Power washing in the winter

[polaris]

Hey there,
I recently took over a power washing company from a relative that passed away. I got the business in the beginning of spring and my mainstay is fleet truck accounts. I know how to power wash and Im doing fine, but, winter is approaching and Im not actually sure on what that entails for power washing trucks. Im aware that you shouldn't power wash when it's freezing out, but is there a general temperature I can note? What else should someone expect that has never power washed in the winter before? Any advice would be helpful, thank you!

 

[Mike Gwas]

I wash in MI most of the winter...... My cut off is about 23* night time temp. Plus winters are long and dark here so I have to go to Florida every year to remember that the sun is still there.... I like the break. Jan and Feb are iffy !!!! You will lose some time then. Where are you in MI ?

 

[Larry L.]

is there a general temperature I can note?

Not really,depends on the type weather on a even day,wind chil and cloudly days will play a big part.On sunny days I've wash down in the low 20's and also have run into days with temps in the high 30's but freezen b/c of the wind chil.You will know when you cann't wash by the amount of ice on your cap bill .If night time temps go down into the teens I stop washing the trucks in time for the water to dry around the doors and locks.I've frozen trucks to the ground before where they cann't move,water can get in the brake drums and freeze solid,on the trailers too.Alot of times your water run off will freeze on the ground but not on the trucks so becareful walking on the ice.

Winterize your rig everynight......

 

[See-It-Clean]

where in michigan are you, we are north or detroit. E-mail me MobilePowerWashing@hotmail.com

 

[Mike Gwas]

I have offices in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Cadillac....

 

[Bridget]

Welcome to winter washing in Michigan!!
Are you washing with hot or cold water? Many of us wash with hot, which allows you to give your customers a hot water rinse on days that are too cold to apply and rinse the soap. The customers are always made aware that they can choose to skip the wash or receive the rinse. We do not adjust the pricing.

Wind is the determining factor. You can have decent air temps, but as soon as that wind picks up, you're in a chilly pickle. We send our customers a winter weather notice just as soon as the temps begin to dip. It details what our winter washing policy is. I'd be happy to fax you a copy. Give us a call 1-800-451-8684

You may have those winter warriors who wash no matter what, but you risk damaging your equipment, you may freeze up your customers fleet and if those drivers can't start or get into their rig, they get pretty ticked.

Then there is the obvious slip and fall hazzards. All in all - you make the call to stay safe.

Keep dry and warm,
Bridget

 

[Troy F.]

Winter washing

Hi Briget, I was reading your post on your Winter weather washing policy. As winter is arriving here in Philadelphia soon,I could use such an example to create for my customers. New to the business and can use all the help available. Thanx Troy

 

[Doug T]

Bridget,
Long time since you have posted. Good to see you are still around. Hope all is well.
Doug

 

[Bridget]

Troy,
Give my office a call or e-mail me your fax number and we'll send you the different methods in which we communicate our weather washing policy.
Bridget@wekeepitclean.com

 

[Bridget]

Thanks Doug!
Grace will be turning 2 in January. These last two years have been an absolute blast with her. Gordon and I also have a 17 year old each - so you can imagine how hectic our lives have been.

Business has been doing very well for us. The Michigan economy is suffering BIG TIME. We've been fortunate so far that we haven't lost any business as a result of the automotive industry's woes. (Knock on wood)

Bridget

 

[Troy F.]

Thanks for the response. My fax # is 215 492 1952. Thanks for your help. Troy

 

[Bridget]

I faxed it this morning - let me know you received it O.K.
bridget@wekeepitclean.com

 

[Troy F.]

Policy

Yes,I did. Thank you much.

 

[polaris]

Hey there,
Thanks everyone for the advice! I didn't expect to get so many responses and helpful hints, but it sure does help! I'd hate to have thousands of dollars of equipment freeze, that would surely stop my power washing adventures.
To the ones that asked, I'm situated in Westland/Livonia. I have accounts in those and the surrounding cities. I'm new to power washing, some what, but not to business. I own Greater Detroit Drywall, which as the name implies is a drywall company, but we also do painting, insulation, framing, decks, etc.
As well, I am a professional computer programmer and web developer/designer, which is what I did before I got into these craft jobs.
If anyone needs anything, my e-mail is trevor@2039.com

Thanks!
Trevor

 

[itswillist]

Well I'm from Louisiana .. we see snow once a decade, and we see temperatures in the teens less than that. We typically have a 9 month summer 2 weeks of fall 1 month of winter and 1 1/2 month of spring .. I feel fortunate .. and our winters are never to bad .. at times it gets in the low 30's around 2 weeks out of the year .. sorry I couldn't help you .. But I can tell you how to wash in extremely HOT and HUMID weather ..