{"id":3920,"date":"2024-05-28T21:50:32","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T21:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.superstarcarwashaz.com\/?p=3920"},"modified":"2024-05-28T21:50:32","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T21:50:32","slug":"how-an-automatic-car-wash-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.superstarcarwashaz.com\/how-an-automatic-car-wash-works\/","title":{"rendered":"How an Automatic Car Wash Works"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019ve driven through an automatic car wash with a child in your car, or you\u2019re a child at heart yourself, you may have discovered the magic that can come from this otherwise commonplace experience. The seemingly \u201cself-driving\u201d car, giant spinning brushes, water spraying from all directions, colorful foam, and blinking lights can make it seem like a ride at an amusement park. At best, it can bring a smile and a sense of wonder to those with a playful spirit. At the very least, it can make you appreciate the convenience of modern technology and provide an entertaining break in your day.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While the automatic car wash may seem like a fairly recent concept, the basic idea has been around for over 75 years. In 1946, a man named Thomas Simpson created the first semi-automatic car wash, which consisted of a conveyor belt to move cars through the process, an overhead sprinkler, and an air blower to dry the car.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since then, many inventions and advancements have been made to create the modern automatic car wash we recognize today. These systems are remarkably convenient, affordable, and environmentally-friendly due to their ability to conserve water, power and in their use of non-toxic products.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two basic types of automatic car washes used today:
\n<\/span><\/h2>\n

Roll-over<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Also referred to as \u201cIn-Bay\u201d, this type of automatic wash requires the driver to pull into a small bay and keep the car stationary while the equipment moves around the vehicle.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Conveyor Tunnel<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

This is what most people think of when referring to an automatic car wash. With this type of service, the car moves along a conveyor as it passes a series of machines that effectively clean, rinse and dry the vehicle.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While the experience can vary slightly depending on which car wash you\u2019re using and the type of wash you\u2019ve purchased, there are standard steps you can expect at most conveyor-style automatic car washes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Expect:<\/h2>\n

Select your wash: <\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

The first step of an automatic car wash is typically to select the type of wash you want and pay for the service (unless you already have a membership). This can often be done yourself using a kiosk, or with the help of an associate.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drive onto Conveyor:<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Next, an attendant will direct you to drive your car onto the conveyor track by making sure your wheels are aligned with the track.<\/span> This part can be a bit nerve-wracking for new customers at first. Once your car is properly resting on the conveyor, the attendant will instruct you to switch your car into \u201cNeutral\u201d. From there, you can sit back, relax, and let the machines do the rest of the dirty work.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wash: <\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n


\nThe wash itself is broken up into several parts inside the tunnel depending on which wash was selected. <\/span><\/p>\n

Basic washes usually include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n