Why Wash Matters More Than Ever
By Cheryl Ashton, Marketing Coordinator, TSG UK
Where Sustainability Meets Service: The Wash Innovation Driving Dealership Change
Competition among UK car dealerships has never been fiercer. With more brands entering the market and customer expectations rising, retailers are under pressure to deliver not just quality vehicles but an exceptional experience. Clean, well-presented cars are no longer a nice-to-have; they are a necessity.
The shift in consumer behaviour, driven by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and a growing focus on sustainability, has transformed the way dealerships operate. Buyers now expect more than a transaction. They want transparency, convenience and a sense of care that extends beyond the sale. In this environment, presentation matters. A spotless forecourt and gleaming demonstrator fleet can make all the difference.
Changing Gears in Automotive Retail
The UK’s transition to electric transportation has accelerated; with nearly one in five new cars now electric, dealerships are adapting quickly. EVs are often positioned as high-end models, and customers expect them to look the part. Whether it’s a test drive or a handover, the vehicle’s condition reflects the dealership’s professionalism.
At the same time, used EVs are gaining traction. Buyers are cautious, and presentation plays a key role in building trust. A clean, well-maintained vehicle conveys quality and care, helping to alleviate concerns about battery life or previous ownership.
Dealerships are also responding to broader trends. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Customers favour retailers who demonstrate environmental responsibility. Automated wash systems that reduce water usage and utilise biodegradable detergents support this narrative, enabling dealerships to align with their customers’ values.
The CSI Factor
Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) scores continue to serve as a vital benchmark for UK dealerships. These scores, based on post-visit surveys, influence manufacturer relationships and franchise performance. A high CSI score reflects the quality of the vehicle and the overall experience, from the welcome at reception to the condition of the car on collection.
Offering a complimentary wash with every service or MOT visit is a simple yet effective way to boost CSI scores. It adds value, shows attention to detail and leaves a lasting impression. For retailers focused on delivering excellence at every touchpoint, automated wash systems offer a practical route to stronger CSI performance.
Beyond the Forecourt: Wash Opportunities Across the Site
The value of a clean vehicle doesn’t stop at the showroom. Across every department, from sales to service, automated wash systems support smoother operations, stronger customer impressions and a more professional image.
New Car Sales
In new car sales, first impressions are everything. Demonstration vehicles must be immaculate, ready to reflect the quality and care customers expect when they arrive for a test drive. A dirty car can quickly undermine confidence. Similarly, new stock arriving from transporters often needs a thorough clean before it’s ready for the showroom. Some dealerships take the experience further by offering a complimentary wash for the customer’s current vehicle during the visit, a thoughtful gesture that not only enhances the experience but also helps the sales team provide a more accurate part-exchange valuation.
Used Car Sales
The used car department faces its own challenges. Vehicles arriving from sister sites or taken in as part exchanges must be prepped before going on display. Over-age stock often needs a refresh to restore its appeal, and even trade-ins destined for auction benefit from a clean that can help maximise the final sale price. Presentation here isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about unlocking value
Service Department
In the service department, the customer journey doesn’t end when the keys are handed over. Vehicles in for servicing, MOTs or warranty work can be washed before collection, adding a layer of care that customers notice and appreciate. Courtesy cars, used while a customer’s vehicle is in the workshop, should also be kept clean and fully fuelled or charged. These small details reinforce the dealership’s commitment to quality and help maintain high CSI scores.
Accident Repair Centre
The same principles apply in the accident repair centre, where presentation plays a key role in customer satisfaction. Repaired vehicles should be returned in pristine condition, inside and out, to reassure the customer that their car has been properly cared for. Courtesy vehicles used during the repair period must also be maintained to a high standard, ensuring a positive experience throughout what can be a stressful time.
Parts and Delivery
In the parts department, delivery vans carry the dealership’s image wherever they go, making a clean, well-maintained appearance essential. Whether dropping off components to trade customers or transporting stock between sites, these vehicles carry the brand with them. A clean, well-maintained van reinforces professionalism and helps build trust with partners and suppliers. It is a subtle detail, but one that speaks volumes about the dealership’s standards.
Rental Fleet
Rental operations present another opportunity to raise the bar. Vehicles hired out to customers must be cleaned between each use to maintain hygiene and presentation; in a competitive rental market, consistency is key. An automated wash system ensures that every car or van is returned to a high standard, ready for the next customer. This not only protects the dealership’s reputation but also encourages repeat business from satisfied clients.
A New Revenue Stream
Some dealerships are now exploring ways to extend their wash facilities to the general public. A self-service wash bay, open outside of dealership hours or integrated into the site layout, can create a new revenue stream. It’s a simple concept with powerful potential; a customer who visits for a car wash may end up browsing the forecourt, booking a service or even enquiring about a new vehicle. Transforming a simple wash into a branded touchpoint allows dealerships to increase visibility and create new opportunities for customer engagement
Why Automation Wins
Some dealerships still rely on third-party valeting services, believing manual cleaning is more cost-effective. However, this approach can lead to delays, inconsistent results and logistical headaches. External teams often struggle to keep pace with demand, and inconsistent results can undermine the dealership’s standards. Automated systems offer control. Dealerships can regulate wash times, maintain consistent standards and reduce reliance on external labour. The speed and efficiency of automated washing often surpass manual methods, especially during peak periods.
TSG Vehicle Wash
TSG Vehicle Wash has over 30 years of experience supporting dealerships across the UK. Through its exclusive partnership with Kärcher, TSG supplies and installs professional automated car and van wash systems, jet washes and vacuum cleaners. Each solution is backed by a comprehensive service and maintenance package, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
TSG works closely with dealerships to design bespoke wash solutions that meet operational needs and budget constraints. From compact jet wash systems for smaller sites to high-volume gantry washes for busy forecourts, every installation is tailored to maximise efficiency and return on investment.
Kärcher Commercial Wash Solutions
Kärcher’s gantry wash systems provide dealerships with a dependable, high-performance solution tailored to a range of site requirements. The CWB3 KLEAN!STAR and CB lines combine speed, consistency and flexibility, making them well-suited to both volume-focused sites and those delivering a luxury experience. These systems ensure a polished finish with every cycle, helping dealerships maintain high standards across their fleet. With configurable options for brush materials, water recycling and advanced drying technology, each installation can be optimised to meet operational targets and customer expectations.
CWB3 KLEAN!STAR / KLEAN!STAR iQ
The KLEAN!STAR range is built for dealerships that prioritise speed without compromising on quality. These systems accommodate a wide variety of wash programmes, from express rinses to intensive cleaning cycles, ensuring each vehicle leaves the bay in showroom condition. The KLEAN!STAR iQ introduces intelligent enhancements, including contour-tracking brushes and adaptive drying technology, which improve performance while reducing resource consumption. For dealerships committed to delivering a premium experience, these systems provide a reliable, high-impact solution.
Jet Wash Systems
Compact sites need flexibility, and Kärcher’s SB OB jet wash system delivers just that. Designed for configurability, it allows site managers to tailor everything from water pressure and detergent dosing to frost protection and programme selection. Despite its small footprint, the system packs a punch, making it ideal for dealerships that want to offer a high-quality wash without sacrificing space. Whether used by staff or customers, the jet wash provides a fast, effective clean that supports operational flow and customer satisfaction.
Vacuum Systems
Presentation doesn’t stop at the paintwork. Kärcher’s SB VC self-service vacuum system helps dealerships maintain interior standards that match the exterior finish. Built for performance and durability, the vacuum features automatic filter cleaning to ensure consistent suction power, even during periods of high activity. The ergonomic nozzle design speeds up cleaning, while the hose recovery system keeps the bay tidy and reduces wear. With a modular setup and customisable options, dealerships can configure the vacuum to suit their site layout and customer needs. Whether used in service preparation, rental turnover or customer-facing areas, it’s a smart addition that reinforces attention to detail.
Service and Support
Regular maintenance is essential to keep wash systems running smoothly. TSG offers tailored service packages to identify potential issues early and prevent downtime. With scheduled servicing and responsive support, dealerships can maintain operational efficiency and avoid disruption.
The Road Ahead
As the automotive retail landscape continues to evolve, dealerships must adapt to stay competitive. Investing in automated wash solutions is more than a practical decision; it is a strategic move that supports customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and brand reputation.
TSG Vehicle Wash helps dealerships raise the bar, delivering clean cars, happy customers and a stronger bottom line. In a market where every detail counts, a pristine vehicle could be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.
