U.S. Car Wash Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Tunnels, Roll-over/In-bay, Self-Service), By Mode Of Payment (Cash Payment, Cashless Payment), And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The U.S. car wash services market size was estimated to be valued at USD 14.67 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2022 to 2030 The growing focus of consumers toward vehicle maintenance, and the continuous harm to car body caused by dirt, particulate matter, bird droppings, acid raindrops, and salt deposits during the frost months has increased demand for car wash services in the U.S.

The COVID-19 outbreak had a significant impact on the business of car washers in the U.S. A survey conducted by Womply, an auto wash and detailing company in the U.S., suggested that their weekly revenue dropped by 48% in April 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019. Additionally, in the week of March 16, 2020 the weekly revenue dropped by 53%, as compared to the same period in the preceding year. This led to many car washing operators providing free vehicle disinfection services, and value-added services to stay ahead in the competition. For instance, seven southern California carwashes reopened in May 2020, included free vehicle disinfection service to help customers safeguard themselves from the virus.

The demand for car washing in the region has surged, especially in the last decade. This can be attributed to enhanced convenience along with a wide range of service packages as well as affordable alternatives. Due to strict environmental standards that prohibit household car washing methods, the need for professional car cleaning service is expected to rise. As purchasing power of consumer increases, their attention towards regular vehicle maintenance will keep growing. Moreover, many consumers abstain from washing their car themselves, owing to hectic schedules and lack of time.

SEKO, a car washing service provider reports that more than 80,000 professional car washing establishments are located in North America. More than 8 million vehicles are washed at car washing establishments each day. In North America, more than 2 billion cars are washed every year. According to the United States Census Bureau in 2019, Americans spend USD 5.8 billion at car wash facilities each year. More than 70% of car owners switched to car washing facilities from handwashing in the last decade.

New technological developments are bringing changes in on-demand car wash services. The tremendous growth in the e-commerce industry has resulted in consumer adoption of the service through mobile applications and online portals. Companies such as WashCard have designed payment portals specifically for professional car washes that allow customers to make mobile payments and set up automated billing and cleaning schedules.

As sustainability continues to govern purchase decisions, car washes have also followed suit and started eco-friendly car washing services. Car washing service providers have started moving towards regulated water essentials. Traditional car washing uses 15 to 80 gallons of water per vehicle, whereas the environment-friendly version uses only 8 to 70 gallons per vehicle when equipped with filtration technology or water reclamation. Though originated decades back, water reclamation technology is being adopted by various brands today as consumers, brands, and lawmakers continue to strive for quality control and conservation.

Type Insights

In terms of revenue, roll-over/in-bay type of car wash service segments dominated the market with a share of more than 42% in 2021. Roll-overs/in-bay are one of the most widespread express car wash types. They feature compact machines with brushes, water jets, wheel-wash, and the application of products such as waxes, dryers, or foams. Also, these types offer very versatile machines and their compact nature ensures a thorough washing in a small area. Roll-overs/in-bay offer an environment-friendly approach to the car wash, as they use a lot less water. The increasing penetration of auto dealerships in the car wash service industry has fueled the installation of automatic wash facilities on their sites.

The self-service car wash facilities are projected to grow at a significant CAGR of around 5.5% from 2022 to 2030. This segment is witnessing healthy traction owing to the range of customization it offers to consumers when it comes to cleaning vehicles neatly. Self-service car wash facilities are widely popular among customers who prefer to detail their cars themselves. According to a blog by JBS Industries, there were more than 36,000 facilities in the U.S. in 2020 offering car owners the ability to wash their cars’ exteriors and options for vacuuming the interiors.

Mode of Payment Insights

Cashless payment systems dominated the market with a share of more than 70% in 2021. With the deep rooting of online payments among consumers, car wash service owners have increasingly started installing integrated payment solutions, or point-of-sale (POS) systems, across pay stations. Along with boosting sales, these payment systems also offer detailed insights into their clientele. Millennial consumers especially expect the availability of convenient methods, including tokens, debit cards, loyalty cards, EMV-enabled credit card payments, or mobile payment options.

The majority of car washing services have coin-operated machines installed to get car cleaning done. As per the Pew Research Center, in 2019, 30% of Americans made cash payments at car wash centers. Although cash payments were common in the past decade, due to the growing popularity of digital transactions, demand for cash payments in the U.S. car wash services market is projected to record low volume during the forecasted period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is characterized by the presence of significant domestic service providers. Large players are acquiring local establishments to aid in reaching a wider audience in the country. To expand the consumer base, market players have recognized the importance and dominance of regional players.

• In August 2022, Mister Car Wash, Inc. announced the acquisition of Top Wash, three express exterior locations in Anoka, Fridley, and Champlin, Minnesota. The acquisition expanded the presence of Mister Car Wash in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis.

• In June 2022, Mister Car Wash, Inc. announced the opening of its newest location in Oviedo, Florida. The new location offers a Platinum package that offers Mister’s signature products including the waterfall HotShine® Carnauba wax, Repel Shield and Platinum Seal. The new location features a state-of-art tunnel experience with Mister’s proprietary cleaning systems.

• In November 2021, Driven Brands, Inc. announced its 100th car wash acquisition, bringing the total number of Driven Brands Car Washes in the U.S. to 300.

Some prominent players in the U.S. car wash services market include:

• Driven Brands, Inc.

• Tommy’s Express

• Splash Car Wash

• Zips Carwash

• Autobell Car Wash, Inc.

• Quick Quack Car Wash

• True Blue Car Wash

• Magic Hands Car Wash

• Wash Depot

• Mister Car Wash

• SSCW Enterprises (Super Star Car Wash)

U.S. Car Wash Services Market Report Scope

U.S. Car Wash Services Market Segmentation

This report forecasts volume and revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. car wash services market report based on type and mode of payment.

• Type Outlook (Volume, Million Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Tunnels

  • Roll-over/In-bay

  • Self-Service

• Mode of Payment Outlook (Volume, Million Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Cash Payment

  • Cashless Payment