquered area is not resistant to bird droppings, UV, or chemical etching and could be quickly damaged or scratched. When this occurs the only choice is to polish off the scratch marks or swirl marks therefore reducing the thickness of the factory paint layer. With time this suggests that eventually a respray will certainly be required.

Lots of people will make use of a wax gloss or a polymer paint sealer on the paintwork, however this still leaves the paint area vulnerable to harm from square one, bird droppings and so forth, as these could penetrate the gloss or sealer.

Just what Is the Solution?
The solution is to apply a hard nano paint technology finish to the surface of the paintwork. The coating is much less susceptible to damages than any other surface area layers, however even if swirl marks or various other damages need to happen the finish itself could be brightened off and re-applied. This means that the manufacturing facility paintwork will not be ruined and will preserve its density and sparkle.

In effect nano modern technology copies the impacts located in nature in a basic way and super-hydrophobic coverings have been made use of on man made surface areas for a significant variety of years. One such application is self-cleaning glass used for windows, but they have actually been made use of in various many others applications additionally. Super-hydrophobic coatings including Teflon bits have actually been utilized on medical diagnostic slides.

The exact same modern technology has actually been used for points as diverse as roof floor tiles and leather upholstery. It can be utilized on satellite television recipes, as an example, in order to minimize the opportunity of rain discolor and to deal with any kind of develop of ice and snow on the antenna.

It has actually also been utilized for tree planting. The Groasis Waterboxx is a gadget developed for growing little plants in locations of extreme drought which enables the young sapling to have enough water reach its roots up until the roots decrease much sufficient into the ground to reach water. The Waterboxx could then be taken out and utilized once again in other places. Nano innovation allows the Waterboxx to gather dew and condensation and funnel it to the origins of the sapling also in locations of desert.

In order to shield the paintwork of your vehicle and preserve that fresh from the display room appearance with none of the effort, nano paint protection is the answer for the critical vehicle driver. You will never have to fret about scratch marks or bird droppings, and your automobile will simply require a fast rinse to eliminate any kind of dust. It doesn’t matter whether your auto is brand-new, or a number of years old; we could keep it the means it is, or recover it to the method it was.

You will certainly also manage to make fun of your neighbors cleaning and polishing every Sunday morning!

Car paint protection Sydney for autos is the best feasible type of finish for your automobiles surface area considering that not simply does it keep the luster of your paintwork gleaming as though it has merely left the showroom, however it is likewise self-cleaning.

The process behind it is interesting and is based upon something from attributes. It is called the lotus result due to the fact that it was uncovered that the lotus blossom has self-cleaning homes on its leaves. This additionally applies to other plants such as walking stick, nasturtium and irritable pear. In addition, some bugs such as particular butterflies and dragonflies have the very same capability.

When Was The Lotus Impact Found?

Scientists initially started to learn this phenomenon in 1964, and the job was more established by Barthlott and Ehler in 1977; it was they which first created the term the lotus impact. The fallen leaves of the lotus floral have an exceptionally higher water repellent property which is called super-hydrophobicity. When it rainfalls, water droplets roll throughout the leaves and pick up dust, eliminating it from the surface area, therefore making it possible for the plant to stay clean and the fallen leaves to do their feature of photosynthesis to make it possible for the plant to grow.

The higher surface area tension of a water droplet means that it has a tendency to lessen its surface in an undertaking to accomplish a form which is as near a round as possible. On making contact with an area, forces of bond cause the surface to end up being damp. The surface area may come to be partly damp or totally wet and this will certainly depend on the liquid tension of the water droplet and the glue nature of the surface area.

The much less of the water droplet that touches with the surface, the higher that surface area s hydrophobicity is stated to be. This hydrophobicity can be measured by the contact angle of the water droplet on the surface area. The lesser the contact angle, the reduced the hydrophobicity and the other way around. If a contact angle on a particular surface area is much less than 90 degrees the surface area is described as hydrophilic. More than 90 degrees it is hydrophobic.

Some plants have a call angle of as much as 160 degrees which means that simply about 2 % of the water droplet is in contact with the area. In the case of lotus leaves, the get in touch with angle is as high as 170 levels. These areas are said to be super-hydrophobic. The area of a water droplet in contact with a lotus leaf may be as litlle as 0.6 %.

How Does Dirt Get Cleaned Off The Surface area?

When filth gets on to such an area the quantity of attachment in between the gunk particle and the area is much less compared to on various other surface areas. When a water droplet rolls across the area the quantity of attachment in between the surface area and the filth fragment is less compared to that between the dust particle and the droplet, so the dust bit is gotten by the droplet and lugged away causing automatic cleansing of the area. This only works because of the higher level of area tension of a water droplet and does not function in the exact same way with organic solvents.
Essentially, that is exactly how it works for the lotus fallen leave. Exactly the same concept is used in nano paint modern technology for car paint protection Melbourne.

Exactly how Does Nano Paint Protection Help Automobiles?

Nano technology has progressed to the factor where a challenging safety ceramic covering can be put on the lacquered finished surface of the auto s paintwork when it leaves the factory. The lacquered surface area is not immune to bird droppings, UV, or chemical etching and can be effortlessly damaged or damaged. When this occurs the only choice is to brighten off the scratch marks or swirl marks consequently minimizing the density of the manufacturing facility paint layer. Over time this indicates that eventually a respray will be needed.

Many individuals will certainly make use of a wax gloss or a polymer paint sealer on the paintwork, but this still leaves the paint area prone to damages from the ground up, bird droppings and so forth, as these could permeate the gloss or sealer.

Exactly what Is the Solution?

The solution is to use a difficult nano paint innovation coating to the area of the paintwork. The coating is much less susceptible to damages than any other area coverings, but also if swirl marks or other harm should take place the finish itself could be brightened off and re-applied. This suggests that the factory paintwork will not be ruined and will keep its density and sparkle.

In effect nano technology duplicates the results located in attributes in a general method and super-hydrophobic finishes have actually been made use of on guy made surface areas for a considerable variety of years. One such application is self-cleaning glass used for windows, however they have actually been utilized in various many others applications. Super-hydrophobic coverings integrating Teflon fragments have been used on clinical analysis slides.

The same innovation has actually been made use of for points as unique as roofing floor tiles and natural leather upholstery. It could be made use of on satellite television meals, for instance, in order to lower the possibility of rainfall fade and to deal with any type of develop of ice and snow on the antenna.

It has actually also been used for plant growing. The Groasis Waterboxx is a gadget developed for growing tiny trees in areas of severe drought which enables the young sapling to have adequate water reach its roots till the roots crash much sufficient into the ground to reach water. The Waterboxx can then be removed and utilized again somewhere else. Nano technology allows the Waterboxx to collect condensation and condensation and funnel it to the origins of the sapling even in areas of desert.

In order to shield the paintwork of your auto and maintain that fresh out of the showroom appearance with none of the effort, nano paint protection is the response for the critical vehicle driver. You will certainly never ever have to fret about scratch marks or bird droppings, and your automobile will only require a fast rinse to get rid of any sort of dirt. It doesn’t concern whether your vehicle is all new, or many years of ages; we could keep it the way it is, or recover it to the means it was.
You will additionally be able to make fun of your neighbors cleaning and brightening every Sunday early morning!