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Local Car Clubs Come Together to Benefit Community Organization

May 10, 2021

From classic and antique cars, to those custom rides, the Emerald Coast Headturners have it all.

As a part of Caliber’s community outreach, our team is excited to sponsor the upcoming “Cruisin’ the Beach” Car Show, hosted at the De’france Indoor Flea Market in conjunction with the Emerald Coast Headturners and StreetPredatorzFWB.

Periodically, the Emerald Coast Headturners hosts car shows that benefits a local organization and brings together community members for a weekend of classic, custom, and antique cars. This month, the event will be held in Fort Walton Beach on Saturday, May 22 from 9AM-2PM. The event will include raffles and trophies for over 18 different categories, including some free car washes at Caliber. Steve Coates, Vice President of the Emerald Coast Headturners, says the group is thrilled to bring together the local car community and work with the fellow car group StreetPredatorzFWB.

“We are excited to bring the two organizations together for the first time locally. We are hoping to turn this into an annual event and only grow the message for the cause. We are expecting approximately 150 cars from all makes and models from classic to new age,” said Coates.

The Emerald Coast Headturners are proud to be a community organization that prides themselves on local outreach. The proceeds from this car show will go to a local charity organization called Sleep Heavenly Peace. This organization helps build beds for kids whose parents can’t afford them, giving the children a chance to have a warm place to sleep so they can focus on school and other activities in their life. If you want to sign up, you can buy early registration tickets here for $25.

As a newer car club, the Emerald Coast Headturners are hopeful to continue to host community events to bring all car-lovers together. The Headturners organization was founded 10 years ago, and it was built around the Fast and Furious motto of “family.” The organization is actually a worldwide club with chapters all over the United States, a few in Germany, and potentially a future one in Japan. As a military member of the US Air Force, Coates has been part of the organization for many years.

“As military members of the US Air Force, we move a lot based on mission requirements. I was stationed in the Washington DC area from 2016 to 2019 and during this time, I became a member of the District [Headturners] Chapter and eventually helped to start up the Maryland Chapter,” said Coates.

When Coates moved back to the Panhandle, he wanted to continue to grow the Headturners brand and showcase his love of cars. That’s when he decided to start the Emerald Coast Chapter, just a few years ago, and the group grew tremendously within a few months. Because of their location in the Panhandle, many of their members are part of the military or dependents/spouses of military members. Coates says it’s extremely important for their chapter to get rid of the negative connotation surrounding car clubs and showcase their family values.

“We want to be the most noticeable vehicles around town in a positive way,” said Coates.

Other members say they don’t know where they would be without the organization.

“Headturners (HT) was one of the best things that’s happened to me. I’ve made more friends, who have quickly became family. I’ve gotten closer to two of my friends who have recently joined the group as well as found other car enthusiast that share the same passion,” said Headturners member Joseph. “HT isn’t just a name, it’s a family. I couldn’t thank these guys enough for all the smiles and memories they’ve helped me gain.”

The Car club has been part of other community events, including the Christmas parade for the Air Force Enlisted Village. Coates says it was a huge success, as many of those residents had not left their home since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The smiles we provided were priceless, in my opinion and the feedback we received was outstanding. We have been asked to come back for the Memorial Day Parade and the Christmas parade again,” said Coates.

With a growing organization, the Emerald Coast Headturners say they are excited for future growth and opportunities to bring the local car community together. And the club’s members reiterate that family values are a core principal for the organization to create that local unity.

“HeadTurners isn’t just a car club, we are a family. As a club we all look out for each other, build each other up and help one another grow. We all share a common passion, a bond, that can’t be broken,” said member Nathan.

If you are interested in joining, you can search your local area for chapters near you on Instagram. If there isn’t a chapter, you can check out their Facebook page here.

Photo Courtesy of Emerald Coast Headturners
Photo Courtesy of Emerald Coast Headturners

Why Bug Prep Stations Provide Extra Protection

April 28, 2021

It’s the season of pesky bug smears, and Caliber Car Wash has the solution!

Everyone is annoyed with bug splatter this time of year, but did you know that bug splats can corrode your paint aside from the poor aesthetic?

Leaving bugs on your car too long post-splat can cause the chemicals in the bug to eat away at your paint if they are not washed off quickly enough. Bug splatter is acidic, which means, if severe enough, it can eat through your clear coat over time. What’s worse is that some bugs can etch, or dig into, the vehicle’s paint, resulting in even more damage if the etching is deep enough.

To prevent this from happening, Caliber offers a bug prep station at select locations. Each bug prep station has a total of three buckets inside one larger bucket. Two of the three tanks have brushes for your use (which are regularly rotated out). At the bottom of these buckets are holes that allow the dirt, grime, bugs, or any other sediment to settle beneath the clean liquid in the other larger bucket so that you do not apply the dirt back onto your car when you go for another dip in the solution. The reason for this is dirty water can scratch a vehicle’s paint.

Upon arrival at the bug prep station, motorists can grab one of the brushes soaking in the solution and gently scrub the front of the vehicle. This will break down any bugs or grime that may not be reached in the car wash tunnel due to the need for some extra pre-soak time.

The bug removal station can also be used to remove any tar that may be on your vehicle. For an immaculate shine, the bug prep is a great option to give your wheels or even license plate that extra scrub for the best results.

Please feel free to stop by today and ask our staff any questions. Just a reminder that our bug prep stations are located before the pay stations to ensure you get that extra soaking time!

And if you ever can’t find a brush or if there are any issues, please don’t hesitate to let our team know so we can make sure you’re using the cleanest tools available.

What You Need to Know About Pollen Season and Your Car

March 23, 2021

Here’s Your Pollen Season Car Care Do’s and Don’ts!

Spring has arrived – and although the start of warmer weather means flowers and blooming trees, it also means an overload of pollen is in the air. From constant sneezing and sniffling to that nasty yellow film on your car, pollen season can be a headache. We have everything you need to know about proper car care during the spring.

What is pollen season and when does it start/end?

Pollen is a powdery substance produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds to fertilize plants of the same species. Different plants can produce pollen at different times of the year. Typically, tree pollen pops up in early to mid-March. While grass pollen, weed pollen, and ragweed pollen can start later into the spring and last into the late summer months or early fall.

What does this mean for my car?

Although the spring means leaving behind the cold weather, it brings a whole new problem into sight: problematic pollen. By itself, the pollen doesn’t pose much of a problem. However, left untreated, it’s acidity can actually corrode the body of your car and cause damage to the paint. There are several precautions you can take during pollen season to ensure your car stays clean, protected, and maintains its value.

DO wash your car more often

Wash your car every other day. It’s recommended to get pollen off your car as soon as possible, not just when you start to see a yellow build-up on the outside. The longer you leave pollen on your car, the more damage it can do and the harder it will be to get completely off.

DON’T forget about your interior

Pollen can also make its way into your interior. By using our vacuums or detailing air, you can make sure your seats, dashboard and other areas are pollen free. You’ll also want to check your cabin air filter. Build-up of large amounts of pollen can cause a clog, meaning your car will be circulating allergy-causing air.

DO add extra layers of protection

Wax and ceramic coating are two components of Caliber’s top wash that add extra protection for your exterior. Our Caliber ceramic coating creates a protective layer on top of a car’s paint, so it can help prevent harmful elements, including pollen, from damaging your paint job. For additional safeguarding, make sure to run your car through the wash before pollen season to prepare.

DON’T let rain wash off the pollen

After a spring shower, you may notice that the yellow film on your car has vanished! Unfortunately, that isn’t enough. Just because it rains, and your car looks clean, doesn’t mean the pollen is completely gone. Pollen’s acidity is commonly activated by water, which means it can actually cause more damage to let rain wash your car. To get rid of all the pollen particles eating away at your paint, make sure to wash your car thoroughly with soap.

If you have any questions about how Caliber’s top wash protects your car during pollen season, stop by your nearest location today and speak with one of our employees – they’re always happy to help!

 

Caliber Car Wash Celebrates Wilmington Opening with Free Washes

March 15, 2021

Innovative Car Wash Opens Ahead of Pollen Season

WILMINGTON, NC – Caliber Car Wash is getting ahead of pollen season by giving away free washes to celebrate its newest Wilmington location from Saturday, March 20 through Monday, March 22, 2021.

“Pollen season is about to be in full swing, so we’re making sure the Wilmington community has the chance to experience our top-notch service and innovation in preparation for the spring,” said Caliber spokesman Mac McCall.

Neighbors and customers wanting to get ready for pollen season can try Caliber for free during the location’s regular operating hours throughout the celebration by signing up online at calibercarwash.com/wilmington.

The Wilmington wash officially opens for business on Saturday, March 20, 2021, and is Caliber’s second wash in North Carolina.

“The Wilmington area has been Caliber’s home for almost two years, and we look forward to growing our Caliber family here in the community,” said McCall, who noted the vital role the area played in the development of one of the organization’s first washes in Hampstead.

The new location, which will employ 14-18 people year-round, is located at 7032 Market Street and offers single wash options and Limitless membership packages that allow customers to wash their vehicles all month long for one low price. Caliber also provides complimentary vacuums, air fresheners, cleaners and detailing air with every wash.

 “We appreciated the warm welcome Hampstead offered at our Dan Owen Drive location and look forward to serving more of our neighbors,” McCall said. “We hope this expansion will also benefit our Limitless members who will be able to use both washes with their Caliber memberships.”

“Giving back to the community is at the core of Caliber. We look forward to building more relationships with our neighbors and continuing to support the growth of the community,” said McCall.

After opening its first wash in Ocala, Florida in 2019, and its second wash in Hampstead later that year, Caliber quickly grew, opening seven more locations throughout the Southeast over the past year. The express wash plans to expand further, with more locations opening in Georgia and Florida in 2021.

Caliber Car Wash Offering Free Washes for the Chamblee Community

March 4, 2021

Innovative Car Wash Celebrating Opening of new Atlanta Location

ATLANTA, GA – Caliber Car Wash is pleased to celebrate its Chamblee opening by giving away free washes to community members and neighbors on Saturday, March 6 through Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

“As a new community member, we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring innovation and top-notch service to the Chamblee area,” said Caliber spokesperson Mac McCall.

Neighbors and customers wanting to visit the wash can try it out for free during the location’s regular operating hours throughout the celebration.

The Chamblee wash officially opens for business on Saturday, March 6, 2021 and is Caliber’s second wash in the Atlanta metro area. Future washes are also planned in Smyrna and Douglasville, Georgia.

The new location, which will employ 14-18 people year-round, is located at 2764 Chamblee Tucker Road and offers single wash options and Limitless membership packages that allow customers to wash their vehicles all month long for one low price. Caliber also provides complimentary vacuums, air fresheners, cleaners and detailing air with every wash.

 “We appreciated the warm welcome Mableton offered us at our Floyd Road location, and look forward to serving more of our neighbors in Chamblee,” McCall said. “We’re also honored to have an opportunity to grow and continue to hire new people amid the world’s current circumstances. Our employees are at the heart of our business and we look forward to our neighbors meeting the new team.”

Caliber Car Wash frequently supports Atlanta area community organizations and is also member of the Chamblee Chamber of Commerce.

“Giving back to the community is at the core of Caliber. We look forward to building more relationships with our neighbors and continuing to support the growth of the community,” said McCall.

After opening a first wash in Ocala, Florida in 2019, Caliber quickly grew, opening six more locations throughout the Southeast over the past year. The express wash plans to expand further with more locations opening in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida in early 2021.

The Lovebugs Are Coming!

March 3, 2021

It’s lovebug season once again- and you know what that means.

Twice a year, these small flies swarm the southeast’s humid climate and bring with them a bug-coated mess of a car. Not only do lovebugs leave behind a nasty film, but they can also be harmful to your vehicle’s overall health. We have everything you need to know about lovebug season and how to make it through with your car in pristine condition.

What are lovebugs?

If you’re wondering what lovebugs actually are, their name says it all. Lovebugs are small black flies that are usually paired with a mate. According to the University of Florida, they swarm about twice a year: once in spring and once in the fall, with peak lovebug season hitting in May and September. You probably notice them most when you are outside in the heat or see them build up on the outside of your vehicle.

Why are lovebugs a hazard?

Lovebug season is a big deal for several reasons. Although they don’t bite or sting, lovebugs can seriously decrease your visibility while driving. These bugs are known to swarm near roadsides, which can leave you with a bug-coated windshield or exterior. This becomes dangerous when the buildup is so thick, your vision is impaired, and you can’t see the road.

Pesky lovebugs can also cause damage to the paint of your car. It’s critical to wash them off as soon as possible. Leaving them on for hours out in the sun can cause a reaction between the outside heat and their body chemistry. The reaction causes their remnants to become acidic, which can corrode the finish on your vehicle. The best practice is to wash them off within a few days. The longer they stay on, the harder they are to wash off.

In extreme cases, lovebug residue can get so bad that it damages your car’s engine. If their remains aren’t washed off completely, it can cause buildup in your car’s grill, blocking airflow and causing it to overheat. It’s essential to take precautions during lovebug season so you don’t find yourself having to fork over hundreds for car repair.

How do I wash off lovebugs?

Don’t worry- Caliber Car Wash has you covered! It can seem like a headache, but we’re here to help make the experience quick and easy. First, most of our locations offer bug pre-soak stations for your convenience. These stations will be in an easily accessible area located right before you head into the tunnel. Although our tunnel should remove most bugs and grime, the bug prep stations can help the deeper, built-up grime to wash away. These stations contain soap, clean water, and gentle brushes that will not scratch your exterior. Just a few scrubs before you head in, and you’re good to go!

Why go Limitless?

When it comes to lovebug season, it can seem like it never ends! Experts recommend washing lovebugs off after at least a few days- and that can become frequent. Especially if you live in the southeast, we recommend getting a Limitless membership. You can use it at any location and go as many times as you need in a month. Not only will you save money, you’ll save time and most importantly safeguard your vehicle from further damage.

While we can’t get rid of lovebugs completely, we can make sure they stay off your car. If you have any questions about our bug prep station locations or how to use them, feel free to stop by your local Caliber, and our employees are always happy to help.

It’s All in the Details for this Atlanta Video Whiz

March 1, 2021

Meet our Chamblee location manager, Will!

Will is a video-editing master who will never pass up the chance to show you his detailing skills!

The Atlanta native started with Caliber at the Mableton location as an assistant manager in 2020. As an assistant manager, Will’s love of everything #caliberclean quickly shined through. He was promoted to site manager at our Chamblee location in early 2021.

Growing up in Atlanta, Will attended the Dekalb School of Arts, where he focused on video production classes. His passion for video-editing and photography keeps him busy, and in his free time, he enjoys shooting weddings and other events! If he’s not working on his tech skills, you can probably find him at home with his favorite people.

“I’m also a huge family man, so when I’m not working, I’m most likely spending time with my wife and 4-year-old son, Dylan,” said Will.

Will’s wife is an Atlanta chef with 20 years of experience, and he says he enjoys testing out her new recipes. One of the dishes he loves the most? Her veggie and meat lasagna. When he’s not tasting her delicious food, he’s playing with his energetic 4-year-old.

“He’s into everything! He wants to paint and play soccer. He’s taking swimming lessons right now. He’s very active and bright and is willing to try just about anything,” said Will.

“Our multi-purpose cleaner is perfect for washing away those sticky messes from your kids. Just spray, wipe, and it’s back to brand new!”

When it comes to our Chamblee location, Will is looking forward to serving the community he knows so well.

“I’m thrilled to be able to provide unbelievable service and clean for more of Atlanta. Caliber is a family atmosphere, and we take care of our employees so they can take care of our customers. There’s always someone willing to help out with a smile on their face.”

When you stop by our Chamblee location, make sure to give Will a shout and ask him about our Limitless Membership options!

Caliber Car Wash Offering Free Washes for the Pensacola Community

February 26, 2021

Innovative Car Wash Celebrating Opening of new Florida Location

PENSACOLA, FL – Caliber Car Wash is pleased to celebrate its Pensacola opening by giving away free washes to community members and neighbors on Saturday, February 27 through Tuesday, March 2, 2021.

“As a new community member, we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring innovation and top-notch service to the Pensacola area,” said Caliber spokesperson Mac McCall.

Neighbors and customers wanting to visit the wash can try it out for free during the location’s regular operating hours throughout the celebration. Caliber will also offer free car washes during its grand opening celebration, which will take place approximately one month later.

The Pensacola wash officially opens for business on Saturday, February 27, 2021 and is Caliber’s fifth wash in Florida and second in the Panhandle. Future washes are also planned in Lake Wales and Winter Park, Florida.

The new location, which will employ 14-18 people year-round, is located at 516 N Navy Boulevard and offers single wash options and Limitless membership packages that allow customers to wash their vehicles all month long for one low price. Caliber also provides complimentary vacuums, air fresheners, cleaners and detailing air with every wash.

 “We appreciated the warm welcome Fort Walton Beach offered at our Beal Parkway location, and look forward to serving more of our neighbors in Pensacola,” McCall said. “We’re also honored to have an opportunity to grow and continue to hire new people amid the world’s current circumstances. Our employees are at the heart of our business and we look forward to our neighbors meeting the new team.”

Caliber Car Wash frequently supports Pensacola area community organizations and is also member of the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce.

“Giving back to the community is at the core of Caliber. We look forward to building more relationships with our neighbors and continuing to support the growth of the community,” said McCall.

After opening a first wash in Ocala, Florida in 2019, Caliber quickly grew, opening six more locations throughout the Southeast over the past year. The express wash plans to expand further with more locations opening in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida in early 2021.

This Pensacola Book Lover Appreciates That Showroom Shine

February 18, 2021

Meet Brittany, our video-game-loving manager, who is ready to make Pensacola shine!

Brittany joined the Caliber family in October 2020 and was thrilled to be promoted to a site manager at the beginning of 2021. As what she’s most excited for, the book lover says she can’t wait to spend time getting to know her new crew and customers.

Brittany is not unfamiliar with the Panhandle- she was born at Eglin Air Force Base. As a military child, the Florida native spent time in several different homes growing up and even lived in Japan for a year!

“I was pretty young when I lived in Japan, but I think that’s where I got my love of video gaming from,” said Brittany.

As the oldest sibling, she says much of her motivation to succeed comes from her family.

“I’m very close with my sisters, and they look up to me. My mom, seeing her through her daily life and everything that she goes through, definitely motives me to do better in life and make a positive impact on those around me,” she says.

Brittany is a self-proclaimed “book nerd,” and in her free time, you can probably find her curled up in the corner with a good book. Her favorite genre includes vampire and mythical readings. Not only does she enjoy books, but Brittany is also a video game junkie. If she’s not reading, she says you’ll most likely find her playing Immortals Fenyx Rising.

Need a break from staring at that video game screen? Get away to your local Caliber; it takes only minutes to get that showroom shine.

If you ask Brittany about Caliber, she will tell you her favorite thing about her job is the company culture.

“We all enjoy being around each other, and that’s really important to me to feel like a family. I feel very supported and excited about the opportunity for growth at Caliber,” she said.

When you stop by our Pensacola location, feel free to give Brittany a wave and introduce yourself!

Caliber Car Wash Announces New Ocala Development in Silver Springs Shores

February 18, 2021

OCALA, Fla., Feb. 18, 2021 — Caliber Car Wash is pleased to announce the development of its second Ocala wash located in Silver Springs Shores. The company currently operates three washes in Central Florida, including a wash on Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala.

“We’re looking forward to opening our second location in our hometown,” said Caliber spokesperson and Ocala native Mac McCall. “As the location of our first wash, Ocala has a central role in shaping our organization’s growth, and we look forward to serving more members of our community by providing additional jobs and a better vehicle clean.”

The new site will be located in Silver Spring Shores on Maricamp Road near the Wal-Mart and Aldi. The location will employ approximately 15 team members once it opens.

“Our team members are vital to providing quality washes and great customer service, which is one reason why we’re proud to continue hiring and growing throughout the region,” McCall said.

Like Caliber’s other washes, the Silver Springs Shores wash will provide complimentary detailing tools and amenities, including 25 vacuum booms, air fresheners at every station, and innovative ceramic coating with no upcharge.

“Caliber uses the best technology the car wash industry has to offer and continues to add customer value by providing ceramic coating at no additional cost on our washes,” McCall said. On average, the technology costs $10-20 more per wash due to the added paint protection it provides vehicles.

Caliber opened its first wash in Ocala in 2019 and quickly became a customer favorite in the Southeast thanks to its free detailing tools, limitless wash packages, and military discounts. The express wash also has several Florida locations, including Inverness, Palatka and Fort Walton Beach.

The development is expected to move quickly, and the opening date will be announced at calibercarwash.com as the date approaches. Caliber Car Wash also has plans to expand with multiple locations opening in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida in early 2021.