In the contemporary society, the aspiration to own a four-wheeled vehicle has become prevalent, primarily as a means to facilitate commuting. However, this desire is often accompanied by the challenge of vehicle maintenance. Individuals wish to preserve their automobiles not only in good condition but also to restore their appearance to that of a new car. This objective poses several challenges, nevertheless, the car detailing industry has emerged as a viable solution provider. Historically, this industry has been somewhat disorganized, accompanied by huge costs but 5K Car Care has taken decisive action to enhance its recognition and address the car detailing needs that exist within the market at an affordable price.

5K Car Care, a car detailing company based in Codissia, Tamil Nadu, is an innovative initiative by Dr Karthick Kumar Chinnaraj, the Founder & CEO. Recognizing the disorganization within the auto franchise industry, particularly in car detailing, Dr Karthick saw an opportunity to bring structure to the sector, which could lead to significant job creation. Hence, in 2012, driven by the vision to provide affordable and easily accessible car detailing services to customers, he founded 5K Car Care in Coimbatore with just three employees. And by 2018, it expanded its operations to several cities in and around Coimbatore.

Respective to car care, the company offers a wide range of services including Car wash, Car detailing, Car maintenance, Ceramic Car Wash, Ceramic Car Coating, Teflon Coating, and others. Additionally, to enhance the efficiency of its services, it also takes a step ahead and offers complimentary pick-up & drop-off facilities during official work hours to its clients. This service particularly benefits business professionals and workers, who rely on their cars for transportation.

Staying in sync with the trends and quality maintenance of its services, the company effectively prioritizes quality. At 5K Car Care, 90 percent of the products used are organic and certified internationally. For instance, its rat repellent is organic, and if a rat bites it, it won’t die, as the repellent has an odor that rats dislike. This approach helps it protect the car uniquely.

It ensures that its solutions are suitable for both the environment and the specific needs of each vehicle. It also provides tailored advice to car owners based on the climatic conditions in their areas. Some such offering are rust protection, particularly important during the rainy season when vehicles are vulnerable to moisture.

Additionally, it addresses common issues, such as the salt residue from washing cars with bore water, which can impair visibility. By systematically monitoring customer challenges, it has been keen on developing customized solutions, boosting its market success and differentiating 5K Car Care from competitors. Especially, the dedicated research and development team at 5K Car Care continuously ensures to improve its offerings, providing tailored solutions for various car paints, including PU, Duco, and water-based, as well as for glass surfaces.

As far as the entrepreneurship is concerned in the car detailing industry, having an entrepreneurial interest is one thing but to have an idea and awareness about how to do it hardly persists. To address this gap, 5K Car Care has even established dedicated training centers that teach potential entrepreneurs how to effectively run a business and understand customer expectations. Dr Karthick Kumar states, “When entrepreneurs consider franchising, they often face challenges such as hiring and training staff.

To support them, we have a college (vocational training center) approved by the Central Government under the National Council of Vocational and Research Training (NCVRT) and Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation, where we offer free education to the youth of Tamil Nadu and South India, especially for those who cannot continue their studies due to financial constraints (after 10th or 12th grade) or those who are seeking immediate job opportunities”.

Eligible individuals can enroll in 5K Car Care’s programs to receive a theoretical and practical education in Auto Detailing. Upon completion, they will earn a Diploma in Auto Detailing. 5K Car Care has also partnered with various industries to offer a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree. While working, employees have the opportunity to pursue both their Diploma and their B.E. degree in Auto Detailing. It also provides comprehensive training, combining theoretical lessons with practical experiences, and issue certificates upon completion. The complete course is designed by 5K Car Care specifically for car detailing team and covers all aspects of this field, including the application of ceramic coatings and other detailing services.

In addition to manpower solutions, the company is committed to providing new strategies and technology that meet market demands. For instance, while its customer-friendly app available for both iOS and Android users helps in easy service scheduling, it also serves as a critical tool for franchisees to manage their businesses daily. Customers can book services from their offices and track the entire process, from picking up their car to returning it after service. It keeps customers updated with real-time photos and information through the app, ensuring transparency. This comprehensive approach is one of its key success strategies. 5K Car Care operates on Sundays too and its customer support services are available 24/7 in cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore.

Its customer care team works closely with franchisees to resolve any customer issues, helping maintain a high customer satisfaction index each month. To support its growth, it has established dedicated setup teams for appointing entrepreneurs and providing daily support. 5K Car Care’s corporate structure includes 16 departments, including IT, Customer Care, and Sales, which collaborate effectively to assist each entrepreneur in its franchise.


The 5K Car Care brand has served as a significant influence within the industry, playing a pivotal role in the popularization of the term ‘Car Care’. It has garnered numerous accolades for its accomplishments, including recognition from the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as the premier startup in Tamil Nadu and South India. Various ministers have commended the brand for its outstanding quality and for promoting entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

Among its recent honors is the esteemed World Leading Indian Car Care Brand Award, presented at Oxford University in London on October 2, 2024. These recognitions are a testament to the high standard of services provided by the brand and the successful entrepreneurs and employees it has cultivated. Each award underscores distinct facets of its achievement, establishing 5K Car Care as a leader in the industry. Furthermore, nearly 100,000 customers have expressed their satisfaction with its services through reviews on platforms such as Google and YouTube, in addition to various video testimonials.


Growth and Future Initiatives
Notably, 5K Car Care’s growth has been remarkable. It has rapidly expanded from 50 to over 210 outlets across South India, serving 3.5 million customers and utilizing technology to attract and retain them. The company has created nearly 2,500 jobs, including 160 first-generation entrepreneurs, of which 22 are women. With a strong presence on social media and in magazines, 5K Car Care has also raised traffic safety awareness, educating 100,000 people in Tamil Nadu. Even MSMEs are providing subsidies to its entrepreneurs, while 5K Car Care offers up to 90 percent loan assistance to support its entrepreneurial wave in the car detailing space.

Every year, 5K Car Care incorporates advancements in the automotive industry, including EV charging technology at its facilities, allowing customers to charge their vehicles while receiving detailing services. The company is excited to launch its new app, ChargeGPT and Yale, to keep customers updated on the latest technologies. To enhance comfort, 5K Car Care addresses common issues in India, such as broken glass repairs, by offering effective solutions that restore glass to a near-new condition. It also tackles noise pollution with a damping solution that reduces outside noise by 80 percent, introduces eco-friendly Paint Protection Film (PPF), and offers a UV protection flip for sun roofs.

As part of its goal to launch ten new products by 2025, the company aims to create 300 new entrepreneurs and provide 5,000 job opportunities, resulting in 3,000 new stores while expanding its body shop operations in South India. Additionally, 5K Car Care conducts tree plantation drives and supports infrastructure development in government schools, having successfully developed infrastructure for five schools last year. It is also offering master franchise opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The immediate objective is to establish a presence in South India, with plans to expand into North India by 2026.