20 Must-Know Car Wash & Detailing Statistics

Car wash and car detailing are some of the industries projected to see a boom in the coming years. Yes, the pandemic may still be ravaging economies worldwide, but the number of car owners is still growing.

For anyone interested in understanding car wash statistics, this article shines a spotlight on the car wash industry. Read on to uncover more.

Car wash industry statistics and trends

1. There is considerable growth in the car wash industry

Since 2012, many people have been considering professional car wash. The International Carwash Association indicates that less than 28.4% of consumers prefer to wash their vehicles from home compared to 1996’s 48%.

2. The car wash industry is worth more than $33B

In 2018, the global net worth of the car wash industry was estimated to be $33 billion. The number is expected to grow at 3.2% between 2019 and 2025. The growth is majorly due to the increasing number of vehicle owners, busy schedules, and increasing spending power.

3. North America holds the record as the biggest market for car wash

In 2018, North America was leading in the number of car washes globally. The trend is expected to continue as many people seek automated car wash services.

Are you a car wash business owner here in the US? DetailPro offers a comprehensive car wash software package – that makes running your business as smooth as cruising on Route 66.

4. The US contributes roughly 43% of the global car wash net worth

The United States holds the record as the most significant contributor to the car wash industry. More than 43% of the total revenue comes from this region and is considered the most mature market for car wash solutions. It’s not just revenue but auto businesses are exploring auto detailing software solutions to make operations more streamlined.

5. There are over 60k car wash establishments in the US

According to a report by First Research, the US boasts over 60,000 car wash facilities that contribute upwards of $5.8 billion to the market annually. Some of the notable washing facilities include Mister Car Wash (Tucson), Wash Depot Holdings (Malden), Zips Car Wash (Little Rock), and International Car Wash Group (Centennial).

6. It takes around 38 gallons to wash a single car

Thirty-eight gallons of water (148 liters) are used every time a single car is washed. Millions of cars are washed every day, which adds up to 304 million gallons of water being used globally. As you can guess, that is considered an environmental hazard that is currently pushing for green car wash solutions.

7. In-bay automatic car wash solution is the most preferred

There are several methods of washing cars. However, statistics point that 51% of car users prefer in-bay automatics as it entails quick washing and drying. Self-service comes second and is preferred by approximately 32 % of car owners.

8. Winter is the busiest month for car washers.

Quite unexpectedly, studies indicate that 32% of car consumers wash their vehicles during winter. This is primarily because of road salt. Spring and Summer come second with 25%, while Fall records the minor car wash activities at only 18%.

9. Many Americans wash their car around 13 times a year

Car wash water statistics indicate that 66% of Americans get their cars washed approximately 13 times per year. This puts the average washes per month at one or two times.

10. Most car wash stations are also fuel dispensers.

Approximately 65% of car wash facilities serve as fuelling points as well. This combination is the best way to boost revenue for business owners.

Small business entrepreneurs own 90% of car wash facilities. As such, it is one of the easiest business models to adopt.

Created by and for detailing shop owners.

Try DetailPro today!

Get Free Demo

11. American car dealers with wash facilities make around $27,735 annually

According to research done by Mobile Tech RX and data collected from Indeed, most American car facilities bring in an average salary of $27,735 annually. The state of Maryland comes top with an average hourly rate of $15.92, culminating in a total of $95, 275 per year.

12. Car wash machine to hit $3.18+ billion by 2025

As the spending power of people increases, many are expected to own cars which will push the growth of car wash systems. The market for car wash machines is projected to cross $3.18 billion by 2025. At the moment, the market is expected to take a slight dip due to Covid 19.

13. The car wash industry is one of the few that major players do not dominate

Research done by IBIS World highlights that the car wash industry has no big players with a market share that is greater than 5%.

14. The car wash business offers mostly six types of washes

The few common types of car washes include self-service bay, detailing services, in-bay automatic wash, hand washing services, exterior only clean, and full service clean (conveyor car wash).

Mobile detailing statistics

15. It takes more than $2500 to start a mobile detailing business

You need a lot of equipment to offer extensive mobile detailing. However, it could take as little as $2500 to create a basic business that provides services like washing, waxing, and vacuuming the interior. To start a high-end mobile detailing franchise, Guide to Detailing posits that it could take as much as $20,000. 

16. A fledgling mobile detailing business brings in roughly $24,000 a year

Guide To Detailing and DetailKing estimates that a new mobile detailing business can make around $24,000 a year. An established franchise can net close or more than $50,000 per annum, while a full-time, deep-rooted business can turn in upwards of $70,000 annually.

17. Mobile detailing apps are on the rise.

Many mobile detailers are now resorting to mobile apps from where they include their locations and prices to promote themselves better. Examples of companies already on this trend include Los Angeles-based Washos and Spiffy.

Car detailing statistics

18. Care detailing price range between $50 and $150

On average, it costs about $50 to $125 to detail a regular-sized car. SUVs and other heavy autos can cost anywhere between $75 and $150, according to Cars Direct. This price is for basic detailing processes like washing, waxing, polishing, trim cleaning, vacuuming, etc.

19. 35% of car owners are highly inclined to go for eco-friendly services

A 2019 CGS report affirms that Gen Z and millions of millennials are willing to cough up more for sustainable products. Out of the researched pool, 35% of the interviewees said they would be up for a price increase of 25%, while Gen Z was willing to pay as high as 50-100% extra.

20. The Asian Pacific zone is leading in terms of growth

A publication by Market Watch puts China, Thailand, India, and other pacific Asia regions as the most booming in terms of car wash activities.

And that’s a wrap to twenty exciting car wash statistics!

There we go, a whole list of car wash statistics to muse about. Now that you know a bit about the past and future of this industry, it’s time to take a step in the right direction or to keep hustling. Good luck!

References:

  • https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/car-wash-service-market
  • https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/retail/report-consumers-willing-pay-sustainability-15246
  • https://www.carsdirect.com/car-maintenance/average-car-detailing-prices-by-vehicle-size
  • https://www.pasadenaindependent.com/business/washos-auto-detailing-app-doubles-user-base-three-months-sees-steady-double-digit-growth-pasadena/
  • https://www.detailking.com/start-earning/profit-potential-for-your-auto-detailing-business/
  • https://guidetodetailing.com/detailing-tools-guides/detailing-for-profit/
  • https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/car-wash-machine-market-9600
  • https://www.mobiletechrx.com/resources/car-detailer-salaries/
  • http://www.prowash.fi/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ICA-European-Consumer-Study-2017.pdf
  • https://focusedcarwash.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/industry-statistics.pdf
  • https://www.firstresearch.com/industry-research/Car-Washes.html#:~:text=There%20are%20over%2060%2C000%20retail,according%20to%20International%20Carwash%20Association.