Car washes seem like a staple of American society, due their necessity and convenience. Yet, the car was not always as commonplace as it is in contemporary times, and surprisingly was not a concrete entity until 1914! The first semi-automatic car wash in the United States was founded in 1946, and from there the industry as a whole exploded.  Fittingly, this original car wash was developed in Detroit, Michigan, where they utilized a system of manual brushing coupled with pulleys. Within 5 years, the car washing industry was here to stay, due to their increasing convenience and thoroughness.

In 1951, three brothers conceived the first ever fully automated car wash in Seattle, Washington where cars were pulled through a tunnel and sprayed with soap followed by a scrubbing. This ground-breaking invention revolutionized the way car washes were operated, and led to this way of washing to voraciously spread across the entire nation. Through the 1960’s this automated car wash led to further creations to ensure Americans everywhere had squeaky clean vehicles. Creations such as soft cloth friction, recirculating water, and wraparound brushing furthered the car cleaning process, and become a pillar within the industry as a whole.

Despite the significant growth the car wash industry saw in the 1960’s, the economic downward shift of the 1970’s took quite the toll on the industry. As gas prices rose, profits inevitably shrunk due to more and more Americans being unable to afford traveling via a motor vehicle. By the time the 1980’s came around, the economy took a turn upwards due to the creation of more gas conscious vehicles. With these smaller cars, came the creation of the “Adjust-O-Matic” car wash, which automatically adjusted according to the length of your vehicle.

Today, car washes are more eco-friendly, convenient, and efficient as ever before! Here at Pro-Wash, we utilize the latest recycling filter systems to enhance our environmental efficacy, coupled with using Reverse Osmosis rinse water and high velocity touch free drying. In addition, we use soft cloth and Neoglide foam material to gently wash your car, as well as Simoniz brand wash solutions that clean, shine, and protect your vehicle finish. To learn more about what a modern car wash has to offer, come and visit either our Newmarket or North Hampton, NH locations! Feel free to check out our website at www.pro-wash.com or give us a call at 603-964-7291!