A tire shine application system includes a computer having at least one sensor interfaced thereto that detects and measures sizes of a tire of a vehicle as the vehicle enters a car wash. A tire shine applicator is interfaced to a three-directional movement device that is controlled by the computer. When the tire approaches the tire shine applicator, the computer controls the three-directional movement device to position the tire shine applicator to an outwardly facing wall of the tire and controls the three-directional movement device so that the tire shine applicator traverses the outwardly facing wall of the tire while tracking the tire as the tire shine applicator deposits tire shine liquid on the outwardly facing wall of the tire.

An overhead vehicle wash mitter apparatus is provided. A mitter curtain can include multiple mitters that sway above a vehicle pathway as a vehicle travels along the pathway. Each mitter can include an upper end and a lower end closer to the vehicle pathway, a sheath defining an interior tube and an exterior surface that engages a vehicle surface, and a pad in the sheath. The pad can press outward on the sheath so that the sheath attains a first thickness, which can be at least ? inch, at least 1 inch, at least 1? inch or more, so the sheath is impaired from entering between a wiper and a surface of the vehicle, such as a window. Accordingly, damage to the wiper of the vehicle is prevented when the mitter engages the surface and the wiper. A related method of use is provided.

A wheel brush and lug nut cleaner having a handle with a rear portion and a front portion operably configured to pivot with respect to one another utilizing a pivot pin with a plurality of grooves disposed along an external perimeter thereof. The rear portion has a spring-loaded release mechanism disposed therein and having an accessible release button and a lock tab in operational communication with the release button, wherein the accessible release button is operably configured to move the lock tab to a disengaged position and an engaged position with respect to the plurality of grooves, the disengaged position operably configured to enable pivoting of the front portion with respect to the rear portion and the engaged position operably configured prevent pivoting of the front portion with respect to the rear portion. The device also includes a brush head with a plurality of bristles disposed thereon.

A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion rotatably secured to the frame. The hub portion includes an axis of rotation and an outer surface. A plurality of media elements are secured to the hub portion. The media elements include a flexible, self-supporting material such that the plurality of media elements can retain substantially the same shape when the hub portion is rotating at both high and low RPMs. The plurality of media elements are secured to the hub portion in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction of the axis of rotation. Each of the plurality of spaced apart rows extending in a generally arcuate path along at least a portion of the hub portion.

A portable foam brush includes a soap reservoir, such as optionally in a base or in a wand, a foaming chamber, and an air compressor, such as optionally battery-operated air compressor. The compressor is configured for supplying air to act upon the soap from the reservoir to cause dispensing of soap to the foaming chamber. In some embodiments, the compressor may also supply air to the foaming chamber. In use, the soap and the air in the foaming chamber combine to form an air and soap foam. The brush includes a brush end configured for receiving foam from the foaming chamber and dispensing the foam.

A snow and ice remover assembly for vehicle roofs having two vertical supports separated by a distance sufficient to move a vehicle between the vertical supports. A crossbar extends between and movable along the two vertical supports. A base structure is attached to the vertical supports and has wheels that engage a support surface upon which the snow and ice remover stands. A wheel movement prevention mechanism is also provided.

The invention is a highly-efficient apparatus and system for removing impurities and debris from wheel components in a time-optimized and cost-controlled manner to ensure consistent results. The system is a single integrated tool on which employees can be quickly trained to perform all wheel cleaning functions by using the tool's components in any order, increasing the probability that all operations will be performed.

A rotary vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash facility is provided. The vehicle wash component includes a hub disposed about and rotatable about a center axis. A plurality of media elements extend outwardly from the hub for rotation with the hub. Each of the media elements has a centerline that is positioned offset relative to the center axis such that the centerline does not intersect the center axis. The media elements may be fixed to the hub or they may be pivotable relative to the hub. The media elements may pivot between two offset positions in response to rotation in opposite directions. The media elements may include a plurality of treatment heads secured to the media elements.

A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be pivoted at a side mirror location of the vehicle.

A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle.