Manufactured by PDQ Manufacturing, Inc., the LaserWash touchless in-bay automatic vehicle wash system comes in a variety of brands, including the LaserWash 4000, G5, M5, 360, and AutoXpress. The LaserWash system allows you to wash your vehicle touch-free using only detergent, sealant, and water to clean your vehicle. To successfully use a LaserWash car wash, just follow some easy instructions.
Part 1 of 4: Pay for the LaserWash car wash
The first thing you need to do is pay for the LaserWash car wash (LaserWash car washes are identified by a LaserWash logo at the entry of the car wash). To pay for the wash, use the easy-to-use payment station. In addition to paying for a car wash using the LaserWash system, you can also redeem a prepaid wash using a special wash code.
Step 1: Pull your vehicle up to the payment station. Make your payment or enter your wash code.
LaserWash payment centers accept cash up to $20, debit cards, and a variety of credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Step 2: Enter the wash bay. Once you have entered your payment method, follow the instructions on the payment station screen and drive slowly forward into the wash bay.
- Note: While pulling into the bay, the LaserWash might use an underbody spray to help clean the underside and side panels of your vehicle. This depends on the car wash package you buy.
Part 2 of 4: Pull forward until told to stop
The next part of the process is to get your vehicle in position for washing. At no point during the process should you exit your vehicle. The LaserWash should have visible instructions on what to do at each step of the process.
Step 1: Position your vehicle. As you pull into the wash bay, you should hear a beep instructing you when to stop.
Most LaserWash models use sensors to determine the positioning of your vehicle once it is in the wash bay.
Some models of the LaserWash 4000 require you to position your vehicle's tire onto a large metal plate on the ground, called a treadle.
- Note: You should hear an audible beep, letting you know when to stop. In addition, after you have pulled far enough into the wash bay and are properly positioned over the wash bridge, the car wash should begin.
Part 3 of 4: Wait for the car wash to complete
Once the car wash cycle starts, your vehicle will go through a select process while it is cleaned. All you need to do at this point is sit comfortably in your vehicle until the process is complete.
Step 1: Application of detergent. The detergent application process occurs in two steps, pre-soak and soaking.
The pre-soak, which involves the application of two cleaners of differing PH levels, a low level to clean chrome and glass, and a high level to clean off road grime and clean painted surfaces.
During the soaking stage, the chemicals applied during the pre-soak stage are activated. This gives the cleaning agents in the detergent time to act and clean concentrated areas of grime and dirt.
Step 2: High-pressure cleaning. Once the chemicals have had time to react, it is time to remove them from the vehicle with a high-pressure spray.
Using around 1000 to 1200 PSI, the high-pressure wash uses water to rinse the detergent from your vehicle.
Step 3: Spot-free rinse. The spot-free rinse is necessary to keep hard to remove water stains from forming.
The LaserWash process uses purified water to remove any solids, such as mineral spots, to prevent spotting.
Step 4: Additional services. Depending on the package you purchase, you have the choice of a few other options.
Car wash options include a car polish, clear-coat protectant, a hot wash and shine, and a double bond. The double bond uses advanced brightening polymers to protect your vehicle's paint during the winter. It also increases a vehicle's gloss.
Part 4 of 4: Wait for the car to be dried
After your vehicle has gone through the cleaning process, it is time for the automatic dry. This involves one of two different processes, depending on the model of LaserWash you are using.
Step 1: Integrated dryer. Most models have a feature called an on-board or integrated dryer, though the LaserWash 4000 uses what is called a docking dryer.
Some models require you to pull forward to the standalone dryer at the end of the wash bay for drying.
- Tip: You should also consider detailing your car or have a professional do the job for you, once the Laserwash process is complete.
Using a LaserWash touchless in-bay automatic vehicle wash system is easy when you know how to use it. Keeping your vehicle clean can help protect the paint and prevent the formation of rust. If your vehicle does suffer from rusting, take it to a professional auto body shop to have it repaired.
