Can New Energy Vehicles Be Washed at Car Wash Shops?

[McXavier]

New energy vehicles can be washed at car wash shops. Below are the maintenance items for new energy vehicles: 1. Exterior: Similar to fuel-powered vehicles, start with an exterior inspection, checking whether components such as the paint, lights, and wipers show signs of aging or damage and if they function properly. If the body needs cleaning, use a soft cloth soaked in a mild, neutral car wash solution to wipe it down with moderate pressure to avoid damaging the paint. 2. Tires: Since tires are in direct contact with the ground daily, they are more prone to damage than other components. During maintenance, check the tire pressure, four-wheel balance, and whether the tread has cracks or damage. Additionally, note that in winter, lower temperatures cause rubber to harden and become brittle, reducing the friction coefficient, making tires more susceptible to leaks and punctures compared to other seasons.

[Arianna]

I think it's completely safe to take new energy vehicles to car washes. I often do this with my electric car. The battery pack is designed with rigorous waterproofing measures, and the outer shell has excellent sealing, capable of withstanding even heavy rain. The amount of water from a regular car wash won’t seep in at all. However, it’s important to choose the right method—avoid high-pressure water jets with undercarriage washing near the charging port and motor compartment seams. The rolling brushes in automatic car washes can easily scratch body sensors and front cameras. Last time I went for a wash, I made sure to check if the charging port cover was securely fastened, which is crucial. I recommend prioritizing shops with experience in new energy vehicles, as they know how to handle them properly. After washing, it’s best to drive a short distance to let the water drain off the body and prevent any residual water in the seams. Regular cleaning and maintenance can actually extend the vehicle’s lifespan.

[DeBentley]

Some people worry that washing new energy vehicles might cause short circuits, but this concern is unnecessary. Electric vehicles undergo IP67 waterproof testing before leaving the factory, with batteries and circuits sealed tightly like tin cans. I've taken my Tesla to the car wash dozens of times without any issues. There are two types of car washes: automatic machine washes require caution as the large brushes might damage the millimeter-wave radar on the roof; manual washing is safer, just remind the worker not to spray water directly at the charging port. Price-wise, new energy vehicles and fuel cars are basically the same, though specialty shops might charge a few extra dollars for cleaning. If your car has assisted driving cameras, remember to wipe the lenses dry after washing. In summer, park in the shade to ventilate after washing to avoid water marks from sun exposure. Don't skimp by choosing unprofessional car wash stalls, as they carry risks from lack of experience.

[EvanDella]

When I first bought an electric car, I was also afraid to wash it. Later, I asked the 4S store and realized I was worrying too much. Regular car washes with low-pressure water guns are completely safe. The battery pack under the chassis of new energy vehicles is protected by metal plates, so high-pressure water can't reach critical parts. Every time I take it to wash, I check the chassis and there's never any water seeping into the wire harness connectors. Avoid using strong acidic car wash detergents; neutral ones are the safest. If the charging port gets wet, just dry it before charging. Make sure the moisture in the body gaps dries before covering the car. Don't wash it too frequently; once every two weeks is enough.

[JessicaMarie]

The most cost-effective way to wash a new energy vehicle is to opt for basic hand washing and avoid those automatic tunnel car washes. A regular wash costs around 30 yuan, similar to gasoline cars. The high-voltage system is well waterproofed—just make sure the charging port cover is tightly closed. Don't skimp on car wash soap; use anti-static detergent to reduce dust buildup. Avoid prolonged undercarriage washing and don't set the water pressure to the highest level. After washing, turn on the AC to dehumidify the interior. Regularly wipe the headlights and radar sensors with a cloth yourself. Skip roadside stalls and choose a chain car wash—they follow standardized equipment procedures and offer insurance coverage in case the radar gets misaligned during washing.

[MacMia]

From a technical perspective, new energy vehicles are more wash-resistant than gasoline cars. The high-voltage battery pack uses sealing strips and a metal casing, making it safe even when submerged in water for half an hour, let alone the few minutes during car washing. The charging port is equipped with a rubber waterproof ring, preventing water from entering the plug interface, similar to the waterproof design of smartphone charging ports. When washing the car, avoid directly spraying water into body gaps, especially around the front trunk seams and charging port. When using the air pump at the car wash, avoid blowing directly on radar areas. I always ensure the vehicle's power is turned off before washing, and never wash while charging. After washing, dry the sensors and cameras to maintain clear visibility.