I think they're popular because they create induced demand. Most people only seek out car washes once they reach a certain dirtiness threshold but if the car wa

I think they're popular because they create induced demand. Most people only seek out car washes once they reach a certain dirtiness threshold but if the car wash is on the way home or at their favorite gas station, they tend to wash their cars much more frequently. There's four car washes within a half mile radius of my house that have been around for years but each of them is on a different artery connecting to the freeway so they cater to different markets so to speak. The area could probably support few more if the real estate weren't so competitive. IMO that's also why they all have monthly memberships with unlimited washes. The vast majority of their customers are regulars driving by on their way to work so the subscription makes sense for everyone.