Summer is the peak season for road trips, and that means more vehicles are crisscrossing highways and stopping at convenience stores and fuel stations across the country. For fuel station owners, this seasonal surge is the perfect opportunity to boost car wash sales. Tourists and road trippers want clean vehicles—not just for aesthetics but also for visibility, comfort, and even protecting their car’s finish from bugs, sap, and dust picked up along the way. As an owner or manager of a C-store, you’re in a unique position to capitalize on this travel rush. Here are several proven strategies to sell more car washes this summer.
6 Ideas to Sell More Car Washes This Summer
1. Use Signage That Captures the Eye of Travelers
When someone is unfamiliar with your station, they’re looking for clear signs of what you offer, especially if they’re stopping for fuel, snacks, or a bathroom break. Eye-catching signage can help you draw attention to your car wash.
Tips for effective signage:
- Bright colors and bold fonts are easier to read from the road.
- Highlights promoting seasonal value get attention: “Get Road-Trip Ready – Car Wash Special Today!”
- Images of shiny cars or fun travel graphics will catch drivers’ eyes.
- Directional signage helps drivers find the car wash entrance easily.
Make sure the signage is clean, visible, and placed in high-traffic areas near the gas pumps, store entrances, and exit lanes.
2. Encourage Employees to Upsell at the Register
One of the most effective yet underused methods of increasing car wash sales is simply asking customers at the register if they want to add one. Tourists may not realize you have a car wash or may forget to ask—this is a golden opportunity.
How to empower your staff:
- Train them to offer car washes naturally. Use simple scripts like, “Would you like to add a car wash today? It’s a great way to get rid of bugs and dust from the road.”
- Offer incentives. Create a bonus structure or friendly competition for employees who upsell the most washes weekly.
- Use visual prompts. Keep small counter displays at the register with car wash pricing, deals, and images to start the conversation.
Employees are the face of your business. When they’re trained and motivated to promote your services, it can significantly impact your bottom line.
3. Advertise on Local Travel and Navigation Apps
Digital marketing isn’t just for big brands. You can tap into local tourism by listing your fuel station and car wash on travel apps like GasBuddy, Google Maps, and Waze. When someone searches for services nearby, your location can pop up with the added bonus of a car wash.
Additional digital ideas:
- Use geo-targeted Facebook or Instagram ads that trigger when people pass through your area.
- Partner with nearby hotels or tourist spots to include your car wash in “Local Travel Tips” or digital welcome guides.
- Encourage reviews and photos of your facility on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor to increase credibility.
The more visible you are online, the easier it is for road trippers to find and choose you.
4. Partner with Local Tourist Attractions
Tourist attractions draw large numbers of out-of-town guests, many of whom will eventually need fuel, refreshments, and a car wash. To promote your car wash, consider teaming up with attractions such as amusement parks, museums, or scenic stops.
Ways to collaborate:
- Provide car wash coupons at ticket booths or visitor centers.
- Create joint promotions: “Show your receipt from XYZ Attraction and receive $2 off a car wash.”
- Offer your station as a “Preferred Stop” on regional travel maps or guides.
These partnerships expand your reach and give travelers a compelling reason to visit your location instead of a competitor’s.
5. Ensure Your Car Wash is Running Smoothly and Looks Inviting
No matter how great your promotion is, customers will avoid a car wash that looks rundown or difficult to use. Ensure your car wash equipment is fully operational, clean, and inviting to newcomers.
Things to check regularly:
- Are all lights, brushes, and drying systems functioning correctly?
- Is the payment system easy to use for out-of-town visitors who may not be familiar with your equipment?
- Does the area look clean and well-maintained?
Consider adding extra signage that walks people through the process if it’s not intuitive. A little reassurance goes a long way with tourists unfamiliar with your setup.
6. Use Social Media to Promote “Stop Here” Value
Your social media channels are another great place to promote your car wash to summer travelers. Short, engaging posts highlighting your car wash’s benefits—especially when paired with promotions—can drive foot traffic.
Ideas for social content:
- Post before-and-after car wash images with hashtags like #RoadTripRefresh or #CleanGetaway.
- Share customer testimonials from happy road trippers.
Don’t forget to update your hours, location details, and services across all your social media profiles so tourists can quickly decide to stop in.
Achieve Your Goals with H&S Energy
Summer road trippers and vacationers represent a seasonal revenue surge for car wash services. With the right strategies in place—eye-catching signage, promotional campaigns, employee engagement, and digital visibility—you can tap into this valuable market, turn your fuel station into a destination stop, and sell more car washes this summer. Contact H&S Energy to learn more about marketing ideas and opportunities to upgrade your business with a car wash to boost your summer business success.
