FAQ Guide

Whether you’re curious about the science behind our advanced cleaning solutions, the benefits of seasonal adjustments, or how to maintain a spotless wash bay, the following FAQ guide has you covered. At Synergy Solutions, we’re committed to sharing our knowledge and offering innovative, safe, and effective products to ensure your car wash operates smoothly year-round. Dive in to learn more about keeping your facility running at its best, from tackling stubborn contaminants to optimizing your offerings for different seasons.

  1. Why is a high PH necessary with a presoak?
    • A traditional high pH (alkaline) solution is often used in a presoak for various reasons. A high pH solution is effective at breaking down and emulsifying grease and oil-based vehicle contaminants. High pH solutions can improve the overall cleaning power of the presoak by reducing the surface tension of water, which enables it to penetrate and dislodge dirt and contaminants more effectively. In some regions, a high pH presoak is also used to help remove mineral deposits and scale.
    • The drawbacks associated with using a high pH presoak are twofold. While they effectively cleanse contaminants by emulsifying the car’s surface, they also induce a positive charge to the car’s surface. Without proper neutralization using a low pH product, this positive charge can lead to diminishing effects in the cleaning process. This includes contaminate redeposition, where the car may appear clean but still has a faint layer of dust due to the positive attraction between the dirt and the car’s surface. Additional adverse effects include the car’s dryness and diminished shine. This often requires a delicate balancing act between high pH and low pH products, “the high pH/low pH game,” to ensure the correct molecular charge on the vehicle.
    • Thanks to advancements in the field of chemistry, Synergy Solutions has harnessed the power of Advanced Polymer Technology. This innovative approach simplifies and enhances the removal of various vehicle surface contaminants. It accomplishes this by encapsulating targeted contaminants in a safe and efficient manner, all without the need for a secondary low pH product and the need to play “the high pH/low pH game.”
  2. What is an anti-freeze solution and how does an anti-freeze solution work with a self-serve car wash?
    • Antifreeze solutions are typically used in regions with colder climates, often seasonal. As the name implies, these solutions serve to safeguard soap from freezing when exposed to environmental freezing conditions. Typically, these solutions incorporate methanol additives that effectively prevent the product from freezing at the application.
    • In self-service car washes, the foam brush application is usually stored in a reservoir containing the product. This setup presents a vulnerability to freezing when temperatures plummet. This is precisely where the need for a winter (anti-freeze) foam brush product arises, as it ensures that the product remains unfrozen, averting the potential pitfalls of frozen lines and a solid block of ice at the brush head.
    • Most self-service car washes operating in freezing conditions implement a weep system that is interconnected with other applications within the wash bay. The weep system helps eliminate the risk of complications arising during frigid weather, ensuring that the car wash functions smoothly and effectively even in the harshest of conditions.
  3. How exactly do ceramic sealants work?
    • Ceramic sealants are formulated with nano-sized ceramic particles. When applied to a vehicle’s paint or other surfaces, these particles bond chemically and physically with the surface. This creates a durable and protective layer that adheres tightly. Ceramic sealants create a hard, transparent barrier on the vehicle’s surface. This barrier acts as a shield against various environmental contaminants and damage, including UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings, road salts, tree sap, and more. One of the key features of ceramic sealants is their hydrophobic nature. This means they repel water and other liquids well. Water droplets bead up and roll off the surface, carrying away dirt and contaminants with them. Because of their hydrophobic properties and the way they repel contaminants, ceramic-sealed surfaces are easier to clean during regular car washes. This makes the car easier to clean and maintain. Ceramic sealants often provide a high level of gloss and depth to the vehicle’s finish, enhancing its appearance. Ceramic sealants are known for their long-lasting protection. Depending on the quality of product, vehicle environment, and the amount of product applied, they can last up to weeks.
    • It’s important to recognize that the ceramic sealant applied during a car wash isn’t directly comparable to the coatings professionally applied, such as those offered by detailing shops. The ceramic coatings administered by detailing shops exhibit superior durability and strength compared to those used in a car wash environment. This distinction arises from the more rigorous and labor-intensive process employed by detailing experts.
  4. What are some of the things that can dirty up the inside of a self serve bay? What is needed to clean the walls properly?
    • The primary contributors to dirty self-serve bays are the customers themselves. Whether they are rejuvenating their cherished vintage summer vehicles, cleaning off dirt bikes, or (sadly) spraying out their bed from a mulch job, these activities all introduce dirt, oils, and grime into the wash bay environment.
    • When the accumulation of grime surpasses what can be managed by simply using a high-pressure gun to spray down the bay, the industry standard typically resorts to hydrofluoric acid for a thorough cleaning. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the inherent dangers of working with hydrofluoric acid, necessitating the strict use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent any potential accidents that can easily occur when handling this hazardous material. Always consult the application and safety procedures with the manufacturer before using.
    • There are a few available alternatives to HF on the market today, offering safer, non-corrosive cleaning options. Among these, Synergy Solutions offers “The GOAT™,” a revolutionary bay and wall cleaner formula that combines safety and effectiveness. It is not only gentle on the skin but also has minimal odor. This innovative solution provides a secure and environmentally friendly substitute for the use of hazardous and toxic acids in a wide range of applications. The GOAT™ excels at removing water spots, soap scum, rust, alkaline scale, oils, cement residues, and a diverse array of contaminants in your bay and on your equipment.
  5. Self-serve owners must clean out and maintain their pits– what is it that causes them to become so dirty and what can be used to clean them out?
    • Much like the cleanliness of wash bays, it all hinges on customer usage and behavior. Many self-serve facilities prominently display signage outlining what is deemed unacceptable for cleaning on-site. When such rules are monitored and enforced, they often prove to be effective in shaping customer behavior.
    • For the task of sewage removal from pits, there are a few options available. Pit pump trailers utilize a vacuum-like apparatus to efficiently extract the sewage, depositing it into a reservoir. Clam shell pit cleaner trailers resemble miniature excavators equipped with clamshell attachments for scooping pit debris, which can be then dumped into an attached holding bed. While these methods are quick and convenient, they also come at a substantial cost. In numerous areas, service providers offer these solutions for a fee.
    • For a more budget-friendly approach, manual labor is the answer. Using a shovel and wheelbarrow can be effective, and there are clam shell scoops designed to efficiently clear the corners of the pits, operating manually, like a post hole digger.
    • It’s imperative to be well-versed in the local regulations concerning the disposal of pit material to steer clear of fines and penalties, as laws governing this matter can vary significantly from one area to another.
  6. Is there anything a self-serve can do to rival a tunnel in terms of its abilities with cleaning?
    • Answering this one is a bit tricky because the folks who typically use a self-serve car wash are usually a different clientele compared to a tunnel car wash. We run a self-serve and in-bay automatic (IBA) car wash, and our marketing is all about showcasing what makes us different from the local tunnel washes instead of trying to prove we’re better. We’re all about being the friendly, local, family-owned car wash that’s all about giving the best quality clean.
    • The best advice I can give on this question is to be the absolute best car wash you can be. Get to know your customers, be around when they need a hand, and make sure they have the best possible experience every time they visit. Make sure everything is proper working order and maintain to uphold a “clean” facility. If you treat people right, chances are they’ll do right by you and keep coming back. It’s all about that positive, personal touch that can separate you from any other wash in the area.

We hope the information provided has given you valuable insights into maintaining a top-quality car wash experience, whether you’re managing a self-serve facility, in-bay automatic wash, or both. At Synergy Solutions, we’re passionate about helping car wash operators deliver the best possible results while ensuring safety and efficiency.

If you have any additional questions or want to learn more about our innovative products and solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way in creating a clean, reliable, and customer-friendly car wash environment.