Aftermarket Rims

I have a wash where a customer came in w/ large aftermarket rims. They were not all that wide, however the rims stick out probably half inch outside the tire, all the way around. When the customer pulled in, he bumped the corrolator & dinged up the rim. Has anyone else encountered a problem like this? I have signs stating we are not responsible for any non-factory installed items, but the customer wont take no for an answer. Any feedback would be helpful.

It's very simple. Politely explain that there is a reason for the signs. Your equipment manufacturors work with vehicle manufactirers and customers are responsible for any modifications they make. Then say I am sorry there is nothing I can do for you.

If he still insists on "Not taking no for an answer".

Simply say "I am sorry for any misunderstanding. We are not having a conversation. The policy is clear. There is nothing else I can do for you. " Then walk away.

And if the customer accepts your explanation and simply goes away, count yourself lucky.

If you allowed and assisted the customer to load onto the conveyor, you appear to have accepted him as a customer and run the risk of repairing or replacing the damaged wheel. The customer has a good case if he pursues the issue, especially if there is a more acceptable alternative for conveying vehicles.

The flat-belt conveyor will eventually replace the conventional steel guide rail & chain conveyor in favor of a safer alternative that places the vehicle wheels atop a moving-floor flat belt system where the wheels remain stationary and giving the car a smooth ride. No correlators or steel guide rails needed.

Replacing a free-wheeling system of rolling wheels that are corralled inside of steel rails and pushed with chain-driven rollers have become a risk that should... and will give way to a smarter, safer process. While conventional conveyor provided an efficient process for many decades, innovative technology now offers a more sensible solution.

While it may be a costly upgrade for some equipment manufacturers to embrace, progress has a way of moving forward... even in the midst of powerful naysayers.

-Steve

Steve, not surprising that you would try to kill an ant with a sledgehammer.

A sign will not take you off the hook. You can tell him no and hope he goes away, but if he chooses to pursue it in court there is a good chance you will lose. You may want to re-think your policies on aftermarket wheels. One wash I was involved with, we refused to wash vehicles with "spinners" becasue of the potential damage to their wheels and our equipment. Any wheel that sticks out past the sidewall is an accident waiting to happen, especially if your rails are not protected with UHMW.

Flat-belt conveyors will never be the standard. Steve Okun is a joke. There's a reason he isn't an operator. I'd stick to your guns and see how it turns out. Most lawyers would never take a case so small to trial and small claims is a crap shoot. Even if you get letters, stick to your guns. Lawyers don't want a fight, they want to intimidate. You're in good shape.

Cheap shots aside, my focus was on the advantages and benefits associated with flat-belt conveyors. The wheel damage hassle is one of many risks eliminated with the improved conveyor system, and conscientious operators need to be aware of their options and alternatives as new technology moves our industry forward.

Personal attacks and unkind remarks bring nothing positive to the conversation... and instead make you appear much less than you probably are.

-Steve

We have our correlators wrapped with UHMW, we have the signs too, and your customer is the one driving the car. Also, there are local guys who can repair the rim good as new for around $100, ask a local car dealer for a rim repair guy, they are usually mobile. I would offer to split the difference with the guy 1) he was driving 2) you want to keep his business. Par for the course "Don't confuse me with the facts, my minds made up!"

Mr. Okun, you've missed the point. It seems like you never post with help unless it's to promote a complete change in format. The guy's asking about how to deal with one customer with a dinged-up rim, for God's sake.

I'll take my chance with any judge on this issue. I explain to the customer and judge that there is a reason we have the signs posted about the customer being responsible for any non factory original equipment. Our equipment manufacturors and industry association works with manufacturers to make sure equipment is compatible and adjusted to the wash envelope specs of a manufactured vehicle.
It is not reasoneable to expect the wash to be responsible for items the customer may glue on, stick on, screw on, tape on, made to funky specs, or that change the wash envelope. Nor is it reasoneable to expect a wash to spend 20 minutes inspecting each vehicle and any modifications to see how or if it conforms to existing standards.
It is reasoneable to have the customer be responsible for any modifications they make.
Even a flat belt conveyor may not solve all these issues. Would the standard tire brush cause problems? who knows until it happens.
Had a guy holding a broken spinner hubcab ask to see me. When I came out i see it's a plastic POS. I then see he's got a 20 year old Cadillac. i tell him "Sir, I am sorry, that is not original equipment." He says "It's originaly from Wal Mart". Gave him a couple of free washes for a good laugh.

Can't argue with your commonsense approach, Earl. As pointed out, my somewhat overzealous F-Y-I comments seem a bit misplaced and unwelcome in this post.

As for the tire brush, since vehicles don't roll on a flat-belt, that technology will continue to adjust to a stationary wheel.

So much for out-of-the-box.

-Steve

OOOPS. My bad vis a vis flat belts and tire / wheel brushes. Although some guys are using tire shiners like the IBA where it applies as the customer drives out.

But the issue is much larger than flat belts and rims vis a vis aftermarket parts and responsibilities.

While I am aware of the drive-through tire-shine option, it wouldn't be my first choice. Instead, a spray application of a hydrophobic tire conditioner makes more sense... or an after-care dressing application by hand.

Many flat-belt conveyors are utilized by hand-carwash operations where customers seem to prefer the meticulous hand-application of a tire dressing... often combined with other hands-on services. Hand-carwash clientele would rather avoid any tire-shine apparatus due to any risk of potential rim damage. Hand application revenues generate more unit profit and assure total coverage... and require little extra time.

Mr. Okun, you're still arguing an issue that's completely irrelevant to the original poster's question. You're still trying to sell a complete format change because of one damaged rim.

Mr. Parris:

Lighten up. There's no argument here. Just a simple response to Earl's comment.

very sad to see this thread get spun like it has.. If issue happens the answer is not well you bought the wrong equipment. The post ask for help did not ask for help one buying new equipment.

BTW you wash enough cars you will see odd things. I have seen low tires, incorrectly installed tires.. bent rims.. just to name a few.. yeah someone tried to patch side wall of tire then hide it to the inside and tried to blame car wash for new tire..

Knowing what your equipment can do,and if its working correctly.

Mr. Okun, your reply is ludicrous. Your "simple response to Earl's comment" included yet ANOTHER sales pitch for a complete format change.

I guess his new mantra is hand washing on flat belt conveyors. If we all switch we can save the carwash industry!