THE PATH OF A CAR IN THE CAR WASH

The car goes through four steps when it is washed. Whether the car is washed in a wash bay or automatically, these are the main steps.

Starting with the pre-wash to remove the worst of the dirt. Next, the car is washed with shampoo and rinsed off. Thirdly, a protective wax or polish is applied to the car and the car is ready for the fourth and final step, drying.

“The task was to develop a carwash line that works and is understandable for every carwash entrepreneur.”
Jos Willemsen, developer.

STEP 1. WHY PRE-CLEANING IS IMPORTANT IN THE CAR WASH

Pre-cleaning the car in the car wash or wash bay is an important part of the washing process. With a good pre-cleaner, like Royal Forte, most of the sand and static dirt is soaked off the car. This is important to keep the brushes of the car wash in good condition. If sand or heavy dirt gets into the brushes, it can damage the car’s paintwork. In the past, nylon brushes were often used, which resulted in scratches. Nowadays, mainly rags or foam brushes are used. This way, the chance of scratches is minimised.

In spring and summer, when there are many insects, it is recommended to use Royal Insect. This product from the Royal Care Line is specially developed to remove insects.

At tunnel carwashes, the cars are often put in the pre-cleaner by hand. This is done because the brushes cannot reach all spots.

STEP 2. SHAMPOO, THE MORE FOAM THE BETTER?

The amount of foam in a car wash is less important in terms of its effect; it mainly gives a nice appearance and a fresh smell. The effect of the shampoo is much more important. Royal Foam is a shampoo with a high foam content and an excellent effect. Royal Clean is a special brush shampoo. It puts a protective layer between the brushes and the bodywork to prevent scratches. Slightly less foaming than Royal Foam, but just as clean. Both shampoos have a pleasant fragrance and crawl under the dirt very quickly.

STEP 3. PROTECT THE CLEAN CAR WITH A COAT OF WAX

It is always a good idea to give the clean car a protective layer. This can also be done in the car wash. The protective products lay a layer on the car so that dirt cannot attach well. With the help of rubbing movements of the brushes, the wax (polish) is applied.

“The difference between wax and polish? The car is rinsed with wax. Polish is applied with foaming and brushed in. By rubbing in the polish, it protects the car longer than wax does.” Peter-Jan Korving, Cartec’s carwash expert.

There are different protection products. Royal Guard is a polish and has scratch-filling properties, for example. This results in an increased gloss and improves the drying process, which is addressed in the last step.

Royal Shield creates an unprecedented shine and protection. This product is especially developed as a liquid topwax in the carwash. After each wash, it builds up a layer. It fills in scratches and gives a visible higher gloss and a tangible wax layer on the car paint.

Royal Protect is a powerful wax which gives a long-lasting protection. The product has been specially developed for use in the carwash and can also be used as a drying agent. The product contains extremely strong polymer compounds with scratch-filling properties. Royal Protect can also be used in carwashes and offers a deep gloss and a pleasant fragrance.

STEP 4. GETTING THE CAR DRY OUT OF THE CAR WASH

At the end of the wash cycle, a drying agent ensures the best drying result. This makes the drops roll off the car faster and the car will dry even better. After using the Royal Foam or Royal Clean, the Royal Shine gives a very fast break of the water film. This product leaves a deep gloss and minimises the formation of stains on the paintwork. Royal Dry and Royal Shine can be used in hard, soft and osmosis water and therefore also in wash boxes.

Jos Willemsen from the Cartec laboratory: “The development of Royal Care was a very challenging process. We brainstormed and worked on the recipes until the late hours. Only the best result is good enough for us and our customers. After several years of development, we finally succeeded. As a product developer, I am therefore very proud of the final result.”

Do you want to know more or are you curious about Royal Care in your car wash? Read more about the products on: cartecworld.com/products/the-ultimate-carwash-experience/

Read in Part 1 all about the different types of car washes.