5 Things to Check Before Buying Used Car Wash Equipment

The wash count (or operating hours for components like vacuums and water treatment systems) is the single most important indicator of remaining equipment life. Think of it like mileage on a used car.

• Ask the seller for the lifetime wash count from the control board. Most in-bay automatics and tunnel systems track this automatically.
• For tunnel components, ask about conveyor chain cycles and motor hours.
• Compare the wash count against the manufacturer's rated lifespan. A PDQ LaserWash rated for 500,000 washes with 400,000 on the clock has less remaining life than one with 100,000.
• Be wary of sellers who cannot provide wash count data. It may mean the data has been reset or the control system has been replaced.

Documented maintenance history is a strong signal of how well the equipment has been cared for. It also helps you predict upcoming maintenance costs.

• Request maintenance logs covering at least the last two years. Look for regular preventative maintenance intervals.
• Key items to verify: brush replacements, chemical system calibration, conveyor chain tension and lubrication, motor service, and software updates.
• Equipment with documented dealer or manufacturer service visits is worth a premium over self-maintained equipment.
• Missing maintenance records are not necessarily a dealbreaker, but they should factor into your offer price. Budget for a professional inspection if records are unavailable.

Used equipment is only as valuable as your ability to maintain it. Before committing to a purchase, verify that replacement parts are available and affordable.

• Contact the manufacturer or an authorized distributor to confirm parts availability for the specific model and year.
• Ask about lead times for critical parts (motors, control boards, pumps). Long lead times mean extended downtime if something fails.
• Check if the manufacturer still supports the model with software updates and technical support.
• Orphaned equipment (discontinued models from brands that have been acquired or closed) can be very cheap to buy but very expensive to maintain.

Car wash equipment is large, heavy, and often installed in ways that make removal complex. Understanding the logistics before you buy prevents costly surprises.

• Ask the seller who is responsible for removal. Some sellers include removal in the price; others expect the buyer to arrange it.
• Get quotes from rigging companies before finalizing your offer. In-bay automatics typically cost $3,000–$8,000 to remove and ship. Tunnel equipment can run $15,000–$50,000.
• Verify clearances — can the equipment fit through doorways, under overhangs, and onto a truck without disassembly?
• Consider the installation requirements at your site: electrical, plumbing, foundation, and any permits needed.

Used equipment sales are typically as-is, but some sellers and refurbishers offer limited warranties. Understanding what is covered protects your investment.

• Ask if any manufacturer warranty remains. Some warranties transfer to new owners; others do not.
• For refurbished equipment, ask what was rebuilt and what warranty covers the refurbishment work.
• Clarify the return policy. Can you return the equipment if it does not match the listing description?
• Consider purchasing your own equipment warranty from a third-party provider if available for your equipment type.