Blog

Caliber Nominated in the 2022 Emerald Coast Best of the Best Awards

Caliber is honored to be a nominee for the NW Florida Daily News Best of Awards.

The news outlet, which invites community members to honor their favorite businesses through nominations, publishes an updated list each year to highlight customer favorite businesses in more than 25 categories. Readers who participate are also entered in for a chance to win a $250 gift card to spend at their favorite local spot.

Nominations are accepted between April 8 and April 30 as the first part of the competition.

To vote, participants can simply choose a category, make a nomination, and fill in their contact information. Categories include beauty and health, dining, entertainment and leisure, finance, home and home services, kids and education, pets, services, spirits, shopping, sports and fitness, top employers, and more.

We appreciate all the Caliber votes, but more so appreciate you choosing Caliber every day!

 

Pre-Soak Bug Splats to Save Your Paint

As we enter pollen season, bugs are naturally coming with it!

It’s getting warmer, and with all that summer travel, it is important to maintain your car’s paint in order to protect the long-term value of your vehicle. While out and about this spring and summer season, bugs that get stuck on your car can eventually corrode the paint due to the acid the bug emits. These enzymes also break down automotive paint, resulting in etching. It is best to get bugs off the paint as soon as possible.

At every Caliber Car Wash, the tunnel attendant sprays each car’s front and back windshield with an alkaline liquid detergent that is a concentrated and environmentally friendly chemical to help break down bugs and other pollutants on your car’s surface. Most other car washes use a brush with tough bristles that smear dirt and grime over your bumpers which may cause scratches. Because we want your car to come out of our wash looking like it just left the showroom, we use a stronger solution so that we can provide you with a touchless experience.

Our pre-soak is an effective, non-corrosive, non-caustic treatment for glass, rubber, chrome, plastic, and painted surfaces – basically every component you will find on a modern vehicle! The high pH formula of our pre-soak breaks down and dissolves grime, bugs, road film, and dirt that rest on your paint faster than your standard car shampoo without corroding your paint.

By using this pre-soak, your car will be more ready than ever for pollen season! The best part is this is included with every wash. And for those truly troublesome bug areas, feel free to also check out our bug prep stations for extra soaking and brushes specially made to help scrub pollutants off of car paint.

We hope you have a bug splat-free pollen season and look forward to seeing you soon!

What Is a High Pressure Car Wash and Do I Need One?

Have you ever washed your car at home and realized the cleanliness just wasn’t the same? That’s because of the lead and other harmful pollutants come out of the water in your hose. These pollutants can cause your car to become stained with water and chemical spots leading to corrosion of paint on your vehicle. Not only do hoses spray harmful debris on your car’s exterior, but the water pressure doesn’t have enough strength to clean out those hard-to-reach areas. Because of this, high-pressure washes are preferred to get that showroom shine!

High-pressure spray is a detailing car wash’s tool of choice for a reason. Not only do high-pressure sprays usually include clean, recycled water (like here at Caliber Car Wash), but they also get into hard-to-reach areas, giving you a thorough wash in three minutes or less.

High-pressure spray’s ability to supply a high volume of pressurized water and ultra-sudsy car shampoo helps remove dirt, stuck-on debris, and other contaminants quickly and efficiently. Without this debris on the car, your paint is less likely to scratch when being brushed later in the tunnel.  

When paired with the high-pressure spray, Caliber’s tunnel technology ensures that you leave the lot with that showroom shine every time.

Check out some of these FAQs about what kind of water is best to use when washing your car.

Is it bad to wash my car with a hose? 

Washing your car with a water hose is never the best option. By doing this, you could potentially damage your vehicle’s paintwork. Water hoses can lead to a buildup of residue on your vehicle that won’t look good and could eventually erode the wax on your car, causing your paint to deteriorate over time. Washing your car in direct sunlight can also cause spots to be burned in the paint. Instead, consider using filtered water.

Is it bad to wash my car at home? 

Washing your car yourself can lead to damage. Some people make the mistake of using dishwashing detergent, which can leave residue and remove wax. Plus, if you wash your car in direct sunlight, you can burn spots in the paint. In the right conditions and with the right tools, you can successfully wash your vehicle at home, but just remember that damage will occur over time if you don’t use the proper cleaners and tools.

Should I use a pressure washer to wash my car? 

Some people use a pressure washer to clean their car, and it will get debris off your vehicle; however, it can do more harm than good. Using a pressure washer can damage or nick the paint, leading to rust. If you do use a pressure washer, consider using it on areas like tires where paint is less likely to chip off and because it focuses on the dirtiest area of the car.

What PSI should I use to wash my car with a pressure washer? 

If you do decide to wash your car with a pressure washer, the appropriate PSI setting that’s safe to use and won’t damage your car is generally 1200-1900 PSI. Another feature that’s necessary for a car cleaning pressure washer is the right GPM (gallons per minute), meaning the amount of water flow per minute, which is 1.4-1.6 GPM. Please note that using a pressure washer comes with the potential to damage paint, so it is recommended to consult your owner’s manual, consult a professional, and use proper tools and cleaners.

Spring Pollutants Call for Better Vehicle Paint Protection

Caliber Car Wash Offers State of the Art Ceramic Coating and Rain Guard

This spring, motorists will face pollen, bugs, acidic rain, and other environmental pollutants. To preserve the longevity of their vehicle’s paint job, car owners can protect their investment through state-of-the-art ceramic coating and rain guard.

The average motorist will spend almost 300 hours in their car this year, according to Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANDA). As spring weather hits, drivers should consider protecting vehicles through the use of two state-of-the-art products that will help wax protect against rain, pollen, and pollutants.

Ceramic coating, a well-known liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle, was recently formulated for car wash tunnel application. The coating chemically pairs with a wax and bonds with the vehicle’s paint, creating an additional layer of protection between the car and environmental pollutants, similar to a cell phone case. During the spring season, ceramic coating is especially important to prevent pollen from accumulating on a vehicle’s surface and binding itself to the car’s paint, eventually leading to surface erosion.

For consumers in heavy rain areas like Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, rain guard contributes to a prolonged shine because of its composition that is purposed to create better visibility while driving by “beading” the water off the windshield. This prevents water from accumulating on the vehicle’s surface, drying, and eventually leaving behind water stains from rain pollutants.

“Ceramic coating and rain guard are essential during this time of year,” said Aubry Bass, Caliber Car Wash District Manager. “Without the added layer of protection that ceramic coating and rain guard provide, you’ll start seeing paint damage at a much quicker rate.”

Experts recommend reapplying both Ceramic Coating and rain guard weekly during the spring season due to the weather and every two weeks during other times of the year.

For more information on how to protect vehicles, motorists can visit calibercarwash.com or experience added protection by receiving Ceramic Coating and rain guard at no additional cost to any Caliber-level wash.

Caliber Partners With Alzheimer’s Association Chapter in Pensacola, Florida

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The organization works on a national and local level to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the Association is committed to advancing vital research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers many chapters that you can join to form your own community, and Caliber chose to partner with a local chapter in Pensacola, FL called Remember Me Today. Remember Me Today honors those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by raising money to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association. One of the events this chapter held to raise money is the 3rd Annual Axles for Alzheimer’s. Axles for Alzheimer’s is a judged car show that encourages all years, makes and models of cars to join for the chance to win prizes.

The event will have scavenger hunts, food trucks, games, raffles, a photo op area, and more! Vendors and sponsors of the event will have their own table set up where attendees will have the opportunity to walk around and explore their local community all in one place. Caliber Car Wash is thrilled to be a part of an event that supports a cause that affects so many people around the world. Our local Caliber teams in Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola will attend the event and will be giving out freebies and swag to anyone who stops by our table!

Launching into Lovebug Season

It’s nearing the time our Floridians know best, lovebug season. However, motorists can make sure that their paint stays intact by washing these little critters off their cars regularly.

Lovebugs cause damage to cars in various ways. Their acidity can lead to paint erosion and discoloration, and if overlooked, lovebugs can enter a car’s radiator or engine causing serious internal damage to the vehicle.

Fortunately, Caliber Car Wash offers a solution. Most of our locations feature a bug prep station that we encourage customers to use prior to the tunnel wash. Located before the pay station, these stations help pre-soak lovebugs that need some extra scrub love.

“The first step to saving your paint job is making sure all the lovebugs are wet before entering the tunnel,” said District Manager Josh Johnson, “doing this should loosen the bugs making them easier to remove. After that, we do the rest.”

Our tunnel technology ensures that bugs and smears are removed while also providing preventative measures. Our triple shine wax and ceramic coating provide an additional layer between the paint and the environment to keep paint safe until the next wash.

“The wax and ceramic coating that we use not only repel lovebugs,” said Johnson, “but they also keep your car safe from dirt, grime, grease, or other environmental elements that may harm your paint.”

To keep paint looking fresh and clean, lovebugs need to be removed immediately. Even a week without a wash can cause irreversible paint damage. Caliber offers its Florida residents membership options for a low monthly price with our Limitless plans.  For more information, motorists can visit www.calibercarwash.com.

How Much Does a Car Wash Cost?

It is becoming increasingly important to understand the price associated with everyday expenses. Costs of goods and services are rising quickly, and car washes are no different. It is important to understand what you’re paying for and if the asking price is fair for the service and amenities that you’re receiving.

How much does a car wash cost?

Car wash prices vary depending on amenities, location, and other factors. On average, a single automatic car wash costs between $10 – $25. The lower-priced wash is usually a basic wash and includes free vacuums. On the higher end, the customer should be receiving the best wash with waxing, ceramic coating, and tire shine along with a free vacuum. However, at Caliber Car Wash, we think every customer deserves the best wash in their price range, which is one reason why we don’t upcharge for state-of-the-art ceramic coating!

Caliber’s Classic Wash includes an exterior wash, dry, and wheel cleaning. After your car leaves the tunnel, you will be directed to our boom station that includes detailing freebies with all washes, including our Classic package. Each station includes a vacuum, air freshener, multi-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, microfiber towels, and detailing air. You’ll also have access to other amenities, including our free automatic carpet mat cleaner.

Caliber’s Customer Wash includes all previously mentioned amenities plus an underbody wash, paint protectant, and spot-free rinse. The spot-free rinse differs from a standard rinse because the water has been filtered and softened to prevent leaving any residue or harmful contaminant on your vehicle.

The Caliber Wash is our top-tier wash that provides the customer with everything from the previously mentioned washes in addition to a triple foam bath, rain guard, Caliber wax, tire shine, triple shine wax, and ceramic coating. The Caliber Wash ensures that each customer leaves with a stunning shine along a topcoat that protects the paint on your car after you leave the wash!

Another component to keep in mind regarding cost is the membership option that most washes are now offering. The membership pricing is typically the price of about two single washes; this will likely be the best option for customer who are trying to stay cost efficient.

3 Reasons to Work at Caliber Car Wash

Did you know that car wash jobs are on the rise? Team members are in high demand across the country, including here at Caliber, because we know the value each team member brings to the wash. That’s one reason why our employment program aims to set you up for career growth here at Caliber and throughout the rest of your career.

Here are three reasons why we hope you’ll consider a car wash career with Caliber.

1. Career Advancement
When you work for Caliber, you’re working towards a career. Currently, 80% of our management team started in a different position before being promoted. That’s because Caliber believes in creating opportunities for their internal community.

Because Caliber is expanding so quickly, now is a great time to start with the team. Our company will be opening dozens of washes in the coming years – and all of those sites need managers. Our hope is to continue to promote from within. We’ve even had star employees promoted in a year or less in some cases!

Caliber Car Wash Career Path

2. Competitive Pay with Benefits
Team members with Caliber can expect to start at $13 per hour with commissions. As a team member, there are tons of ways to make more money through sales and career advancement. By completing training and goals, you’ll start to make more. In some cases, star employees are making $20 per hour before being promoted due to sales and prizes.

Once you hit Manager, you can expect to have 100% of your health insurance paid by Caliber. This includes vision and dental. As you progress through the company, you’ll continue to receive even more perks and benefits.

3. Flexibility
Life happens, and we get that! Caliber team members are offered great flexibility, so you can find a schedule that works for you.

Interested in learning more? We’d love to connect. Feel free to stop by our careers page for more information.

Caliber Gives Back To Local Veterans This Veteran’s Day

Caliber Car Wash is proud to support our local organizations. On Veteran’s Day this year, Caliber was able to host a fundraiser to support The Memorial Post 71, American Legion in Lake Wales, Florida. Caliber also participated in the Lake Wales Veteran’s Day Parade. The parade went through downtown Lake Wales, and employees of the wash handed out candy and stickers that honor the armed forces.

After the parade, our team was proud to host a fundraiser for the local American Legion post. We are grateful for the men and women who serve and have served, and we’re thrilled we were able to honor them on this holiday.

“One of the best aspects of this job is giving back to our community,” said Lake Wales manager, Nestor. “The American Legion Post 71 does great work, and I am so glad we were able to support their cause.”

The American Legion Post 71 has a mission of making a positive impact in its community. They run a variety of veteran-based programs such as a community food bank, community connections, and Volunteer Service Sundays, where every Sunday they mobilize their team of volunteers to make a difference in the community.

For more information on how to host your own fundraiser with Caliber Car Wash, visit https://calibercarwash.com/fundraiser/.

Caliber Car Wash Announces Additional Florida Expansion

New Locations Coming to Sebring and Deltona

ATLANTA, Oct 29, 2021 – Caliber Car Wash today announced further expansion into the Florida market, with new locations coming to Sebring and Deltona, Florida.

In addition to these locations, Caliber has over 10 Sunshine State washes under development with plans to open before or during 2024. Caliber currently operates seven washes in Central Florida, the Orlando area, and the Panhandle.

“Florida is not only the home of our first wash and owners, but the heart of our business,” said Caliber spokesperson Mac McCall. “We’re honored to provide even more quality washes and value for our customers throughout the state and to be able to create more jobs in these communities.”

The new locations will be located at 2805 US 27 in Sebring, Florida, and at the intersection of Fort Smith Boulevard and Howland Boulevard in Deltona, Florida. The new washes will each employ approximately 15-18 team members as well as support staff.

“We know our fellow Floridians take pride in their vehicles and their communities,” McCall said. “That’s one reason why we are committed to reducing water usage and using safe, biodegradable cleaners to better protect the environment and neighborhoods we live in.”

Using a state-of-the-art water reclamation system, Caliber reduces water usage during vehicle cleaning. On average, the typical home or self-service car wash utilizes 140 gallons of water per wash. Meanwhile, Caliber uses only 30 gallons of water per wash and doesn’t leak harmful chemicals into local sewer systems.

“No matter where you are in Florida, you can expect the same great wash and customer service when you visit a Caliber,” McCall said while reemphasizing the company’s commitment to the environment through innovative wash technology.

Caliber opened its first wash in Ocala, Florida, in 2019 and quickly became a customer favorite thanks to its unique detailing tools, Limitless wash packages, and military discounts. It recently opened locations in Winter Park and Lake Wales, Florida. Caliber customers also saved over 40 million gallons of water this year by choosing to wash at Caliber.

“We look forward to bringing Caliber quality to our neighbors in Sebring and Deltona,” McCall said. “And to support the environment as we know that good neighbors build strong communities.”