Designing Car Washes for High Traffic and Low Maintenance

Modern car washes are popping up in more communities, and for good reason. When built correctly, these businesses can quickly deliver high ROI for their owners. The keys to profitability are looking at the needs of your customers as well as the longevity of your infrastructure. At STAR Inc., we’ve worked with a variety of car wash owners and equipment vendors over the years, helping them modernize existing buildings or build new structures geared for what’s ahead. Here are some of the biggest construction challenges car wash owners face, and some tips for overcoming them.

Consider Traffic Flow & Queuing

If you’re constructing your car wash in a snowy climate, you know that sunny winter days bring the crowds. When considering building sites and placement, we always map out worse-case-scenario traffic situations. Your customers will be willing to wait – but they don’t want to put their vehicle at risk while doing so. Local zoning codes and traffic regulations will also need to be considered. Building placement and car wash traffic flow can help maximize your business turns on peak days and make your service easier for drivers to access. This is often the number one consideration we address when first sitting down with our clients. Our design-build approach to the construction process assures that all “what if” situations are addressed early and effectively.

Infrastructure Needs: Water, Sewer, Collection Tanks & More

According to the Western Carwash Association, a professional car wash uses only 9 to 15 gallons of fresh water per vehicle. That’s because modern car washes use advanced water reclamation systems that recycle and reuse water multiple times, using fresh water only during the final rinse. These systems require advanced engineering and planning upfront, so the correct infrastructure can be laid long before building work is done. Reclamation systems must also be managed against any local regulations, environmental concerns, or wastewater infrastructure.

Durability Must-Haves

Consulting with an engineering or equipment vendor alongside design and construction can help business owners select and plan for the best equipment for their facility. We’ll bring your equipment vendor in early during the planning process to assure all variables are considered, layout is essential and equipment is ready and delivered on-site when needed. At this stage, it’s also important to factor in durability, energy-use, and water requirements. Engineers should understand the car wash industry and the current equipment available. If your facility will offer self-service options, durability is critical since staff oversight will often be minimal, and repairs can be a major business expense. Faulty equipment can also frustrate your customers to the point where they take their business elsewhere.

Security & Staffing

Many car washes work with limited or no staff, meaning your customers will need to utilize your business without oversight. Safety is important – including proper lighting and visible security cameras to deter thefts and vandalism. Easy and secure payment systems – including contactless or app-based payment – can help enhance the user experience. These are important to consider during the building and planning processes.

Scalability & Maintenance

Car wash technology is always advancing. Gone are the days of coin-operated wash bays and one-size-fits all brushes. Today’s equipment is more automated, smarter, and can even incorporate analytical data to help you better run your business. This evolution will likely continue, meaning car wash owners need to plan ahead. An experienced car wash builder can suggest ways to do this cost effectively, so you’re prepared for future expansion or technology upgrades.