Mister Car Wash is the largest car wash chain in the United States with 350 locations. The number two on the list is Driven Brands, this chain has 300 locations. The top 50 is a list of leading car washes (with a washing tunnel), ranked by the number of locations.

The list of the largest chains in America is compiled annually by the trade journal Carwash.com. On the conveyor chain list Mister Car Wash is at the top. The trade magazine states that the list is becoming increasingly difficult to compile because of all the mergers, takeovers, consolidations and expansions. Every week there are mergers and takeovers in the sector, the Americans write.

Although this year’s list still includes many familiar names and brands that have been with the car wash industry for decades, it also includes companies that have been active in the market for five years or less. This is the first year that the top five on the list all have more than 100 locations.

Mister Car Wash has been leading the list for several years. It is followed by Driven Brands Car Wash North America, formerly International Car Wash Group, which was recently acquired by Driven Brands. In third place on this year’s list, now based in Dallas, is Zips Car Wash. In fourth place on the list is Quick Quack Car Wash of California. And, new to the top five this year, in fifth place, is Tommy’s Express Car Wash with an end-of-year forecast of 100 locations.

1. Mister Car Wash
Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. 350 locations.
Mister Car Wash prides itself on the quality of its washes, customer friendliness and customer experience. They say it’s the people that make the chain a success. In 2020, the company achieved sales of $574 million and profits of $59 million.

2. Driven Brands Car Wash North America
Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. 300 locations.
Driven Brands Car Wash is a local player despite its overall size. With the acquisition of the International Car Wash Group in 2020, Driven Brands has made a big jump in this ranking. There are 300 locations in the US, but a total of 900 locations in another 14 countries, including Europe where the brand name IMO Car Wash is used. The parent company Driven Brands also includes Take 5 Oil Change and Meineke Car Care Centers.

3. Zips Car Wash
Headquarters in Dallas, Texas. 235 locations.
Zips grew from 205 to 235 locations this year, making Zips the fastest growing express car wash in the US. (In early December it acquired Fast Lane.) The chain has now been in existence for more than 17 years and operates in 22 states in the US.

4. Quick Quack Car Wash
Headquarters in Roseville, California. 160 locations.
Quick Quack Car Wash started in 2004 in Sacramento, California. This is another fast-growing chain. Quick Quack is particularly active in Arizona, California, Texas, Utah and Colorado. Quick Quack is regularly recognised for its efforts to strengthen the community and for its environmentally friendly operations. Its mascot is a large yellow duck named Quackals. Quick Quack operates on a subscription basis for unlimited washing for a fixed monthly fee.

5. Tommy’s Express Car Wash
Headquarters in Holland, Michigan. 100 locations.
Tommy’s Express is also a fast grower. The family business now has more than 50 years of experience. All branches are built according to the same model and have patented stainless steel round arches and use proprietary software. Franchise locations are supported with training, marketing and technical assistance.

Also read: 

• Mister Car Wash shares stay at a steady high number
• Ryan Essenburg (Tommy’s) predicts return of pay vacuums at car washes