42 Trending Drive Thru Car Washing Businesses [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: January 18th, 2023

Start A Drive Thru Car Washing Business

Are you looking for a unique business idea that combines the convenience of a drive-thru with the ever-important task of keeping cars clean? Look no further than a drive-thru car washing business!

This innovative concept allows customers to drive their vehicles through a series of automated washing stations without ever having to leave the comfort of their cars. From bare exterior washes to complete detailing services, the options are endless.

But what goes into operating a successful drive-thru car washing business? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Location, location, location! Choose a spot that is easily accessible and visible from major roads. Bonus points for being in a busy, high-traffic area.
Offer various services and packages to cater to customers’ needs and budgets. This can include basic exterior washes, complete detailing services, and add-ons like tire shining and air fresheners.
Invest in top-of-the-line equipment and technology. This will ensure a high-quality cleaning for customers and make the washing process more efficient.
Keep the customer experience in mind. This can include simple things like having a friendly and knowledgeable staff, providing clear instructions for using the drive-thru, and even offering loyalty rewards for repeat customers.
Utilize social media and online marketing. Advertise on various platforms to reach customers, show them the value of your services and promote your business.
Keep your business green. Being eco-friendly will not only help your business to be socially responsible but will also appeal to a significant number of customers who care about the environment.

Starting a drive-thru car washing business can be lucrative if you stay organized and focused and adapt to new technology and customer needs. With ingenuity, your business can be a shining example of convenience meets clean. Happy washing!

Looking for some examples of a drive-thru car washing business?

Interested in case studies of a successful drive-thru car washing business? Check out our full list of success stories.

1. MacNeil Wash

MacNeil Wash Systems provides superior car wash equipment to the tunnel car wash industry, car dealerships, convenience store, fleet and rental markets

Where they're located: Irvine, California, USA

2. Mid Florida Car Wash

Are you looking for car wash supplied? Or a car wash builder? Then visit us today to see how we can help your car wash business.

Where they're located: Tampa, Florida, USA

Learn more about starting a drive-thru car washing business:

Where to start?

-> How much does it cost to start a drive-thru car washing business?
-> Pros and cons of a drive-thru car washing business

Need inspiration?

-> Other drive-thru car washing business success stories

Other resources

-> Profitability of a drive-thru car washing business

4. Eco Car Wash

4 locally owned eco car washes serving Portland, Gresham, and Vancouver Washington. Free vacuum with every car wash. Discount cards offering 4th wash free when you buy 3.

5. NEW HORIZONS CAR WASH

Looking to open a car wash business? We are expert car wash builders. New Horizons makes opening and owning a car wash easy & affordable.

Where they're located: Garland, Texas, USA

6. Broadway Equipment

Broadway Equipment Company manufacturers car wash systems and accessories for car dealerships.

7. Car Wash Honolulu

The Car Parlor is Honolulu's best car wash and the most advanced automated car wash in Hawaii with a hi-tech tunnel system that reclaims up to 90% of the water!

Where they're located: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

8. True Blue Car Wash

True Blue Carwash provides superior service, cost-effective options and ultra-convenience in an eco-friendly environment

Where they're located: Hollywood, Kentucky, USA

9. WashN'Go Express Car Wash

Wash N Go self-service car wash. We strive to deliver the most pleasant washing experience. See why we're the best car wash in San Diego. Contact us today!

10. Shineology

At Shineology we're all about quality, efficiency, and consistency. We've been proudly washing cars in San Rafael, Larkspur and Mill Valley since 1981!

11. Superwash Express Car Wash

12. Time To Shine

Time To Shine Car Wash will give your vehicle a premier clean at an affordable price! Come visit one of our locations in Charleston, Owasso, and Lexington!

Where they're located: Hollywood, Kentucky, USA

13. Clean Machine Car Wash Web Site

Where they're located: Tampa, Florida, USA

14. WAVE WASH

Where they're located: Garland, Texas, USA

15. H2Go Express Car Wash – $6

16. Rainstorm Car Wash

Where they're located: Hollywood, Kentucky, USA

17. X-Stream Wash Systems

X-Stream's touchless car wash outperforms ALL competitors. Our performance and quality are second to none. This car wash machine has exceptional wheel cleaning ability and aggressively impacts and agitates the surface at 45 degrees unlike any other touchless car wash. For the industry's best Power, Performance and Price, in a touchless wash, call 888-438-9787 today.

Where they're located: Columbus, Ohio, USA

18. Car-Wash-Architect.com

Highly experienced, multi-faceted architectural design firm specializing in designing new Car Washes, as well as renovating older existing Wash facilities. We produce innovative and highly functional Car Wash designs that are both appealing and eye-catching to potential customers, but do not cost a fortune to build nor to maintain. Our extensive knowledge and hands-on experience of designing a large number of new Car Washes every year has made us the Leader in the Car Wash Industry. Let us help you make your new Car Wash project a success.

19. Jeff's Car Wash Lexington

Here at Jeff's Car Wash, our staff is dedicated to proper care and professionalism. We are able to handle all of your car wash needs.

Where they're located: Hollywood, Kentucky, USA

20. Nanak Car Wash and Car Detailing in Brampton, Etobicoke and North York

We offer relaible, fast and friendly car wash and car detailing services in Brampton, North York and Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada

21. Frank's Car Wash

Where they're located: Columbus, Ohio, USA

22. Jack's Car Wash

The Peninsula's Premier Car Wash and Detail Professionals - San Mateo's Only Full Service Drive-Thru Car Wash - Hospital-Grade Interior Sanitizing Services Now Available - Stay in Your Car Exterior Ride Thru Service

23. Orange County Covid Clinic

Rapid COVID-19 Nasal Swab Test Orange County l Orange County Drive thru Clinic COVID-19 Testing Near Me

Where they're located: Irvine, California, USA

24. Drive Thru Express Carwash: Full Service Car Wash

Instead of waiting an hour or more at a full service car wash, Drive Thru Express is quick, convenient, and you never have to leave your car. It's a lot less hassle than dragging out the hose and bucket - and always the fastest way to a gleaming shine!

Where they're located: Anaheim, California, USA

25. grandprixcarwashanddetail.com – Committed to providing great car wash and detailing services to Coachella Valley

Where they're located: Anaheim, California, USA

26. Whitewalls Car Wash

Whitewalls Car Wash

Where they're located: Garland, Texas, USA

27. Car Wash Packages

Posh Express Car wash is conveniently located in Sachse, TX and has a wide range of car wash services for you to choose from.

Where they're located: Garland, Texas, USA

28. Shine Express

Shine Express Car Wash in Fort Worth is an eco-friendly, automatic carwash and auto detailing service. Visit our TCU area location now.

29. MoonFlight Car Wash, Dog Wash, and Coffee Shop

MoonFlight Car Wash, Dog Wash, and Coffee Shop is your one-stop shop in Pittsburgh.

30. Bechtelsville Car Wash

31. Aqua Spa Express

Where they're located: Columbus, Ohio, USA

32. innoutexpresscarwash.com

In-N-Out Express Car Wash Inc. is your destination for the fastest and most complete car wash service in San Fernando Valley.

33. Palatka Carwash

34. Bruster's Car Wash

Bruster’s Car Wash is a family owned and operated business. Our Automatic Drive-Through is the latest in technology. You will leave knowing your car is sparkling from top to bottom. We are proud to offer high-quality professional services with good old-fashioned friendly customer service.

Where they're located: Columbus, Ohio, USA

35. Car Wash Stone Oak San Antonio, TX

Lone Star Car Wash is located in the Stone Oak neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas and offers eight self serve bays and an automatic touch-free and soft-wash bay.

Where they're located: San Antonio, Texas, USA