A consistent wash system can have a positive impact on image, driver satisfaction, extended equipment life and environmental considerations.
by Jack Jackson
June 5, 2014
2 min to read
Jack Jackson is president of Awash Systems Corp.
In what area does washing vehicles in your operation have the biggest impact: image, driver satisfaction, extended equipment life, environmental considerations? A consistent wash system can have a positive impact on all of these areas, yet it is ignored by many companies, with little thought or investment.
There is technology available to meet any of your vehicle washing requirement needs, be they budget or environmentally based. Generally, the most popular automatic machinery to wash vehicles are automated drive-through, rollover and walk-around units. These systems enable a bus to be washed and rinsed in less than five minutes.
Ad Loading...
Also available are water reclamation and recycle systems to offset environment concerns and save on water costs, and today’s technology allows for water treatment systems at your wash bay. There are many systems that can capture your water, clean it and reuse it for washing. This allows a zero discharge, thus saving money and helping the environment.
For most of us, a municipality supplies our water through pipes to our facility. Washing a vehicle inside your building usually means your operation is tapped into your municipal water sewage system; thus, the gray water is being sent to a local treatment facility. This does help the environment, but there may be big costs involved:
1. Cost to the municipality to clean this water. 2. Cost to your company or building to pay for water. 3. Cost for sewage discharge. Some areas meter water in and out, often charging twice the amount for water discharge.
Water use can be a major hidden cost. Do an analysis to find savings. Examine your water bill and determine the cost per gallon.
After determining the cost of water, capture the cost of labor, chemicals and supplies (brushes, cloths, etc.). This is necessary to determine your wash cost per vehicle.
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Don’t let bus downtime wear you down. Here’s how bus operators are shifting from manual processes to AI-powered, data-driven maintenance systems for improved reliability and safety.
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Transportation leaders say when their districts implemented Transfinder's AI enhanced logistics technology, it paid for itself in financial savings, time savings and operational headache reductions (OHR). In this white paper transportation experts share specific ways they have experienced how Transfinder P.A.Y.S. (Pay As You Save) off. Each, in their own way, said transportation technology is not simply a software purchase — it’s a strategic investment in operational efficiency, cost containment and staff satisfaction.
Stop reacting to engine lights and start predicting them. This guide reveals how transitioning from a "break-fix" model to a data-driven maintenance strategy can drastically reduce fleet downtime and protect your district's budget. Learn how to transform your garage operations from a cost center into a reliability powerhouse.
Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
What top challenges are school bus maintenance teams facing in 2026? Explore new trends from School Bus Fleet’s annual maintenance survey covering fleet composition and age, fuel types, used vs. new purchasing patterns, technician pay and certifications, and the impact of the driver shortage. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.
What top challenges are school bus maintenance teams facing in 2026? Explore new trends from School Bus Fleet’s annual maintenance survey covering fleet composition and age, fuel types, used vs. new purchasing patterns, technician pay and certifications, and the impact of the driver shortage. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.
