Vanessa Deering - NCPCWA · gether a professional site in minutes. 2. Start a blog. Teach customers...

Volume 2015, Issue 4 December 2015

7300 Glenwood Ave.

Raleigh, NC 27612

Christmas Message from the President Christmas and the New Year are here again. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for the support

given the NC Professional Carwash Association over the past year. Your support and hard work provide our industry with a

vital link to information, ideas, government affairs and networking across North Carolina. We look forward to another suc-

cessful year in 2016.

From my family to all of yours, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Vanessa Deering NCPCWA President

No drought Advisories are currently issued in North Carolina.

NCPCWA, December 2015

Seven Quick Ways to Market Your Carwash If a carwash is the only one in the area, chances

are that it attracts a fair amount of business on its own.

However, most carwash owners aren’t lucky enough to be

without competition; and as the number of franchise loca-

tions increase, so too will the need for independent

carwashes to up their efforts to stay ahead in the cutthroat

market. Here are seven quick ways to market your

carwash.

1. Create a website. There a dozens of free or inexpensive

hosting and design services, which make it easy to put to-

gether a professional site in minutes.

2. Start a blog. Teach customers how to care for their vehi-

cles, give auto product reviews, and provide interesting tid-

bits about vehicles and recalls. A great example of how an

effective blog can be utilized to expand your content, can be

seen on this website for an auto body shop in Tempe, Arizo-

na.

3. Get active on social media. To get the most out of your

efforts, focus on sites with a general audience, like Face-

book, Twitter and Pinterest. Share your blogs and also gen-

eral posts.

4. Make sure you have a stellar online review profile. Be

sure to monitor your social media and Yelp profiles, and

respond to people who comment.

5. Get listed in local directories. It’s free to get listed in

many directories, so take advantage of this. If you only fo-

cus on one to start with, make it Google.

6. Create a loyalty program. Punch cards are one of the

best options, simply because they enable you to give new

customers a head start on the path to their free wash.

7. Be active in your community. While it may seem like an

expensive venture, you’re basically paying for goodwill. Posi-

tive feelings about your business become ingrained in the

minds of consumers, and they’re likely to return to your

business long after the charity event.

From Carwash E-News

NCPCWA Board Meeting —

January 14, 2016 —11:00 am.

NCPCM Offices,7300 Glenwood

Avenue, Raleigh NC 27612


Chemicals, Trash Cans, Oranges, and Other Random Thoughts… These are the things that I have floating around in my head that I’ve never been

able to understand. Maybe you can help me out.

Why is it that while chemicals are at least half of the equation in getting a clean car,

they are the 1st place operators want to cut when business slows?

Why is it that chains never break on Tuesday when it’s raining?

Why is that as I got older, my parents seemed smarter?

Why is it that when you try to be proactive and order a hydraulic motor for stock be-

fore one starts leaking, one will start leaking before the new one arrives?

Why is it that when you stay till 2:00 a.m. replacing chain that when you return to

open the next day, you are greeted with a rain storm of biblical proportion that would have

allowed you to replace the chain in the daylight hours?

Why is it that we have trouble getting staff to arrive on time for a sunny Saturday,

but they will all be there before opening when it’s pouring on a Monday?

Why is it that we drive on Parkways and park on driveways?

Why is it that if you make a mistake and put a piece of new cloth in upside down, it

is always on the bottom row of the hub?

Why is it that if you are closed for maintenance, with a service truck blocking the entrance and are standing in your

trench surrounded by tools, torches, etc. invariably a customer will make it past all the obstacles to ask if you are open?

Why is it that your credit card processor craps out at your peak times, only to come back up right after closing?

Why is it that you call an orange and an orange but you don’t call a lemon a yellow?

Why is it that if you have a car come out of the conveyor, the car behind it is always the most expensive one you wash

that day?

Why is it that car wash trash cans and dumpsters have been deemed suited to hold used engine oil, bedding, and vari-

ous other large and or hazardous material?

Why is it my mind can become totally blank when thinking up article topics yet filled with every thought imaginable

when I try to go to sleep?

I hope you enjoyed my tortured thoughts. If you have the answers, I’m anxious to hear from you…

Bob Fox has 30 years industry experience and is an instructor at CarWash College™. Bob can be reached at

[email protected]. For more information about CarWash College™ certification programs, visit

www.carwashcollege.com or call the registrar’s office at 1-866-492-7422.

Carwash On Veterans Day Fredericksburg, Va. — Rio Car Wash announced it had a successful Nov. 11 as part of the Grace for Vets program,

according to a press release.

Grace for Vets is an international, charitable effort consisting of carwashes that provide free washes to veterans and

active duty military on Veterans Day, stated the release.

The carwash gave away 654 free washes to service personnel and veterans for the one-day event, reported the re-

lease, which figures to be a value of more than $7,000 among the four Rio Car Wash locations in Virginia.

“This was our most successful year yet in terms of the number of washes we were able to provide,” said Jeff Small,

owner of Rio Car Wash, in the release. “We are happy and honored to be able to provide this small token of our appreciation

to those serving our country and assuring our freedoms.”

The Professional Carwashing & Detailing editors recently featured Rio Car Wash’s participation in Grace for Vets in a

recent edition of Carwash eNews. You can find this coverage here.

Established in 1995, continued the release, Rio Car Wash has grown to four locations in Virginia which feature state-

of-the-art, all soft cloth equipment and premium brand automotive car care products.

The carwash chain aims to minimize its impact on the environment by using reclaimed, treated and recycled water as

well as safe, biodegradable and phosphate-free wash solutions, noted the release, and is committed to giving back to the

community through charitable support for local groups and organizations.

Don’t Forget Our Servicemen and Women at Christmas Many of you have been in the armed

forces and know just how lonely standing a post,

a ward room or barracks can be at Christmas.

Please, in your prayers remember those who

interrupt their lives to protect the freedoms we

enjoy this holiday. Merry Christmas to our best

and brightest, we hope you are home next year.


Carwash Market Update – from Carwash E-News by Rich DiPaolo

In 2015, news about the U.S. unemployment rate, carwash sales and a growing U.S. economy, including increased

momentum in retail sales and the housing market, continue in the right direction. An updated jobs report earlier this summer

noted that the unemployment rate in this country fell to 5.3 percent, accounting for a seven-year low, according to the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In the carwash industry there are other promising statistics to be mindful of. Car sales and consumer spending

trends are two areas of particular interest. According to Trading Economics, using data reported by Autodata Corporation,

from 1993 to 2015 total vehicle sales in the U.S. averaged $15.31 million. During the height of the Great Recession, total

vehicle sales bottomed out to $9.05 million in February 2009. However this past June, total vehicle sales were at $17.16

million. Also reported by Trading Economics in June, U.S. consumer sediment rose more than expected and was at a five-

month high.

New highs, new investors

If you have attended a carwash show in the past year, you do not need the above statistics to confirm the energy and

excitement found throughout our industry. More cars on the road and more money in your customers’ pockets are welcomed

sights.

“I would say the [carwash] market is experiencing a lot of growth right now,” interjects Robert Andre, vice president of

training and education for SONNY’S The CarWash Factory. “Many carwash owners I have spoken with reported record highs

this year. From the manufacturer side of the business, equipment sales across the board have been up tremendously, and

there has been a ton of interest, especially from new investors.”

According to Andre’s predictions, barring any major changes in the economy or global affairs, this growth will be sus-

tained. “Over the next three to five years we will continue to see tremendous growth in the carwash industry for two reasons:

new investors entering the market and current owners looking to expand,” he says.

Steve Gaudreau, president of Brink Results LLC, confirms the good vibrations spreading throughout the industry. “At

the [recent] International Carwash Association (ICA) convention in Las Vegas, our best estimates from talking to the conveyor

manufacturers is that orders were placed for over 500 conveyors to be installed in the next 12 months, [which] is an extraor-

dinarily high number. The industry is definitely in a high growth mode right now,” he states.

Industry research shows a significant number of new investor carwash owners now entering the market. According to

the ICA, 37 percent of carwash owners have owned their business for less than five years. Industry professionals involved in

training, such as Andre, believe this is a conservative estimate.

Drawing on his past experiences, Andre notes a heightened commitment among today’s crop of new investors. “We

have a lot more multiple site [new owner] customers,” explains Andre. “[Having] three to five locations is more the norm to-

day.”

What makes this industry attractive for new investors? Experts, including Andre and Gaudreau, offer a few of the fol-

lowing common reasons:

Potentially high profit margins of a successful carwash

It’s still a fragmented industry, so it is possible to build a strong regional brand

Availability of capital for startup and lending

It’s largely a cash business

Unlike other industries, such as food service, inventory does not commonly spoil

No receivables, payment is immediate.

Popular washes and technologies

Growth in the industry has resulted in increased investments in sites and equipment technology. “Operators are

spending more than ever developing their carwashes by putting in all the bells and whistles,” says Brad Metcalf, northeast

regional sales manager for Innovative Control Systems (ICS), adding these investments are being fueled by end customers

who are willing to pay more for an express wash. “Customers value a wash based on time, quality and cost — the public is

seeking faster, cheaper and better [services].”

Metcalf’s noteworthy technologies serving today’s customers better include: direct marketing with email and text

strategies; constant contact with customers through website interaction to share information; and app-based payment gain-

ing popularity. He also adds that owners can manage their businesses more effectively by controlling cash and labor through

good software management tools and being mindful of credit/debit card security, including Payment Card Industry Data Secu-

rity Standard (PCI DSS) compliance.

As for the type of wash models in the industry, express exterior carwashes remain the most popular model, noted

experts we interviewed for this article. However, a newer model, “flex serve,” is also emerging.

“We see the growth is happening the most in the [express] model but we are also noticing that the flex service is

starting to rise. Flex is gaining in popularity for owners that can add the extra labor; there is definitely money to be made if the

demographics are right [for this model],” notes Andre.

Equipment and product technology have made a big impact in our industry over the past decade. The results of these

advancements include satisfied customers, cleaner cars, reduced waste and healthier bottom lines. From better wash materi-

als to reduced energy-consuming lighting, carwashes regardless of type are providing services that are above and beyond

what was offered in past years at an overall reduced cost of operation. (Continued on Page 8)


Carwash Market Update—cont. Andre notes improvements in optimizing space through advanced tunnel technologies, resulting in smaller site foot-

prints, and implementing multistage wash processes as notable industry advancements. “However, I think the biggest game

changer in our industry that I have seen from a technology standpoint has been some of the control technologies, such as a

system that scans and profiles the vehicle, allowing the equipment to make adjustments based on the vehicle’s design,” he

explains.

Advances in customer service

While a positive visit to a carwash may result in repeat business, a negative experience will most likely result in lost

business and possibly more. More customers are going online before visiting your carwash for the first time. Negative custom-

er reviews are more visible and powerful today than ever before. As a result, attracting customers with signage and following

through with a quality service are paramount.

Fortunately, on-site marketing has been the biggest area of advancement in recent years, suggests Gaudreau. “The

greatly improved automatic pay stations have made for a much more convenient and pleasant experience for the customer,”

he says, adding that the unlimited monthly pass program for a fixed price has also grown car count volumes significantly.

“Customers love ease and convenience.”

Enhancing the customer’s carwash experience should also be part of your customer service planning. When looking to

increase the price of a base package, or even when selling higher end packages, adding an LED feature, constructing a lava or

waterfall effect or producing multicolored soap can go a long way.

Regardless of industry or economic performance, being good at the basics of owning a carwash is how to stay on pace

with competition. For Gaudreau, it comes down to two factors: ensuring a quality experience and the people. Owners, opera-

tors and staff must produce a clean, dry car in a time-efficient manner to ensure a quality experience today.

“This requires properly equipping a tunnel, performing rigorous and regular preventive maintenance every day, mak-

ing sure the chemicals are doing their job and constantly checking throughout the day to make sure that quality and produc-

tion [are] at the highest possible [levels] achievable,” asserts Gaudreau. “The second variable is people. Although the exterior

express and flex serve models have greatly reduced the amount of human resources needed, the fewer people on the property

have become more important. Managers have always been important, and their skills are even more important in these new

models. Hiring, training and managing successful managers [can] impact the bottom line as well as the customer experience.”

Gaudreau recommends asking the following questions when assessing your current staff:

How diverse is your workforce?

How is their appearance, such as are they friendly, communicate well and respond to customers’ questions or com-

plaints properly?

Do they abide by uniform and appearance policies you have set forth?

What is the reporting structure and are there clear-cut roles, goals and job responsibilities?

Not only to fulfill the requirements of the modern wash and customers’ expectations, but Gaudreau also believes that

customer satisfaction will become increasingly important as “excessive competition” becomes more apparent. Possible indus-

try consolidation, more carwashes and other competition, such as the c-store industry, entering the market will present chal-

lenges to professional carwashes in the years ahead.

Training is still required

While industry indicators and experts report sustained growth, owners and operators need to be proactive in the areas

of equipment and product investments and employee training. While new investors might see this industry as an easy oppor-

tunity for profits, those in the know understand that professional carwashing is not a soap and bucket, set it and forget it busi-

ness.

“The carwash is a complex environment that features everything from pneumatics, hydraulics, VFDs and computer

controls to chemistry,” says Andre. “Continuing education in this industry is huge, and I don’t think enough emphasis is placed

on it. As competition tightens so too will the free flow of information among carwashes, making training programs even more

important.”

Attending these training programs and industry events, such as ICA’s annual convention, can open your eyes to the

equipment advancements and excitement throughout our industry. Today’s equipment is smarter and more effective, training

has advanced and customers are expecting value when visiting. Keep pace and don’t be left behind.

How Carwash Signage Can Boost Business – Carwash E -News

Purchasing, placing and forming a strategy for your on-site signage is a science and a form of art. Especially if your

carwash is on a busy street, which is considered a site selection best practice, potential customers are traveling past your

business at a relatively high speed. Another site selection recommendation is placing your carwash within a vast area of other

businesses and densely populated neighborhoods. Well, not only are drivers distracted by other drivers and following the rules

of the road, but your business is also competing with the other local businesses and their flashy signage.

A decent portion of any carwash location’s sales is often dependent on impulse visits. As carwash competition contin-

ues to tighten and as signage evolves — available for your business as well as other local businesses — you will want to make

sure your carwash stands out from the rest.

Continued—Page 9


How Carwash Signage Can Boost Business—(cont.)

Keep up with the technology

In a previous article written by Professional Carwashing & Detailing, Perry Powell of Perry Powell Consulting, a com-

mercial sign and image consultant with more than two decades of experience in the signage industry, sums up effective sign-

age as “an interactive set of considerations which, working cooperatively, create a higher rate of attraction.” According to Pow-

ell in the article, those considerations are “the minimum required legibility distance (MRLD), cone of vision, placement, mes-

sage design, media and content.”

Keeping up with the times is also important. Similar to other product categories in the carwash industry, site signage

has seen its share of upgrades and improvements over the past decade. And, this renaissance period for signs, particularly

digital signage, does not appear to be disappearing any time soon.

“We have seen trends in the industry moving toward more modern, digital signage,” adds Christine McKelvey, market-

ing and art department manager at Stewart Signs. “Carwash owners want to be able to communicate dynamically and not be

limited to the amount of information they can display. It’s also the type of sign that’s always noticed — a differentiator among

businesses.”

McKelvey, who has experience in outdoor signage, notes three main types of signage in that category:

1. Identification signage, which simply identifies your location and doesn’t offer the ability to communicate varying infor-

mation.

2. Changeable letter signage, for which letters are manually changed to communicate information. This type is typically

less expensive and also limits the amount of information owners and operators can display. Also, an employee must attend to

the sign outdoors and manually change the message as needed.

3. LED signage, which offers the most versatility, can feature dynamic transition effects, video and scheduling capabili-

ties so messages are never out of date. And, these signs can virtually feature an unlimited number of messages.

The show experience

Loyal and new customers expect and appreciate the show experience of a carwash. A fun, interesting carwash experi-

ence will stick out to new customers and result in repeat visits. Your signage can play an important role in elevating and creat-

ing this environment. In fact, today’s signage manufacturers are modifying their products to meet this end result.

“Carwash signage has evolved by incorporating sophisticated animations and powerful bursts of color with the static

message of the signs,” explains Bobby Jones, TSS Inc.’s art director, comparing static library signs to the alluring flashing dy-

namic lights of Las Vegas. “Just having a static sign present in the wash doesn’t really add to the experience like chasing and

flashing LED animations can. That’s why it’s necessary to pair the two together.”

The return for owners who double down on modern signs with advanced features can be huge. Interest in carwashing

is high. Effective, unique signage can be a reason customers not only come back, but also spread the word around town and

on social media of what caught their eye and where.

Key elements

Perfecting the art and science of on-site signage is more complicated than many believe. In addition to the type of

sign you would like to purchase, many other factors should be considered, such as messaging, visibility, colors and so on. Ac-

cording to Jones, color and design elements are critical facets that make a sign effective.

“If the colors do not contrast enough then the sign won’t be visible. A sign is only as effective as its visibility,” asserts

Jones, adding that font selection is the next consideration. “Fonts that look good on print ads do not always translate to effec-

tive fonts on outdoor signage. Consistency among signage at your wash will help convey a sense of professionalism and rein-

forces your brand with customers.”

Equally as important is cleanliness of the signage at your site. A dirty, dingy and barely legible sign is not good for busi-

ness or reinforcing a positive customer experience.

“You’re selling the image of cleanliness,” reminds McKelvey. “So a sign, first and foremost, must look the part.”

McKelvey advises owners and operators to consider a quality sign that has header graphics applied to the second surface,

which means on the inside instead of the outside, and is UV-treated to protect the sign from fading or yellowing.

“In addition, a strong polycarbonate instead of an acrylic sign face will resist breakage and cracking. For LEDs, the

importance is the initial brightness (LEDs will dim over time) and quality of the components,” adds McKelvey.

For Jones, common pitfalls, especially for new owners, is neglecting to properly budget for signage. “Ironically,” he

says, “the signage package will probably be the smallest portion of the budget, yet [it is] the one that will yield the most impact

to your bottom line.”

In addition to alluring new customers and entertaining and informing current customers, signage can also be strategi-

cally used to upsell your current programs. Customers are more likely to make an impulsive purchase on a higher package,

explains Jones, if an enticing sign is right by the cashier or point of purchase.

“It also helps with unlimited wash plans to draw a daily comparison of an insignificant item. For instance, if your

monthly plan is $20 a month, you could say ‘Wash as much as you want for half the price of a cup of coffee a day.’ This makes

the monetary monthly value seem more manageable,” concludes Jones.


OSHA’s “Right To Know Standard” and Carwash Cleaning – from Carwash E-News Chemicals are an integral part of most, if not all, car care businesses. From foams and soaps to tire and glass clean-

ers, chemicals are used throughout day to day operations.

Earlier this year chemical usage in the carwash industry made headlines throughout the U.S., after the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report on the potential danger of using these products. Based on a study con-

ducted by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, the CDC report found new evidence that chemicals in some

carwash products may be dangerous for employees, evaluating workers’ compensation reports from 2001-13 which stated

that 48 workers suffered burns from products containing hydrofluoric acid (HF).

Following these findings, the International Carwash Association (ICA) reviewed the reports on the use of chemicals

and consulted several industry sources. The association then released a statement recommending owners and operators

cease using products containing HF or its precursors — mainly ammonium bifluoride, or ABF.

Considering the recent CDC report as well as the frequency of chemical usage in the carwash industry, car care busi-

ness owners and operators must ensure their employees are properly informed and trained on handling chemicals.

Hazard Communication Standard updates

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), often referred

to as the “right to know” standard, requires employers to inform and train their workers about potential hazardous chemicals

at the workplace.

“It is imperative for every carwash owner/operator to know these rules and regulations, not just to avoid OSHA fines

and sanctions, but for the safety, health and knowledge of their workforce,” says Matt Holmes, safety and compliance manag-

er for Simoniz USA.

In March 2012, OSHA revised HCS to align with the U.N.’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling

of Chemicals (GHS) and published the revision in the Federal Register.

The OSHA Fact Sheet, “Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule,” reported that the “Hazard Communication

Standard in 1983 gave the workers the ‘right to know,’ but the new Globally Harmonized System gives workers the ‘right to

understand.’” (You can find this fact sheet by visiting www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/HCSFactsheet.html.)

According to OSHA, the modified standard contained two significant changes: requiring the use of new labeling ele-

ments and a standardized format for safety data sheets (SDSs), formally known as material safety data sheets (MSDSs).

“Employee training for [the] new labels and SDS [requirements] was required to be [completed] by Dec. 1, 2013,”

explains Holmes. In addition to the training completion date, other OSHA HCS deadlines, phased over several years, include:

June 1, 2015: Manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers had to comply with all modified provisions of the

HSC final rule.

December 1, 2015: Distributors are permitted to ship products labeled under the old system by manufacturers until

this date.

June 1, 2016: Employers must update their alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication programs as

necessary, as well as provide any additional employee training for newly identified health/physical hazards.

To ensure a carwash is in compliance, Shawn Rowan, vice president of sales and global marketing for Ardex Labs Inc., says

certain companies will visit a facility to make sure it is meeting all safety requirements. Furthermore, OSHA offers an On-site

Consultation Program, which is free and confidential for small and medium-sized businesses across the country, and will not

result in any penalties or citations.

“I highly recommend [carwashes] bring in an outside agency that can go through the facility,” advises Rowan. “It

shouldn’t take more than a day or two to compile all the information to make sure they are doing everything right.”

Ensuring safe operations

To comply with OSHA regulations and to safeguard all employees from potential health/physical hazards, proper

training and protection are essential. “A good training program can reduce accidents and injuries associated with these haz-

ards,” states Holmes. “In addition, well-trained and well-informed employees are much more confident in their actions and

produce much more efficiently.”

Having the right knowledge of the potential dangers associated with chemicals as well as the precautions needed to

mitigate those risks — for example, wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) — helps to enhance employees’ well

being and improve a carwash’s overall operations, continues Holmes.

When it comes to training employees, Holmes recommends carwash owners and operators be as specific to their

operations as possible. “There are many programs that cover the general hazards of chemicals, but really getting to know the

hazards associated with your specific products, and the types of hazards you most encounter, is paramount,” he adds.

Moreover, Rowan asserts that carwashes must ensure all workers follow the instructions on the chemical products’

labels and institute these instructions into their training programs. “The labels today have all the precautions on them,” he

explains. “Follow the precautions on the label, and if they say you should be doing something, do it.”

Although some chemicals are considered safe to handle, Rowan always encourages carwashes to follow the instruc-

tions. “Something as safe as body soap can give somebody a reaction,” he notes.

Bomi M. Zarolia, vice president of international business for Cleaning Systems Inc., agrees. “Most detergent products

with prolonged exposure to skin can cause irritation, etc.,” says Zarolia. “Gloves, eye protection [and] overalls for employees

with a risk of such exposure may be helpful.” Continued on Page 11


OSHA “Right to Know” (Cont.)

Going beyond the label

Following the instructions on chemical products’ labels is essential. However, equally as important are the manufac-

turers’ SDSs, which we discussed earlier. “Always read the label and safety data sheet before handling any chemical,” asserts

Holmes. “While both will inform you of the hazards, precautions, proper equipment to use and emergency responses to take,

the SDS will go much more in depth. [For example], I always wear eye protection and chemical-resistant gloves even if I am

not handling any hazardous chemicals.”

Owners and operators must ask for SDSs for every type of product used at the carwash from their suppliers, says Za-

rolia, adding that carwashes should always have a complete set available at their facilities and ensure all managers and em-

ployees are familiar with where the SDSs are kept.

Zarolia also recommends carwash owners/operators have designated locations and procedures to help mitigate any

potential exposure to chemicals, such as eye and skin wash stations and procedures.

SDSs should also always include proper storage procedures, states Rowan. And, chemicals should never be exposed

to extreme cold or heat, remarks Zarolia. “The key, of course, is to prevent any breakage of containers and spillage,” he adds.

This “spillage” from improper storage can result in employees coming in physical contact with the chemicals. Like-

wise, says Zarolia, spillage and exposure can occur during refill or transfer of the chemicals.

“Bulky or large containers are most likely to cause such incidents,” explains Zarolia. “[Today], owners can minimize

[these] incidents by adapting smaller packaging and [having a] spill-proof setup in their equipment room. Larger containers

are also susceptible to cause bodily injuries for heavy lifting. Any injury or exposure to employees subject owners or operators

to financial liabilities for treatments and compensations.”

Although failure to abide by laws such as OSHA’s HCS can be costly, they are instituted to help ensure smooth, safe

operations for businesses, notes Zarolia. “Laws are developed for safety and preservation of environment for future genera-

tions; they are not hindrance to business,” he concludes. “Safe employees are happy and more productive. In the long run,

[this will lead to] higher revenue and profitability for owners/operators.”

Rust and Corrosion – from Carwash E-News

Owning an automobile comes with an unpleasant reality known as rust. This corrosion is obviously an eyesore, but

can also lead to serious damage. It is important to educate customers on how rust is formed as well as the vehicle’s areas

that are more prone to it and the types of climates where it thrives. Recognizing some typical warning signs of rust is vital be-

cause almost any car owner can repair a small spot on his or her own.

What causes corrosion?

Scientifically speaking, corrosion involves an anode, cathode and electrolytes. In a nutshell, corrosion is the breaking

down of materials due to a chemical reaction within the environment. This is a process of metal oxidation. The metal element,

namely iron, is oxidized into ferrous ions thus losing two of its electrons. These ferrous ions are oxidized once more turning

into ferric ions within the presence of the elements of oxygen and water. Electrons are then used to deduct oxygen and ferric

ions, which along with the oxygen combine to create ferric oxide. Next, the ferric oxide becomes hydrated with water resulting

in the product of rust. This process of rusting is akin to the process of the electrochemical cell.

In layman’s terms, when metal is exposed to elements such as water or salt, a chemical breakdown occurs resulting

in rust. Rust can appear as a small blemish, a raised paint bubble or a tiny nick in the paint. If detected early, the process can

be stopped and repaired to prevent further degradation.

Climate is an important factor to consider when identifying sources of rust. Climates that are either humid or include

harsh winters are more susceptible to rust. Vehicles in these areas need to take precaution with routine checks and cleaning

to alleviate the increased potential of corrosion.

What part is most likely to be affected?

Although rust can appear on any exposed metal portion of a vehicle, there are certain areas more prone to harbor

this crusty pest. First, be sure to inspect the entire vehicle. Pay close attention to the issue areas like the wheels, fenders,

frame, chassis, engine, trunk and exhaust system.

The telltale signs of corrosion may not be noticeable without careful inspection. Such small inconsistencies as a

scratch, crack or nick in the paint can be the first warning sign. It is vitally important to educate car owners on keeping the

underside of their cars regularly cleaned during bad winters, because the salt from the roads is one of corrosion’s best

friends.

How can rust be prevented?

Knowing the signs and where they are commonly located is the first step in rust prevention. A good routine to estab-

lish is regular carwashing. In an average climate, a good washing should be performed twice a month along with a coat of wax

every two months. If salt is being used on the roads, washing should be increased to a weekly basis to ensure the excess is

not taking permanent residence on a vehicle. Be sure to spray the underbelly, as this is a favorite location for salt accumula-

tion. (Continued on Page 12)


Rust and Corrosion—(Cont.)

Keeping the interior clean is also important. Make sure your customers know that if liquid is spilled, they must clean

it quickly. Liquids can penetrate and create a breeding ground for rust. Checking carpets is important because some stains

can harbor corrosive ingredients. Wipe off any metal surfaces (inside or outside) to remove any accumulation of moisture.

Another area to watch is the wheel well. These offer delightful dwellings for salt and other components that contrib-

ute to rust. Basically, make sure your customers are taking a few minutes to assess their cars for any of these warning signs

and encourage routine washing to help prevent the unsightly and costly hardship of rust.

Application best practices

Proper training is needed for carwash owners and operators who do not have experience in this area of car care. The

following best practices for common rust treatment should be kept in mind even for the most seasoned veterans of rust ser-

vices.

Note: If working with the fender, it is advised to remove the wheel to have easier access and to the ability to assess

the entire situation. This will include jacking up the car as well, so make sure to have the proper tools for the job.

The first step in removing rust is to start with a clean surface. To do this, remove the paint. Using a grinder with 120-

grit sandpaper should do the trick because it is great at taking off the thick layers of vehicle paint. After the paint and primer

has been removed, be sure to cover up nearby areas that you don’t want dusty. A tarp works well to take care of this.

Next, use a metal grinding wheel as it can really penetrate the area; however, be careful as this is capable of doing

some unwanted damage. For the best results, work in a slow manner to achieve a nice finish. The metal grinding wheel is

good for getting into pits and removing dense rust. Once you have achieved a nearly 99.9 percent rust-free surface, you are

ready to move on to hand sanding. Grab a 120-grit piece of sandpaper and go to work. When finished, you should have a

smooth surface.

For the next step, use some car soap and water to wash and remove any little debris left from sanding. A bare metal

primer comes next. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and let dry. Once dry, use a 400-grit piece of wet sandpaper and go

over the sanded area. Wipe clean when finished and use newspapers and durable tape that is safe to place on a vehicle’s

surface to tape off roughly a three-foot radius from the affected area.

Now it’s time to really prime and paint. The key to a great finish when it comes to painting a car is layers. Applying thin, even

coats and allowing plenty of time to dry between coats is a must. Start with an auto spray paint that most closely matches the

car’s color. Evenly spray the area with three coats of primer. For the primer, it is recommended to wait two minutes before

applying the next coat. Allow the primer to dry overnight. Once morning arrives, apply an even and thinner coat of paint. It

needs to be thinner to prevent running and sagging. This time, you will need five coats. Don’t remove the tape until the paint

has had 24 hours to dry. An optional next step would be to apply a clear coat to give it a fresh, new finish. If you choose this

step, be sure to lightly buff the edges once it dries to seamlessly blend in the new paint.

Merry Christmas from the NCPCWA Staff—Office Holidays The NCPCWA Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24—25, 2015, and on January 1, 2016 in ob-

servance of the holidays. The staff here at the Association wish you, your family and employees a very Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year. Thank you for letting us work with you and we look forward to a good year with you next year!

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she

should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,

and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch

over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone

round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of

great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the

Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling

clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising

God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:6-14

Vanessa Deering - NCPCWA · gether a professional site in minutes. 2. Start a blog. Teach customers...

Documents

Transcript of Vanessa Deering - NCPCWA · gether a professional site in minutes. 2. Start a blog. Teach customers...