How To Prep Your Car Wash Business for the Winter Season

Opening your own car wash is a great way to turn a profit while helping drivers maintain their vehicles. However, the winter months can bring extra challenges that car wash owners must address to succeed. Even in relatively warm climates, cold winter temperatures affect everything from the effectiveness of the cleaning products you use to the risk of damage to your water lines. Set yourself up for winter season car wash success with these tips for winterizing your equipment and maintaining your water systems to prevent freezing.

Understanding Weather Impacts on Car Wash Operations

Just like summer heat can cause challenges for a car wash, winter weather tends to complicate everyday operations. The chance for water to freeze everywhere, from inside the supply lines to the surfaces of roadways, could lead to equipment damage or injuries. Taking extra care to install the right equipment to prevent freezing, especially if you live in an area with a cold climate, can save you thousands of dollars on future repairs.

Key Cold Weather Preparation Strategies

Most cold weather preparation strategies for car wash businesses are targeted toward preventing damage to the cleaning equipment and water lines.

Use of Specific Cleaning Products for Winter

There are a number of cleaning products designed for automated and manual car washes alike that work better in cold temperatures. If you’re not sure what to order because you’re new to the car wash business, working with AP Formulators to come up with custom chemistry solutions can give you precisely the results you want. Focus on specialized cleaning chemicals designed to remove road salt from the sides and undercarriage of cars and trucks. Road salt is applied in almost every part of the country to prevent icing that can lead to a dangerous loss of traction. The salt is flung up onto the body and suspension by the tires, leaving it caked on where it can accelerate corrosion and damage the vehicle. Salt-neutralizing sprays and foams are an ideal way to bring in more traffic during the slower winter months.

Implementing Anti-Freeze Systems

Beyond protecting the quality of the washing process, car wash owners also need to prevent cold temperatures from damaging expensive equipment. Automated car wash systems are often at the greatest risk for freezing damage, but manual car washes are susceptible as well. Anti-freeze systems for wash equipment offer a chance to automatically adjust water temperature based on outdoor temperatures to prevent freezing. Recirculators are also recommended in cold climates to keep the water lines clear even when the washing equipment is not in use. If the car wash is going to close down for the worst of the winter weather, drain the entire water system with a forced air device to prevent any frost problems.

Specialized Equipment Maintenance to Prevent Freezing

An anti-freeze system works best when you support it with general winter maintenance. For example, insulating exposed pipes is essential to get the desired results from even the best recirculating systems. Make sure that any manual spray guns are kept in a heated area where the weep holes will stay clear of ice and allow for drainage. Check for any signs of slow drainage in general throughout the car wash. When water drains too slowly because of an obstructed pipe or lack of slope, it’s much more likely to freeze in place and form a blockage that is difficult to clear.

Safety Considerations for Winter Operations

Car washes that stay open throughout winter weather must implement a surface safety plan, even if customers stay in their vehicles for the entire washing process. Workers need to know how to avoid slip hazards through the strategic use of salt, sand, and other de-icing products. If you have to close temporarily due to icy roads or inclement weather conditions, make sure you let your customers know when you plan to reopen. Try to eliminate unnecessary surface flow during the drainage process to limit ice formation where customers will be driving in and out of the wash tunnel or bays.

Promotional Marketing Strategies for Winter Engagement

Advertising is even more important in the winter than in other months, because many potential customers may assume you’re closed for the season. It’s the perfect season for offering packages and discounts, especially if you’re interested in selling gift cards and other products that make for great gifts.

Creating Festive Promotions and Signage

Set up some festive seasonal signage to let drivers know your car wash equipment has been winterized and is ready to use. Send out a seasonal greeting message to any repeat customers who have shared their personal information. Make sure your promotions are themed for the season as well. Drivers might not head to your car wash every weekend as part of their normal winter routine like they would in the summer, so make sure they’re spending more when they do come to make up for the reduced number of visits.

Leveraging Seasonal Discounts and Packages

Seasonal discounts and winter packages bring in even more traffic when you make them easy to give as a gift. Gift cards are an easy option for encouraging customers to spend a little more, but they’re not the only option. You can also stock DIY home detailing kits, specialty window films, and other automotive-themed items that put your customers in the gifting mood.

Offering Winter-Specific Service

Make sure you’re offering winter-specific car wash services if you’re going to stay open through the season. Set up extra signage explaining the importance of salt removal for long-term stability and safety. If you can, set up a display with large color photos showing the corrosion that results from seasonal exposure to road salt without regular washing. Explain your winter wash options and salt removal services in detail, especially in any advertising you place for the season. Set up your undercarriage wash and wheel detailing stations with chemicals designed to neutralize road salt so your customers know they’re in good hands.

Take the First Step Toward a Successful Car Wash Winter Season

There’s no reason your car wash business can’t thrive and even grow during the winter season. It’s all a matter of using the right winter-ready chemicals from AP Formulators. Contact us today to learn more about the products we stock that help you bring in more traffic during cold weather.