By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
Change is a constant, but the car wash industry especially has experienced significant makeovers in recent years that touch virtually every aspect of the business, including the washing of the cars, attracting and retaining customers and even whether employees are needed.
Once manual and labor-intensive operations have now transformed into sophisticated and automated systems that have vastly improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
The evolving industry is something both veteran operators and prospective new owners must keep pace with if they hope to achieve and maintain success.
Following consultation with several industry veterans – and our own insight – we’ve come up with our top five innovations that have transformed the car wash experience, perhaps forevermore.
Automation/Smart technology
Modern car washes increasingly rely on sensors, robotics, and even AI (artificial intelligence) to optimize the washing process. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) devices allows for real-time monitoring and control of the wash process. This technology helps systems handle more vehicles with greater precision and speed and helps predict needed maintenance and reduces downtime. AI also enhances the customer experience by enabling personalized services and quick processing times, thus more convenient and efficient.
Subscription model
Subscription models at car washes took off during the COVID-19 pandemic as customers looked for ways to eliminate contact points when purchasing goods and services. Those on unlimited wash plans at facilities utilizing services such as license plate recognition had zero interaction with staff members. Nowadays, subscription models provide dependable income to owners rather than having to rely on the changing desires of those who use cash or seek washes only after a bout of bad weather. Dependable income, in turn, can offer owners the confidence to spend more freely on improvements, new services or offer more specials.
Sustainability/Eco-friendly policies
Environmental sustainability has become a major focus in the car wash industry, and not just due to government rules and regulations. In fact, commercial car washes are the most environmentally friendly way to wash a vehicle. Innovations in water recycling – such as filtration systems that recycle up to 90 percent of water used – also allow car wash operators to increase profits. The use of biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning agents is becoming standard practice. These products are designed to clean effectively while minimizing harm to the environment.
Touchless car washes
Touchless car washes are not new – the first version debuted in the 1950s – but their use of high pressures of air and water instead of mechanical agitation to clean vehicles has seen an uptick of late. While damage to cars is rare at car washes, this method further reduces the risk or alleviates concerns from customers who remain skeptical. The lingering downside concerns of these washes is whether they do as good a job in the actual cleaning process.
Customer amenities
Car wash operators are utilizing a greater variety of amenities to attract and retain customers, including upscale waiting lounges, complimentary drinks and snacks and loyalty programs. More have also experimented with turning the car washing experience into an entertainment event, such as incorporating Halloween, Christmas or even Jurassic Park-like themes.
