If you’ve been stuck in the queue waiting for longer than normal at your local car wash recently, then you’re not imagining things. According to research carried out last year by IBIS World, U.S. car washes nationally have been experiencing accelerated growth. So, if you are considering starting your own car wash business, now is the best time to do it! We’ve listed some of the main reasons why the car wash industry is booming.

Reason #1. Increased Car Sales

Two years ago, car sales in the U.S. reached their highest point, beating the previous record set over fifteen years prior. Thanks to better employment opportunities, low-interest rates on car finance and better prices on gasoline, people are buying cars more than ever before. For car washes, this is awesome news – customers now have the money and means to purchase new vehicles, and of course, they will want to keep them well maintained and looking good.

Reason #2. Better Car Washes

In recent times, new technology has improved a lot of things on the road and behind the wheel for drivers. But, it doesn’t just stop at your in-car technology. Car wash companies such as NuLook Car Care, Inc. are utilizing modern advancements that allow for more cars to be washed at the same time, provide better, safer cleaning and valeting, and allow for a much better customer experience overall.  As a result, both local and national car wash companies have enjoyed better word-of-mouth marketing, increased sales, and a more loyal customer base.

Reason #3. Environmental Protection

Cleaning your own car may be cheaper than taking it to the professionals, but fewer people are doing this today. Driveway car washing may be convenient; however, it results in a huge level of environmental damage caused by water waste. Thanks to the growing number of awareness campaigns headed by environmental non-profits and the government, more and more members of the public are becoming increasingly conscious about the damage they do. Since modern car washes recycle water, closely manage waste and operate with a lower water use per car overall, they are a far eco-friendlier option that drivers are taking note of.

Reason #4. Busier Lifestyles

Last but not least, the simple fact that our lifestyles are getting busier over time is contributing to the number of drivers using car wash services, rather than cleaning their vehicles themselves. As previously mentioned, employment rates have improved in the past few years; this had led to more people working in full-time careers and taking on commitments which leave them with little time for tasks such as washing their car. When using a car wash service, drivers can sit back, relax, and wait for the professionals to do the work for them. In addition, car wash services can be more convenient – there’s no need to purchase specialized car shampoos and other cleaning products since they are all readily available.

Are you considering starting your own car wash business? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.