Wet Down - What is it?

"Wet down" is a common industry term used to describe a method of running select equipment in a controlled fashion, to prepare the wash for washing cars.  It's also often used to test key equipment for proper function.  Most often users allow employees to run a "wet down" before the wash opens, or during the day after extended periods of non use. 

Users typically include outputs that spin brushes, run the conveyor, turn on rinses and nozzles for brushes, and running the Dry-N-Shine and/or Tire Shine (if applicable).  Performing a wet down provides the user a great opportunity to answer a few questions at once: 

1. Are all the brushes turning and hydraulics working?
2. Are any nozzles clogged?
3. Is the tunnel going to operate when I need it most?

The cycle usually runs for 30-90 seconds (depending on how you program it; see article Setup Options - Wet Down). Once done, the tunnel will go back to standby mode and be ready for the first vehicle of the day. Think of the wet down as a pre-flight checklist! 

Note: What outputs fire during a wet down is entirely up to the user.  Each output may be configured for inclusion during a wet down cycle.  See article Outputs and associated articles to learn how.  Most commonly, users include outputs that spin wraps, run water, and turn the conveyor. Adding chemical functions here can be detrimental, as that would force the chemicals to spray on the ground for an extended duration and be a loss.