Andy Sehremelis on Express Car Wash Business Models

By Andy Sehremelis · October 29, 2026

Andy Sehremelis has built, owned and operated express car washes in Southern California through AGS Fueling & Automotive, where he serves as President and CEO. He founded Parkcrest Construction in Chino in 1992 and is a licensed real estate broker. The express car wash is a distinct business model, and its economics depend on decisions made in both design and daily operation.

Andy Sehremelis on What Defines the Express Car Wash

The express car wash format is built around a conveyor tunnel, an automated pay station and free or low-cost vacuum areas. Customers generally remain in their vehicles through the wash and finish the interior themselves. The format reduces labor compared with full-service washes and relies on equipment, technology and volume to perform.

Because the customer experience is largely automated, the reliability of the equipment and the clarity of the process are central to the business.

Andy Sehremelis on Single Washes and Memberships

Express car washes typically offer two ways to buy: a single wash at the pay station or a recurring monthly membership. Single washes serve occasional customers and visitors. Memberships serve frequent customers and create a more predictable revenue base for the operator.

A membership program changes how a wash is managed. Membership customers expect quick entry, often through license plate recognition or a dedicated lane, and they notice when service quality declines. Retaining members depends on consistent wash quality, short waits and simple account management, including easy changes and cancellations.

Andy Sehremelis on Wash Menus and Pricing

Most express car washes offer several wash levels, with added services such as tire shine, protectants and undercarriage cleaning at higher tiers. A clear menu helps customers decide quickly at the pay station, which supports throughput. Too many options can slow the line and confuse customers.

Pricing should reflect the local market, the quality of the wash and the cost of chemicals, water, power and equipment maintenance. Operators review the mix of wash levels sold to understand which services customers value.

Andy Sehremelis on Throughput

Throughput is the number of vehicles a wash can process in a given period. It depends on tunnel length, conveyor speed, pay station design and how smoothly vehicles enter and exit. Queue capacity matters as well. A stacking lane that is too short can cause vehicles to back up into drive aisles or the street during busy periods.

Exit design also deserves attention. Customers leaving the tunnel should have clear routes to the vacuum area or the exit without crossing the paths of vehicles waiting to enter.

Andy Sehremelis on Equipment and Maintenance

Tunnel equipment, including brushes, conveyors, dryers and chemical systems, operates continuously during business hours. A failure stops revenue entirely. Preventive maintenance, a stock of common replacement parts and relationships with qualified service technicians reduce downtime.

Water reclamation systems are common in the express car wash format and reduce fresh water use. They require their own maintenance routines to keep wash quality consistent.

Andy Sehremelis on Staffing

Even with automation, express car washes rely on attendants who guide vehicles onto the conveyor, assist customers at the pay station, explain memberships and keep the property clean. Training attendants to communicate clearly and to recognize safety concerns protects both customers and the business.

Andy Sehremelis on Car Washes Alongside Gas Stations

An express car wash can operate independently or alongside a gas station and convenience store. When combined, the businesses can share customers, but the layout must keep fueling, store parking and car wash queues from interfering with one another.

Parkcrest Construction's experience building these properties, combined with AGS's experience operating them, informs how each element is arranged. For an owner-operator, the express car wash model rewards careful design, dependable equipment and consistent service more than any single feature.