When planning to open a contactless car wash business, understanding the space requirements is essential for ensuring smooth operation and customer satisfaction. A well-designed facility with the right dimensions not only enhances the efficiency of the wash process but also ensures safety and convenience for customers. This guide will walk you through the key space considerations for setting up a contactless car wash, focusing on the specifications of the equipment you choose.
Understanding Contactless Car Wash Space Needs
A contactless car wash is an excellent investment for entrepreneurs looking to provide a high-tech, touch-free cleaning experience. However, before committing to a site, you must ensure that your location can accommodate the necessary equipment, vehicle flow, and allow enough space for maintenance and future upgrades.
Overall Machine Dimensions and Ceiling Requirements
The first thing to consider is the size of the contactless car wash machine and the height of your facility. Different models come with varying space requirements, and it’s crucial to match the machine’s dimensions with your available space. For instance, the M-WS300 touchless machine from Mattias requires a ceiling height of at least 3.5 meters to accommodate its 3.3-meter height, providing sufficient clearance for SUVs and larger vehicles.
As you scale up to more advanced or high-capacity car wash machines, like those designed for trucks and commercial fleets, you’ll need a facility with greater height. Ensuring that your car wash has the necessary ceiling height will allow for safe operation and prevent damage to larger vehicles.
Installation Space and Footprint
The footprint of the contactless car wash equipment is another critical factor. The installation space should account not only for the machine itself but also for customer flow and vehicle maneuvering. For example, the M-WS300 touchless machine has a footprint of 8.2 meters in length and 3.84 meters in width, making it ideal for medium-sized car wash operations.
Beyond the machine’s footprint, consider additional space for vehicle entry and exit, as well as for the queuing of waiting vehicles. A well-planned layout will improve traffic flow and minimize congestion, creating a seamless experience for customers.
Water and Power Supply Requirements
Although not directly related to space, ensuring that your facility is equipped with the appropriate water and power supplies is essential for a successful contactless car wash operation. Most modern machines, like the M-WS300, are designed to operate with a standard water pressure and power setup. For example, the M-WS300 requires a reliable water supply and operates on a 380V power system, which should be factored into your site planning.
Ensuring your facility is set up with the right water and power configurations will prevent installation delays and minimize potential operational issues.
Room for Maintenance and Equipment Storage
While the focus is often on the car wash machine itself, it’s also important to allocate space for maintenance and storage. Routine upkeep, including cleaning and servicing the equipment, will require easy access to all parts of the machine. Additionally, storing cleaning supplies, chemicals, and spare parts close to the car wash area can save time and reduce operational downtime.
For most contactless car wash systems, a small dedicated room for equipment and storage will suffice. The M-WS300, for example, requires an equipment room with 1 ton water tank.
Selecting the Right Space for Your Car Wash
Now that you understand the key space requirements, it’s time to choose a location that best fits your contactless car wash needs. If you’re setting up a smaller, neighborhood wash facility, a machine like the M-WS300 touchless car wash is a perfect choice, with its compact size and moderate height requirements. For larger commercial or fleet-focused operations, you may need to consider machines with larger dimensions and space for high-capacity cleaning.
To Sum It Up
Understanding the space requirements for a contactless car wash is vital to ensuring smooth operation and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re opening a small facility or a large commercial operation, Mattias offers a range of touchless car wash machines designed to meet different space needs. By carefully considering the overall machine size, ceiling height, footprint, and utility setup, you can select the right equipment to elevate your car wash business.
For more information on our full range of contactless car wash systems, visit Mattias Car Wash Solutions and discover how our advanced machines can boost your car wash business.

