Though many wash system operators believe that a system needs minimal maintenance once it is installed, a frequently used wash system needs a lot of servicing in order to maintain an effective wash and avoid problems like water leaks and chemical waste.

Often, when a system isn’t functioning properly, it can cause damage to the environment and raise the cost of operation. There are many parts that need more maintenance than others, as well as several indications that your wash system may not be operating at full capacity.

Water Leaks

While leaking water may seem inconsequential when you’re considering the amount of water being used during each wash, multiple small leaks at a single site is a serious problem. In fact, according to the USGS, over the course of a year, a single small drip can leak over 2,000 gallons of water.

In many cases, simply checking your nozzles, applying specialized tape or tightening pipes and caps can be enough to fix water and chemical leakage.

Well Maintained Tunnel Equipment

High volume locations require diligent maintenance schedules.  See your customized operating manual or NS’s standard product manuals for more detail.  Here are some common areas that may require your attention on a regular basis.

If your wash system is prone to breaking during peak hours, you may be tempted to blame the issue on the traffic volume. However, it could be a maintenance issue.

Inspect your conveyor regularly. Since this piece of equipment needs to accept a high volume of vehicles on any given day, you need to make sure that its chain and rollers are working properly and free of wear and tear.

You’ll also need to examine the shocks and bearings in your system and ensure that none are ready to fail. Over or under greased bearings, loose shafts, and broken seals need to be found and replaced. Bearings need to be properly greased to allow for smooth motion.

Nozzles are another important part of your wash system. At N/S Corporation, we recommend checking your nozzles every three months and replacing them annually to prevent inefficient washes, blockages, and leaks.

Even the cloth in your system needs to be clean and undamaged to properly wash a vehicle. That means there should be 3 to 6 inches of penetration, wherein 3 to 6 inches of cloth lays flat on a vehicle's surface.

An improperly maintained tunnel is obvious, as vehicles may come out only partially cleaned. You’ll also be able to tell there are problems by watching the system in operation. Strange water spray patterns will reveal issues in your nozzles, while a misaligned vehicle in the wash points to issues in conveyor alignment.

The Back Room

High-pressure pumps should also be checked for pressure and oil, and belts need to be replaced if there are any signs of wear.

Air compressors and chemical pumps also need to be checked monthly. If you maintain your wash system correctly, you’ll prevent any major failures during your busiest seasons.

N/S Corporation’s Comprehensive Transit Service

In order to keep your business going and to get your customers back on the road, we offer several maintenance and repair packages designed to keep your operations running smoothly.

With new service warranties, as well as preventative maintenance, our mission is to help your business go above and beyond. If you have questions about our products or services, or you want to learn more about wash system maintenance, call our toll free number at (800) 782-1582 or contact us online.