Inside Our Car Wash: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Ramona Express
Ever wondered what actually happens when your vehicle disappears into the tunnel at Ramona Express Car Wash?
Those few minutes transform your dirty vehicle into a gleaming, spot-free ride – but the technology and expertise making it happen are far more sophisticated than most people realize.
At Ramona Express, we’ve invested in advanced cleaning technology that sets us apart from typical car washes.
After operating as a Tommy’s Express franchise for six years, we made the pivotal decision to become independent specifically so we could upgrade to superior equipment and premium detergents that franchise limitations wouldn’t allow.
Our state-of-the-art conveyor belt system – rather than the chain-pull method used by most express washes – represents just one of many technological advantages we’ve implemented.
This difference isn’t just marketing talk; it directly impacts how thoroughly and safely your vehicle gets cleaned.
In this behind-the-scenes tour, we’ll walk you through each stage of our wash process, explain how our equipment works, and show you exactly why our approach delivers superior results while being gentler on your vehicle.
You’ll discover the eco-friendly aspects of our operation and meet the dedicated team that keeps everything running smoothly.
The Conveyor Belt System: Why It Matters to Your VehicleП
The moment you pull into Ramona Express Car Wash, you’re already experiencing a fundamental difference in car wash technology.
Most express washes use a traditional chain system with rollers that grab your tires and pull your vehicle through the tunnel. Our conveyor belt system takes a completely different approach.
How Traditional Chain Systems Work:
- Metal rollers physically grab and hold your tires
- Vehicles jerk forward in increments as the chain advances
- Potential for wheel damage, especially on luxury or modified vehicles
- Risk of vehicles becoming misaligned during the wash process
Our Conveyor Belt Advantage:
- Your tires rest securely on a moving belt surface
- Smooth, continuous motion throughout the entire wash
- No metal-on-metal contact with your wheels
- Significantly reduced risk of damage to wheels or undercarriage components
This fundamental difference explains why many luxury and specialty vehicle owners choose Ramona Express exclusively.
The gentle, consistent movement eliminates the jerking motion common in traditional washes that can potentially damage wheels, especially on vehicles with special rims or low-profile tires.
The conveyor belt also enables more consistent cleaning.
Since your vehicle moves at a steady pace rather than in jerky increments, each cleaning element can work more effectively, reaching areas that might be missed in a traditional system.
The 7-Stage Cleaning Process: What Happens In The Tunnel
Our wash tunnel may seem like a mysterious cavern of brushes and sprayers, but it’s actually a carefully choreographed cleaning system with distinct stages. Here’s what’s actually happening as your vehicle moves through the tunnel:
Stage 1: Pre-Soak Application
What’s Happening: The journey begins with a specialized pre-soak solution applied to your entire vehicle. This isn’t just soapy water – it’s a pH-balanced formula designed to begin breaking down road grime, bug residue, and environmental contaminants.
The Technology Behind It:
- High-pressure delivery system with targeted nozzles
- Computer-controlled application adjusts to vehicle size
- pH-balanced formula that activates on contact with dirt particles
Why It Matters: This critical first step softens stubborn dirt and contaminants, making subsequent cleaning stages more effective. The pre-soak penetrates and loosens dirt rather than potentially scratching it across your paint surface.
Stage 2: High-Pressure Rinse
What’s Happening: Powerful jets of water target your vehicle from multiple angles, removing the majority of loose dirt and the pre-soak solution.
The Technology Behind It:
- Computer-controlled water pressure system
- 360° coverage using strategically positioned nozzles
- Water conservation technology that uses precisely the amount needed
Why It Matters: This stage removes approximately 80% of surface contaminants before any physical contact with your vehicle, dramatically reducing the risk of scratching during the wash process.
Stage 3: Premium Soap Application
What’s Happening: Depending on your selected package (Standard, Premium, or Mega), specialized cleaning detergents are applied to your vehicle. Each formula is designed for specific cleaning challenges.
The Technology Behind It:
- Tiered detergent delivery system with package-specific formulas
- Advanced foaming technology for better contact time
- Triple-foam polish application in Premium and Mega packages
Why It Matters: Our premium detergents target different types of contamination – road film, organic matter, industrial fallout – without damaging clear coats or paint finishes.
The generous application ensures complete coverage and maximum effectiveness.
Stage 4: Soft-Touch Cleaning
What’s Happening: Specially designed wash media made from ultra-soft material makes contact with your vehicle’s surface to safely remove contaminants.
The Technology Behind It:
- Computer-controlled pressure monitoring
- Microfiber-based materials regularly cleaned and maintained
- Separate media for different vehicle areas (tops, sides, wheels)
Why It Matters: Unlike outdated “brush” systems, our soft-touch materials won’t scratch or swirl your paint.
The controlled pressure ensures effective cleaning without damage, and our regular maintenance prevents cross-contamination between vehicles.
Stage 5: Undercarriage and Wheel Cleaning
What’s Happening: For Premium and Mega Wash customers, high-pressure water jets target your vehicle’s undercarriage while specialized cleaners treat wheel surfaces.
The Technology Behind It:
- Oscillating high-pressure undercarriage rinse
- Wheel-specific cleaning formulas that break down brake dust
- Targeted wheel blasters that reach barrel interior
Why It Matters: The undercarriage is the most neglected yet most vulnerable area to corrosion. Our system removes road salt, mud, and debris that can cause expensive damage over time.
The wheel cleaning technology removes stubborn brake dust that regular washing can’t touch.
Stage 6: Protection Application
What’s Happening: For Premium and Mega Wash customers, protective treatments are applied to create a barrier against environmental damage.
The Technology Behind It:
- Rain-X water repellent application (Premium & Mega)
- Hot wax protective coating (Mega only)
- Ceramic shine treatment (Mega only)
- Clear coat sealant (Mega only)
Why It Matters: These protective treatments don’t just make your car shine – they create a sacrificial barrier that shields your paint from UV damage, acid rain, bird droppings, and other contaminants.
The ceramic treatment in our Mega Wash helps water bead and roll off your vehicle, keeping it cleaner longer.
Stage 7: Advanced Drying System
What’s Happening: As your vehicle exits the wash tunnel, a sophisticated drying system removes water to prevent spotting.
The Technology Behind It:
- 18 high-powered blowers (industry-leading number)
- Additional exit control blower for final pass
- Filtered, spot-free rinse water in earlier stages
Why It Matters: Our extensive drying system is what sets us apart from competitors who often skimp on this crucial final step.
With 18 blowers plus an exit blower, we remove substantially more water than standard systems, dramatically reducing water spots and the need for hand drying.
The Eco-Friendly Advantage: Clean Cars, Cleaner Planet
Many people don’t realize that professional car washes are significantly more environmentally friendly than washing at home. At Ramona Express, we’ve gone even further with specific eco-conscious practices throughout our operation.
Water Conservation:
- Recycling system that captures, filters, and reuses water
- Each vehicle wash uses approximately 35 gallons versus 80-140 gallons for a typical home wash
- Computer-controlled systems dispense precisely the water needed – no waste
Eco-Friendly Chemistry:
- Biodegradable detergents that break down naturally
- Phosphate-free formulas that won’t harm waterways
- Responsible water treatment before environmental release
Energy Efficiency:
- Variable frequency drives on motors to minimize power consumption
- LED lighting throughout the facility
- Energy-efficient blower motors in the drying system
Proper Waste Management:
- Containment and professional disposal of all wash runoff
- Filtration systems that prevent contaminants from entering storm drains
- Regular environmental compliance audits
The environmental impact of home washing is something many people overlook. When you wash your car in the driveway, soap, oil, gasoline, and road grime flow directly into storm drains and eventually into local waterways.
Our professional systems capture these contaminants, protecting local ecosystems while still delivering a superior clean.
The People Behind the Technology: Our Expert Team
While our advanced equipment is impressive, it’s our dedicated team that truly makes the Ramona Express difference.
Unlike many express washes that operate with minimal staff, we maintain a full team on-site at all times to assist customers and keep operations running smoothly.
Our Staff Expertise:
- Equipment specialists who monitor and maintain wash components
- Customer service professionals trained to address specific vehicle needs
- Management team with 15+ combined years in the car wash industry
Ongoing Training Program:
- Initial comprehensive training on all wash systems
- Regular updates on new equipment and techniques
- Customer service excellence certification
- Vehicle-specific care knowledge (luxury, classic, modified)
Always Available Service: Unlike competitors who often operate with minimal supervision, we always have team members on-site to:
- Guide first-time customers through the wash selection process
- Address special vehicle requirements
- Provide assistance with vacuum stations
- Offer advice on optimal wash packages for specific conditions
Our commitment to staffing professionals rather than operating as a fully automated facility comes from our belief that exceptional car care requires human oversight.
Our team members take pride in delivering consistently excellent results for every vehicle.
Special Vehicle Considerations: How We Handle Unique Rides
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to vehicle washing. Our system is designed to safely accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to full-size trucks. However, some vehicles benefit from special consideration.
Luxury & Exotic Vehicles:
The conveyor belt system is ideal for low-clearance vehicles that might scrape on traditional rails or rollers.
Our soft-touch materials are safe for even the most delicate paint finishes, and our ceramic protection in the Mega Wash is particularly beneficial for maintaining high-end paint jobs.
Modified & Lifted Vehicles:
Our wash tunnel can accommodate most lifted trucks and SUVs. The open design of our conveyor system works with oversized tires that might slip out of traditional chain systems. Our staff can provide guidance on height limitations if you’ve got a significantly modified vehicle.
Classic & Collector Cars:
Owners of vintage vehicles appreciate our conveyor belt system, which eliminates the risk of damage from traditional chain mechanisms. The gentle wash process preserves older paint finishes and delicate trim pieces. Our Mega Wash package includes protectants that are particularly beneficial for maintaining these special vehicles.
Electric Vehicles:
Our wash process is fully compatible with electric vehicles, including Teslas and other EVs with sensitive undercarriage components. The smooth conveyor movement is ideal for these vehicles, and our cleaning solutions are safe for all automotive finishes.
Membership Benefits: The Smartest Way to Experience Ramona Express
After seeing behind the scenes of our advanced cleaning system, many customers choose to become members for regular access to our premium services. Our unlimited wash memberships provide exceptional value compared to pay-per-wash options.
Additional Membership Perks:
- Dedicated member lane for faster service
- License plate recognition technology (no need to stop at kiosk)
- Easy management through our mobile app
- Multi-vehicle discounts for families
- No long-term contracts – cancel anytime with 30-day notice
The Value Calculation: With a Premium Membership at $29.99, washing just twice monthly brings your per-wash cost to $15 – less than a single Standard Wash! Most members visit weekly, bringing their effective cost to around $7.50 per wash.
Come See the Difference for Yourself
Now that you’ve had a behind-the-scenes tour of what makes Ramona Express Car Wash different, we invite you to experience it firsthand. Our advanced conveyor belt system, premium cleaning products, and dedicated staff work together to deliver results that simply can’t be matched by traditional car washes.
Whether you drive a daily commuter, a luxury vehicle, or a weekend adventure rig, our technology is designed to provide the safest, most effective cleaning available.
And with our range of packages and membership options, you can find the perfect balance of service and value for your specific needs. Visit us at 10805 Ramona Avenue in Montclair to discover why so many local drivers have made the switch to Ramona Express.
Our team is always available to answer questions, offer recommendations, or provide a more detailed tour of our facility.
Your vehicle deserves the best – give it the Ramona Express treatment today!