Insights into Why Car Washing Is at an All-Time High
Let’s face it, nobody washes their own car anymore.
…And if you’re a condo or apartment dweller, you have to rely on a professional car wash. But there are other reasons—very current ones—that are pushing the car wash industry into high gear.
According to one leading source, 89 percent of vehicle owners used professional car wash services in the past year – a record high. With the price of new and even used cars more costly than ever, owners want to get the most out of the cars the currently own.
Here’s a reality check: Read Consumer Reports Article
“The average cost of new cars is now well over $48,000; up almost $6,000 from two years ago and about $10,000 since 2020, according to the Kelley Blue Book. So, if inflation is making it hard to feed a family of 4, it’s hardly the time to add on an expensive new vehicle.
And then there’s convenience.
People today want things to be easy and convenient. Washing your own car is not one of those things. A whopping 83 percent of consumers say convenience while shopping is more important now compared to five years ago. For car washes, this is a boon trend.
Here are 5 reasons more people are turning to car wash services:
Creating an impression: Your car is a reflection of your personality and self-esteem. A dirty car says this person is lazy, ashamed, or maybe a drunk who just doesn’t take care of anything. A clean car says just the opposite.
Subscription membership is extremely popular. In fact, among U.S. consumers, 77 percent report that they are “extremely satisfied”. Since 2022, 87 percent say that they intend to renew their subscriptions. This is particularly true for car wash businesses where they’ve kept the price affordable.
Brand matters: A 2022 study shows that the right brand can increase consumer preference by 39%. Also relevant, especially to Eco Brite, is that consumers say it’s critical that their car wash offers value-added services or products. For us that includes our free vacuum and matt cleaning stations—and the fact that we are committed to environmentally-sustainable practices.
Even leading media outlets are coming out against the hassles associated with electric vehicles. To our customers who own one, we are happy to serve you. However, when the long waits at battery charging stations gathers millions of viewers on TikTok, you have to ask yourself, is it worth it? What does this have to do with car washing? Simple. If you aren’t ready to make the financial leap to an EV, you need to keep your existing car in the best shape possible—and that means keeping it clean, inside and out.
Stop by an Eco Brite near you today, or download our Eco Pass app. It just makes sense.
