Blog

How to Wash a Car

Nothing makes your car look better than a nice wash! Washing your car can be done for the appearance, but it is equally as important to keep your car washed and cleaned for optimal longevity.

According to experts, washing your car should be done every other week if it’s driven moderately and not exposed to the elements. Alternatively, if you drive often or your car is parked outside, you should consider washing your car weekly to prevent paint damage. To get the best shine and paint protection, Caliber offers numerous products that you can receive by visiting one of our washes. However, if you enjoy the therapeutic component of hand-washing your car, we have some tips!

Rinse your car thoroughly before beginning

To protect your paint, it is imperative to rinse the car thoroughly with clean water before applying cleaner. This will rinse away any loose debris.

Do not use household cleaners

Household cleaners, such as dishwasher soap or hand soap, can cause your paint to age early. It is better to use a product that is made for cars to ensure the protection of the wax that is already bonded to your paint.

Use a separate sponge for your tires and wheels

The tires and wheels are typically one of the dirtiest parts of a car. They may be coated with sand, brake dust, and other environmental debris that could cause scratches to your paint if the sponge isn’t replaced. The key is to use clean brushes and water so you’re washing away dirt, not adding to it.

Do not wash your car when the body is hot

The body of your car can become hot after being recently driven or from sitting in the sun for long periods of time. Heat speeds the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the chances that spots or deposits will form. Consider using a tunnel or shaded area while washing your car, like Caliber’s express tunnel.

Do not move the sponge in circles

If there is any loose debris on the sponge, washing your car in a circular motion can cause marks. Instead, move the sponge in a vertical or horizontal motion across the entire car.

Do not let your car air dry

Letting your car air dry can cause watermarks from the minerals in hard water. It is equally as important to use a microfiber towel instead of an abrasive towel or other material that can leave hairline scratches in the paint. At Caliber, we offer specialized towels and detailing air or compressed air to blow streaks off side mirrors and window without leaving towel marks.

For a quick, quality wash that will also save, on average 40 gallons per wash, visit one of our locations for a quick showroom shine every time! You’ll be in and out of our tunnel in around three minutes and have all the interior detailing tools you’ll need for that perfect clean.

For more information about our wash services, visit our website.

Caliber Announces Snellville Opening 

SNELLVILLE, Ga. – The Snellville community is invited to celebrate Caliber Car Wash’s grand opening with ten days of free car washes on August 4-14, 2022 at Caliber’s new location.

The newly renovated wash, located at 3445 Centerville Highway next to Wal-Mart, underwent significant upgrades as it transitioned from QuickSpa Carwash to a Caliber earlier this year. The transformation included a wash tunnel overhaul, including new equipment and the addition of Caliber’s well-known complimentary detailing tools.

Known for its detailing freebies, Caliber offers complimentary air fresheners, towels, cleaners, vacuums, compressed detailing air and other tools for interior cleaning. Customers will also be able to take advantage of Caliber’s newest tire air feature, which allows motorists to check tire pressure and fill up tires for free.

Community members can stop by the wash during regular business hours to receive a free wash or sign up for a free wash coupon at calibercarwash.com/open.

Motorists will also be able to take advantage of monthly membership savings during the opening, allowing them to wash all month long for one low price. As an opening special, guests will enjoy their first month of unlimited washes for $10.

Caliber Car Wash opened its first wash in Ocala, Florida, and quickly grew to over 25 washes in 2022. The Snellville location will be the fifth Caliber wash to open in Georgia, with plans to open over six more Peach State locations in the coming 18 months.

 

Caliber Car Wash Acquires Texas-based Q Car Wash

Caliber enters Fort Worth market with nearly a dozen acquired sites

Caliber Car Wash announced today the acquisition of 11 Q Car Wash locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area. Caliber now owns and operates 26 express car washes as it moves into the Texas market.

With over 90 additional sites announced and underdevelopment, Caliber is one of the fastest-growing express car wash companies in the country, with future expansions planned in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. According to DRB’s “Top 50 Car Wash Chains,” the addition of Q Wash will make Caliber one of the top 35 largest wash companies in the country.

“Q Car Wash is a well-respected company known for its community outreach, and we look forward to adding to that reputation,” said Peterson Santos, Caliber COO. “As we continue to expand in the area, we want to show our neighbors our commitment to changing lives through career-producing jobs, ongoing community outreach, and a dedication to providing the quickest, cleanest car wash in the country.”

Caliber has plans to further expand in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington areas, which will continue to provide quality service and career paths.

“The most exciting part of this transition is that the team is going to become part of a people-first organization with plans for rapid expansion,” said Viran Nana, owner of Q Car Wash. “This growth will create opportunities to advance careers and enrich lives.”

Q employees will continue to support customers under the Caliber umbrella.

“One of my proudest accomplishments was providing hundreds of new jobs during trying economic times and then creating life-changing career paths for our employees,” said Danny York, Caliber CEO-Founder. “We’re now honored to have over 100 new people join our team and look forward to learning how to serve the Dallas/Fort Worth area better.”

Caliber recognizes the importance of the customer experience in an ever-growing industry and understands that positive customer service begins with the onsite team. Caliber is dedicated to providing new and current employees with access and resources to grow within the company to ensure our customer’s satisfaction through site-level and local expertise.

Searching For a Car Wash Near Me, Pt. II

Looking for the car wash right for you? Check out our blog post describing different variations by clicking here. Once you have determined what type of car wash you prefer, you must now narrow down your car wash options and explore their amenities. From there, you will have found the perfect car wash near you!

Types of Amenities Car Washes May Offer:

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coating is a chemical solution applied to the vehicle’s exterior. This coating blends in with the paint on your car and provides a barrier between your vehicle and the environmental pollutants you may encounter. The main idea is to prevent dirt, grime, and stain marks from appearing on the paint job and ruining the clear coat.

Rain Guard

Rain guard helps to repel water and other particulates from your vehicle while at the same time increasing visibility. Excessive rain or snow will decrease the effective time of the application.

As a general rule, when applied at a car wash, rain guard may be effective for up to two weeks before you start to see less “beading” on the windshield and body. Repeated applications during this time will enhance and extend the effectiveness.

Detailing Freebies

Some car washes may offer free vacuums, while others can provide additional tools and supplies such as air fresheners, multi-purpose cleaners, tire air, detailing air, or even cleaning wipes!

Tire Shine

Tire shine is a chemical formula intended to restore tire rubber. It’s applied to vehicle tires after being washed to remove dirt and grime, which delivers a deep, rich, and high gloss or dark appearance to the tire.

Bug Prep

Bug prep is a liquid that focuses the application of bug removal solution to the front bumper and grille, front windshield, and mirrors of the vehicle.

Once you have determined which car wash near you has the most of these amenities, be sure to stop in and try them out. Your car is waiting to have back that showroom shine!

For a list of all of Caliber’s detailing tools and freebies, click here.

Caliber Car Wash Expands in Fort Walton Beach

Free Washes June 3-5 for Community Members at Caliber’s New Eglin Wash

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – Caliber Car Wash announced the opening of its second wash in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at 162 Eglin Pkwy today. Caliber recently remodeled the wash formerly known as Rich’s and Cinco’s and will celebrate its opening by offering free washes to community members and customers on June 3-5, 2022.

Caliber Car Wash’s grand opening event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at 10 a.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served while supplies last, and guests, including media and business leaders, are invited.

Caliber’s new site located on Eglin Pkwy strives to continue the community efforts carried out by its partner wash on Beal Pkwy. Previously, Caliber employees in the Ft. Walton Beach area have worked with nonprofit organizations and contributed to local park and beach cleanup efforts within the community.

“The employees we have in the area are eager to contribute to their community,” said District Manager Tyler Sumrall. “Our purpose is to improve lives, and we think the best way to do that is to create relationships with our neighbors inside and outside the wash.”

Caliber Car Wash offers free vacuums, air fresheners, multi-purpose cleaners, detailing air, mat cleaners, and microfiber cloths to each customer with every wash. Additionally, complimentary tire air and improved vacuums will be coming this year.

“We’ve been anticipating the opening of our Eglin Pkwy site for a while,” said Sumrall. “It’s exciting that we are finally opening and getting to expand our services for our Cinco Bayou customers.”

Former Cinco Car Wash customers can expect to see a newly painted building, added detailing tools, improved pay stations, and additional tunnel features. In addition, these new Caliber customers will not be required to use stickers or membership cards to enter the wash. Instead, Caliber offers a license plate reader that recognizes your car as you arrive at the gate.

Caliber Car Wash offers single washes and Limitless monthly plans that make it easy to wash your car every day. Caliber’s Limitless plans can be used at all locations, including the Emerald Coast sites.

Caliber Car Wash opened its first wash in Ocala, Florida, in 2019 and quickly grew to over 14 washes in 2021. The new Eglin location is the eighth Caliber Car Wash to open in Florida, and the company expects to expand its Sunshine State presence in the coming years.

How Often Should I Wash My Car?

As motorists know, cars are a huge investment and can lose value quickly. To counteract this, experts say that, generally, you should wash your car at least once every other week. If you drive on gravel roads, live near the beach, or live in a heavily polluted city, it is recommended to wash more frequently. When wondering how often you should wash, think about the following questions:

  1. How often do you drive your car?
  2. Where do you drive your car?
  3. When do you use your car?
  4. How do you use your car?
  5. How do you wash your car?

If you regularly drive your vehicle in a polluted city or on back roads, it may be possible that washing your car twice a week could ensure your car’s cleanliness. Alternatively, cleaning your car can be done less often if you keep your vehicle in the garage and drive it once a week for short distances.

A basic car wash works, but inexpensive add-on services like tire shine, ceramic coating, and an underbody wash can make that shine last longer and extend your vehicle’s condition. The reason these features help is because they diminish the impact of the sun’s UV rays, excess moisture, and paint oxidation. 

For example, suppose your vehicle spends a lot of time outside, or you don’t have a sheltered area to park. In that case, a protective coating is needed to save your paint job and help avoid superficial scratches from environmental factors.

The inside of your car should also be taken care of to give your vehicle a long life and a great look for years to come. Auto detailing can help you take care of the upholstery, floor mats, console, and overall vehicle cleanliness. It is essential that you do this regularly to protect leather, fabric, and plastic surfaces if you regularly eat and drink in your vehicle to prevent smells, bacteria, and cracking from occurring. Those driving more time will find that auto detailing is required more frequently.

At Caliber Car Wash, you can find all the tools you need to have that showroom shine all the time! Visit our website to see what packages we offer and determine the right choice for you. Each wash also includes complimentary vacuums, tire air, air fresheners, multi-purpose cleaners, detailing air, and microfiber towels. Visit our locations page to see what Caliber Car Wash location is near you!

 

Stop by the Blue Crab Festival in Palatka For Caliber Freebies

Caliber Car Wash is honored to participate in this year’s Blue Crab Festival hosted in Palatka, Florida, from Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29. The family-friendly festival has become an annual tradition for almost 30 years and plans to host over 100,000 guests on the scenic waterfront property in 2022.

The Blue Crab Festival will host over 30 musical artists, including Urban Icon Award winner and R&B singer Ginuwine and Grammy-nominated country music band Little Texas. The festival will also feature an abundance of food trucks, carnival rides, games for both kids and adults, fireworks, and, of course, blue crab! Additionally, the Blue Crab Festival will also be hosting dozens of vendors, including Caliber Car Wash.

Palatka’s Caliber Car Wash opened in 2020 and has anticipated the return of this event after COVID-19. The current site manager and Blue Crab Festival event lead, Lilly Herrell, considers herself a Putnam County native and has always wanted to participate in the Blue Crab Festival.

“With Blue Crab being such an iconic event in Palatka, I am thrilled that Caliber gets to be a part of it this year,” said Lilly. “I see this as our chance to immerse ourselves in the community while getting to know our current and future customers outside of the wash!”

Because this event has always been a special place to her in Palatka’s history, she is looking forward to hosting a booth at the return of the Blue Crab Festival this year.

Lilly Palatka FloridaYou can see Lilly at the Caliber tent in the vendor section, or you might catch her walking around, getting acquainted with the community and other attendees. If you see her, stop and chat! She might even be carrying some free Caliber swag!

Caliber will offer attendees free swag, including koozies, sunglasses, coupons, and more! There will be limited supplies, so make sure to find our blue tent and visit Lilly and the crew for some Caliber freebies.

Searching For a Car Wash Near Me

Car washes are becoming more readily available and technologically advanced year after year. Because of this, we are here to give you a run-down of some things to consider when looking for a car wash nearby. First, you must determine what type of car wash you are searching for.

Types of Car Washes That Are Likely Nearby:

Automated soft-touch washes

Soft-touch car washes feature soft closed-foam and felt cloths that gently apply friction to remove contaminants from the surface of your car. These soft-touch washes are sometimes called “brush-less” washes to differentiate them from the old technology and are quick, quality options. Also known as express washes, you’ll likely find free vacuums with each express wash, and in some cases (like Caliber) tons of other detailing freebies. To find a soft touch wash near you, click here or here.

Automated touchless washes

A touchless wash is an automated car wash without spinning brushes or cloth strips. It just sprays water at increased pressure and applies powerful detergent. To find an automated touchless wash near you, click here.

Self-service

Self-service car washes are the typical DIY wash where motorists can choose how detailed they want to go when cleaning their vehicle. Self-service car washes usually offer a variety of chemicals, brushes, and vacuums purchased by the minute. To find a self-service wash near you, click here.

Manual/Hand Wash

If you’re willing to spend the time, this option allows you to wash at home (you’ll use on average over 120 gallons of additional water compared to automatic washes). Washing a vehicle yourself will also allow you to wax and polish your vehicle, helping to remove any extra debris and give your car a brand-new-looking finish. No need to search for locations, because your home is your location.

If you’re looking to save time and money, check out all of Caliber’s wash options and features.

 

Caliber Car Wash Announces Key Senior Leadership Amid Rapid Growth and Expansion

Peterson Santos named COO and Sanjay Sood named CFO of expanding express wash brand

Peterson Santos and Sanjay Sood, Caliber Car Wash
Peterson Santos (L) and Sanjay Sood (R), were recently named as COO and CFO of Caliber Car Wash respectively.

ATLANTA – Caliber Car Wash announced the naming of Peterson Santos as Chief Operating Officer and Sanjay Sood as Chief Financial Officer in April of 2022. Both Sood and Santos bring years of experience in the automotive field while specializing in company scaling.

The news comes at a time of sustained, rapid growth for the Atlanta-based company. Having over 40 announced sites and over 50 additional locations under development, Caliber is one of the fastest growth express car wash companies in the country as it expands throughout the east coast and into the Midwest.

Sood joins the company as CFO with an extensive background in senior finance positions at Jacent Strategic Merchandising, Pep Boys, Locals 8 Restaurant Group and Danka Office Imaging. A Philadelphia native, Sood has a history of growing financial teams and joins Caliber with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from American International College and an MBA from Drexel University.

“One of Caliber’s core strengths is building and creating quick, quality wash experiences for customers, and to do so means having the right team in place,” said Danny York, Caliber CEO-Founder. “We’re happy to announce new leadership to guide our teams through their own career paths as we expand nationally.”

Santos, who joined the company as COO in April, began his career in the automotive industry over 20 years ago. Starting as a parts manager at ABRA Auto Body & Glass, he worked his way to Vice President of Operations after only six years. Santos maintained his senior leadership position in the automotive industry for 15 years at companies like Caliber Collison before accepting a position as COO for Caliber.

Santos received his undergraduate degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and an MBA from Georgia State University.

“Caliber’s core values include building career paths and leadership skills, so we are excited to have senior leaders who understand what it is like to work throughout a company with those paths in mind,” York said. “Both Peterson and Sanjay will be able to relate to our employee’s needs while they continue to provide the best customer service experience in the car wash industry as we grow.”

Caliber Car Wash expanded to 14 locations in the Southeast since opening its first wash in Ocala, FL in 2019. With washes in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, the company is quickly opening new markets, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina. The company is projected to have over 150 operating washes by 2024.

FWB Park Cleanup Honors Earth Day

Caliber Car Wash Team Joins Earth Day Network and Others to Clean Liza Jackson Park

Caliber Car Wash is honored to join Earth Day Network partners and Earth Day Fort Walton Beach to cleanup Liza Jackson Park on April 23, 2022. The event, sponsored and arranged by Earth Day Network focuses on trash clean up and encourages volunteers to also bring watercrafts to collect trash in the water.

“Every year our customers save thousands of gallons of water by choosing not to handwash in their driveways,” said Fort Walton Beach Store Manager Loudy Booker. “It is one way we commit to preserving the environment, but we also know there’s more to be done.”

The environment continues to top headlines as impacts are felt across the globe. COVID-19 positively impacted the environment, according to researchers, but work is still needed.

Being Eco-Friendly and having zero impact on the environment is a top priority at Caliber Car Wash. All water at all locations is filtered, cleaned, and reused. Using a water reclamation system, we are able to only use 30 gallons of water per car wash. The average water used when washing a car at home or in a self-service car wash is over 140 gallons. Because of this, in 2021, Caliber Car Wash saved over 154 million gallons of water versus at-home washing. In addition to our water-saving efforts, 100% of all of our cleaning chemicals are completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Caliber is joining cleanup efforts because of its dedication to local communities while providing eco-friendly services to our customers. Team members from its Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola staff will be participating.