NYSCWA Venus vs. Mars - Fall 2010

I am not surprised to hear about another car company not addressing problems with their cars. We all see how the recent recalls of Toyotas have affected their company. Unfortunately, we are in a world where greed and profits take over the thinking of executives. What amazes me is that I have seen many television news stories about this issue and people continue to buy these automobiles. I would not drive one of these death traps if Chrysler gave me one for free (and believe me I love a bargain!)

As a carwash consumer, I would be very nervous if the car that pulls up behind me is a Jeep Cherokee especially if I am in an exterior wash.

My first thought, if I still operated a wash, would be to refuse to wash any Jeep Cherokees. Although it may seem extreme it would guarantee that my carwash would likely not be in the news because of a tragic accident on my site. If you did a car count by car models for the month, I doubt it would be significant. Of course, you would then have to worry about any repercussions due to this strict policy.

Extensive training is another route to take. I would make sure the Cherokee is shut off, and in neutral, and there would be additional rollers before and after the vehicle to protect my customers and employees. On a real slow day let it go through the tunnel alone.  I would have a sign placed on the steering wheel as big as possible stating the car must be completely shut off before putting back into gear (just in case the car was put on the conveyor in neutral with the car running by error.)  I would make my employees stand clear of the front of the tunnel until the car has been removed safely from the tunnel and into park with car the turned off before they can approach the vehicle to finish detailing. I would also hand the Jeep Cherokee owner something in writing so they know exactly why their car wash may take longer. I would explain the possible safety hazard with the vehicle they are driving and that you are trying to protect the other customers and employees. I would include a list of safety rules you follow so they do the same thing every time they stop or start their vehicle. They may be annoyed with you at first but once they look into it I am sure they will be thankful that they are now well informed.

Whether The Jeep Cherokee sudden acceleration problem has been going on for well over a decade now. It seems that every month I am reading an article or getting an email about another Jeep crash. Sometimes it involves serious injuries or even death. I have even heard of non-carwash related accidents involving the Jeeps. I would have thought by now the problem would have been rectified, but I still hear of incidents in newer model Jeeps. One of the problems I suppose is that Chrysler, who manufactures the Jeep, refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem.

To date, I don’t believe that there is any concrete proof that there is a defect in the accelerator or any other part of the vehicle. The Cherokee used to be and may still be one of the most commonly driven suv’s on the road.  Considering that, can it just be a percentage issue? The more of one particular car that you wash the more likely you are to have an accident with that type of car?

I have also heard another argument claiming that the design of the gas pedal and brake pedal are too close together. This causes the driver to inadvertently press the gas pedal when intending to press the brake pedal. Who knows for sure, but what I do know is that I always hear about the accidents involving Jeeps and very rarely hear about an accident at a carwash involving another type vehicle. 

We have employees whose only job is to load and unload the cars from the conveyer. With every car on the entrance where the vehicle is vacuumed the employee removes the driver side mat and puts it behind the driver’s seat.  In the past, we have had accidents because the employees would put the mat back in the car and it would get caught on the gas pedal and cause an unintended acceleration. Our employees replace the mat on the exit end where they are able to take their time and cautiously replace the mat properly.

At our wash we do not take any chances with the Jeeps. The drivers have been instructed on Jeep Cherokee and Commanders to be extra cautious.  When entering the vehicle they are to immediately differentiate between the gas and brake pedal. When they turn the ignition they are to look at the tachometer to be sure the motor is not racing. Usually, when pulling the car off the conveyer it is hard to hear the motor because of the sound of the blowers. Finally, before switching the transmission for neutral to drive they are supposed to have their foot on the brake pedal.

My policy with these Jeeps is that you cannot be too cautious whether there is a problem with them or not. I don’t know if the steps we have taken have helped prevent an accident or one has just not presented itself.  However, we will continue doing what we are doing. Hopefully, sometime in the near future Chrysler and the International Carwash Association (ICA) can come to some type of conclusion as to whether there is truly a defect or if it is just some type of coincidence.