AKRON, Ohio — Carwashes around the country are implementing different measures during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While many are choosing to stay open and change some business practices, others have seen fit to shut their doors for the time being. In addition, manufacturers are also taking action. Here is a list of responses carwashes and manufacturers have had to the crisis.
Check back frequently for updates, and email us at [email protected] to let us know what your company’s response has been.
CARWASHES
Fins Car Wash
Charlotte, North Carolina
(March 27, 2020) — Fins Car Wash is offering all healthcare workers and first responders free Top Washes to show how much it values and appreciates those on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19 and their efforts in treating and preventing the virus, according to a press release.
“We’re grateful for all those on the frontlines who have been working tirelessly to treat and prevent COVID-19,” said Greg Ries, vice president of Fins Car Wash. “We can only imagine how challenging this time is and we are extremely thankful for the selfless sacrifice to care for others.”
In an effort to minimize person-to-person contact, Fins asks healthcare workers to show their hospital or emergency ID badges through the car window while pulling up to the wash tunnel and to not roll down the window, the release added.
Free washes for healthcare workers and first responders are available starting Monday, March 30th through Sunday, April 12th, the release concluded.
Bliss Car Wash
Los Angeles, California
(March 26, 2020) — Every Bliss Car Wash in Southern California is now closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a press release.
While Bliss Car Wash locations are legally able to remain open, the company understands the importance of the Department of Public Health mandate that all individuals living in California must stay at their place of residence and is shutting down all carwashes, the release continued.
Bliss Car Wash is continuing to pay over 60 hourly workers until April 19, 2020, when the County Order is currently set to expire, the release noted.
“Like most companies, Bliss Car Wash is experiencing a disruption in our business as we work to navigate the restrictions and guidelines put in place by local, state and federal agencies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. As an organization, we are taking unprecedented actions to protect the health and safety of our employees and our community. While we are legally permitted to continue conducting business, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the County Order and in the best interest of our employees and customers, we have decided to close all of our locations because of COVID-19,” stated David Delrahim, CEO of Bliss Car Wash.
“The health of our Bliss team employees is paramount, and we must act accordingly to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community, which is why we have adopted a ‘Stay at Home to Stay Safe’ philosophy. We encourage all businesses to take similar precautions and to take care of their employees. I am grateful for the dedication of our employees who have embraced these changes in order to support the health and safety of our community,” Delrahim added.
Fashion Square, Valencia and Canyon Car Washes
Los Angeles, California
(March 26, 2020) — According to Gregory Paul, who co-owns and/or manages Fashion Square, Valencia and Canyon Car Washes, all three carwashes and affiliated oil changes will close until April 19th in accordance with the “Safe at Home” order.
“There is a lot of debate about if carwash is essential and can stay open, but at this point it is essential to close until it’s safe,” Paul said.
In a Facebook message to customer, Paul informed them of the shutdown and added that all unlimited plans will only be charged $1 monthly, starting April 1st, until the washes reopen, and unused plans will be credited accordingly after reopening.
Tidal Wave Car Wash
Thomaston, Georgia
(March 26, 2020) — Tidal Wave Auto Spa’s exterior wash will remain open; however, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the chain is temporarily closing its vacuum area and discontinuing customer use of towels and spray bottles, according to a press release.
Customers can still conveniently wash their cars through the tunnel without ever exiting their vehicles, the release continued.
Especially during trying times, there is comfort in simple, familiar routines, and the company is happy to continue to offer exterior carwashes, the release said.
Tidal Wave is closely monitoring local, state and federal recommendations to determine when it can resume normal operations, the release concluded.
MANUFACTURERS
DRB Systems
Akron, Ohio
(March 31, 2020) — DRB Systems, in conjunction with partners Suds Creative and Unitec, has launched the DRB is Here to Help initiative to guide carwash operators through the coronavirus outbreak, according to a press release.
As carwash operators are impacted by the pandemic, DRB and its partners are sharing unique data insights and information to help operators through this unprecedented time, the release continued.
“For over a third of a century, DRB’s journey has been about helping entrepreneurs discover the American dream of running and growing a business,” said DRB Systems President Dan Pittman. “At times like these, we take that job even more seriously. That is why we’re are putting these resources together to help carwash operators during this time.”
Those resources include:
- A video series providing data about the potential impact of the coronavirus outbreak on wash volumes, unlimited wash plan memberships, credit card transactions, etc.
- Webinars focused on what operators can do now to hit the ground running when business starts to rebound.
- Regular communications to DRB customers regarding how the company is responding and helpful tips specific to DRB’s technology.
- Information DRB had planned to share at The Car Wash Show regarding new products and services that can help operators plan for the future. International Car Wash Association’s The Car Wash Show™ 2020 had been scheduled for April 6-8 but the original dates were cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
DRB will also poll customers to determine what topics and information they are looking for as they navigate this situation, the release noted.
“We love the carwash business as much as our customers do, and we have a passion to keep carwashes up and running,” Pittman said. “The carwash industry is strong, and we will get through this together.”
For more information, visit www.drbsystems.com/drb-is-here-to-help, and follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #DRBHeretoHelp.
PECO Car Wash Systems
Auburn Hills, Michigan
(March 31, 2020) — Currently for PECO Car Wash Systems in the state of Michigan, there is a Shelter-In Order until April 13th 2020, according to a press release.
PECO’s first priority is its team; as such, until April 13th — unless otherwise rescinded or modified by the state of Michigan — PECO Car Wash Systems will be supporting the industry remotely, the release continued.
PECO’s commitment to servicing the industry and nation through these challenging times is priority one for the company, the release noted.
The following departments will be operating remotely for the duration of the “Shelter-In” Order:
- Sales Department
[email protected] - Parts Department
[email protected] - Technical Support & Customer Service
[email protected]
PECO suggests that parts orders be placed online at www.pecocarwash.com.
Please feel free to send an email or phone the office at (248) 299-5800.
PECO’s business hours will remain the same for this remote support — Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and will return your requests in a timely manner, the release concluded.
Petit Auto Wash Inc.
Akron, Ohio
(March 26, 2020) — Petit Auto Wash Inc. is committed to serving you and your businesses as best it can during this extraordinary time, according to a press release.
In an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, the State of Ohio has issued a Shelter in Place Order, only allowing businesses classified as Essential Business to remain open, the release continued.
As a supplier of critical products, Petit has been allowed to remain open under while following strict guidelines, the release noted.
Petit is dedicated to keeping our team and customers safe. The company is proceeding with caution and has implemented numerous measures to protect health and safety by instituting processes recommended by local, state and federal government in accordance with CDC and WHO to maintain healthy business operations, the release added.
Petit will be practicing social distancing, increasing cleaning protocols and focusing on essential business functions during the Shelter in Place Order, the release stated.
Petit will continue to be available for technical support, sales support and the shipment of critical parts to our customers during this challenging time, the release concluded.
Please contact Petit directly if you have any questions.
