Partner with Howco for Customized Solutions to Your Unique Car Wash Challenges

by David Martin, Equipment Sales Manager-Southeast / Howco, Inc. 

Every industry has its own set of challenges and opportunities, and the car wash industry is no exception. While car wash owners can find plenty of general advice on best practices, many face site-specific situations that leave even seasoned operators scratching their heads. When situations arise that require customized solutions, partnering with an experienced car wash equipment supplier is the optimal move. 

At Howco, we regularly help car wash owners overcome situations that don’t fit neatly into a handbook. Below are a few real-world examples that show how experience, creativity, and hands-on support can make all the difference. 

Solving Tight-Space Equipment Challenges Without Costly Construction 

A South Carolina car wash owner contacted Howco to replace his in-bay automatic wash equipment. During our on-site measurement in preparation for installation, we discovered an unusually tight situation:  only half an inch of clearance on each side of the existing equipment and a similar minimal allowance for the new installation. It looked as though the building had been constructed around the original equipment. 

While this presented a significant challenge for our service team, they navigated successfully removing the old machine and installing the new in-bay automatic equipment without tearing down walls or making expensive structural changes. The result was a seamless upgrade and a very relieved operator who avoided unnecessary downtime and construction expenses. 

Reducing Vandalism While Increasing Visibility and Revenue 

That same operator also faced repeated vandalism attempts at his pay station, which was located behind the car wash, largely hidden from view. Howco recommended a strategic redesign to improve both security and curb appeal by: 

• Relocating the pay station to the front of the building. 

• Adding an attractive canopy with LED lighting. 

• Installing canopies over the vacuum stations. 

These improvements transformed the site. The enhanced lighting and visibility eliminated vandalism, made the property more inviting, and ultimately increased overall business volume and revenue. 

Helping a First-Time Car Wash Owner Succeed on a Budget 

In another South Carolina case, a recently retired military veteran was entering the car wash industry for the first time. He had limited capital, no prior experience, and wanted honest guidance from a car wash consulting service on how to improve the in-bay automatic site he had purchased. 

Our car wash site assessment revealed that the wash had “good bones” but needed attention to detail and customer-facing improvements. Rather than recommending expensive overhauls, Howco focused on smart, cost-effective upgrades: 

• New decals for the pay station. 

• New bay meter doors. 

• Clear, easy-to-read buttons and instructional signage. 

• Conversion to a cashless car wash system with a credit card-only point-of-sale system. 

These relatively small changes dramatically improved the customer experience. As a result, revenue quickly doubled, proving that thoughtful car wash upgrades can deliver strong ROI without major capital investment. 

Why Video Surveillance Systems Are Now Essential for Car Washes 

Another increasingly common solution Howco provides is the installation or enhancement of car wash security systems, including car wash video surveillance. This is especially important for self-serve and in-bay automatic car washes that operate long hours, even 24/7, with minimal to no staffing. 

Video surveillance helps: 

• Deter vandalism, theft, and unsafe behavior. 

• Document incidents involving customers or employees. 

• Protect owners against false damage or injury claims. 

We’ve seen footage capture everything from improper employee procedures to unauthorized activities like oil changes, waste dumping, and attempted break-ins. In many cases, tunnel entrance video has helped car wash owners successfully defend against damage claims by proving the issue existed before the vehicle entered the wash. 

Simply put, you can’t afford not to have a video system today. 

Comprehensive Support Beyond Equipment Sales 

In addition to these examples, Howco routinely assists customers with: 

• Navigating complex city ordinances and permitting requirements. 

• Procuring financing for car wash equipment and upgrades. 

• Designing the optimal car wash layout. 

• Performing real estate evaluation and site assessment. 

As our CEO often says, Howco handles everything “from soup to nuts.” 

Partner With Howco for Car Wash Success® 

If you’re looking to enter the car wash industry, or planning to expand and improve an existing operation, Howco is ready to help you tackle your unique challenges. Contact us today to assess your situation and get started on the right path to Car Wash Success®.