The chemical solutions used in an automatic touchless carwash are largely different from those used in a traditional carwash due to the different procedures involved. Here are a few of these common solutions that every customer should know, if only to become a wiser customer. Ask an Autobell staff, if the touchless service is available, about these chemicals.
Presoak Chemicals
In most touchless carwashes, the vehicles are subjected to a two-step cleaning process. First, an acid presoak is done to remove the thick film of dirt, dust and debris on the vehicle’s surface. Second, an alkaline rinse removes the more stubborn greasy and oily soils; the rinse also prepares the vehicle’s surface for effective wax application.
Triple Foam Chemicals
These are usually applied when you ask for an upgraded package, and we recommend it because of its numerous benefits. These products are also applied after the detergents and wheel cleaners have been sprayed on your vehicle.
Triple foam chemicals typically manifest in three colors – red, yellow, and blue – thus their name. When these colored foams mix together, the rainbow effect becomes part of the art of the carwash – a show, if you will.
But beyond appearances, triple foam chemicals have practical uses including:
- Preparing the vehicle’s clear-coat for the application of the protectant and sealant products;
- Expediting the drying process;
- Cleaning the car (i.e., conditioners); and
- Polishing its surface (i.e., polishers).
In many carwashes, the triple foam products can both clean and polish your car. These can also either be neutral or acidic.
Drying Agents
These chemicals can either be synthetic oil- or mineral-based products but all of them are formulated to remove and repel water from a vehicle’s surface; these work mainly through beading. These are also formulated to decrease water tension, a must when cleaning a vehicle; a product created to increase surface tension will be applied after the car has been cleaned.
Sealants and Protectants
These are obviously applied to protect your vehicle’s surface from the quick accumulation of dirt, dust and debris so soon after it has been cleaned. These can also bring out the shine from your vehicle’s paint so it looks nearly brand-new.
Since the friction aspect of a carwash is absent in a touchless carwash, the chemicals used here tend to be stronger than those used in a traditional carwash, too. These chemicals have higher acidity or alkalinity to make up for the absence of mechanical friction, as well as work well with conditioned and pressurized water.