Rehabing a Car Wash
CONVERTING A SELF-SERVE TO AN AUTOMATIC
Converting a self-serve bay to an automatic bay can substantially increase revenue at your carwash. The new automatic bay and remaining self-serve bays will compliment each other and increase revenue throughout your wash. You should even notice an increase in your vacuum business.
Follow this step by step plan to convert a self-serve bay to an in-bay automatic.
Step 1: Contact your D&S Distributor
Establishing contact with a professional carwash distributor is good first step. A D&S distributor will provide practical advice that will help make your conversion easier and more cost effective.
Step 2: Evaluate your Carwash
You must first determine if your business will support or needs an automatic. Your D&S distributor can also help you with this step. You should ask questions such as. . .
- Does your wash have enough space at the bay entrance and exit? Thirty-Five feet is a good minimum to shoot for at both the entrance and exit.
- Where is the equipment room located? Most automatic bays are located adjacent to the equipment room.
You should also consider traffic, demographics, and competition.
Step 3: Decide on Equipment
Now that you have decided on adding an automatic bay to your wash, the next step is to configure the equipment. There are many system choices available, and your D&S distributor will recommend the right system to help you meet your budgetary requirements and to help maximize income potential.
Step 4: Financing
You should already have a pretty good idea of how much of an investment your project will require. We can provide options to help you secure the best possible loan rate, leasing opportunity or finance program. See the link in the sidebar for financial assistance.
Step 5: Building Plan
Careful planning is an important step of the automatic bay conversion process that should not be taken lightly. You will want to consider factors such as…
- Convert the bay that is least likely to disturb the traffic flow of the self-serve bays
- Make sure your water meter is upgradeable
- Make sure your heater and softener are adequate
If you are considering a major facelift, see the link in the sidebar for architectural assistance.
Step 6: Demolition and/or Construction
Depending upon the scope of your conversion project, you may or may not require the help of a contractor. Your D&S distributor can recommend a professional contractor or provide assistance to help you make necessary modifications to the building.
Step 7: Installation, Training & Start-Up
The building is up and the equipment is erected and ready to start-up. D&S factory-authorized distributors are there with you every step of the way, during planning, installation and start-up supervision.
Step 8: Grand Opening & Marketing
Don’t overlook a grand opening or grand re-opening once your in-bay automatic is ready for business. You have a “new” carwash and you will benefit by letting potential customers know about your new service. Signs and banners are important to advertise your new automatic wash. Put up plenty of signage, over the bay and at the curb to promote your new automatic carwash.
Step 9: Ongoing Maintenance and Chemical Supplies
Once your new automatic is installed, our distributors are with you for chemicals, replacement parts and ongoing service after the sale to ensure your equipment is operating at optimum levels and your conversion is successful and profitable.
IN-BAY AUTOMATIC REPLACEMENT
Converting an existing automatic to a new automatic makes sense for various reasons.
- Your competitor may have a newer system that looks better and outperforms your automatic.
- You might be fed up with the performance and reliability of your existing automatic.
- The cost associated with operating your old equipment may be increasing. You should consider a number of factors when comparing the cost of maintaining your existing equipment vs. purchasing new equipment.
- Down time and revenue loss
- Maintenance cost
- Newer technology means less chemical and water usage
- Lost customers with old equipment
The conversion process may be easier than you think. Your plumbing and electric are already in place, and you should not need additional permitting. D&S equipment will probably fit in your existing bay and connect to the existing ancillary equipment in your equipment room. With a knowledgeable D&S distributor, the conversions process is made simple and might cost less than you may think.
Let us help you choose the right distributor who will recommend the right equipment for your application.
In-Bay Automatic Choices
i5000™
The i5000™ touchless automatic is the perfect retrofit solution because it fits in small bays and easily connects to most existing pumping systems. The i5000™ is dependable and simple to operate. It is our simplest, least expensive system to convert to.
Odyssey™ Soft Touch
An excellent solution for C-stores and car washes with smaller equipment rooms is our new Odyssey™ Soft Touch. The Odyssey™ is our latest, soft touch system with on-board hydraulics, which allows for easy installation when equipment room space is limited. If you are interested in replacing an outdated system, then the Odyssey™ is the friction unit for you.
Contact us using the link above or call us today at 800-844-3442 for more information about replacing your existing automatic.