5 Car Wash Trends That Shaped 2024 Going Into 2025

If we could only name one automotive sector that has transformed dramatically in the past half-century, we'd confidently tag the car wash industry. Once dominated by manual labor — buckets, sponges, and elbow grease — it's now a high-tech industry dominated by smart car wash trends and powered by innovative tech. 

Car washes continue to embrace innovations that elevate customer service and fuel operational efficiency. This article explores five key car wash trends that defined this industry in 2024 and are set to continue shaping it in 2025. It'll also discuss car wash operators' challenges and the future of this ever-evolving auto sector. 

Current State of the Car Wash Industry

The car wash industry in 2024 is all about technology, sustainability, and customer experience.  Traditional hand-wash models have nearly disappeared, replaced by automated systems that offer precision, speed, and consistency. 

Urban centers have seen the most significant changes, with high-tech wash facilities becoming almost as common as coffee shops. In 2024, car washes are no longer simple vehicle cleaning businesses, but high-powered enterprises that mirror changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.

Market Growth Projections

Wondering how much car washes make? With car ownership increasing daily, the car wash sector is one of the fastest-growing spaces in the automotive industry.  The sector is poised to grow to over $60 billion by 2031 at 6.7% CAGR.

The rise of electric vehicles is expected to unlock new service demands, creating revenue growth opportunities for innovative car wash operators.

Top Five Car Wash Industry Trends You Should Know

Here are the major car wash market trends that defined 2024 and are shaping 2025:

Sustainability in the Car Wash Space

Consumers today are more eco-conscious than ever, and will willingly pay more for brands that prioritize sustainability. Car wash operators have adopted eco-friendly practices to meet this preference. Notable sustainability trends in 2024 include:

• Water reclamation and recycling systems to reduce water consumption
• Energy-efficient equipment and solar-powered car wash facilities
• Use of biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning chemicals

The move toward car wash sustainability was also mandated by regulations. For instance, the EPA's PFAS regulations, released in March 2023, established the first-ever national drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

Notably, these regulations explicitly named car washes violators because of their use of PFAS-containing products like waxes, sealants, and tire shines. Car wash operators responded by switching to sustainable alternatives, while product manufacturers explored PFAs-free formulations. This response to regulatory pressure suggests they’ll continue prioritizing sustainability in 2025 and beyond, as more stringent environmental standards are anticipated.

Market Growth

The car wash industry experienced remarkable growth in 2024. According to a Rinsed report, the industry experienced 5.2% year-over-year growth in Q4 2024 alone. This was fueled by rising disposable incomes that paved the way for car ownership and professional car washes. Sustainability also influenced growth, as more consumers sought advanced and eco-friendly car wash solutions.

Tech-Inspired Digital Transformation

Technology shaped the car wash experience in 2024, making services more efficient, personalized, and user-friendly. Mobile apps emerged as the primary interface between car wash operators and their customers, allowing unparalleled convenience and control for both. 

EnMarket's launch of the Marketwash app in January 2024 was a prime example of this digital transformation. The app allows customers to purchase washes, locate nearby facilities, and activate wash cycles directly from their smartphones, eliminating traditional barriers like physical tokens or manual payment systems.

More car wash operators switched from hand-and-bucket washing models to automated wash systems like conveyor belt technologies and express wash configurations. Some advanced express wash systems now boast sensor technology that detects and adjusts washing cycles in real-time. Sensor technology has helped transform the traditional car wash into a precise, efficient experience.

As more car washes went automatic, they adopted touchless payment systems and automated entry points. For instance, Tommy's Express Car Wash expanded its digital payment infrastructure, allowing customers to pay entirely through mobile devices or contactless methods. These systems have helped streamline transactions, reduce wait times, and minimize physical contact, enabling operators to reduce labor costs and enhance customer experiences.

But what’s the driving force behind these digital transformations? Increasing consumer demand for vehicle
maintenance convenience and advances in technology, especially mobile tech.

Recurring Revenue Approaches

More car wash operators also switched from traditional to recurrent revenue models. They deployed subscription and membership models such as unlimited wash packages for fixed monthly fees, and membership programs with tiered benefits. 

This created a win-win situation. Operators achieved stable, predictable profit streams and increased customer loyalty, while customers enjoyed incredible flexibility and consistent service engagement.

EV-Specific Wash Services

As electric vehicles (EVs) became increasingly mainstream in 2024, car wash operators recognized the need for specialized services that could address the unique characteristics of electric vehicles. They consequently developed EV-specific washing protocols such as:

• Protective treatments for sensitive battery casings
• Gentle cleaning techniques that protect the intricate electrical components of an EV
• Combined washing services and EV charging stations

Since the EV market is poised for even more growth in 2025, these car wash trends point toward a future where EV-specific services will no longer be an option but a critical component of most car washes. There's even the possibility of the rise of EV-only car washes that will address electric vehicles' specialized wash and maintenance requirements.

Challenges Facing the Car Wash Industry

Despite promising growth, the car wash industry faces several challenges, including:

• The high initial investment for advanced technologies as an expansion barrier for small operators
• The rapid pace of technological change, which requires constant reinvestment in digital infrastructure
• Increasing labor shortages as the industry becomes more advanced
• Stringent environment regulations
• More competition for traditional car washes from larger chains and technology-driven startups 

Future Outlook for Car Wash Operators

As we look toward 2025 and beyond, it’s clear the car wash industry is no longer just about cleaning vehicles but about providing a comprehensive, sustainable, and technology-driven service.

The future belongs to operators who embrace innovation and remain adaptable. Future car wash models will require significant investments and re-investments in digital infrastructure, advanced cleaning technology, and flexible service models.