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.
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!
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 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.
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.”
We want you to leave with your best clean through our Limitless wash plans and complimentary detailing tools. Caliber provides everything you need to keep your car spotless including detailing air, vacuums, air fresheners, multi-purpose cleaner, and more! See below on how to use our free detailing station!
Detailing Air
Located at each boom station, you’ll find our detailing air. Our detailing air is compressed air that blows away debris from cracks and crevices such as consoles, cupholders, and air vents. To use the detailing air, point the tip or the gun toward the area that needs to be dried/blown and squeeze the trigger to release pressured air. This tool is not only utilized for interior, but exterior as well. This great device can eliminate excess water that gets stuck on side mirrors, rubber panels, hood vents, and engines.
Vacuums
Having a tough time with hard-to-reach areas? Caliber has you covered! Our vacuums are designed to give you maximum suction to clean between your seats and crevice-like surfaces in your vehicle. To get your car as clean as possible, follow these simple steps:
Remove any large pieces of trash from your car
Remove all mats and clear off debris with detailing air
Use our vacuum to clean tight spaces such as seat crannies, consoles, and cargo areas.
Towels
The towels you use to clean your car matter! Caliber provides quality microfiber towels that will not scratch your paint while wiping down your vehicle. At each boom station, you’ll find a basket of fresh, clean and folded microfiber towels. There is also a basket for tossing used towels after you’ve completed your wipe-down.
Air Fresheners
Finish off your clean with Caliber’s complimentary air fresheners. Our air fresheners are specifically designed to fit under seats and vents to give you freshening options. To make your air freshener last longer, simply fold it in half and place it under your seat or in console for that clean smell.
Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Paired with our quality microfiber towels is our multi-purpose cleaner. With our multi-purpose cleaner, you’ll be able to conveniently wipe away any spills, build-up, and dirt. You can use this cleaner to safely clean many items in your interior such as door handles, dashboards, steering wheel, and more. No need to bring any cleaning supplies from home, Caliber has you covered!
Glass Cleaner
Make those streaks go away with our specially formulated glass cleaner for that perfect shine. Our glass cleaner is designed to lift away dirt and grime while providing surfaces with extra sparkle and glow. Located next to the multi-purpose cleaner, are fresh towels to use to help get rid of unwanted streaks, dirt, and prints.
Mat Cleaner
Clean your carpeted mats in a matter of seconds with Caliber’s state of the art mat cleaner. To clean your mats simply push ‘Start’ to turn on machine then insert your mat facing down. Once your mat is clean, it will exit below and drop into a basket. When you’re finished inserting mats, the machine will automatically turn off or you can turn it off via the ‘Off’ button.
Bug Prep Station
Wondering how to get rid of those pesky bug splats? Stop by Caliber’s prep station where you’ll find prep solution and brushes (available at most Caliber sites). Gently scrub any bug splats to avoid acid damage to your cars paint and front-end. Once you’re finished at the prep station, pull-up to our pay station to enter our tunnel for more shine!
Have other tips for how to use or detailing freebies? We’d love to hear them. Feel free to tag us at #CaliberClean on social media to share.
Caliber Car Wash is proud to support local sports programs, including i9 Sports at our Wilmington and Hampstead locations! With a focus on fun, safety, and building confidence, the i9 Sports program provides families in the community a chance to get their kids involved in sports.
In 2003, the first i9 Sports team was created. Now, the program has more than 3 million player registrations in communities across the nation. As a year-round program, i9 Sports offers the opportunity for youth to participate in several sports including baseball, soccer, basketball and many more. i9 Sports is now the nation’s largest youth multi-sport provider and has had a far-reaching impact on kids and adults for almost two decades.
In the Eastern Carolina community, the i9 Sports league leaders are passionate about providing the best youth programs for children across every community. Created in 2015, the Wilmington area league has won multiple awards, including Franchise of the Year and Rookie of the Year. League directors say it’s a popular program in the area and they’re thrilled to see the participation from families.
“We are in a position to give every kid in our local area a place to play regardless of skill level or experience. Our goal is to put the fun back in youth sports,” said Craig Decatur, Program Director of the Wilmington territory.
i9 Sports (Wilmington & Jacksonville, NC)
The i9 Sports program not only provides a safe environment for kids to play, but also teaches local youth sportsmanship principles. Just as our Caliber teams value teamwork, dedication and leadership, i9 Sports gives kids the chance to grow and develop those same qualities. The leagues also focus on including every player, no matter level or experience, with the mission to develop athletic ability and nurture positive attitudes.
“Our local i9 Sports is able to help additional kids get involved in programs because of our amazing sponsors like Caliber! Providing opportunities for families that may not have had the ability to join our league is a great way to connect with the community and Caliber helps make that happen,” said Decatur.
As a returning sponsor, Caliber is thrilled to help provide a number of grants and scholarships to families in need of registration assistance in the Wilmington and Hampstead areas. If you are interested in more information about i9 Sports, you can check out their website here.
For other fundraising and sponsorship opportunities with Caliber, please feel free to visit our fundraiser page for more information.
We spend a lot of time in our cars. In fact, the average person’s daily commute is between 60 – 90 minutes round-trip. With the amount of time we spend in our automobiles, it is important to know how to keep them clean and smelling fresh. Here are 6 tips for keeping your vehicle in tip top shape.
Wash Routine
First, start by establishing a wash routine. It is important to wash your car at least once every two weeks as dirt and grime can have a negative impact on your vehicles paint. Additionally, salt and bug splats would require immediate care as salt can cause chemical reactions while the bugs release toxins and acid that can eat away the paint surface. Luckily, your friends at Caliber Carwash will be there to accommodate whatever car washing needs you desire.
Have Cleaning Products
Let’s face it. Accidental spills happen. You may need more than a napkin to clean up the mess, so we recommend keeping a pack of multi-purpose or multi-surface wet wipes to clean on the go (if you have leather or other delicate material in your vehicle, make sure the wipes are gentle on said material. They’ll usually say it on the back of the bottle or in the description for the online shoppers). You can also stop by Caliber for use of our quality multi-purpose and window cleaner.
Replace Air Filter
The air that enters through a car’s vents is filtered. Air filters prevents debris, dust, sand, and insects from entering and ensures cleaner air. How often air filters need replacing varies on the vehicle, distance traveled, and travel conditions. Replacing air filters are often overlooked and can have a negative effect on your car’s performance so it is important to change them regularly. Many air filters are easy to access and replace as most are found in the back or underneath the glove compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle. You can usually grab a new air filter for as low as $15 and it will last for months. Also, when getting an oil change, most mechanics will change this for free if you have a replacement filter handy.
Use A Mini Trash Bin
From old receipts to gas station napkins, trash can fill up in our vehicles quickly if we are not careful. Keeping a mini car trash bin in arms reach can prevent clutter and unwanted trash out of sight. Do not forget to empty your bin regularly as trash can attract unwanted pests, begin to smell or it could make your car look junky.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners are essential to keeping your car smelling fresh. Odor can consume the breathable space in your vehicle very quickly, and air fresheners help keep that in check. Did we forget to mention that Caliber offers free air fresheners with every wash?
Seat Covers & Kick Mats
If you are a parent or pet owner, messes are bound to happen. Waterproof seat covers will keep your car’s interior clean, dry, and free of stains. They also help protect expensive materials such as leather, from getting scratched, stained, or damaged by the sun during the summer months. Kick mats are also effective at making sure you do not bring unwanted debris inside your car as to stain it in anyway. You can easily vacuum these at Caliber or many are machine-washable. And for any of those carper floor mats that get dirty, don’t forget to try Caliber’s complimentary carpet mat cleaner.
Have ideas for keeping your car #CaliberClean that we didn’t mention? Let us know on our social media so we can share your tips!
As careful as we may try to keep the inside of our car clean, dirt and dust still accumulate. Oil, crumbs, and other substances will stick to the bottom of our shoes and will inevitably track dirt inside of our car and end up on our floor mats. Over time, both rubber and cloth mats will retain dirt, causing discoloration and lack of appeal. Don’t worry though, here’s your go-to guide for cleaning dirty mats!
How Do I Clean Rubber Car Mats?
Rubber mats are the easiest to clean since they are waterproof and do not hide dust and particles. To keep your rubber mats looking their best, follow these easy steps:
Step 1 – Remove Mats From Vehicle Always begin cleaning your mats by removing them from your vehicle and giving them a good shake to remove loose debris.
Step 2 – Remove Loose Debris After you give your mats a good shake, vacuum mats on both sides to get rid of any excess dirt and particles. Make sure to vacuum under pedals, seats, and in any other cracks and crevices. And for those hard-to-reach nooks between mat treads and doors, use detailing air to blow away crumbs that don’t shake off.
Step 3 – Wash Mats With Cleaning Solutions Once your mats are free from dirt, thoroughly saturate mats using a cleaning solution such as Caliber’s multi-purpose cleaner. Avoid using any harsh chemical solutions such as chlorine bleach as this will cause damage. Grab a towel and begin wiping the mat to clean away any build-up or stuck-on dirt.
Step 4 – Rinse Or Wipe Off Once you have finished scrubbing, take a clean towel to wipe away any residue, and reinstall mats.
How Do I Clean Carpet Car Mats?
Cleaning cloth mats require a little extra work to clean than rubber mats unless you have an automatic mat cleaner handy (don’t worry Caliber customers, we have you covered).
If you’re visiting Caliber, cleaning carpet mats are as easy as one, two, three.
Step 1 – Locate the complimentary mat cleaner located near the vacuum booms.
Step 2 – Place your mat facedown on the silver tray.
Step 3 – Hit the “start button” and wait less than 15 seconds for your vacuumed mat to appear. Feel free to hit “stop” when you’re done or walk away and the cleaner will turn off.
It’s as easy as that!
Of course, we understand that you may not always be able to visit a Caliber for that quick mat clean, so here’s an effective way to clean carpeted floor mats at home:
Step 1 – Remove Mats From Vehicle Similar to cleaning rubber mats, begin by removing your carpet mats from your vehicle to shake off loose debris.
Step 2 – Remove Loose Debris After shaking mats, vacuum both sides of your mats to eliminate excess dirt, dust, and any other disguising particles. Be sure to vacuum under pedals, under and around seats, and any other areas that need vacuuming.
Step 3 – Wash Mats With Cleaning Solution Apply a cleaning solution such as carpet cleaner or detergent onto mats saturating them evenly. Using a brush or towel, scrub mats to agitate dirt. For tougher stains in mats, allow the cleaner to sit for additional time, then scrub away.
Step 4 – Vacuum Mats Vacuum your mats again, as this will help suction up traces of cleaner and leftover dirt particles from the mats. Once this is completed, allow mats to dry thoroughly. Do not put them back in your car until they are completely dry, as they will cause a damp smell.
If your mat has rips or tears, consider hand-washing to prevent more damage.
No matter how you choose to clean your mats, be sure to do them frequently. Keeping your car mats clean makes your car feel and fresher.
If you have more mat cleaning tips, feel free to tag us online at #CaliberClean. We hope to see you soon!
Car wash tunnels come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a few tips to keep in mind before you enter an express wash.
Before deciding on which wash is right for your vehicle, be sure to check out whether or not it will fit in the tunnel.
While each car wash has its own dimensions, many tunnels have similar dimensions. For example, Caliber Car Wash tunnels have a 7’2” clearance and will fit most standard-sized vehicles and tires.
Most washes are able to cater to factory-standard vehicles, however, add-ons or after-market features may prevent your vehicle from entering tunnels as they are more likely to widen vehicles or create surfaces that can get tangled in the wash.
If you’re able to enter a wash with these after-market add-ons, please note that washes may have to retract brushes to prevent damage to your add-ons. Your vehicle will still get all that great shine, but you may notice spots around your add-on aren’t wiped down as much.
This principle also applies to truck hitches. No car wash wants your car to get stuck in brushes. It can cause damage to your vehicle or the vehicle behind you. That’s why car washes will retract brushes if you have a hitch.
If your truck, jeep, or other vehicle has bike racks or wheelchair racks, please consider removing them before entering an express tunnel wash. These are at risk of damaging equipment, cars, and your racks.
And for all you truck lovers, make sure anything in your truck bed is permanently attached before entering any car wash. Items that aren’t firmly attached may fly out causing damage to your truck or another vehicle in the tunnel. Common items that are known to fly out are tools, brooms, hay bails, hooked straps, and other items left in the back of trucks. These items will make it through the wash, but face their biggest challenge at the blowers where any remaining water and truck bed items are known to blow away.
Will My Tire Fit In Car Wash Tunnels?
All stock vehicle tires will fit in car wash tunnels, including 35s. Caliber’s tunnels can also fit most 37s if there are no spacers on the vehicle. Please note that if you have spacers, your vehicle will not fit in standard car washes.
How Can I Check If My Vehicle Will Fit In Car Wash Tunnels?
If you are still not sure if your vehicle will fit, we encourage you to stop by your nearest Caliber Car Wash to have our team take a look. We also recommend checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual for any other specifications.
At six years old, Antoine Patterson received his first hot wheels. Antoine says it was that small gesture as a young boy that ignited a life-long passion for cars. Since that day, his passion has only grown. Today, not only is Antoine a car enthusiast – he’s also a veteran and important part of our Caliber community.
For more than 20 years, Antoine served his country as an Army flight medic, a position that requires incredible strength, skill, and determination. Every year, when Independence Day rolls around, he thinks back on the time he spent serving his country. As a veteran, there are a few moments in his life he’s most proud of.
“I am a retired Army flight medic after 20 years, two weeks, and two days, but who’s counting? One thing I am most proud of that I rarely talk about is when I received the Army Combat Medic Badge for treating casualties under fire in a combat environment. The award has been around since the Vietnam War but was never awarded to flight medics,” he said.
As an army veteran born to a military family, he followed his father’s lead. Antoine’s father spent also spent over 20 years serving his country but in the Air Force. Growing up, Antoine traveled the world with his family, living in many new cities and military bases. When his time serving was finished, he finally decided to retire to Phenix City- where he is a man of many talents and hobbies.
Throughout his years serving his country, Antoine never forgot about his passion for cars. But in the early ‘90s, he developed a new passion – videography and photography – and decided to combine them. Those two talents led to the creation of Eye Candy Visual Arts- where Antoine creates and edits all of his own video and photo content and is a published photographer. Much of his content focuses on cars, where he tells stories through his own lens of creative automobile shots, music, and much more.
And of course, Antoine tells us Caliber is part of his daily routine, as he takes pride in keeping his Charger spotless at all times.
“I was excited when Caliber Car Wash came to town since the other washes in the area prompted me to buy a pressure washer to keep my Charger clean at home. It has been over a year, and I have since got my other two vehicles on the Limitless wash plan. The ceramic coating is a giant plus to why I keep me and my family coming back daily,” said he said.
As a dedicated Caliber community member and army veteran, we want to thank Antoine for his service on this Independence Day. To say thank you year-round, we offer a special military discount for all retired and active-duty military at Caliber Car Wash. If you are interested in more of Antoine’s content, you can check out his Instagram or YouTube page.
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