Car Wash & Detailing Services Industry Data Book - Car Wash Services and Car Detailing Services Market Size, Share, Trends Analysis, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Database Overview

Grand View Research’s car wash & detailing services industry data book is a collection of market sizing information & forecasts, trade data, pricing intelligence, competitive benchmarking analyses, macro-environmental analyses, and regulatory & technological framework studies. Within the purview of the database, such information is systematically analyzed and provided in the form of outlook reports (1 detailed sectoral outlook report) and summary presentations on individual areas of research.

Car Wash & Detailing Services Industry Data Book Scope

Car Wash & Detailing Services Industry Data Book Coverage Snapshot 

Car Wash & Detailing Services Sector Outlook

The car wash and detailing services industry is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road and rising disposable income levels. As car ownership expands, there is a larger customer base seeking professional services to maintain and improve the condition and appearance of their vehicles. This presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses in the car wash and detailing sector to cater to the growing demand and capitalize on the willingness of car owners to invest in high-quality services.

The preference among consumers for professional car wash services over do-it-yourself options is experiencing a notable growth trend across the globe. According to a blog published by Franchise Chatter in May 2023, a significant majority of U.S. drivers, approximately 72%, consistently choose professional car wash services, with the conveyor car wash segment being particularly lucrative. Prominent participants in the car wash services market are increasingly emphasizing mergers and acquisitions as a strategic approach to expand their service coverage and drive revenue growth.

Subscription-based car wash has emerged as a prominent global trend, with various car wash brands adopting this model. Under this subscription offering, customers pay a fixed rate and enjoy unlimited access to car wash services throughout the month. This business model provides a high level of convenience and attractiveness, particularly during times of financial constraints, as it offers frequent visitors a cost-effective option.

For instance, in April 2021, Mister Car Wash launched Digital Membership Experience to enhance its Unlimited Wash Club. With the introduction of the online platform, customers were able to sign up for the Unlimited Wash Club and select their preferred Mister location from any internet-connected computer or mobile device. Existing Unlimited Wash Club members had greater control over their experience, including the ability to manage payment securely, change their plan type, and make updates to their accounts. By implementing innovative solutions like the online platform and subscription-based services, car wash brands can capitalize on evolving customer preferences and enhance their competitive edge in the market. 

Car Wash Services Market Analysis And Forecast

The global car wash services market was valued at USD 30.80 billion in 2022. As environmental regulations regarding residential car washing become more stringent, the demand for professional car wash services is anticipated to increase, leading to a larger customer base. Additionally, the market growth is driven by a rising consumer inclination toward automobile maintenance. Furthermore, the growing popularity of online shopping, driven by its convenience and flexibility, has prompted industry players to prioritize e-tailing as part of their business strategy.

Moreover, there has been a notable surge in the demand for customized and individualized services such as mobile car wash services. These services feature skilled professionals who specialize in car cleaning and detailing. Equipped with the necessary tools and expertise, they deliver exceptional quality service, ensuring comprehensive and meticulous cleaning of the vehicles. Multiple car wash companies operating in the global market are strategically expanding their service portfolios to include mobile car wash services. This move enables them to broaden their offerings beyond the conventional scope and cater to the increasing demand for convenient and flexible car cleaning solutions. For instance, in September 2022, Curbee Inc, a prominent car wash service provider in the United States, introduced Mobile Wash, an on-demand car wash service facilitated by skilled mechanics. This innovative service enables customers to conveniently receive comprehensive interior and exterior cleaning for their vehicles at their preferred locations, be it their home or workplace. 

In-bay car washes use standardized and automated cleaning processes, ensuring a consistent and high-quality wash each time. For instance, the national car wash franchise Tommy’s Express utilizes advanced technological in-bay equipment, including a dual transporter belt, a self-loading entrance module, an all-in-one clean combo, and dryer arches.

The increasing penetration of auto dealerships in the car wash service industry has fueled the installation of automatic wash facilities on their sites. Auto dealerships add automated car washes to scale up their customer satisfaction index (CSI) scores, with in-bay washes being the most popular consumer choice. According to a 2021 blog article by DetailPro, in-bay automatics are preferred by 51% of car owners as they allow for speedy washing and drying. Self-service is favored by about 32% of automobile owners and comes in second.

Wash styles offered by in-bay automatic systems are touch-free, where high-pressure water is used to clean the vehicle and offer friction, and soft-cloth brushes are used to clean and spread the detergent and polish on the vehicle before they are rinsed off. These in-bay/roll-over automatic car wash services have various benefits, like simpler customer interaction and impulse-driven purchases, and are ideal for smaller spaces. 

Car Detailing Services Market Analysis And Forecast

The car detailing services market has been experiencing substantial growth in recent years, exhibiting promising prospects for businesses operating in this sector. The market growth can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for high-quality and customized car care solutions from discerning customers. Additionally, the growth of the market is projected to continue in the coming years on account of subsequent automotive maintenance and repair services for regular vehicle checkups to enhance vehicle performance and avoid any malfunction. 

The growth of the car detailing services market can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of vehicle ownership. As car ownership rises, there is a greater demand for professional detailing services to uphold and improve the visual appeal of vehicles. Customers, who prioritize the aesthetics and overall condition of their cars, seek specialized services to ensure thorough cleaning, polishing, and restoration. This trend is driven by individuals who value the meticulous care provided by professional detailers in maintaining the appearance and value of their vehicles.

In the global car detailing services market, several service providers are undertaking significant initiatives to enhance their offerings and better cater to their clients. Small and medium-scale businesses are concentrating on product launches, expanding service portfolios, and engaging in strategic mergers and acquisitions to establish a strong foothold and effectively compete in the global market. These proactive measures enable businesses to adapt to evolving customer needs, expand their market reach, and stay ahead of the competition. For instance, in September 2022, Turtle Wax, a California-based car care company partnered with Carxotic to open a car-care studio in Mumbai, India to offer several car detailing services and products. Such measures taken by key service providers are expected to boost the car detailing services market’s growth in the coming years.

Exterior car detailing plays a vital role in maintaining the appearance and protecting the outer parts of vehicles, particularly in the face of changing weather conditions. The impact of varying weather elements can lead to damage and deterioration, making regular exterior car detailing a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance. This creates a significant opportunity for car detailing services that cater to the need for protecting and preserving the condition of a vehicle's exterior.

In response to these challenges, professional car detailing services have emerged as a viable solution for consumers seeking to safeguard their vehicles against weather-induced damage. These services typically include a comprehensive cleaning and protection process, involving techniques like washing, waxing, polishing, and applying protective coatings. Additionally, key service providers operating in the market are taking major initiatives to expand their consumer outreach. For instance, in October 2022, YYC Quick Clean, a car detailing business, inaugurated its newest branch at CF Chinook Centre in Calgary, as part of its strategic expansion efforts to establish a nationwide presence in Canada.

Competitive Insights

Service providers in the market are proactively undertaking significant initiatives to enhance customer service and satisfaction. Numerous small- and medium-sized car wash and detailing service operators are concentrating on launching new products, expanding service offerings, and engaging in mergers and acquisitions to effectively compete on a global scale.

• In June 2023, Zips Carwash announced the opening of its second carwash location in Baxter. From June 8 to June 11 at the location, it offered its premier vehicle wash service, the Get It All, for just USD 5 to commemorate the occasion. All weekend long, customers also took advantage of limitless wash club discounts, low-priced carwashes, and freebies.

• In May 2023, Tommy’s Express opened its 150th location in San Antonio, Texas. With sites throughout 30 states, Tommy's Express provides speedy service-even during busy times-with a three-minute trip through the carwash tunnel, a selection of goods and services, and complimentary on-site floor mat washers and hoover stations.