If you’re thinking of starting an automotive business, particularly a car wash, you have two main options. You can go it alone and start from scratch, or you can join an established car wash franchise.  Both options allow you to pursue your entrepreneurial goals and be your own boss. But which one is right for you? Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of a car wash business from both sides can help you decide the best fit for you and your finances.

Joining a Car Wash Franchise

Franchising is the preferred path for thousands of entrepreneurs. It’s big business in the US, and it’s getting bigger. Statistics show that there are over 800,000 franchise establishments across the country, from fast-food places to the mobile car wash franchise. That’s around 8 million people working within franchise businesses in the US.

Indeed, 2025 is shaping up to be a record year for franchising. But that’s not to say all franchises are fail-safe options. For a balanced view, check out the advantages and disadvantages if you want to buy a car wash:

Advantages

Tried and Tested System

Top-performing franchises like DetailXPerts have proven systems that their owners have tested and refined many times over. The best standards, solutions, and procedures are in place and replicated across multiple locations. You can jump straight in and benefit from years of experience and industry know-how. They’ve made the startup mistakes, so you don’t have to!

Established Brand Name

Building a good business reputation doesn’t happen overnight. However, if you partner with a successful franchise, you’ll save on time and marketing costs thanks to strong brand recognition. The big advantage is that customers are more likely to visit your car wash if they trust the name, even if it’s a self serve car wash franchise and they end up washing their own car. On the other hand, you may find it harder to gain a similar reach on your own.

Training and Business Support

A reputable automotive business franchise provides ongoing training and support. From startup to daily operations, you’ll be shown the ropes, which is great if you’re a first-time business owner. Additionally, you can tap into the existing network of franchisees. They will have put the system through its paces, so you can benefit from their invaluable insights and best practices.

Scale Faster

There’s exciting growth potential with a franchise. For example, DetailXPerts can help you scale your business faster with multi-unit opportunities. This mobile cleaning franchise can target 3 different markets – auto detailing, cleaning fleets and commercial cleaning.

Furthermore, partnering with a franchise means leveraging their marketing efforts. Successful social media campaigns, SEO, and promotional campaigns can work in your favor and help you reach more customers. Growing your client base is key to expansion and growing a lucrative business.

Easier to Get Finance

If you’re partnering with a well-known franchise, it can make it easier to secure finance. Also, it helps to be associated with a trending business like a waterless car wash franchise. You’re representing a successful brand, which reassures lenders, such as the US Small Business Administration (SBA). Additionally, if your franchisor has connections with various financial resources that could benefit you.

Disadvantages

Fees and Ongoing Royalties

It can be expensive. You have to pay a franchise fee and ongoing royalties. Be aware that a portion of your monthly revenue typically goes to your franchisor. However, they should outline costs clearly, ensuring there are no hidden expenses.

Got to Follow the Business Model

Franchising is all about using someone else’s proven business model to build your own success. You get the rights to operate under a well-known brand, and in return, you follow their systems and standards. For example, a touchless car wash franchise typically uses a specific type of equipment. Therefore, you’ll be expected to install the exact equipment they recommend, regardless of cost.

It’s all about brand consistency. That’s great if you’re happy to stick to their ready-made business model and built-in support. However, this also limits your creative control over how you do things, and how much you want to spend on your car wash.

Starting Your Own Car Wash Business

If you have a clear vision and a solid business plan, you can start your own car wash business without franchise support. There is certainly a demand for this service. Reports show strong growth opportunities in the mobile car wash and detailing market from 2025 to 2035.

The demand for time-saving solutions and convenience makes the mobile car wash an attractive option. Growing investment in eco-friendly, water-saving car washes is also a key driver of market growth. It is worth researching a successful eco car wash franchise to see your competition. Check out the advantages and disadvantages of a car wash business.

Advantages

You’re the Boss

You don’t answer to a franchisor – you call the shots and make all the decisions. This gives you full control over management and operational rules and regulations. Equally important, you get to choose the type of car wash you want. For example, if there’s demand for a mobile car wash, then you can pursue this business model without franchisor approval.

Build the Brand You Want

You can enjoy the freedom to build a car wash brand that reflects your values and vision. Nothing or no one can stop you. For example, you’ll have full control over your marketing campaigns and how you connect with customers on social media. This can help you create a one-of-a-kind customer experience.

Keep the Profits, Grow the Business

No need to worry about franchise fees or ongoing royalty payments. You get to keep everything you earn. If you’re ambitious and put the effort in, you put it back into your business or think about opening another car wash.

Disadvantages of a Car Wash Business

Higher Risk of Failure

When you’re starting from scratch, you’re on your own. You don’t have a proven model to follow. So, it’s going to be a steep learning curve. Therefore, if you don’t get it right, the risk is that you will struggle to build a lucrative business. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half (49.4%) of businesses fail in their first five years.

Startup Costs

Startup costs are variable, depending on the type of car wash you want to open. They may be lower upfront than a franchise. However, you could quickly and easily overspend on operational and marketing costs. Also, getting a loan might be harder if you’re a first-time business owner with no brand recognition to support you.

Building Brand Recognition Takes Time

If you’re a new car wash in a competitive market, it will take time and money to build your brand, maybe years. Be prepared to work super hard on your marketing efforts and word-of-mouth recommendations.

No Ongoing Training and Support

It can be tough going without the built-in franchise support from the experts. Therefore, you must ensure that you are at the top of your game when it comes to giving your customers a high-quality service. The same goes for your employees. You need to provide top-notch training to keep them safe and knowledgeable in the workplace. Keeping up with the latest trends and car wash technology is also important.

Conclusion

Starting your own automotive business, like a car wash, is an exciting prospect if you’re an experienced entrepreneur who thrives on a challenge. Equally important, you’ll need the time and capital to build everything from the ground up. Disadvantages of a car wash business include a lack of business support and training. It also takes time to build brand recognition.

In comparison, if you want to hit the ground running with lower risk, then joining a franchise is a smart move. You’ll benefit from a proven system, training, expert guidance, and the backing of an established brand. Moreover, you can take advantage of scalability with multi-unit opportunities. And if the support and systems meet your expectations, the franchise fee and any ongoing royalties could be money well spent.

Either way, launching a car wash business is no small venture. So, why not take the path that helps you thrive from day one? DetailXPerts has a proven eco-friendly business model that leverages steam technology. And you’re looking at a turnkey solution that enables you to explore 3 markets: auto detailing, fleets, and commercial cleaning.

If you need advice on financing your startup, start by downloading our free guide, How Much Does It Cost to Start a Mobile Car Wash?