All Car wash & Valeting articles
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NewsCar wash concerns after another water company considers valeting ban
South West Water is the latest provider to ask the government to issue a ‘drought order’, which would give the firm permission to implement a non-essential use ban. If applied, this would prevent all commercial car wash operations from running in the region served by the firm.
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NewsCarbana opens first car wash centre with solar panels and plans more
Carbana Car Wash opened its fifth car wash centre, and its first with solar panels last week. It predicts the technology will halve the Leicester site’s energy bill.
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NewsValeting firm WashTec gets new managing director
WashTec UK has appointed a new managing director, with Ryan Lenihan taking up the reins with immediate effect.
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NewsMaxol launches US-style Car Wash Club
Car wash operators in the UK and Ireland are increasingly turning to the subscription-based model that dominates the US market.
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NewsNew 34-metre car wash tunnel set for Scunthorpe
A new automatic tunnel car wash is to be built in Scunthorpe after the local authority granted planning permission, and WashTec signed on to supply the equipment.
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NewsHand car wash closed as it breaches noise limitation conditions
A hand car wash operating on a forecourt site was ordered to stop jet washing because the local council said it was too noisy.
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OtherOperators recognise benefits of linking valeting and car care displays
Petrol station operators are increasingly linking their car care section in store with their valeting service on the forecourt.
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NewsGovernment eyes up car wash ban
Civil servants in Whitehall have drawn up a “reasonable worst case scenario” for the current water shortage, which could see automatic car washes banned from operating until supplies restabalise.
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NewsHawtree & Sons boost valeting income with car dryer/vacuum combo
Hawtree & Sons Riverside Garage continues to invest in its successful forecourt washing hub, marketing its latest additions – two dual-purpose car-dryer and high-powered vacuum machines – as giving a “showroom finish”.
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NewsCWA opposes preparations for drought ban on mechanical car washes
The Car Wash Association (CWA) is lobbying against Southern Water’s request for permission to enforce a stricter water ban which could force mechanical car washes to close.
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OtherMONEY TALK: Clean cars and clean conscience
The revival in forecourt valeting with modern water recycling equipment at the fore means commercial car washes are more likely to be allowed to stay open during droughts. But sites must explain to customers they are acting legitimately, says industry commentator Jan Mikula.
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NewsCWA wins water supply concession for responsible car washes
As millions of people are hit with hosepipe bans in the UK, the Car Wash Association (CWA) has been making progress in persuading water suppliers to allow responsible valeting hubs to remain open for as long as possible during shortages.
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NewsDavid Charman to use heat from chillers to warm water for his jet washes
Forecourt Trader of the Year 2025 winner, David Charman at Parkfoot Garage in West Malling will shortly begin using the heat from his many fridges to warm the water for his jet washes.
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NewsNo-outlay revenue share dog wash supplier targets forecourt sector
Shell dealer Goran Raven is the second forecourt operator to install a Dog Wash Express pet cleaning station: a new to sector offer which has an inbuilt loyalty programme, and a no-cost revenue share model.
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Focus On FeatureFOCUS ON CAR WASH AND VALETING: Rinse and repeat
While many forecourt operators have invested thousands in new car washing equipment, whether it’s a rollover system or a jet wash, some are still not marketing these new and improved services that well.
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NewsSpotless Water eyes forecourt expansion thanks to £6.3m investment boost
Spotless Water, which supplies purified water for use by window cleaners, car valeters and other trades, has secured a £6.35m private-equity investment that could see it roll out its services at 1,000 petrol stations.
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NewsHome Office fines for car washes employing illegal workers jump 35%
The latest statistical release from the Home Office reveals hand car wash businesses were fined £2.38m for employing unregistered workers in the final quarter of 2025, a 35% jump on the same period in the previous year.
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NewsWashpod unmanned valeting hubs coming to the Midlands
Washpod, a new-to-industry standalone, self-service valeting concept, is set to make its debut this July in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
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NewsGen Z drivers combined with EV transition will make free forecourt wi-fi a must
Fuel retailers should consider installing free wi-fi at their sites if they want to attract younger drivers and those transitioning to electric cars, an industry expert has said.
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NewsNEC dazzles with innovation from key cutting, to bulk ice cube dispensers and canine washers
From key cutting to canine washing machines, this year’s Forecourt Show and co-located exhibitions did not disappoint with their array of innovation aimed at giving operators additional profit opportunities.