Choosing car detailing equipment can be a tough job, especially since there are so many companies and products competing for your attention and your money. But if you use the following five benchmarks to judge each one in turn, you will be able to determine which products are really worth your consideration. Simply judge each product on a scale of 1 to 5 in each of these areas, tally up the score for each and then use the guide at the end to help make your decision.
1. Quality and Reputation. Companies which have spent years building a reputation in the car detailing field know the value of good work. They also understand customer needs much better than a start-up or fly by night company. Review the company's history and look around for reviews on the products themselves before seriously considering anything. Message boards are especially helpful since the reviews there are usually more frank and honest than those found elsewhere.
2. Portability. If you plan on being able to offer on the spot service then consider how portable the equipment is. Even if you don't plan on offering this kind of service portability can be important should you decide to move your shop or simply rearrange your work area. A machine that can't be moved can become a liability and prevent your company from branching out.
3. Powerful Motor & Heavy Duty Construction. These two components are often the first thing people check when evaluating auto detailing equipment. The motor itself should be rugged and with a minimum strength of 0.75 horsepower. It should also be certified for energy efficiency. Outer casing should be chip resistant coated steel and should stand up well to also resist corrosion. Standard pressure washers are often made form aluminum and while this may save a few bucks, that aluminum will be less stable and won't stand up to high pressure and usage.
4. Hoses and other accessories. Hoses should be dual layered in order to withstand near constant use. They should be flexible but strong and have quality joints. Accessories will be used often and need to be made from tempered materials which will not chip or break on tough jobs.|
5. Temperature and Flow. High pressure washers reach temperatures varying between 200 and 330 degrees. The hotter the water the better it will be at removing things like grease or tar. Make sure your machine can handle the workload of high temperature cleaning. Flow rate can help control water consumption. Many machines flow at 3 to 5 gallons per minute which can result in a lot of waste as well as high water bills for your company. A quality machine can do the job at a flow rate as low as 0.5 gallons per minute.
Once you've rated a piece of equipment on a 1 to 5 scale filter out machines that score below 15 points and take a closer look at those which score 20 or above. Consider your local conditions and needs as well. A state which sees a lot of rain and has long construction seasons, such as Georgia, should ensure that the equipment is up to the challenges presented by the local weather and environment. Equipment for use in colder states will have to consider the damage that can be done by road salt and other contaminants that are part of long winters and icy road maintenance. Once you've considered the quality of the auto detailing equipment as well as the area in which it will be used you will be able to make an informed decision.
By Kelly McCloskey
1. Quality and Reputation. Companies which have spent years building a reputation in the car detailing field know the value of good work. They also understand customer needs much better than a start-up or fly by night company. Review the company's history and look around for reviews on the products themselves before seriously considering anything. Message boards are especially helpful since the reviews there are usually more frank and honest than those found elsewhere.
2. Portability. If you plan on being able to offer on the spot service then consider how portable the equipment is. Even if you don't plan on offering this kind of service portability can be important should you decide to move your shop or simply rearrange your work area. A machine that can't be moved can become a liability and prevent your company from branching out.
3. Powerful Motor & Heavy Duty Construction. These two components are often the first thing people check when evaluating auto detailing equipment. The motor itself should be rugged and with a minimum strength of 0.75 horsepower. It should also be certified for energy efficiency. Outer casing should be chip resistant coated steel and should stand up well to also resist corrosion. Standard pressure washers are often made form aluminum and while this may save a few bucks, that aluminum will be less stable and won't stand up to high pressure and usage.
4. Hoses and other accessories. Hoses should be dual layered in order to withstand near constant use. They should be flexible but strong and have quality joints. Accessories will be used often and need to be made from tempered materials which will not chip or break on tough jobs.|
5. Temperature and Flow. High pressure washers reach temperatures varying between 200 and 330 degrees. The hotter the water the better it will be at removing things like grease or tar. Make sure your machine can handle the workload of high temperature cleaning. Flow rate can help control water consumption. Many machines flow at 3 to 5 gallons per minute which can result in a lot of waste as well as high water bills for your company. A quality machine can do the job at a flow rate as low as 0.5 gallons per minute.
Once you've rated a piece of equipment on a 1 to 5 scale filter out machines that score below 15 points and take a closer look at those which score 20 or above. Consider your local conditions and needs as well. A state which sees a lot of rain and has long construction seasons, such as Georgia, should ensure that the equipment is up to the challenges presented by the local weather and environment. Equipment for use in colder states will have to consider the damage that can be done by road salt and other contaminants that are part of long winters and icy road maintenance. Once you've considered the quality of the auto detailing equipment as well as the area in which it will be used you will be able to make an informed decision.
By Kelly McCloskey
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