New guests at Tommy’s Express Car Wash are pleasantly surprised by the difference when they get to our entrance. The experience of a conveyor belt car wash is very different from many competitors who use chain and roller-style entry.  

A conveyor belt car wash is much more forgiving than other washes that guide you in by lining up your wheels on a very narrow track. Ours doesn’t hook onto your car; it just carries you through the wash like a magic carpet ride. Talk about low stress! 

Because of our belt’s width flexibility, we welcome a variety of vehicles, such as lowered cars and larger trucks like dualies. The height limit for vehicles is 84 inches. 

The conveyor belt allows more cars to wash per hour due to the easy entrance and wider variety of wheel sizes allowed. That means shorter lines for you whenever you visit! 

How a conveyor belt car wash works 

Our conveyor belt car wash is a two-belt system. Each wheel lines up with one belt. 
 
Loading onto our easy-to-use car wash is a breeze. Here are the basics of how the engineering works: 

1. The belt on the driver’s side has rows of small nubs (or what we call flights).  
    

2. Left wheels fall in between two sets of flights.  
    

3. The flights then pull the vehicle along as it travels down the belt. 
    

4. Sprockets engage at the exit end of the tunnel on the underside of the belt to pull the belt along. 

Our easy belt entry is just one way we achieve our goal of creating an accessible, bright, inviting, and easy-to-use car wash.

If you have avoided visiting a car wash in the past because of the stressful entry point, you’re not alone. Try Tommy’s Express and experience the difference today. 

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Talking about green business practices is one thing. 

Putting them into action is another. 

At Tommy’s Express, we’re dedicated to being a force for good in the communities we serve. 

For us, that means being a sustainable car wash that cares about the environment and the impact we have on the earth.  

For example, we wanted to be purposeful in the way we engineered our building and systems. Now, our innovative water reclamation processes, reverse osmosis technology, and specialized dilution rates reduce water usage and product waste.  

We’re committed to leaving a smaller impact on the earth. Read more about why it’s better to wash at Tommy’s Express versus driveway washing. 

Reducing our environmental footprint takes serious effort.  

It’s a process.   

But every little bit helps. 

Another way we’re doing our part is by switching to biodegradable plastic bags to protect rear wiper blades in the car wash.  

Plastic bags at car wash locations

Our manufacturer, Tommy Car Wash Systems, sold just under 3 million plastic bags last year.  

While we hope that our guests recycle the plastic bags after visiting our wash locations, it’s not always a guarantee.  

Other car washes might tape the rear wiper blade instead of using a plastic bag. That wasn’t a sustainable or safe option for us. 

Switching to biodegradable plastic bags helps everyone.  

Curious about the science behind how the biodegrading of our bags works? 

• A special additive makes the plastic film react to UV light and degrade.  
• After exposure to light, the film attracts microbes that further degrade the film into biomass.  

If a plastic bag falls off a car, its direct sunlight exposure forces a microbe-rich environment, and the bag should biodegrade quickly.  

More than a sustainable car wash

Serving our communities is more than just offering a car wash service.  
 
To us, it’s caring about the environment and the world we leave behind for future generations. 

This is just the start.  

There’s a spirit of innovation at the heart of Tommy’s Express.  

We’re always looking to make our products better, our processes more efficient, and our car washes the best they can be.  

Does that sound interesting to you? We’re hiring! Find a job at a local car wash, or come work for us at our corporate headquarters. 

Being an innovative modern car wash 

As part of our commitment to innovation, we’ve been working hard to design new cloths in the wash that are safe for rear wiper blades.  

Our newly redesigned cloths are safer for rear wiper blades, eliminating the need for bagging. A combination of microfleece and foam allows the cloth to clean well and be light enough to slide over vehicles easily.  

Not all locations have these new cloths yet, but we wanted you to be aware that they’re coming! As locations need replacements, they can now order the new cloths.  

Together, we can help the environment by using less plastic and making the wash safer for team members so they stop walking between cars.  

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One of the questions we often get about car wash safety is what types of vehicles can go in the car wash, especially whether we can wash convertibles and soft-topped Jeeps.

Can these cars go through the wash? 

And our answer is yes! We welcome vehicles of all shapes, sizes, and…roofs!  

Other car washes use a big bristle-style roller brush to clean the top of your car. To be more careful, Tommy’s Express uses a soft curtain of foam and felt cloths to gently clean your soft-topped vehicle. 

Please make sure that your top is secured and waterproof. Otherwise, you’ll get an unexpected soap and shower! 

That first day of summer vibe

When the weather starts warming up, and the sun shines every day, it’s the perfect time to get the summer ride out. 

Even though the first day of summer is June 21, there’s no need to wait until then to bring on the fun. 

What are your go-to summer spots? A beach town, a local ice cream shop, or a favorite park or hiking trail? No matter where you go, the experience is what matters most.  

Convertibles and Jeeps driving the streets with their tops down is a real summer vibe.  

The breeze ruffling your hair, music cranked up, and a ride to a favorite summer destination is the perfect setup for the best day. 

Add in your favorite people (and furry friends!), and it’s an epic recipe for fun.

Swing through your favorite Tommy’s Express for a convertible or soft-top jeep car wash to keep that summer shine. You better look good while you’re turning heads, right? 

We want you to love your ride. Make it happen at Tommy’s Express! 

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Although we love our furry friends, we don’t offer pet washes at our sites.  

Taking care of your pet is just like taking care of your car – you always want to make sure it’s clean and comfortable. 

We want that, too.  

But for now, you’ll have to keep your pet-friendly sudsy fun safe at home. The more bubbles, the better! 

We’re big pet lovers, but our washes are just for cars. 

Car Wash with a Pet Wash

While we don’t offer pet washes, we love seeing pets come through our wash! If you stop at the window, we may even have a treat available for your pet.

An exterior dog wash at a car wash location is a convenient do-it-yourself alternative to taking furry family members to the groomers.  

We get that – it’s like an all-in-one option to clean your car and your dog at once.  

It’s definitely food for thought for our future. 

For now, visit your favorite Tommy’s Express for a fast, convenient way to love your ride. 

We have a few furry friends who love taking a trip through our tunnel. If you have another fan who loves a quick trip through the wash, take a picture or video and tag us on your social media. We love sharing! 

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We love having a variety of cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs come through the wash at Tommy’s Express. Every size is welcome!

One of the perks of a monthly car wash membership like TommyClub is that you get to see many different vehicles and scope out your next dream car. Add it to your gift list and share that hint! 

With our patented arch design and low-profile conveyor belt entry, we’re able to accommodate many vehicle heights and widths.

Read on to discover how we adapt to different makes and models inside the wash.

Car wash clearance for large trucks and SUVs 

Guests with oversized trucks, dual rear wheels (or dualies), large lift kits, custom-made vans, or extended SUVs often ask about our allowed car wash height. 

To avoid any potential damage to your vehicle or those around you, we always want to make sure your vehicle will fit inside our tunnel.

The car wash height limit for vehicles at Tommy’s Express is 84 inches.

If your vehicle is close to the 84-inch limit or you’re unsure of your actual height, please pull into the vacuum area and press the assistance button. A team member can help confirm your vehicle height before entering the wash. They’d be happy to help!  

Wash with confidence

Did you know our equipment is installed in the same way at every Tommy’s Express Car Wash? 

Being consistent and precise with our measurements ensures that oversize vehicles can wash anywhere. 

We want our TommyClub members to take advantage of washing at any location that’s nearby. Whether on your commute to or from work, in between errands, on the way home from practice, or during carpool (karaoke anyone? ), our nationwide network is available anytime.

Join TommyClub to wash how you want – either Unlimited or PayPerWash. We’ll see you in the app lane!

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If you’re new to the TommyClub, you might be wondering, how do I load into a car wash?  

Or you may be curious about how the Tommy Transporter® Belt Conveyor works.  

Tommy’s Express is much simpler than other automatic car washes you’ve tried.  

Loading onto our conveyor belt car wash is a breeze.  

It’s like a magic carpet ride for your vehicle.

Loading onto the conveyor

As you approach the tunnel entrance, you’ll see two large red balls that will help you onto the belt. They narrow down the entry onto the conveyor belt track. 

It’s an easy visual cue to help you recognize precisely where to go.  

To load your car, slow your vehicle down as you enter the wash and follow the prompts on the monitor. 

When you feel your car enter the track, come to a complete stop. Shift into neutral once prompted by the screen, then take your foot off the brake. 

Sometimes, when a wash is busy, or your vehicle is especially wide, a team member will assist in loading.  

Our car wash can load vehicles 84 inches tall and 96 inches wide. 

For dually trucks, each wheelset can have a max width of 33 inches. 

You can always ask for loading assistance at the window if you feel more comfortable with the extra help. 

Why do we use a conveyor belt system

We don’t have any tricky tracks or old-fashioned rails for your tires. 

Tommy Car Wash Systems invented the Tommy Transporter® Belt Conveyor. Our conveyor belt offers increased vehicle and wash safety, faster processing, and, most importantly, easier loading for your valued Guests. 

Not only is the dual belt conveyor system easy on your vehicle, but it also provides an excellent customer experience. No more worrying about damaging your rims and tires.  

It’s a low-stress loading conveyor system that you’ll come to love. 

You can relax as you and your ride enjoy a high-quality car wash. 

Exiting the conveyor belt 

Keep your vehicle in neutral as you move into the blower room at the end of your wash. You’ll see a stoplight system telling you exactly when to shift from neutral to drive. 

Ease onto your brake and slowly exit out of the wash.  

After you exit the wash, make sure to visit our free vacuums and mat washers* to make the most of your time at Tommy’s Express. Complete the clean with these self-service detailing stations, along with detail kits available for purchase. 

Once you experience it, you’ll never want to go back to any other wash. 

If you have any questions, your local Tommy’s Express team members would be happy to help! Or message us on Facebook, and we’ll get back to you.  

*At participating locations only.

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Is it dorky that I get excited before going through Tommy’s Express Car Wash tunnel?

In the span of just a few minutes, I’m treating myself to a shiny new ride. My car gets a luxury suds wash. 

Going through Tommy’s Express Car Wash, I can tell they care about me and my car.  

Car wash safety

In fact, they care about all the cars that go through the wash – and they want to keep everyone safe. 

That means there are a few ground rules for all vehicles that want to go through the wash. 

Aftermarket items

First up: No aftermarket items can go through the wash. Things like roof racks, bike racks, and wheelchair carriers – basically anything attached to a hitch carrier needs to stay at home. 

I was surprised at how much effort they put into making sure that I (and my car) always have a great experience. 

They’re constantly checking truck beds to ensure no loose items were forgotten.  

It all comes down to car wash safety: Brushes and spinners can get trapped in racks and cause damage to my car (or someone behind me). They’re always looking out for us! 

Excessive rust

Finally, they suggest those cars with rust stay at home. And any vehicles already damaged – like a loose bumper or anything tied down with duct tape.  

It makes perfect sense! They don’t want to cause any further damage to any cars.  

When in doubt, be sure to ask any team member for help, and they’ll give you the best advice about what they can make sparkly again. 

Questions? Send a message on Facebook, or feel free to ask at your local Tommy’s Express.  

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We thought you’d never ask! You’ve heard from us before about how much we love our big trucks and duallies (#BigTruckClub). Lowered cars get dirty and need some Tommy’s Express love too.  

Traditional car washes use a chain and roller system to hook onto your wheels and either push or pull your car through the wash. Tommy’s Express Car Wash is anything but traditional. We invented an industry-leading conveyor belt to gently carry your vehicle through the wash.

Our conveyor belt has grips to make sure you don’t roll once you are loaded and shifted to neutral. Nothing will be hooking onto your vehicle or pulling it through the car wash, and there are no rails to scuff those sweet wheels. 

This means cars and trucks that are lower than the OEM design are able to go through Tommy’s Express with ease. Stop by your local Tommy’s Express and ask us if your add-on ground effects or wings are ready to join TommyClub.

Wide tires and lowered sports cars are no match for Tommy’s Express! We love vehicles up to 84 inches tall and 98 inches wide with ground clearance as low as 2 inches.

Still want more proof? Check out our Instagram Reels for vehicles of all sizes getting the Tommy’s Express treatment.  

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Today is the first day of summer and that means bright sunshine, warm weather, and busy Tommy’s Express Car Washes keeping your ride looking great. But, while we always stand by our equipment and wash performance, there are some vehicle features we can’t be responsible for due to the potential risk involved in washing them.

These include:

• Any loose objects in your truck bed (always clear it out first!)
• Automatic wipers (should be manually switched off before entering the wash)
• CB antennas and power antennas (please lower or remove these before entering the wash)
• Fifth wheels
• Loose, rusty, rotted, cracked, or previously damaged vehicle parts and components
• Modified or non-standard parts and components
• Non-factory rims
• Aftermarket or non-standard roof racks
• Running boards and louvers
• Bug guards and shields
• Classic or vintage vehicles without modern clearcoat paint protection
• Rear wipers on certain Honda or Volvo vehicles, if you decline to use a protective baggie

Have questions? Please ask at our window!

Depending on your vehicle, you can still usually take your car through the wash at your own risk. Thank you for understanding and, as always, thank you for being our biggest fans! From all of us at Tommy’s Express, please have a great and safe summer.

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Car washing 101! What three factors work together to clean a car?

1. Detergent Action
2. Pressure
3. Friction

For many years touchless (or ‘brushless’) car washes have maintained a reputation as a safer car wash option. Whether they’re set up as an in-bay system where jets move over and around a parked car, or the car is parked and the driver uses a wand to manually blast the car clean, nothing but water touches the vehicle’s exterior.

But there’s a simple, critical problem with this approach: all touchless car washes, by definition, leave out one of the three key factors for car washing: Friction.

After decades of experience with car wash development, wash quality, and engineering, we’ve consistently found that leaving out physical contact with a car during the wash process is exactly like spraying plates with soapy water without scrubbing them down afterward. It just isn’t enough to remove the stubborn, baked-on dirt and grime that cars build up upon the road.

So touchless car wash operators must either settle for less-than-clean vehicles (and dissatisfied customers) OR overcorrect using the two factors they have remaining: DETERGENT, ACTION, and PRESSURE.

This may mean a touchless car wash ramps up the water pressure to an extreme degree, scouring your paint and forcing water into places it shouldn’t go. Or, more often, it means the car wash starts using harsh, concentrated cleaning products injected into the water stream to aggressively break up dirt, mud, and bug smear… and eat at your car’s clear coat as well.

A better, balanced car washing solution

The Tommy’s Express Car Wash system has been engineered specifically to balance all three cleaning factors and provide the safest wash possible.  Each element is modernized and has been extensively tested, targeted, and designed to do its job and do it right!

Our 130’ belt layout gives us the space and travel time to arrange equipment and give it the time it needs to work safely. This includes:

The Triple Presoak arch

Three rings with a variety of nozzles to apply metered presoak dilutions set to different sections of your vehicle. The presoak has a few vital seconds to dwell, loosening up grime, before being safely washed away.

All-around friction cleaning modules

Did you know our brushes don’t actually use brushes? Instead, all Tommy’s Express Car Washes use either a closed-cell foam or dense specialty soft cloth material that feels more or less like yarn, but far tougher and more unyielding. Both types are heavily lubricated with body soap on a constant basis during use. You can see for yourself—just watch and see how foamy each touch of our ‘brushes’ leaves your car as you pass through!

The heavy foam application encapsulates and lubricates all the dirt and sand coming off your vehicle, removing it without grinding it into the car’s surface or allowing it to embed in the car wash brushes, which are cleaned and dried daily.

Underbody blasters

A steady stream of water is used to safely remove salt and other buildup from the lower portions of your vehicle, which can help prevent rusting and corrosion—especially during the winter in colder states.

High and low-pressure cleaning and rinse nozzles

These are spaced along the entire length of the car wash in a variety of positions on a number of different pieces of equipment. Each nozzle is carefully metered, used with a carefully monitored level of car wash product, and uses water appropriate for its role; fresh water for most functions, low-pressure reclaimed water for low-priority wheel or rocker panel cleaning, and purified water for our spot-free rinse.

Awesome extras

When you purchase our upper-level wash packages you get more than a great clean! We include UV Body Protectant that works like sunscreen to prevent fading; Hot Wax, which over time provides an increasingly thick, durable protective layer with great shine; and our Tire Gloss which protects and moisturizes the rubber of your vehicles, keeping them looking clean and new!

When you visit Tommy’s Express, you receive one of the most modern, carefully designed and executed car wash services available anywhere. And you get this service at express speeds with short wait times and the convenience of a tag-less monthly membership system controlled on-demand from the free Tommy’s Express app.

If you’ve considered Tommy’s Express in the past but weren’t sure if we were for you, we invite you to give us a try today and see for yourself how we compare!

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