Building the Ideal Touchless Vehicle-Wash Experience

By OPW | Nov 23, 2020

While recognizing that emerging from the wash bay with a clean vehicle is the driver’s No. 1 expectation, a close second in determining whether or not that driver becomes a repeat customer is delivering a pleasurable wash experience. To that end, PDQ Manufacturing, Inc., a product brand of OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions, strives to engineer systems that can create the ideal touchless wash experience for the customer. This commitment is epitomized by its LaserWash® 360 Plus wash system.

The fulcrum of the LaserWash 360 Plus is its ability to deliver what has been labeled the “Smart360 Consumer Experience,” which has been designed to offer drivers a safe, comfortable and easy-to-use touchless wash event. The enjoyable wash experience begins with a system design that features an open, unobstructed bay floor that makes it easy for the driver to position the vehicle. Bright and simple signage with language-specific audio messages provides clear instructions for initiating the wash operation. Ancillary services like colored foam, super sealant and OverGlow hi-gloss finishes also help optimize the wash experience.

Once the vehicle is positioned in the wash, a series of Smart360 design innovations each perform specific roles in enhancing the touchless wash:

  • Cleaning System: Features better chemical coverage through rounded arch corners, smart timing and tilting arch functions for the ultimate in clean. These services can be customized by the operator with almost unlimited combinations that allow the storage of favorite or seasonal wash packages.
  • Arch Control System: The arch is able to rotate 360 degrees while simultaneously moving around the vehicle, which reduces corner times from four to 1.5 seconds, resulting in quicker throughput rates. Customer confidence and comfort is also increased throughout the entire wash process as the arch works its way intelligently around the perimeter of the vehicle. Finally, the system’s three-axis motions target the cleaning chemicals and waxes toward the vehicle, not the floor.
  • Drying System: The integrated dryer performs FlashDry service, without additional time, through the capability to complete the rinse and dry functions at the same time, with 80% of the rinse water removed in one 10-second pass. Standalone and drive-through dryer options also allow the operator to offer greater differentiation in drying options, which can increase per-vehicle revenue.
  • Networking: This function allows the wash operator to stay in touch with the site even when absent through real-time email and messaging connections. Wash packages can also be changed or modified in seconds from any web browser with no need for special software; this allows for time-sensitive fingertip control of the needs of the site and drivers.

LaserWash 360 Plus operators can also help attract the attention of potential customers through the BayGlow and LaserGlow Illumination Systems. BayGlow is a lighting attraction controlled by the LaserWash 360 Plus that displays multiple color combinations and patterns that are visible from the wash bay, at the fuel pump and from the street. The LaserGlow system illuminates the entry and exit of the wash bay, which helps guide drivers into the wash while also attracting the attention of passing drivers. The LaserGlow system can be configured to work 24/7/365 and programmed to display multiple color combinations and flashing patterns, or constant colors that match the wash’s brand image.

For more information on PDQ Manufacturing’s complete portfolio of touchless and hybrid light-touch vehicle-wash systems, please visit pdqinc.com.

 

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