Cars and trucks need thorough cleaning to remove contaminants from the surface and undercarriage. However, the facilities you take these vehicles to differ because of their individual needs. What distinguishes a carwash and a truck wash?
Each business has the same goal of cleaning their customers’ vehicles, but the two differ in their approach.
1. Location
The differences start with the businesses’ locations. Truck drivers typically drive on interstates and highways, so truck washes should be along the roads or just off the exits. These strategic positions let long-haul trucks quickly access the facility without navigating narrow lanes. You can find carwashes and detailers in similar locations, but interstates and highways make more sense for truck drivers.
Conversely, auto detailers and carwashes are more likely to be inside cities and urban areas because of their size. These businesses are typically smaller and can fit inside city blocks, allowing drivers to access them from their neighborhoods. Trucks are large and weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so they need help navigating city streets.1 Semi-trucks can use regular carwashes, but they require special accommodations.
2. Different equipment
Another fundamental difference between truck and carwashes is the equipment. Typical carwashes feature buckets, water hoses, foam cannons and tire brushes. Truck washing businesses may have these tools, but cleaning cars requires a gentler approach. While some carwashes use pressure washers, adjustable nozzles are necessary to prevent paint damage. They are more likely to have detailing brushes to perform more intricate tasks.
Washing semi-trucks requires different equipment because of their size. The height limit varies by state, but long-haul trucks have a 14-feet maximum in California, Texas and other states.2 Therefore, truck stops typically have ladders and long brushes for hand-wash services. Another distinction for trucks is the type of soap you apply. Large vehicles accumulate dirt and grime, requiring more aggressive cleaners than you would use for a car.
3. Facility requirements
Vehicle size influences the location, equipment and requirements for these facilities. Sizable buildings are necessary for trucks to accommodate the drivers stopping on interstates and highways. Therefore, truck washes require higher clearance and larger bays to fit these vehicles. The properties are typically more extensive because they must accommodate other trucks waiting for service. Some washes are paired with a truck stop featuring amenities.
Carwash and detailing businesses operate in smaller buildings because they don’t need to make room for large vehicles. While larger pickup trucks and SUVs need service, business owners don’t have to accommodate semi-trucks with high clearances and long bodies. Taller roofs give truck washes more flexibility and ease when cleaning the vehicle tops. These facilities also have a specific design to easily let trucks in and out of the property.
4. Resource usage
Carwash operations require water and electricity, whether the business is open 24 hours or half the day. The necessary amount depends on your shop and the vehicles you service. Truck washes may require more resources because cleaning each machine requires more attention and care. You also must account for the intensity of truck cleanings because they need strong pressure washers to remove mud and residue.
Less water is necessary for carwashes, but these businesses still consume it. They may use water for pre-rinsing, applying soap, washing tires and other essential tasks. While water is a primary focus, electricity is also critical for carwashes and detailing businesses. Some shops reduce their water usage by implementing eco-friendly ideas. For example, the EPA recommends recycling water or washing with a bucket for conservation.3
5. Costs
Another difference between the two businesses is the cost. Car and truck washes need water and electricity daily to operate, but the amount differs by location. Truck washes have powerful machines that require more energy and costs to run, making them more expensive. It’s also essential to consider truck facility supplies and labor. Typically, washing a semi-truck requires more employees than you’d assign for a typical car.
Carwashes see smaller vehicles come through the bays daily, requiring lower costs for each service. A detailing business may allocate funds for buffer polishers, clay bars, sealants and other specific products. However, carwashes don’t use the same high-powered machines you may see when cleaning trucks. Therefore, the service price for customers is lower when cleaning cars than when washing heavy-duty trucks.
6. Services
Sedans and semi-trucks require comprehensive cleanings, but each machine has unique needs. Therefore, the knowledge and skill sets necessary to service them are different. For instance, a truck mechanic knows air filters need replacement every 10,000 to 15,000 miles if travel sees a lot of dust and pollution.4 Trucks have more air flowing into the engine, thus leading to faster clogging with dust and debris accumulation.
The unique needs lead to different services for car and truck washes. Basic cleanings are available at both businesses, but the specific packages may differ by location. Truck washes may offer engine degreasing to eliminate debris picked up on roads and job sites. Mudflap washes are another truck-specific service you could see at the shop. Conversely, carwashes are more likely to offer detailing services because the task is more manageable.
7. Operating hours
Nowadays, it’s more common to see 24-hour carwashes if they have automatic machines. However, detailers require human labor and may have limited operating hours. While some may open early or close late, you probably won’t see hand wash businesses open 24 hours. Your typical shop operates at regular business hours to accommodate the workers and customers with daytime jobs. Truck washes offer a different operating mindset.
Truck drivers are on the road for up to 70 hours for eight days, with their trips occurring during the day and night.5 Some logistics companies prefer their long-haul trucks travel late at night and early in the morning to avoid the worst traffic congestion. Therefore, truck washes regularly open their doors 24 hours daily. The extended service and unpredictable hours require these businesses to accommodate their primary customers.
Differentiating carwashes and truck washes
Car and truck washes are integral for keeping vehicles clean. However, the operational requirements are different due to the unique needs of each business. Carwashes are typically smaller and utilize more detail-oriented equipment.
Cleaning a truck requires heavy-duty tools and sizable properties to fit the rigs waiting for service. The differences lead to more resources used for truck washes than carwashes, but the result is the same: a clean, mean machine.
Sources:
- https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-much-does-a-semi-truck-weigh
- https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/legal-truck-access/legal-basis-truck-restrictions
- https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving
- https://www.inland-group.com/en-US/news-resources/semi-truck-maintenance-checklist/
- https://modded.com/cars/7-realities-of-long-haul-trucking/
Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Modded, where he writes about cars, car trends and auto news. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.
