Abstract: A method of dressing a sidewall of a tire of a vehicle comprises the steps of pumping a non-emulsified blend of silicone fluids into an applicator pad; engaging a face of the applicator pad with the sidewall of a tire of a vehicle; moving the tire and the applicator pad relative to one another to rub the tire sidewall and the face of the applicator pad against each other and spreading the non-emulsified blend of silicone fluids over the sidewall as a tire dressing; and disengaging the tire from the applicator pad after spreading the non-emulsified blend on the sidewall. A composition for dressing a sidewall of a tire of a vehicle comprises a first silicone fluid having a characteristic viscosity and a second silicone fluid having a characteristic viscosity, wherein the characteristic viscosity of the first silicone fluid is substantially disparate from the characteristic viscosity of the second silicone fluid, and wherein the first and second silicone fluids are mixed to form a non-emulsified blend.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system having apparatus for following the surface contour of a vehicle includes a redirectable directional discharge manifold assembly for a cleaning solution that is supported by an overhead, pivotally mounted boom at a washing station. Sensors mounted in the region of the manifold assembly sense the contour of the passing vehicle and a controller responsive to the sensor provides drive signals which activate a motor to move the boom and maintain the boom and manifold assembly at a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle as the vehicle passes the washing station.