Consider a Friction Drying System for Superior Vehicle Finishing, Increased Revenue, and Customer Satisfaction

by Tim Fitzpatrick, Territory Sales Manager/Equipment, Howco Inc.

Planning a new car wash? Explore the advantages of investing in a friction drying system as the final equipment component in the tunnel. Friction drying systems have proven to be an excellent wash option upgrade that produces a drier, shinier vehicle, contributing to high customer satisfaction rates. These systems can save operators money on labor, towels, and utilities, as well as increase revenue to the wash as an attractive add-on service. Typical ROI on these systems is less than one year.

Incorporating a friction drying system into a conveyor wash requires an early decision during the planning and design phase, as accommodating the friction drying equipment adds between 10 and 32 feet in length to the tunnel after the blowers, depending on the chosen system and components.

Most friction drying systems use side and top brushes with specially formulated material that absorbs water droplets remaining after the blowers. It also has a surface-shining effect that impresses customers and reduces or eliminates the need for hand/towel drying. These systems are optimal for Express, Flex-Serve, and Full-Serve tunnel car washes.

Some friction systems can dry car windows and body surfaces consistently in excess of 140 cars per hour and also feature built-in self-cleaning mechanisms to further enhance performance.

One Howco customer, Liz Tilbury of Splash2o Express Car Wash, remains thrilled with the choice to include friction drying systems in the company’s Express Exterior stores. “It was an excellent decision and investment. It’s an upgrade included in our top-tier wash package that is enormously popular with our customers. It has increased their satisfaction and our revenue, and reduced the cost of our towel program. I just can’t say enough good things about it.”

Planning a tunnel car wash? Contact a Howco representative to explore how a friction drying system can produce superior finished vehicles with a shine customers can both see and feel, while saving money and increasing revenue for the operator.