Magic Tunnel Car Wash is a well-known car wash service that offers a variety of services to their customers. They have different service packages available, each with its own set of features and prices. The prices of their services depend on the type of car and the specific package chosen by the customer. The basic service package includes a thorough exterior wash, including a pre-soak, high-pressure wash, and spot-free rinse. This package also includes an interior vacuuming and wipe down of the dashboard and windows. The price for this service package starts at $20 for a standard-sized car and may vary depending on the size and condition of the vehicle.
Hi Your VIP Monthly Membership ******* has been deactivated and your credit card will no longer be charged for renewal, however, you can still use your pass through the close of business on 5/27/2022.
When I go in the wash system their equipment takes over and is now their responsible that my vehicle goes to the end of the cycle without being damaged in the process. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB s standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
The price for this service package starts at $20 for a standard-sized car and may vary depending on the size and condition of the vehicle. For customers looking for additional services, Magic Tunnel Car Wash offers a variety of add-ons. These add-ons include services such as a hand wax, tire shine, and interior detailing.
How Much Money It Costs to Build a Car Wash
Car wash tunnels and supporting equipment are the backbones of any car wash business. They also have some of the highest base costs when it comes to the cost of a car wash. The cost of a car wash tunnel and support equipment can vary on a number of factors.
Base Cost $650,000
Range of Variance +/- $150K
Primary Cost Variance Drivers
- Type of Conveyor Mechanism
- Belt conveyors have some clear benefits over the tried and true chain conveyor car wash systems, but those benefits do come at a higher ticket price
- Length of Conveyor
- Which has implications on arches and other supplementary equipment as well
- Ancillary Equipment Choices and Levels
- High level of discretion up to the owner and car wash tunnel designer here
Water Treatment System
Water Reclaim System, Water Filtration System
Water treatment systems can help car wash owners save money on their water bills by recycling the water used for washes. In some municipalities, water treatment systems may even be required. The cost of a water treatment system for your business varies based on whether you install one at all, and the level of equipment that is purchased.
Base Cost $150,000
Range of Variance +/- $100K
Primary Cost Variance Drivers
- Whether you implement a reclaim system at all
- Level of water filtration and type of water filtration and softening system implemented
Electronic Components
Paystation(s), Tunnel Controller, Relay Station(s), Misc. Electrical
Electronic components are another necessary component of a car wash business, but the price of these components can range considerably. Not all electronic components, like pay stations, are required for car wash businesses. Still, the convenience and long-term savings they can offer may make them worth it for some businesses.
Base Cost $275,000
Range of Variance +/- $125K
Primary Cost Variance Drivers
- Anticipated volume will have the largest impact due to the level of capacity your systems and payment terminals / auto-cashiers (if implemented) will have to be able and capable of processing
Site & Landscaping
Paving, Leving, Asphalt, Greenery, General Landscaping
Yearly site maintenance and landscaping costs for a car wash system can get expensive depending on the complexity of the service requested. Some site maintenance tasks are not necessary each year, like paving or asphalt. On the other hand, grass mowing and mulch laying may have to be done several times per year.
Base Cost $200,000
Range of Variance +/- $100K
Primary Cost Variance Drivers
- Size, shape, and frontage of lot
- Level of landscaping and extras desired by owner
Vacuum System
Motors, Drops, Accessories and Hoses, Plumbing, Related Cement Work
Vacuum systems are necessary for a full-service car wash business. The price of vacuum systems can vary highly, depending on the complexity of the vacuum system in question. Luckily, vacuum systems tend to be a one-time investment for car wash owners, with repairs and maintenance being a small fraction of the cost of the overall system.
Base Cost $180,000
Range of Variance +/- $100K
Primary Cost Variance Drivers
- Anticipated volume will have the largest impact due to the level of capacity your vacuum system and setup will need to be able to accommodate
- Type and quality of vacuum system and setup
HVAC & Plumbing
Furnace, Heaters, Misc. Electrical, Misc. Plumbing
It may be surprising to some car wash owners to learn that HVAC & plumbing is one of the cheaper investments required for a car wash business. Based on the average temperature of where your car wash business is located, the price you’ll pay for HVAC & plumbing can vary. In general, HVAC & plumbing for a car wash business is less than $100,000, with repairs and maintenance again being minuscule in cost compared to the overall system.
Base Cost $80,000
Range of Variance +/- $40K
Primary Cost Variance Drivers
- Geographical location of wash is important
- Levels of seasonal and temperature variation that will need to be accommodated for
Signage & Marketing
Main Signage, Menus & Price Boards, Brand and Logo Design & Launch Marketing
As with any other business, if you do not market your car wash, customers will not know it exists. Signage has a fairly set cost, while marketing can widely vary depending on the kind of marketing you’re performing. Things like websites, digital marketing campaigns, billboards, and print advertisements can easily cost over $100,000. But, the costs range based on the level of marketing being performed for the car wash business.
Base Cost $150,000
Range of Variance +/- $100K
Primary Cost Variance Drivers
- Desired level of passerby visibility
- Amount of street frontage available on site
Planning & Permitting
Engineering, Architecture, Required Permitting
Most municipalities will require special permitting and in-depth planning before approving the construction of a new car wash. On the other hand, engineering and architecture is required to ensure that your car wash business is up to code with local rules and regulations. You can expect to spend at least $175,000 on the planning and permitting of a new car wash.
Base Cost $175,000
Range of Variance +/- $100K
Primary Cost Variance Drivers
- Geographical area and local government
The prices for these add-ons range from $5 to $30, depending on the specific service requested. Magic Tunnel Car Wash also offers a monthly membership program for customers who want to keep their cars clean on a regular basis. The membership program includes unlimited car washes for a fixed monthly fee. The prices for the monthly membership start at $30 for a standard-sized car and may vary depending on the size of the vehicle. In summary, Magic Tunnel Car Wash offers a range of services and packages to meet the needs of their customers. The prices for their services vary depending on the type of car and the specific package chosen. With additional add-ons and a monthly membership program, customers have the flexibility to customize their car wash experience based on their preferences and budget..
Reviews for "The hidden costs of magic tunnel car washes."
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the service charges at the Magic Tunnel car wash. The prices they ask for are ridiculously high for what you get. I paid double the amount I usually pay at other car washes, and the result was just average. The cleaning was rushed, and there were still visible dirt and streaks on my car. I don't understand why they charge so much for such mediocre service. I definitely won't be coming back.
2. Sarah - 1 star - The service charges at the Magic Tunnel car wash are a complete rip-off. Not only are they expensive, but they also add extra fees for basic services that should be included. I was shocked when they told me there was an additional charge for vacuuming the interior of my car. I mean, isn't that a standard part of a car wash? The staff was also rude and unhelpful when I questioned the charges. I would not recommend this car wash to anyone.
3. Mark - 2 stars - The Magic Tunnel car wash really disappointed me with their service charges. I went in expecting a thorough and top-notch cleaning, but all I got was a subpar job for an exorbitant price. The extra charges they tack on for things like wheel cleaning and interior detailing are just outrageous. I found much better and more affordable options elsewhere. Save your money and go somewhere else for a better car wash experience.
4. Emily - 1 star - The service charges at the Magic Tunnel car wash are a complete scam. They charge way too much for the basic package, and if you want anything extra, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg. I couldn't believe it when they told me they charge extra for wiping down the windows and mirrors. Isn't that a basic part of any car wash? This place is just trying to squeeze as much money as possible out of its customers without providing quality service. Avoid at all costs.