Earth Day and beyond for high tech car wash

Kipling Express Car Wash was built with the protection of the environment as part of the design. This car wash has incorporated some high tech concepts that help the wash optimize the environmental slogan: Recycle, Reuse and Reduce.

The car wash equipment, wash cycles, water, soap and wash chemicals as well as tracking system are all interconnected through the computer system obtained from Innovative Control Systems. Through a number of components of this computer system, the wash selection is tracked in the tunnel, so the appropriate equipment with water, soap, and polishes are emitted and monitored.

The ability to control the timing of each piece of tunnel equipment effectively saves water and chemical as the vehicles passes through the tunnel. The changing of worn nozzles and sizes of nozzles along with ability to adjust the pressure of water delivery further reduces water and chemical.

Consistently conserving water, Kipling Express Car Wash uses 70 percent recycled water in the pre rinse process and 30 percent fresh water for soaps and final rinses. Each vehicle uses less than 30 gallons of fresh water. According to the International Car Wash Association, "on average, washing a car in the driveway can use up to three times more water than a professional car wash." Even running a garden hose for 5 minutes can use as much as 50 gallons of water. (earthcarecanada.com)

Kipling Express Car Wash has four 2500 gallon underground holding tanks that catch all the wash water. A process removes most of the solids, grease and oil. This recycled water is aerated and treated and then pulled back into the wash cycles. Finally the runoff water is safely discharged into local water treatment facilities.

Regarding energy, the wash was built to be earth friendly by conserving electric power. High voltage was installed but with low amperage. Combined with variable frequency motors for the dryers and other motors, demand is reduced and energy is saved.

The soaps and polishes we use on vehicles are supplied by Ecolab/Blue Coral, a fortune 500 company. Ecolab has directed major resources to the development of safe chemicals that are used for soaps, polishes, polymers, and sealants. The cleaning products are designed to minimize environmental impact. Every product meets the strictest regulatory standards across North America. The chemistry of the Ecolab solutions are certified to be: phosphate free, contain no NPE or APE surfactants, and VOC (volatile organic compounds) compliant. Their slogan is "Hard on Dirt, Easy on Earth". Further exemplary, is the packaging of the soaps and polishes. Kipling Express Car Wash uses both Ecolab concentrated product (reducing packaging) and plastic 30 gallon barrels that are recycled and reused.

These cleaning solutions conserve energy and water and reduce waste by using less chemical and less water. Their formulas use renewable raw materials. Ecolab website states, "they are proud to be pioneering responsible car washing with Blue Coral Beyond Green.... from the factory to the final rinse, customers can drive away sparkling clean and feeling good about a smart choice."

With a tunnel wash there is very little waiting in line to get the wash. The conveyor pushes the vehicle through the tunnel at a consistent speed even when the $12 "The Works" is chosen. Appropriate lighted signs and wash equipment are turned on at the designated time, such as when Rain-X is being applied or Tire Shine is being applied. Yet the wash takes only 3 ½ minutes. This is less time than waiting for a stop light to turn green.

This 135 foot conveyor tunnel is owned and operated by Sharon Young. There is no claustrophobic feeling in the wash tunnel. The walls are white and bright and the rotating wash cloth is not overwhelming. This is the only wash to use Lamscloth in the Denver Metro area. Lamscloth is a patented product from NS Car Wash Equipment. The cloth is a soft synthetic cloth with the look and feel of lamb's wool. It has an even and casual rotation as it moves over the vehicle thus the feel of a hand wash.

With all the economic pressures of today, it is even more important to protect the value of your vehicle. Our cars and trucks need to last longer and still preserve their value. Taking care of your vehicle's exterior surfaces is even more important.

Kipling Express Car Wash has several qualities that help to preserve the value of the vehicle, for example, RainX , the Tire Shine and Rust inhibitor. RainX is a technologically advanced formula that forms an invisible barrier that chemically bonds to the surfaces of your vehicle for increased shine and gloss. Plus repellency of rain provides for enhanced visibility. RainX was awarded the most innovative new product from Car Care World Expo in 2006. The use of Black Magic on the tires provides a long lasting shine and the use of Rust inhibitor on the underbody helps to protect against corrosion. Preserving the vehicle finish will help resale value.

Kipling Express Car Wash puts customer service first. Our friendly staff is ready to answer your questions about the wash. Come visit us at 935 S Kipling Pkwy in Lakewood, Colorado or call for more information at 303-987-0787.

Submitted by:

Sharon Young, owner

Kipling Express Car Wash

P.O. Box 260633

Lakewood Co 80226

303 987 0787