The Rise Of Self-Service Car Washes In Texas

You see them popping up everywhere in Texas: Car Washes. Most of them, if not all, are now the drive-thru yourself and free vacuums for you to use to the side.

Some offer an extra service fee if you want the staff to complete the wash, but those offers are usually in the bigger cities in Texas, where there are many business executives.

You are seeing fewer and fewer full-service car washes because the old-school business model is no longer profitable, especially if the owners have many locations. As it was explained to me, hiring and retaining staff is difficult. Many workers are asked to stay home without pay when the weather is inclement. Who can go days, or in some cases weeks, without pay?

There may be a few full-service washes in your area of Texas, but they are slowly dwindling, like the dwindling number of Texas Longhorn jerseys with Big 12 logos.

Now, the car wash business model is that you get to clean it. You can clean your vehicle with unlimited car wash memberships, making cleaning less annoying. Besides, there's no need to tip, saving you some money.

These new car wash companies have creative ways of inviting you to join the club. One of the biggest in Texas is Quick Quack Car Wash. Its logo features a cool-looking Duck, and its staff wears white shirts and ties. You will see its staff standing on street corners, spinning signs and flags to get your attention.

When I pass a full-service car wash, it's like when I pass a Drive-In movie theater: I feel like days have gone by.