Whenever you search for this query “do it yourself car washes near me,” the clear intention is definitely to get a manual or self-service car wash close to your actual location.
Regardless of where you are reading this post from, there’s always a do it yourself car wash in almost every country and region.
However, getting the right one from your desired location can be sometimes challenging, and that’s why this article has been detailed in this regard and to also show you some of the factors to consider while choosing a car wash, types of car wash, and the cost for setting up a car wash business. Read to the end.
Brief History of Car Wash Business
The car wash business has been in existence since 1914, even though everything started manually by two men in Detroit, Michigan, USA. But in 1940, the very first automated washing was established in California.
The machines weren’t fully automated, so workers still had to do some manual jobs to get the final processing until a few years later, when more inventions started to emerge.
The car wash industry was worth over 13 billion dollars in 2021. That’s how far the industry has gone, and it’s still growing very fast.
Factors to consider when choosing a car wash
When it comes to choosing the right car wash, here are some things you should consider.
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The type of wash:
There are different types of car wash, which we shall be discussing later in this article. Each washing method comes with a different feel. Making a choice depends on your choice and budgeting.
While some of these methods are very modern and stress-free, others are still the opposite. So you can make your choice on which methods you want to stick with. Either manual, automatic, mobile, tunnel, self-service, etc.
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The Location:
When you choose a car that’s very far from your home or work as your favorite, there are times you will need to book cabs to get to your destination.
That’s not a good idea, so it’s always advisable to choose washes near your home or office. It will save time and money.
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Duration and reputation:
A car wash that has been existing for long is likely to have more experience in this field compared to the new one. When choosing a car wash for the first time, it’s important to consider how long they have been operating.
We have heard in different occupations where cars got missing at the car wash. That’s why the company’s reputation matters. What are other people saying about the company? Before you take your car there, try to see some customer feedback and reviews to finalize your decision.
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Service Cost:
While some of the wash is extremely expensive and premium, others can be very affordable. You have to find out the cost and washing plans before embarking on taking your car there so you won’t end up getting stranded in the long run.
Some of the washes will give discounts to returning customers. If you’re working on a low budget, you should consider going for such services.
Take your time to look for washes that will charge less but render quality services. Many car washes only overcharge customers with poor services.
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Average waiting time:
How long does a customer need to wait before their car gets washed?. Some companies are just slow, while others are super fast, irrespective of the washing methods. Those are the kinds of car washes you should be looking for to save time.
Imagine dropping your car in a car wash and fixing an appointment within the next few hours. Only for you to go take your car, you discovered they are still in the washing process. That can be very annoying because it will definitely mess with your timing and appointment. That’s another reason you should always deal with fast companies.
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Check additional services:
While some car washes do it the usual method, others do extra washes even with the same pay. Though some companies also charge certain fees for this extra wash.
If you are looking for extra services during the wash, then you should consider sorting for places they offer them because you can’t get that on every car wash.
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Modern Equipment:
If you still haven’t had issues with car wash because of manhandling, We say congratulations because some car wash will mess up your paint with hard brushes and other outdated washing materials.
That’s why you shouldn’t choose a car wash that’s still using old and outdated washing methods because that can be very harmful to your car.
Do it yourself; car washes near me
We are going to share some tips to find car wash near your location, but before then, here are some reputable self services that are likely to be around your region. You can check out the list and their addresses.
If any of those are not in your location, you can do the search by simply typing self-service car wash or do it yourself. Car washes near me on your Google Maps This will show you some of the locations very close to you and their addresses.
Through this medium, you can also check for customer reviews and feedback to see what others are actually saying about that particular company.
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College Car Wash:
We discussed earlier that one of the factors for choosing a reputable car was how long they have been in existence.
College Car Park meets that standard, having been in existence since 1997, making it one of the oldest do-it-yourself car washes in this region.
You can access theirofficial website for more information.
Multiple payment methods are accepted, including college car part tokens and dollar coins, among others. All the modern equipment needed to clean your car is available at College Park, and the address is.
Click Google map for direction
5100 Sunnyside Ave.Beltsville, MD 20705(240) 241-4161@us1carwash.on.sunnyside
Click Google map for direction
8616 Baltimore Ave.College Park, MD 20740(301) 220-2580@us1carwash
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USA auto Wash:
This is another do-it-yourself car wash somewhere around California. You can locate the address.
811 W Blaine St., Riverside, CA 92507, United States.
You can also access the location through Google maps
Important Q & A
Before we conclude this article, let’s quickly answer some of the questions you may likely have in mind as a result of reading through this article.
How much does it cost to own a car wash in the USA?
There’s no doubt that this business is very profitable, with an average profit margin of around 35%. However, relevant factors such as the business location, the size, and more importantly, the choice of equipment should be considered when it comes to setting up a successful car wash business in the United States. They are very crucial because literally all your budget revolves around this sector.
There are different types of car washes; let’s discuss.
Types of car washes
Aside from the premium wash, a regular car wash can cost $10-$500. There are different factors that affect this price. But that’s not the topic for today.
But before then, remember there’s what we call Mobile Wash. In this instance, you just have to make calls to the company, and they will come to your house to wash your car, but don’t forget that it will always come with extra charges. That’s home service. That’s, by the way. Let’s see some of the types of car washes available.
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Self service Car wash:
This type of car wash is the least expensive because it’s set up in a way that customers will have to wash their vehicles by themselves using the necessary materials made available by the business, such as vacuums, brushes, hoses, etc.
As of when this post was published, this type of car wash can cost around $90,000 to $200,000 for setup, depending on how many bays you would want to start with.
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Automatic Car Wash:
More advanced and expensive than the self-service wash. This type of car wash won’t require any manpower either.
The customer will have to drive into the available bays. And the machines will automatically wash and dry the car within a very short period.
Setting up an automatic can wash can cost around $200,000 to $350,000 per bay. So the number of bays will determine the actual cost.
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The Tunnel Car Wash:
This is more like a premium wash where the vehicle is being moved through a tunnel, which comprises all the washing and drying materials already installed.
If you intend on setting up this kind of car wash, your target customers will definitely be extremely wealthy people.
Setting up a tunnel car wash can cost around $600,000 to $2 million.
Yes, it’s still very expensive, even if you decide to set up just a few tunnels for the start. The only good news is that you will make your money back in no time if your business can attract the right audiences. (The wealthy class).
Each of these types of car washes has its own various advantages and disadvantages. Try to find out from research before you venture.
Extra Cost
Apart from knowing the right car wash to setup based on your location, there are more things that will cost you money.
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Land space:
If you don’t have a space for this business yet, you won’t spend anything less than $150,000 to $700,000 in securing a space. I hope you weren’t expecting less because the real estate sector isn’t smiling.
They will definitely milk some funds from your bank unless you already secured a space.
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Permit and license:
There’s no way you can run such a business without getting a permit and license from the right sources. That’s not cheap, man. You can spend $5K and above to get a valid license and permit for this business unless you already know your way around it.
Maybe your relative works in the license office, or your wife is the head of the office. Only then will you boast of certain advantages; otherwise, be ready to spend.
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Washing Equipments:
This is a modern world, and you wouldn’t want your business to be outdated even before setup.
You need some advanced equipment to keep your business up-to-date. These car washing machines and equipment can cost nothing less than $50,000 to $500,000.
It all depends on the type of brand you’re going for.
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Utilities:
Last of all, you need water and you need electricity, and you will also spend money on different kinds of maintenance. But the maintenance cost will be determined by how much work you do per month.
More work, higher cost for maintenance, and reverse is the case when less work is done. However, water and maintenance costs won’t consume anything less than $12,000 monthly.
Note:All of the above-mentioned amounts are never to scare you away from the business but to create awareness so you won’t end up venturing into the business out of ignorance.
How long do you spend washing your car?
One of the biggest factors that affects the overall time to completely wash a car is the washing method. Let’s quickly discuss some of them.
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Car Detailing:
This means you will be doing waxing, interior cleaning, engine washing, and even polishing aside from other maintenance.
This can take 2 hours or more because it’s a lot of work.
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Home wash with hand:
You only need the regular materials to get this done. There’s no advance too.
Everything here is manpower. In most cases, you may not even own a vacuum of your own, and you understand how stressful that could be. This can equally take 30-60 minutes, depending on how fast you can wash.
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Automated Car Wash:
This one is easy. The moment you drive your car into the bar, where the machine can then take over, it won’t take more than 10 minutes to get your car ready.
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Self service Card Wash:
You are taking your vehicle to a car wash, but this time around, you will be the one to do the washing by yourself while the company only provides you with all that’s needed for the wash. Yes, of course you will pay for it, but this time the pay will be less. It can take around 30 minutes to get it done since everything that’s needed is already available.
We hope you are able to find the best do-it-yourself car washes near your location. Please don’t hesitate to subscribe to our channels for more information.
