Car Wash Feasibility Study – Site Selection, Traffic Counts, Competition & Membership Model
The car wash industry looks simple from the outside, but site selection and competition are everything. A car wash feasibility study evaluates whether your location can generate enough car count, stack safely, and compete profitably—especially if the market already has multiple washes.
Site Selection: The #1 Success Driver
A feasibility study should evaluate:
- Traffic exposure and visibility
- Ease of turning in/out and safe access
- Enough land for stacking, vacuum bays, and circulation
- Compatibility with surrounding uses and city requirements
Traffic Counts Matter—But Only If Access Works
High traffic does not guarantee high washes. If your driveway is hard to enter, or if stacking blocks traffic, your performance suffers.
A feasibility study should examine:
- Estimated capture rate potential
- Peak-time stacking requirements
- Nearby intersections, medians, and drive cut limitations
Competition: More Than “How Many Washes”
Feasibility should identify competitor types and positioning:
- Express tunnel (membership-focused)
- In-bay automatic
- Self-serve
- Full-service or detail-focused locations
Then compare:
- Pricing, wash packages, and membership plans
- Equipment type and site condition
- Customer experience (speed, vacuums, layout, reviews)
Membership Model: The Profit Engine
Many modern tunnel washes rely on recurring memberships. A feasibility study should test whether the trade area supports a strong membership base based on:
- Household density and income profile
- Commuter patterns
- Competitive membership saturation
- Price positioning
Common Car Wash Red Flags
- Too many washes with memberships already established
- Poor stacking or tight site circulation
- Weak residential density within close radius
- City restrictions on water reuse, signage, or access
If you’re considering a car wash site, a feasibility study can help confirm the right concept type and reduce the risk of entering an oversupplied market.
Conclusion
A feasibility study is more than a formality — it’s your roadmap to profitability. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or franchise owner, Falcon Data Service can help you make confident, data-driven decisions that fuel long-term success.
📞 Contact Falcon Data Service today to request your Feasibility Study and take the first step toward a smarter, more secure investment.