Why Are So Many Car Washes Opening Nationwide?

The car wash industry is growing! If you spend some time traveling this summer, you’ll likely find one or more drive-through car washes in cities of all sizes. Thanks to modern technology and innovation, these car washes can largely run unattended while producing big profits.  

Now in 2025, more business owners are investing in car washes than ever before because they serve a universal need in helping vehicle owners keep their cars, trucks, and vans clean while saving the owners the time and hassle of washing their vehicles.  

Car Wash

Convenience Matters  

Besides the practical reasons why car washes are so profitable in the 2020s, some investors feel that investing in car washes is something that ‘can’t fail’ because they see the trend of more Americans moving to the suburbs and know that those people will want car washes in their neighborhoods. 

Also, with more people leasing their vehicles in the 2020s, keeping them clean and well-maintained is essential, especially if they want to buy a new vehicle at the end of their lease term. A weekly trip to the neighborhood carwash can help with this while eliminating the need for owners to wash and dry their vehicles by hand. 

Car Wash Subscriptions Bring Booming Cash Flow 

Yes, car washes are a booming industry, but the monthly car wash subscription model is another key factor contributing to the rise in car washes nationwide. 

Car wash subscriptions have allowed owners to establish consistent recurring income. Most consumers don’t think twice about paying an average of $25.00 monthly for their car wash subscription. This model ensures a steady cash flow and fosters customer loyalty, as they can get unlimited washes and keep their vehicles spotless. 

When combined with the latest technology, innovation, AI, and a car wash subscription model, today’s car washes offer so much more than their predecessors from years past. Like the coffee shop boom of the 1990s, the car wash boom will likely continue well into the future.  

By Jeremy Raglin, Content Writer

Also see: Suppliers Directory, Car Wash Distributors,