Car Washes
Car washes need high-quality compressed air systems that work accurately and efficiently every single day. When your air compressor fails, you risk unhappy customers who can't clean their cars and your revenue stops flowing. At Chicago Pneumatic, we offer reliable, energy-efficient air compressor solutions that keep your customers satisfied and your business profitable.
Top-Class Air Compressors for Car Cleaning and Auto Detailing
Chicago Pneumatic's QRS line of rotary screw compressors provide the consistent performance that car wash owners count on. Built to run continuously through busy weekends and heavy traffic, these compressors deliver steady power to all your washing equipment. Each QRS unit combines time-tested rotary screw technology with the industry's most advanced features.
Several features that make these compressors ideal for car washes include:
- Standard quiet enclosure: Lower noise and vibration levels mean you can install the compressor close to customer areas with minimal disturbance. Customers can stay relaxed and comfortable during the cleaning process.
- TEFC motor: Totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) motors resist the moisture and chemical vapors prevalent in car wash bays. This design helps prevent the damage that water and harsh chemicals cause to other types of standard compressor motors.
- Compact designs with total package availability: Choose from tank mount (TM), tank mount dryer (TMD) or floor mount (FM) configurations to meet your needs. The compact footprint easily fits into any area, helping maximize space efficiency.
- Smart Controller with ICONS (on models with more than 10 horsepower): Track pressure, temperature, operating hours and system status from your smartphone or computer. You can adjust settings, schedule operation times and receive maintenance alerts remotely to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
In addition to the QRS line, we offer additional compressor options — including CPM, CPVSd and CPBg models — to match different car wash sizes and equipment requirements. Variable-speed models automatically adjust output to match demand, reducing energy costs during slower periods.
Car Wash Compressor Applications
Car washes rely on compressed air for various functions throughout the cleaning process, including:
- Foam and chemical application: Compressed air pushes soap, wax and other products through nozzles to thoroughly clean vehicles.
- Drying: High-pressure air blowers in dryer bays remove water from vehicle surfaces and blast moisture from hard-to-reach areas.
- Pneumatic doors: Automatic bay doors use compressed air actuators to open and close smoothly for easy entry and exit.
- Automatic brushes: Pneumatic tools and brushes rely on compressed air to provide the mechanical action that scrubs vehicles clean.
- Spot-free rinsing: Compressed air helps deliver purified water through spot-free rinse equipment for streakless finishes.
Air Treatment Options for Car Washes
Water and oil contamination in compressed air lines can damage expensive car wash equipment and leave spots on freshly cleaned vehicles. Our air treatment systems filter out these contaminants before they reach your washing equipment.
Refrigerated dryers remove moisture that could freeze in winter climates or cause water spots during the final rinse. Our filtration systems ensure your compressed air meets the purity standards for quality car wash results. Regular filter maintenance keeps your air clean and your equipment running smoothly.
Learn More About Our High-Performance Air Compressors for Car Washes
Chicago Pneumatic's car wash air compressors provide the reliability you need to serve customers every day. Our experts can walk you through the options and help you choose the most practical solutions for your needs. Contact a dealer today with questions or to request additional information.