May 28, 2025

In this encore presentation of our Car Wash Show Session, we demonstrate how tracking key metrics like throughput, conveyor utilization and downtime and understanding industry averages can reveal opportunities for improvement, especially during peak times! 

Webinar Summary

Presented by:

Alex Mereness, Director of Product Management, Tunnel Solutions at DRB

Moderated by: Kayla Ivey, Product Marketing Manager at DRB

Overview

This webinar focused on how car wash operators can optimize their tunnel operations to maximize throughput, especially during peak seasons. The session emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making and introduced key performance indicators (KPIs) that can significantly impact operational efficiency, customer experience, and profitability.

Key Takeaways

1. Why Tunnel Operations Matter

While revenue metrics like memberships and traffic are crucial, tunnel operations are often overlooked. Consistency in the wash experience builds customer loyalty and supports scalability.

2. The Power of Data

Relying on gut feelings is no longer sufficient—data provides clarity and direction.

Metrics help identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

Essential KPIs to Track

1. Vehicles Washed Per Day: 

Track daily volume and compare it to organizational and industry averages. Use this data to identify trends, optimize staffing, and plan promotions.

2. Conveyor Utilization

Measures how effectively the tunnel is used relative to its capacity.  Top-performing sites operate at 40–60% utilization. Helps identify bottlenecks and streamline operations.

3. Average Conveyor Speed

Impacts both throughput and wash quality. Consistency across sites ensures a uniform customer experience. Variations should be investigated and standardized.

4. Average Gap at Peak Traffic

Measures how closely vehicles are loaded during busy times. Smaller, safe gaps increase throughput and revenue. Training and consistency across shifts are key.

5. E-Stop Time

Tracks downtime due to emergency stops. High E-Stop time negatively affects both efficiency and customer experience. Investigate causes and reduce unnecessary stops.

Actionable Strategies

• Benchmarking: Use industry data to set realistic goals.
• Team Involvement: Share metrics with staff to foster accountability and improvement.
• Weekly Reviews: Analyze data weekly to stay agile and responsive.
• Gamification: Motivate teams by turning KPIs into performance challenges.

How NoPileups Can Help

NoPileups is a  tunnel optimization solution using computer vision to monitor vehicles. It prevents collisions and provides detailed KPI reporting, helping operators improve throughput, reduce downtime and enhance customer satisfaction. Weekly reports on the metrics we've discussed can be emailed to you weekly at no extra charge, allowing you to track, compare and take action on that data.

Final Thoughts

• Data is not just for reporting—it’s a tool for transformation.
• When used intentionally, KPIs can elevate your operation from good to great.
• Consistency, efficiency, and customer experience are the pillars of a high-performing car wash.