Abstract: An overhead vehicle wash mitter apparatus is provided. A mitter curtain can include multiple mitters that sway above a vehicle pathway as a vehicle travels along the pathway. Each mitter can include an upper end and a lower end closer to the vehicle pathway, a sheath defining an interior tube and an exterior surface that engages a vehicle surface, and a pad in the sheath. The pad can press outward on the sheath so that the sheath attains a first thickness, which can be at least ½ inch, at least 1 inch, at least 1½ inch or more, so the sheath is impaired from entering between a wiper and a surface of the vehicle, such as a window. Accordingly, damage to the wiper of the vehicle is prevented when the mitter engages the surface and the wiper. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for enrolling new carwash customer account profiles can or automatic access to carwash equipment. Baseline information is collected along with vehicle images for quick enrollment. The new customer can enter the carwash right away. As long as the account remains unclaimed the system periodically sends reminder messages. The unclaimed account can still wash, and the registration can be completed on the customer personal device while the vehicle is being washed or another convenient time. This provides a quick and easy way to register a new customer for a carwash subscription service or pay per wash product with automatic capture of much of the customer information—reducing the number of steps for the customer and team member operating the point-of-sale device. There is no need for manual entry of credit card information or vehicle information, enhancing enrollment efficiency for the customer.

Abstract: A automatic car washing apparatus is provided with a preparation station including a spray bar joined with an armature. The spray bar is manually moveable to selectively spray certain portions of a vehicle determined by the attendant. The armature provides forces to assist the user in manually manipulating the spray bar to prepare the vehicle to undergo subsequent and/or additional washing or cleaning procedures. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A automatic car washing apparatus is provided with a preparation station including a spray bar joined with an armature. The spray bar is manually moveable to selectively spray certain portions of a vehicle determined by the attendant. The armature provides forces to assist the user in manually manipulating the spray bar to prepare the vehicle to undergo subsequent and/or additional washing or cleaning procedures. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An automated vehicle wash system including vehicle wash equipment, a mechanical room and a control module, such as a control pod. The control pod is positioned outside the mechanical room and adjacent the vehicle was equipment so that an operator of the control pod can directly view the wash equipment as the operator adjusts controls of the control pod to precisely regulate materials, such as chemicals and other treatment liquids, delivered by the wash equipment to a vehicle as the vehicle passes along a path.

Abstract: A car wash tire applicator including a movable follower and a sprayer. The follower moves alongside a vehicle and the sprayer sprays a treatment liquid on a tire of the vehicle, optionally toward the bottom portion of the tire of the vehicle as the tire rotates. The sprayer continues to spray until substantially all of an exposed side of the tire is treated. In one embodiment, the sprayer is aimed and sprays a substantially linear region across the tire adjacent the lowermost portion of the rim to which the tire is attached. The sprayer can include a fan nozzle and can be positioned disposed at an angle of about 0° to about 10° from horizontal. A related method includes moving a sprayer, optionally aimed at a bottom portion of a vehicle tire, alongside the vehicle as the vehicle moves on a travel path, and spraying the tire with a treatment liquid.