7 Reasons Why You Should Start Your Own Car Wash Business

Car washes exist all over the world in so many different environments, locations, with various clienteles, and of course, vehicles. But something all car wash businesses need is car wash chemicals. With the common goal of cleaning cars and so many different chemical options on the market, it's tough for newly starting out car washes to know what they need to operate and what can they add to their wash lineup.

As a car wash owner, you will want to ensure you have a strong understanding of car wash chemistry, chemical types, and their uses.

Car Wash Chemistry

Car washes are designed to clean customers' vehicles, specifically the exterior of vehicles. They use a variety of chemicals to not only clean cars but protect them and improve their appearance by providing a strong shine.

There are no one size fits all car wash chemicals, there are many different types of chemicals and they have different jobs. Some may even have unique advantages over another and some may have disadvantages. Chemicals will also differ in the method you intend to use them as touchless washes for instance will need different types of chemicals than soft-touch washes.

Touchless Car Washes

In touchless washes, the car is cleaned without any physical contact between the wash equipment and the car's surface. This type of wash uses high-pressure streams of water to remove dirt and grime instead of soft cloths or brushes.

Since friction aids the cleaning process greatly, chemicals in touchless car washes need to be prepared to do more heavy lifting and thus need to be different than other chemicals.

Let's take a look at all the different types of chemicals car washes use.

The Basics

The 'basics' are the chemicals that most car washes need to do their job of washing vehicles. Though these car wash chemicals can still differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, almost all car washes will use these chemicals to conduct their business.

Presoaks

Presoaks are the first step in any car wash and their job is to loosen up all the dirt, grime, and build-up on a car. This makes it much easier for your other chemicals to clean and do their job effectively. This is especially the case for the application of protectants such as waxes and sealants.

Tunnel car washes will typically have a presoak arch at the beginning of the wash but some do not use presoaks in their wash process. This is typically due to a lack of space with smaller tunnel washes but we highly recommend your car wash utilizes presoaks as it will make the rest of your wash that much better.

Presoaks come in a variety of pH ranges, mostly low pH and high pH but some products offer a middle ground to ensure the experience can be tailored for every situation.

Impact of pH in Presoaks

Higher pH presoaks will do a better job of tackling organic material, greasy and oily soils on vehicles, this is due to it being more alkaline.

Lower pH presoaks are more acidic and thus, better at removing non-organic dust and dirt off surfaces.

Which presoak your car wash will want to use will depend on various factors but your location is one of the most important.

Detergents (aka Shampoo or Car Wash Soap)

Detergents are the next step in the wash process. These products are best at removing dirt. Detergents can also vary in pH from high to low and car wash soap is also used to prepare cars for drying as they aid in water wicking.

The incorrect type of car wash soap can create a water-retentive surface, so it is important to choose the right kind of product for your wash scenario.

Tire/Wheel Cleaners

Tire cleaners come in acidic and alkaline types and as you might have guessed, is used to clean the wheels of a vehicle. Specifically, tire cleaners take off the dirt and grime from wheels, tires, brakes, etc.

Wheels often are the dirtiest part of the vehicle, so it is a must for car washes to tackle them with the utmost quality and speed, especially since not all rims will be OEMs and may be an aftermarket part. The last thing you want to happen as a car wash is to damage a customer's vehicle.

Triple Foam Products

Triple foams are neutral or acidic products that either further clean the car (condition) or apply a layer of wax (polish), and in many cases, car washes opt to use both.  

A triple foam of some variety is used by many car washes, but customers usually must upgrade to receive it on their vehicle. They are a popular choice of customers as they have a strong visual benefit of the tricolors, this is where the product gets its name from.

It even strengthens the rest of the washing process by not only cleaning it further but preparing the car for a protectant and helping the drying process in a later stage.

Paint Sealants, Ceramic Coatings, Waxes and other Protectants

Protectants come in many different forms and they all have their unique advantages and disadvantages.

Sealants bond with the vehicle's surface and protect it from weather and light marks, they may also offer some form of shine. Sealants are synthetic and try to bond in the pores of a car, this allows them to be exceptional at UV protection.

While wax will focus on providing a brilliant shine, with a weaker form of protection than sealants could provide. Waxes can be synthetic as well but are usually made of more natural ingredients, carnauba being a popular option.

Ceramic coatings are a thin layer of polymer that create a barrier between the vehicle and anything that comes into contact with it. Ceramics provide paint protection from the elements and UV rays, hydrophobicity, shine, and more.

Drying Agents

After all the cleaning has taken place, the vehicle will be given a drying agent which provides a hydrophobic nature to its surface. They are typically synthetic oil based and thus, are used to repel water off the vehicle in water beads. This helps the high powdered dryers to quickly wick the water off the vehicle, so it can leave dry.

Those are the more standard car wash chemicals you will see used in car washes. Next up we'll discuss the more niche or specialty chemicals that car washes will use.

Specialties  

Specialties are car wash chemicals that you may not see being used in every car wash. Only some washes will choose to offer this product as it may pertain to their location, climate, or business model. Some car washes will only carry a limited stock of it to fit a certain time of the year, such as bug season.

Bug Removers

These are often alkaline chemicals used to remove the remains of bugs on vehicles, also often called bug splats. In some areas and some times of the year, there may be a high prevalence of bug splats on vehicles and they can be difficult to remove them.

They work by essentially 'dissolving' the bug so that it can be easily removed by the wash process but it is not always a quick process. The chemical may need to sit on the vehicle for a minute or two for the effect to take place.

Glass Cleaners

Glass cleaners are used to clean the windows of a vehicle and leave it streak free. They help driver impairment by making water and other vision blocks wick off the surface quickly.

Undercarriage Rust Inhibitors

The car wash will spray a light coat of inhibitor on the undercarriage which will help to prevent rust from forming. It becomes a protective coat underneath the vehicle which provides protection against moisture from water and snow year-round.

Tire Dressings

Tire dressings provide a consistent shine and protection to the rubber. It also can help repel water and snow which will keep the tires from degrading as quickly. They come in a few different forms such as water based which are the thinnest and least lasting, solvent-based which has better shine, and silicone which is the thickest and carries the best shine.

Tire dressings can also make future cleaning easier.

Wheel Protectants

Wheel protectants also offer shine but are often used for their protection from scraps, dirt, and grime. Using wheel protectants also makes cleaning easier in future washes.

Interior Cleaners

While most car washes only focus on the exterior cleaning of vehicles, there are some that will also clean the interior of vehicles as well.

Interior cleaners or detailing products are different than exterior ones as the materials within a car are greatly different than the outside of a car.

If you're interested in reading about interior cleaning and their chemicals, you can read our previous article here.

Chemical Concerns? Contact Turtle Wax Pro

Turtle Wax has a 97% brand recognition for good reason, we manufacturer great chemistry and support our clients and customers so they can achieve success within the car wash industry. The right chemical supplier will ensure your business has all the supplies, training, and expertise it needs to compete within the market.

If you have any questions regarding the car wash chemical types, your own current chemistry, or looking for a place to start, get in contact with us! We would be happy to walk you through the different chemical options and see what is the best fit for you and your car wash business.

Want to buy a car wash? Buying any existing business can be a complex decision, and that is no different for a car wash business.

In this post, be walking through some basic, yet important considerations about this industry that should help inform your decision of buying an existing car wash. While these factors aren't an exhaustive list, they will be helpful to consider when purchasing a car wash business.

What are the main types of car washes?

Self-Serve

A self-serve car wash is usually the least expensive option. Generally, customers pay via coin or credit card to use a self-serve system. It comes with an applicator wand that will apply chemical applications and rinsing, and they pay for the amount of time it is used.

In-Bay Automatic

Automatic washes are compact systems where customers can drive into the bay, and a piece of machinery will move around the vehicle and apply soap and rinsing, but does not come in contact with the car. That is why it can be referred to as a touchless wash. Dryers will be enabled to dry the car as it departs the bay.

Tunnel

Similarly, another type of automated system is the tunnel wash, where customers drive, or are led via conveyor, through a tunnel with different wash stages along the trip. Arches apply chemistry and rinsing applications and rotating brushes apply gentle friction to help remove dirt and sediment, and dryers operate at the exit. This wash operation takes the most space, and is generally a more luxurious experience.

What is the best car wash business?

The best car wash business is one that meets the specific needs of its customers, and the goals of its owners. That means there is no 'best' car wash type, as they all can be lucrative!

Any one of those 3 type of car washes can be great investments and find lots of success within the industry. But they all operate differently, and have their own advantages.

Self-Service

Self-service washes are typically the cheapest to buy and for customers to use, as they use less machines and need customers to wash their own cars. Customers like that they have control over the wash.

In-Bay Automatics

In-Bay Automatic washes are expensive initially due to the heavy equipment needed for them to operate. Because these systems don't directly touch the car, they (perhaps a little more than other systems) rely on optimized chemistry and water quality for premium cleaning, through spray and rinse applications.  The washes take up minimal space and can wash a single vehicle at a time per bay.

Tunnels

Tunnel washes are larger and generally much more costly than other options, but can wash multiple cars at once, bringing in more profits. Generally speaking, the longer the tunnel, the better quality of wash, and the greater volume of cars. Customers often pay the same or more than In-Bay Automatic washes for this experience.

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Other Factors of Consideration

Now that we have gone over the different types of car washes, it's time to start thinking about how to buy one. When you're ready to purchase a car wash, there are several things you need to take into account such as price, location and what type of facility would best suit your needs.

Price

The price of a car wash will vary depending on the size, age, type of facility and location. The type and condition of the wash, it's prior success, and the extras it comes with can affect the price greatly.

Be sure to plan for all the operating expenses, and budget accordingly for fixing weaknesses you may have to to address upon buying.

The type of wash you end up purchasing may be determined by the sellers' price and the capital available to you. Larger operations like tunnel car washes for sale are generally selling for more money, and can have larger expenses and that limits who can invest.

A Feasibility Study can be a helpful tool determining if a property for sale will be a good car wash business investment.

Location

You'll want to find a location that is easily accessible to your target market, preferably in a high-traffic area. A bad location can stifle business growth, driving a car wash into the dirt. On the other hand, a great location, or even just a good location can be the biggest reason customers keep coming.

Also, look at local competition and be aware of what is working and not working with your competitors (try a SWOT analysis) to determine how to set yourself apart from other businesses and build your own customer base.

Equipment

When looking at car washes, it is important to take a close look at the equipment, if it comes included. Make sure that it is in good condition and well-maintained. If it isn't up to par, you will need to factor time and costs to replace or repair it.

Size

The size of a car wash is also something that you should consider. A larger facility with more bays or a long tunnel will be able to accommodate more customers, but it will also come at a higher price, and cost more to operate.

A small car wash will discourage more customers from queueing up or waiting for their turn. Likewise, one too large may struggle to have the volume to warrant its operating costs.

Other Elements to Consider

These factors just scratch the surface for those wanting to purchase a car wash. There are many more aspects to buying and owning a car wash such as your business license, local operating bylaws, and reaching your target market for your business. Ensure you connect with local authorities and experts and follow the local regulations correctly.

We recommend that whatever wash site has interested you, you make a detailed car wash Business Plan before moving further in the process. Because before buying an existing car wash, you want to ensure you can make money with your purchase.

Next we'll go over some additional elements you'll want to consider in your business plan for buying a car wash and operating it.

What's next for car wash businesses?

Operating a car wash business can be a very rewarding, lucrative experience, but it's important to go into it with your eyes open and be prepared. Here are a few investment considerations you will want to think about.

Car Wash Chemicals

One of the most important things to consider when operating a car wash is the chemicals you'll use. There are many different types of chemistry on the market and it's important to choose ones that will be gentle on each customer's vehicle, but tough on dirt and grime.

We recommend speaking to car wash chemistry manufacturer like us, Turtle Wax Pro. We offer premium performance and results.

Car Wash Equipment

If you're buying an existing facility, you will want to examine all equipment and ensure that they are in top condition as this will play an important role in your business' success.

Training your staff how to safely and effectively use this equipment (and aforementioned chemistry) is also essential.

Marketing Efforts

You'll also want to make sure that you have a solid marketing strategy in place to attract customers.

There are many ways to market a car wash, from a website and on-site signage, to training employees how to upsell wash packages, and you can read about more it in a previous Turtle Wax Pro blog.

With Turtle Wax Pro, powerful marketing opportunities are a benefit that comes with our chemistry. Harnessing the power of the known and loved Turtle Wax brand at your business can really help your company stand out from its competition.  

Mobile Apps and Loyalty Programs

Convenient apps can be used to help your customers buy and start your wash, and earn points.

Mosaic is our recommended digital solution for car washes to market directly to their customers' mobile phones, as well as harness a powerful loyalty program, and offer innovative ease-of-use for customers and staff.

If you're thinking about buying a car wash, contact Turtle Wax Pro!

With a history of over 75 years of providing excellence in car care, we are familiar with the ins and outs of the car wash industry!

If you're considering buying a car wash business, reach out with your questions and discover why Turtle Wax Pro is the chemistry that will get your business started on the right foot!

Are you looking for a business opportunity that is both profitable and exciting? If so, then you should consider opening a car wash business.

This industry is booming, and there are many different ways to get started. In this blog post, we will discuss steps that will help you get your car wash business up and running!

Let's state the obvious: What is a car wash?

A car wash is a business where people can go to have their cars cleaned.

This can be done either by hand or by machine, and there are many different types of car washes to choose from.

Is owning a Car Wash Business a good idea?

If you're thinking about starting a professional car wash business, know that it can be very lucrative.

The car wash industry is growing rapidly, with the injection of venture capital in professional car washes and new technology.

This means that now is a great time to get involved in car washing. Not only is the industry growing, but there are also many different ways to build a car wash business.

It can be a challenge at times, but opening a car wash can prove to have many avenues for success, making it a great investment opportunity.

Are car wash businesses profitable?

Car wash businesses can be very profitable. How profitable your car wash will be depends on many factors: the location, type of car wash, and how well you run the business.

However, with a little bit of planning from the help of some car wash experts, your car wash will net you $85,000 on average (US Census Bureau) over the course of a year.

Let's discuss the different types of car washes, as they each have unique advantages and disadvantages.

What are the different types of car washes?

There are several different types of car washes, and you'll want to learn about all the different options when choosing which one you would like to own.

Self Service Car Wash

This type of wash is exactly what it sounds like - customers serve themselves. Typically, a machine with various chemical choices and a pressure washer is used. They may have extras like vacuums and towels to help the drying process.

Self serve washes are great as they require very little staff. They are also quick, which is great for customers who are in a hurry. A self service car wash has the strongest advantage of being the cheapest to open.

Unfortunately, they can be quite messy and unorganized, customers often don't clean up properly. Plus, self serve washes have much cheaper wash packages meaning less room for profit on each car.

In Bay Automatic Car Wash

In this type of wash, the customer drives their vehicle into an empty bay. The vehicle is then cleaned by machines that move around the car.

In bay car washes have a few advantages over self serve ones. They're much more organized and customers can't make much of a mess. In bay car washes also have wash packages that cost more. This is due to the ability to offer packages that are more complex. There is now more potential to make a profit on each car.

This type of car wash is typically found at a gas station or other location where there is room to park the cars, but not enough room to fit a tunnel car wash.

In bay washes have the advantage of still being fully automated, providing customers with high convenience and low effort. It can only serve one customer at a time however, sometimes creating lines and limiting potential revenue.

Tunnel Car Wash

In a tunnel car wash, the customer drives their car onto a conveyor belt that moves the vehicle through a long tunnel.

This type of wash is much larger than an in-bay wash and can accommodate more cars.

Tunnel washes can be extremely lucrative but also are extremely expensive to open in the first place. Most tunnels will require a multi-million dollar initial investment.

Tunnel washes typically offer the best wash packages and have the ability to upsell customers on waxes, polishes, and other services. They also have high customer satisfaction as they provide a complete cleaning of the vehicle.

It is also important to ensure that there is a market in that area for such a large wash, as a tunnel's greatest advantage is being able to serve multiple vehicles at once. There longest tunnels can service 1200-1500 cars per day leading to daily revenue of over $20,000.

Washing Equipment

To start a car wash, you'll need to decide which type of car wash you want to open and what car wash equipment is right for you.

Brushes

Some car washes will use a brush style system. This uses long bristled brushes that spin and help to loosen the dirt and grime on the car.

These do a great job at cleaning vehicles, sometimes a little too well.

There have been cases of the brushes scratching paint off of cars, so be sure to research this type of system before you choose it for your business.

Soft Cloth

This type of system uses long, soft cloths that wrap around the vehicle and clean it as it moves through the wash.

This is a safer option and is used by most car washes today.

Touchless Car Wash

Touchless car washes use high-pressure water jets and no brushes or cloths to clean the vehicle.

This is a newer option that is becoming more popular as it has no chance to damage the customer's vehicle.

Full Service Car Wash

Full service washes offer a complete service that washes, dries, and vacuums the inside and outside of your vehicle. This is the best chance to offer exceptional customer service.

Full service car washes are great because they offer customers convenience and a thorough cleaning.

They do require more staff than other types of washes, which can make them more expensive to run.

What type of car wash is the most profitable?

The answer to this question is not straightforward as it depends on various conditions.

The income your car wash business can generate will depend on a variety of factors, including location and business plan.

A full service car wash business could be more profitable than other types of car washes because they provide more services and can charge more for them.

An automated car wash business could also be the most profitable as it needs less dedicated staff and can run 24 hours, meaning more potential customers.

Start your car wash business plan

Here are some steps and aspects you'll want to consider when creating your business plan for a car wash.

1) Business Name:

As with any business, you will need to pick a name for it to be run as, and this will be the first thing you put into your business plan.

For your own car wash business, we recommend you to pick an easy to remember, snappy name as customers will be more likely to return if they can remember it.

2) Target Market:

When you’re planning to start a car wash, it’s important to think about who your target market is.

Are you aiming for the high-end market with luxury cars? Or are you more interested in catering to the budget-minded customer with economy cars?

Your target market will help determine the type of car wash you open, as well as the location and services you offer.

3) Location:

Your location is critical for the success of your car wash. You'll want to make sure that it is easily accessible and in a high traffic area.

The location can also be what area of the world, as some cities or regions are higher car traffic areas, and what weather they experience will differ as well.

4) Wash Type:

The type of wash you decide to open will play a large role in your start up costs, as well as the potential income you can generate.

The various forms of automatic car washes carry unique benefits that make them advantageous to some, but a self service car wash has its market, so decide carefully!

5) Competition:

You will also want to do some market research into the competition before finalizing your decision to open a car wash there.

A little competition is healthy, but too many local businesses, other car washes and big name corporations could make it difficult for your business to thrive.

6) Employees:

You'll need to decide how many employees you'll need and what their roles will be.

This will depend on how large of an operation you plan to open.

7) Applications/Loyalty Program:

You may want to offer some type of applications or loyalty programs to customers.

This could include a rewards program for return customers to eventually redeem a free car wash.

You can also offer coupons or discounts for a free wash to help attract new vehicle owners.

Digital Mosaic is a fantastic provider of technology solutions for the car wash industry. They provide clients with a way to effortlessly institute turn-key subscription and loyalty programs, brand their operations with a custom branded app, and improve their marketing efforts by paying close attention to customer data and analytics.

8) Ins and Outs:

Experience and knowledge is an invaluable aspect to any business venture, and the car wash industry is no different.

It would be smart to speak to successful car wash owners or suppliers as part of your market research. Knowing their views, strengths, and weaknesses can make you a more profitable business.

9) Car Wash Suppliers:

You'll need to find suppliers for all of the equipment and chemicals you'll need to run your car wash business.

We recommend finding multiple suppliers and distributors, like Turtle Wax Pro, and discussing your needs with each of them to learn more about the costs involved.

Suppliers can offer more than just chemicals as they can help with improving your wash, market positioning, brand recognition, etc.

We have a blog detailing everything you'll need to know regarding picking the right supplier to help you open a car wash.

How To Open A Car Wash, The Business Framework

We will also run through some of the legal needs and paperwork aspects to opening and running a car wash business. You will need to contact appropriate local authorities in your area, this will just give you an idea of where to start.

Registering your Car Wash Business

The first step is to register your business with the local authorities and the IRS.

You will need to obtain business licenses and a federal tax identification number, as you will need to pay business taxes.

Permits and Zoning

Be sure to check with your local government about any permits or zoning regulations that may apply to your car wash business.

These are documents and policies that you would need to open and run your car wash, legally.

Car Wash Business Insurance

It's important to get business insurance for your car wash to protect you from any potential liabilities.

You'll want to have a discussion with your local insurance agent so they can help choosing a policy that fits you best.

Workers compensation insurance is also required in some areas, so be sure to check with your state's laws.

Business Banking

You'll need to open a business bank account and get a line of credit or loan for your car wash venture.

It is also important for a business bank account to be in place, so that your business and personal finances can stay separate.

As small business owners, you'll need to make sure your business's financial operations are in order.

Start Up Expenses

The costs involved to get your business off the ground will depend on a number of previously mentioned factors, like the kind of car wash you want and how many employees you plan to have.

Opening a car wash can differ greatly in initial expenses, a small self service car wash will be much cheaper than a tunnel wash for example.

Be sure to review your financial options to decide what is your best course of action.

Ongoing Expenses

Now that we've gone over some of the one time start up costs, it's important to understand those initial costs are not the only ones that go into opening a car wash.  

You'll need to factor in the cost of running your car wash on a day to day basis.

This includes costs such as water and electricity, chemicals, supplies, employee wages and other business expenses.

Marketing

Marketing can be a make it or break it factor for your new car wash business. You need to get the word out to car owners!

Small businesses and small business owners sometimes find marketing a difficult task but if you want to find success within the car wash industry, you will want some type of marketing strategy.

Your marketing strategy can include advertisements, signage, events and so much more.

Small Businesses Marketing Help

Fortunately, we have a blog created outlining how you can market your car wash to make the concept easier and more approachable.

You can also rely on your car wash supplier for marketing help, at Turtle Wax Pro, this an aspect we aim to help all of our operators with, as we understand the challenge of finding and keeping customers coming back.

If you're in the market to open a new car wash, get in touch with Turtle Wax Pro

We would love to hear your idea and see how we can help you get started in the industry.

Turtle Wax Pro provides everything from industry leading car wash chemistry, to business and marketing support.

We have been in the car care business for over 75 years and know a thing or two about how to start a car wash and washing cars.

Reach out today for more information on how we can help you with your new car wash business venture!

To Build or Not to Build...

As many car wash owners would know, building a car wash is not a simple process.  Unlike purchasing a prebuilt business, however, undertaking car wash construction you can have much more control over what your business will look like.

That said, there are many things to consider and you will need to make sure to do your research and choose wisely on your plan, design, and execution, all with your budget in mind. Utilizing the expertise of a car wash builder, or specialized consulting agency may be a valuable tool as less of the pressure will be on you alone to ensure the success of constructing your dream business.

On the other hand, purchasing an prebuilt facility that is for sale may require extensive retrofitting or upgrades, and may not be designed the way you would like. Certainly there are pros and cons to each method of starting at a new car wash location.

Today, we will be walking you through some (though not all) basic considerations you will want to think about in when deciding to build or not to build a car wash facility!

Different Aspects to Car Wash Building

Car Wash Business Plan

Just like any business, launching strong car washes takes a lot of hard work and planning to be successful. A business plan is an extensive tool to start your business off right, capturing details that might be missed otherwise.

You will need do your research on the car wash industry and find out as much as you can about car washes in your area, and what it takes to have a successful car wash business before you get started.

Doing your research for your plan, you can discover the pros and cons of a self-serve, tunnel car wash, or in-bay automatic car wash, and what would be a successful car wash business for you. Brainstorm how you plan on getting repeat business, managing money and your daily business operation, and the many other elements of a strong company.

If you want to learn more about creating a business plan for your car wash, you can read our article here.  We also have an article with additional considerations surrounding building and buying car wash facilities.

Money for Car Wash Construction

An important factor of building a wash is understanding the cost involved, and any financing you can expect.

Determine the cost to complete your project. Depending on your circumstances, it may be easier to finance buying an existing wash location than construct one from scratch. Additionally, different types of car washes (a tunnel vs. a self-serve, for instance) have different costs for the equipment, etc., and may guide your choice.

Car Wash Location

The first step of the construction process is identifying the right location.

Ensure the property is in a spot that has good traffic that helps draw customers in. Before contractors start building (or you even purchase the property), ensure that location follows local zoning and bylaws for building a car wash facility, and prepare all its necessary permits and authorization before construction starts.

After all the paperwork and legalities are approved, construction can start and the plan you have in place can be put into effect. The construction process will depend greatly on your plan, and you may want to use a car wash builder to help you design and create your plan effectively.

Car Wash Design

When it comes to car wash design, you will want to create a car wash that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Your car wash should be designed in a way that is easy for customers to use and navigate.

Your building design can differ based on your goals and car wash type but structure it to become ideal for your washing methods. Working with an experienced contractor to assist in this process can be very beneficial as you can avoid costly mistakes later in the construction process.  

Car Wash Facility

As part of the car wash design, you will want to decide the type of facility you want to build. This covers scope of the car wash, what type of wash equipment you will offer, whether a bay or tunnel setup, any additional features such as vacuums or pet washes, how many customers you can serve at a time, and much more.  

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Car Wash Equipment

A huge factor of car washes is the powerful equipment that makes the daily operation happen. The car wash equipment you use will have a big impact on the quality of service you provide and how successful your car wash business is.

The purchase and the installation of high quality car wash equipment is an important factor of a car wash project and the construction process.

Car Wash Chemistry

The car wash chemicals you use are also very important. Great chemistry can set you apart from the rest of the market and will ensure a great car wash experience for your customers.

We believe that Turtle Wax Pro has the best chemistry on the market which is backed by the world renowned Turtle Wax brand. Turtle Wax has over a 97% brand recognition with over 75 years in the car care industry which speaks to their consistency, reliability, and results.

Car Wash Builders: Choosing the Right Partner

When choosing a builder, you will want to pick someone knowledgeable and reliable but also trustworthy as you will want to stick to the agreed upon timeline and budget.

You may want to lean on an experienced car wash builder to help you design, plan, and execute your car wash. A specialized builder will bring a level of expertise that will be hard to match on your own. This way you can leave some of the building planning to an expert, so you can focus more on your grand opening and car wash operations.

Electrical components, scope of your wash, floor plans, wash bay sizing, proper budgeting, and efficient design are just a few of the many aspects a car wash builder can support your car wash with.

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The Benefits to Working with a Car Wash Builder

There are many benefits to working with car wash builders and consulting agencies as they will be able to provide you with a wide range of services to help you build your project.

Some of the benefits of choosing experienced car wash builders, consultors  and contractors include:

• They will be able to guide you through the car wash building process from start to finish.  
• They will be able to help you design an efficient, effective and aesthetically pleasing car wash layout that is easy for customers to use and navigate.
• They will be able to provide you with a detailed car wash construction plan.
• They may save you from having to do new construction to add or improve your current setup, and avoid costly mistakes.
• They will be able to help you stay on budget and on schedule.
• They will be able to answer any car wash building questions you may have.

Whether you want to tackle the planning of your car wash on your own, use a general contractor, or use a dedicated car wash builder, you will still want to talk to other experienced people within the industry to make sure you are on the right track.

Concerns about your new car wash? Contact Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem

Transchem, the parent company of Turtle Wax Pro, has worked with car wash businesses of all sizes and types for decades. Paired with industry leading chemistry from Turtle Wax Pro, we know how to support car washes.

Building a successful car wash can be a challenging process and whether you decide to do the legwork yourself or want to lean on a builder for support, you can count on us to help make the decision an easier one.