How to Go Through a Car Wash: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Automatic car washes offer a convenient and efficient way to keep your vehicle clean and polished. Here’s what you need to know about how to go through a car wash from start to finish. Whether you’ve never been through a car wash or have specific concerns like roof racks, understanding the automatic car wash process can make your experience smooth and stress-free.

Going Through The Car Wash

1.Prepare Your Car for an Excellent Wash

Learning how to go through an automatic car wash is easy! However, for the best results, it helps to be prepared. Follow these tips to get your car ready.

  • Remove any loose items before entering the car wash. This includes antennas and exterior decorations like removable business magnets or bumper stickers.
  • Roll up your windows.
  • Set aside your removable roof rack or anything that isn’t a permanent part of your vehicle’s exterior.
  • Consider leaving small children and pets at home. Car washes can be loud, and vehicles may shake a little.
  • Use a master lock so other passengers don’t accidentally open the windows or doors.

It’s perfectly fine to leave your side mirrors in their normal position before a car wash. Automatic car wash setups safely clean vehicles with side mirrors, even extended mirrors, so you don’t have to worry about damage or problems with your mirrors during the experience.

2.Turn Off Your Windshield Wipers

Turning off your front and back windshield wipers before you enter a car wash keeps them from getting damaged. It also allows the car wash process to work more effectively.

After the car wash, you can turn them back on if necessary.

3.Select a Wash Package

Choose the car wash option that best suits your vehicle’s needs. This choice may depend on your budget, available services, and desired cleaning power.

How long does a car wash take? Depending on the package you choose, it could last between 5-20 minutes.

4.Keep Your Car Turned On

In most car washes, turning your car off is unnecessary. Cars must be kept on with running engines for the washing mechanics to work effectively.

Some facilities may require you to turn off your engine, but this requirement is uncommon. The facility should communicate specific instructions clearly before you enter the car wash.

5.Align Your Car

Most car washes require you to slowly drive forward until your car’s front tires align with their track system. A conveyor belt will guide your vehicle through the wash.

Carefully position your car at the entrance of the automatic car wash. Facilities post detailed instructions, so make sure to read them thoroughly before you enter.

Double-check that your car isn’t crooked or slanted upon entry. Proceed slowly, observing signage and instructions. An attendant may also be present to help guide you into the tunnel or car wash bay. Otherwise, follow designated arrows or traffic lights to guide you through a smooth, safe process.

6.Put Your Car in Neutral and Keep Your Hands Off the Wheel

Lights and arrows should indicate when you have successfully placed your vehicle onto the track. If you have an automatic transmission, put your car in park. Manual transmission? Put it in neutral.

At this point, you can take your foot off of the brake and don’t apply the emergency brake. Remove your hands from the steering wheel so you don’t accidentally guide it.

The machinery will move your car smoothly through the tunnel. Pay attention to instructions. The car wash may instruct you to stop, move forward, align your steering wheel, or apply brakes if needed.

7.Let the Wash Do Its Job

Most car wash businesses follow the same procedure, using a combination of mechanics, water jets, different soaps, and brushes to get your vehicle clean as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Typical car washes include the following steps:

  • Pre-wash: A pre-rinse removes loose dirt and debris from your car’s surface.
  • Soap application: Specially formulated soaps, applied through high-pressure dispensers, break down caked-in dirt and grime.
  • Scrub: Soft, vehicle-safe brushes use rotating arms to gently scrub your car’s exterior, removing stubborn dirt or hard-to-remove spots.
  • Rinse: Special water jets thoroughly remove soap and grime using high pressure.
  • Dry: High-powered air dryers blow air to dry your car, helping to minimize water spots and reveal a shiny exterior.

Some automatic car washes include optional add-ons like protective wax, extra scrubs, or tire shine options. Car wash facilities with attendants may offer additional services like vacuuming the interior and detailing the wheels and tires.

8.Exit the Car Wash Safely

After the wash has ended, look for signs or flashing lights to indicate that it is safe to exit the garage area. Slowly drive out of the car wash to avoid potential hazards like pedestrians or other vehicles.

Pull over to the side or into a parking space. It’s always a good idea to take a moment and inspect your vehicle. Look for any spots needing extra attention or a second scrub before you drive away.

Get a Worry-Free Car Wash Today

Automatic car washes are an easy way to keep your car clean so you can take pride in its appearance. Following these steps should simplify the process, and you can drive away feeling confident you know how to go through a car wash with ease.

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