Who Invented the Drive-Through Car Wash? The Story Behind This Automotive Innovation

()
Home » FAQ » Who Invented the Drive-Through Car Wash? The Story Behind This Automotive Innovation

In order to reach its current state, car wash technology has experienced numerous adjustments. Though they may seem ordinary nowadays, completely automated car washes were unheard of a century ago. Today, we will explore those persons who invented the drive-through car wash by studying complete history of a car wash. Let’s explore:

Beginning of car wash: 1914

1914 marks the beginning of the car wash industry’s history, after Ford’s Model T was introduced. Although there is some difference on the origins of the vehicle wash, most people agree that Frank McCormick and J.W. Hinkle invented it in Detroit, Michigan.

When car washes first started, most of them had employees driving automobiles and they assigned tasks to each person. These responsibilities included washing the car, drying it, and putting on soap. This kind of procedure continued for a minimum of two decades prior to the implementation of any automation.

Semi-automatic vehicle wash system: 1940s

In 1940 Hollywood, California established the first automatic conveyor car wash. Hand labor was still required to wash the vehicle in this car wash system, even though a winch system automatically pushed it down a tunnel. 

Thomas Simpson, a man, created the first semiautomatic vehicle wash system in 1946, six years later. With Simpson’s invention, most but not all of the physical labor was eliminated. This system work by following this procedure:

  • Step 1: This car wash system operated by pushing a conveyor belt down a tunnel and attaching it to the vehicle’s bumper.
  • Step 2: After the car was thoroughly cleaned and dried using an air blower, three sets of manually operated brushes were employed.
  • Step 3: The vehicle was then sprayed down with water from an overhead sprinkler.

Complete automatic car wash system: 1950s

The first completely automated car wash system was developed in Seattle, Washington, in 1951. Archie, Dean, and Eldon Anderson created this business which transformed car washing and presented several entrepreneurs with incredible financial opportunities. The automated car wash system comprised dragging the car through the tunnel, using massive machinery to spray soap on it, automatic brushes to scrub it down, nozzles to rinse it off, and big air blowers to dry it off.

Moreover, Dan Hanna had a significant influence on the carwash industry. In 1955, he launched his first location, Rub-a-Dub, in Milwaukie, Oregon. Eventually, Hanna established 31 carwash stations. Hanna realized the need for more effective carwash equipment as a result of this significant business expansion. He began installing his equipment in other people’s car washes in 1959. By the mid of the 1960s, Hanna Enterprises was the biggest global manufacturer of car wash equipment.

Modern automatic car wash: 2001

In 2001, Ben Alford established the first automated express carwash of the current era, carrying on the industry’s tradition. Automated cash stations and gates were part of this approach. In this manner, clients could drive up to the car wash terminal, buy a car wash, and their vehicle could go through the tunnel. The driver just required an attendant to help him onto the conveyor.

Today car wash system:

Even now, car washes are still changing to meet various consumers’ demands. Moreover, progressions in car wash technology are continually being made. With the introduction of soft soaps, energy and water saving technology, and water recycling systems that allow up to 95% of consumed wash water to be reused.  Modern vehicle washes are becoming more environment friendly.

Final thoughts:

Car washes are constantly changing, just like cars. With the application of contemporary technology and time, car wash models have been refined and utilized today. Today, a wide variety of car wash services are offered to cater to the needs of various customers. To accommodate different customer needs and budgets, a range of car wash varieties are offered, ranging from self-serve washes to full services washes. Technology in car washes is continually developing to offer quicker, safer, and more convenient washes.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Leave a Comment