FAQ - Broadway Equipment Company

Why should I choose a car wash from Broadway Equipment over your competitors?

As the only car wash manufacturer dedicated to serving the dealership market, we have the experience and the expertise to ensure your wash meets your dealership’s exact needs. Broadway’s “One Company Accountability” means we will be with you every step of the way – from design and build, to install and service. Our local, Broadway-only installation and service teams will make sure that your car wash performs optimally not only on day one, but also many years into the future.

Why do you use Aluminum parts for your washes?

Aluminum has many advantages over steel. Some of these benefits include:

A lower cost with identical wash quality
Decreased weight which reduces wear and tear and extends the life of the equipment
Allows for easier repairs
It is able to be recycled, making it more environmentally friendly

Why are Broadway car washes operated with hydraulics as opposed to electric?

Hydraulics are used in most heavy-duty equipment applications because it is more durable than electric. Fewer parts that require maintenance make a hydraulic system a great option for the wet, dark, chemical-filled environment that a car wash creates.

Why is the side-to-side motion of a mitter better than front-to-back?

As a car naturally moves forward inside a car wash, a front-to-back motion of the mitter creates times when the car and mitter are simultaneously moving in the same direction therefore making the mitter essentially just lay on the car. Mitters that move side-to-side ensure that there is constant cleaning action on the car.

Are soft-touch washes safe on cars?

Absolutely! Soft-touch car wash brushes are made of foam, cloth or a combination of both, which makes them very gentle on a car’s surface. Our car washes utilize technology which allows the brushes to sense how far away from the car they are located, therefore applying a consistent pressure – strong enough to ensure a clean car while gentle enough to prevent damage – throughout the entire wash cycle.

What’s the difference between a front-wheel pull and a rear-wheel push conveyor system?

Most cars “like” to be pushed rather than pulled so a lot of operators prefer rear-wheel push (RWP). The main reason to go with a front-wheel pull (FWP) is space. A FWP system requires 15 feet to load a vehicle while a RWP requires 25 feet – this difference of 10 feet is usually why an operator chooses to go with one system over the other.

What is the difference between a chain style conveyor vs. “floor mover” / “belt style”?

Floor movers are “the new kid on the block”. The benefits of a floor moving conveyor are a lack of exposed mechanical parts. This can make them safer to be around and they also work better with some newer vehicles. These advantages do come at a higher cost as well as much higher maintenance. The chain conveyors are more economical and are much easier to work on if something does require maintenance.

How do I figure out the best PSI setting for my touch-free car wash?

The proper PSI configuration is a delicate balance of too low vs too high – too low and the car doesn’t get cleaned very well, too high and the pressure could potentially do damage to the car. Factors that go into determining the proper PSI include the nozzle size and their distance from the car at its closest point. Because each car wash is unique, your best bet is to get an expert’s help in determining what works best for your location.

How does pH level affect a touch-free car wash’s performance?

Different pH levels clean different items. Due to the makeup of chemicals with a low pH level, they are very good at cleaning “solid” things such as wheels and glass. Chemicals with a high pH level are better suited for items such as paints, polish and wax. Some washes completely eliminate low pH chemicals in order to cut back on the wash time. While this does increase the number of cars that can be washed, it leaves parts of the car dirty. Broadway’s two-step process allows the car’s entire surface to be cleaned. Our team can help you strike the right balance of chemicals as it is very important in ensuring a thorough clean.

Are water recycling systems just a gimmick?

Absolutely not! Recycling water can help lower the cost of water connection and consumption by up to 90%. Water recycling systems are a great addition to your car wash – and sometimes even mandated for new projects by local ordinances.

I see dryers that have different strengths. How do I know how much HP my dryers need to have?

This mostly comes down to how dry you want the car to be after coming out of the wash – the higher the HP output, the drier the car is. This doesn’t mean that bigger is always better – the relationship between the strength and dryness isn’t linear i.e., a 50% increase in dryer strength does not necessarily mean a 50% dryer car. Some local municipalities also have noise restrictions in place which may make Broadway’s noise reduction system a great option for your business. No matter what requirements you have, Broadway’s team can help you decide the optimal dryer setup for your location.

How much maintenance does a car wash require?

The amount of maintenance required depends significantly on the amount of usage. To safeguard against unforeseen issues and downtime as much as possible, Broadway offers a preventative maintenance program. This program entails a 50-point inspection monthly by one of our technicians to ensure everything is working as efficiently as possible and identify any potential repairs that could arise in the future. No matter your requirements, Broadway can take your mind off of all your maintenance and chemical needs with our All-inclusive Parts and Chemicals maintenance plan.

Who installs my car wash?

Broadway has a Broadway-dedicated team that will not only install your wash, but also be responsible for any service and maintenance needs. Our team exclusively works with Broadway car washes so they know our equipment inside and out thereby minimizing installation time as well as any potential disruptions down the road.

How long does a car wash installation take?

Once all the design and prep work is finished and the equipment is on-site, the installation process usually takes about a week until your car wash is up and running. Broadway takes the hassle out of the installation process by coordinating with all the relevant contractors – electricians, plumbers, etc. to ensure no detail is overlooked and your transition to a new car wash goes as smoothly as possible.