Car washes and gas stations have long been neighbors, but in 2025, the synergy between fuel pumps and suds has evolved into a calculated business strategy. What was once a convenience for drivers is now a revenue stream that can make or break a gas station's profitability.

In this blog, we break down how car washes are no longer just add-ons but strategic assets. We'll explore how co-location impacts revenue, what data tells us about consumer behavior, and how chains large and small are integrating these services to maximize profit per square foot.

A Strategic Pairing: Fuel Meets Foam

For decades, the gas station car wash was a basic affair: a single bay with a touchless system, usually tucked off to the side. But times have changed. In 2025, car washes are high-margin operations supported by tech-driven automation, loyalty apps, and smart pricing tiers.

For gas station owners, adding a car wash can:

• Increase customer dwell time
• Boost return visits through bundled discounts
• Raise average transaction size
• Diversify revenue beyond volatile fuel margins

According to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), gas stations with car washes report 23-38% higher monthly revenue than those without, depending on location and service quality.

What the Data Says (2025 Snapshot)

Premium car washes often include amenities like:

• Underbody rinses
• Triple foam wax
• Tire shine
• Blow-dry systems

These services not only command higher prices (typically $12-18 per wash) but also align with consumer preferences for convenience, especially when paired with a fuel discount.

Behavioral Economics at the Pump

Why do car washes work so well at gas stations?
Because of bundled value. Customers already stopping for fuel are:

• Time-conscious
• Convenience-oriented
• Receptive to combo deals

In fact, recent survey data shows that 42% of customers choose their gas station based on whether a car wash is offered. Of those, 65% are willing to pay more if it includes a discount on gas or vice versa.

Case Studies: Who’s Doing It Right?

1. RaceTrac
In 2025, RaceTrac locations with "Clean Ridge" branded car washes report up to 48% higher daily revenue compared to their no-wash counterparts. Their loyalty app bundles fuel, snacks, and wash discounts seamlessly.

2. Sheetz
Sheetz invests in touchless, subscription-model car washes with RFID readers. Their monthly unlimited pass averages $21.95 and has a high adoption rate among repeat customers.

3. Independent Operators
Smaller station owners often outsource car wash operations to third-party vendors or install modular wash units. These setups cost less upfront and are popular in suburban and rural markets.

The Economics: Buildout Costs vs. ROI

Setting up a car wash isn't cheap. Average costs in 2025 range from $180,000 for a basic rollover unit to over $500,000 for a multi-bay premium setup.

However, the payback period for high-traffic locations can be as short as 14-20 months, thanks to low labor requirements and high-margin recurring revenue.

Add-on services like:

• Vacuum stations
• Air freshener vending
• Detailing bays

...can push margins even further.

Subscriptions: The Game-Changer

Just like streaming platforms, car washes are going subscription-based.

• Unlimited Wash Clubs are now offered by over 67% of stations with premium car washes
• Monthly plans range from $15 to $35 depending on region
• Users average 3.1 washes/month, making the math work for both consumer and business

This model builds predictable income and improves customer retention. Many chains integrate these plans with fuel rewards for double loyalty lock-in.

What to Watch: EV Integration and Water Recycling

Looking forward, car washes at gas stations are experimenting with:

• EV charging bays with attached wash facilities
• Closed-loop water recycling systems for sustainability
• App-based queuing and scheduling to reduce wait times

The goal: make every square foot of the property revenue-generating while offering a seamless, eco-conscious customer experience.

Final Take: Wash, Rinse, Repeat For Profit

In 2025, car washes are not a luxury but a necessity for forward-thinking gas station operators. They attract loyalty, cushion against fuel price volatility, and generate recurring revenue that fuels long-term profitability.

For customers, it’s about more than clean cars. It’s about value, time savings, and rewards. For businesses, it’s about turning a service stop into a strategic growth engine.