If you're designing a new car wash—whether it’s self-serve, automatic, or a mix of both—getting the bay sizes right from the start is essential. The layout you choose will determine what types of vehicles you can serve, how your equipment fits, and how easily you can expand in the future.
We’ve been working closely with manufacturers to help customers plan their car wash builds, and here’s what you need to know about bay sizes, equipment rooms, and electrical requirements:
Start With the Vehicles You’ll Be Washing
Before deciding on bay dimensions, think about who your customers are and what they drive:
- In city or suburban areas, most users will have cars, SUVs, and crossovers. In these settings, standard bay sizes work well.
- In rural or farming communities, you’ll likely see larger trucks, dualies, and utility vehicles. Planning for bigger vehicles means going wider, taller, and longer where possible.
Tailoring your layout to the types of vehicles you'll serve helps future-proof your investment and keeps customers happy.
Recommended Bay Sizes
Self-Serve Bays
- Minimum: 25 feet long x 16 feet wide
- Preferred: 30 feet long x 16 feet wide
The longer 30-foot layout gives customers more space to move around and also allows the bay to be converted into an automatic wash later if needed.
Automatic Bays
- Minimum: 30 feet long x 16 feet wide
- With Dryer System: 36 feet long x 16 feet wide
Automatic systems require more space to fit equipment and allow smooth entry and exit. If you’re adding a car dryer, the extra 6 feet is necessary.
Bay Width Options
- 16 feet wide is standard and works for most vehicles.
- 18 feet wide is a good option if you expect larger trucks or want to give customers more room to maneuver.
Wider bays reduce tight turns, prevent accidents, and make the wash more comfortable to use.
Bay Height Requirements
- Minimum clearance: 10 feet 6 inches
- Recommended clearance: 12 feet
This ensures there's enough room for overhead equipment and tall vehicles. A 12-foot ceiling gives you better flexibility and a more professional look.
Equipment Room Requirements
You’ll need a separate room to house pumps, controllers, and other systems. The equipment room doesn't have to sit directly behind the bays, but it should be large enough to support your operation and future growth.
- Minimum size: 10 feet by 20 feet
- Preferred size: Match the bay length (25, 30 or 36 feet) for a clean building footprint and more storage
Extra space in the equipment room makes maintenance easier and gives you room for replacement parts or chemicals.
Electrical Requirements
- Equipment Room: Needs 220V 3-phase power to run pumps and core systems.
- Each Bay: Needs 110V single-phase power for lighting and coin boxes.
Planning your electrical setup early helps avoid installation issues later.
Final Thoughts
Getting the size and infrastructure right in the planning phase sets you up for long-term success. Whether you’re building in a city with compact cars or in a rural area with big trucks, the right bay length, width, and height will ensure your car wash can handle the traffic and deliver a great experience.
If you're working on your layout or have questions about equipment options, we're happy to help you figure out the best setup for your goals.
