When choosing a car wash location an entrepreneur must consider the competition in the trading area, which is approximately 8-miles and can be as much as up to 10-miles. An oil change facility attached to the car wash could pull for up to 12-miles.

Detailing Shops generally pull from 5-miles for wholesale detailing or industry customers such as car dealerships, auto auctions or large fleets that are government, corporate or non-profit (such as church used car donations). Retail Detailing will pull from up to 15-miles provided there are after market auto accessories such as XM Radio installations, pin striping, bumper repair or paint touch up too.

When choosing a car wash location these things must be considered, but also the size of the lot dictate how much room you will have to perform such extra services. In a large metro area, space is tight, car wash sales are abundant and large properties come at a premium. Also, one must realize that Fast Food establishments and strip centers, even condos will compete for these highly appreciated and often over valued properties and ROI is always a consideration.

The speed of traffic in front of a car wash is almost as important as the number of cars, which travel daily. Nearby apartments and condos often trump single family dwellings for surrounding desirability within the trading sphere. This is because those who do not have access to water or are prevented from washing their automobiles themselves due to CCRs or apartment rental regulations, will have to go to a professional car wash.

There are many important things to consider when choosing car wash properties, it is essential that one consider these factors and others. Car washes are great property holders that can easily pay for the property, and be torn down when the property is worth more to someone else. It is a good strategy to employ, similar to that of "Self-Storage" companies, buying up future prime property in advance of an expected real estate boom in the coming decade.