There’s a chance you’ve used a Mark VII or Mark 7 car wash without realizing it. There’s a lot of them around. The company makes vehicle wash equipment with a range of features and options to enhance car wash services. If you want to learn more about its rollover and tunnel systems, the pros and cons, and how it works, here’s everything you need to know.

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What is a Mark 7 Touchless Car Wash?

The brand sells high-quality systems and cleaning chemicals to car wash owners who want to build a successful business. For example, its touchless car wash system includes the popular AquaJet car wash. It washes your car using high-pressure water and cleaning chemicals without physically touching your vehicle. So, if you’re concerned about brush-based automatic car washes scratching your car, this touchless system is a more attractive option.

Different Car Wash Types Available

However, there’s more to Mark 7 than just its touchless technology. Here are some other models you might come across:

• SoftWash XT is a soft-touch rollover system that gives you a “friction” car wash. It cleans your car in under 4 minutes using foam brushes and chemicals. It works like a regular soft cloth car wash where you drive into the wash bay and let the equipment work its magic.
• ChoiceWash XT combines touchless and soft-touch options in one machine. If your car is particularly dirty, select a friction program where soft cloths will scrub your vehicle. If you’re concerned about anything actually touching your car, go for the touchless system.
• SoftLine Drive Thru tunnel system is the type you’ll find at gas stations, car dealerships, or rental facilities. The drive through car wash is popular because it is a no-frills system that is super quick and convenient. You can wash your car in minutes and get back on the road.

The equipment also includes sprayers for self service car washes and sophisticated drying systems. For example, the AquaDri Dryer efficiently sheds water from your car, reducing unsightly spots and streaks.

Water Conservation Features

The latest Mark 7 equipment also has specific features to help conserve water. For instance, many of its car washes have water recycling AquaPur systems that capture, filter, and reuse water to help reduce freshwater consumption. The Aquajet touchless system uses around 40 gallons of water to wash an SUV. However, Mark VII washes 2.75 million cars daily worldwide, so water consumption adds up.

If want an eco-friendly car wash, there are great alternatives. You can use a waterless car wash or learn how to hand wash a car using the two-bucket method to help keep water consumption down. Alternatively, DetailXPerts has perfected the art of cleaning an average-sized car using just 1 pint of water thanks to the latest steam technology.

Does the Equipment Deliver a Better Wash?

Mark 7 car washes are quick and efficient, using the latest technology and chemicals to clean vehicles. Car wash owners of Mark 7 equipment have good feedback. Steven Neal of Paradise Auto Wash in Cape Coral, Florida, says his self-service bays and automatic rollover put out a finished product to a standard above the other car washes around. Meanwhile, Allen Hall at Gateway Motors in White River Junction, Vermont, says that when he opened for business, he was the highest-priced car wash in the area, which initially put people off. However, when they saw the quality of the wash, they returned.

However, despite the advanced technology and super-quick service, Mark 7 car washes may not deliver a better wash than other car washes. See the pros and cons, below. For example, you might prefer the personal touch of a hand car wash where your car receives more attention to detail than an express wash. Or perhaps you are wary of strong wash chemicals damaging your paintwork. If so, exterior car steam cleaning might appeal to you more because steam is gentle on surfaces but excellent at getting rid of dirt and grime.

Pros and Cons

Although Mark VII uses improved technology to clean cars more efficiently, the various systems have their challenges, too. Here is a look at the pros and cons:

Pros

• Super quick and convenient compared to a do it yourself car wash.
• According to some car wash owners, a lot of their customers love the HubScrub feature, a wheel cleaning system that uses high-pressure water jets and specialized brushes to remove dirt, brake dust, and grime on the rims and hubcaps.
• Some of the automatic car washes have undercarriage wash options, useful for washing car in winter when you need to get road salt off your car.
• Can be available as a 24 hour car wash for your convenience.

Cons

• The cost may be higher than other local options.
• Even with advanced drying systems like AquaDri, you might end up with water spots if your car is not completely dry.
• The friction car wash materials are designed to be gentle but may still cause micro scratches on paintwork.
• Mark 7 touchless car wash system might not always clean as thoroughly as you’d like, particularly if your car is very dirty.
• Doesn’t offer the add-ons of full service car wash, such as interior cleaning and engine cleaning.
• Regular use of harsh chemicals may cause paintwork to fade over time.
• Triple-foam color displays are an upsell that looks great but are not a must-have.

Where to Find a Mark 7 Car Wash

Mark VII has car washes at over 35,000 locations around the globe, so you might get lucky and find one near you or see one on your travels. Many independent car washes across the US choose Mark 7 for their durability and advanced cleaning technologies. The easiest way is to check a car wash website or call the place to find out more about its equipment. Or simply look for the company branding at the car wash entry point.

Conclusion

To sum up, Mark VII uses advanced technology and the latest chemicals to create modern and reliable automatic car washes. Quick and convenient, you’re also spoilt for choice. You can choose from high-pressure touchless car wash system, self-serve car washes, conveyor tunnel systems, and in-bay automatic systems. Wash options include a pre-soak, foam bath, wax and rinse, although the choice varies between washes. Note that they might be pricier than other express car washes, so research your options to ensure you get value for money.

However, even with water recycling systems, Mark 7 automatic car washes get through a lot of water. Moreover, the automatic wash lacks the personal touch and attention to detail. There are eco-friendly alternatives that take a hands-on approach. For instance, DetailXPerts specializes in a thorough and personalized hand car wash using advanced steam cleaning technology to achieve exceptional results. Minimal water consumption and use of eco-friendly soaps and detergents also help protect the planet.

For more innovative car wash trends, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide: