can suv with top rack go thru car wash

[LeTessa]

Yes, an SUV with a roof rack can go through a car wash, but it requires careful consideration of the rack type and the car wash model. The safest choice is always a touchless (or "no-touch") automatic car wash. These washes use high-pressure water and detergents without physical contact, posing virtually no risk to most standard roof racks and their crossbars. The primary risk comes from brush or cloth-style automatic car washes, where the rotating equipment can snag on, scratch, or even damaged improperly secured racks and loads.

If you must use a brush-style wash, the security of your setup is critical. Factory-installed racks or high-quality aftermarket systems from brands like Thule or Yakima, when correctly torqued to the manufacturer's specifications, are generally robust. However, any accessory attached to the rack—like a cargo box, kayak carrier, or bike rack—must be removed beforehand. These items can be torn off, causing extensive damage to your vehicle, the car wash equipment, and the accessory itself.

For ultimate safety with a permanent rack, hand washing is the best method. It allows you to clean both the vehicle and the rack thoroughly without any risk of mechanical damage. If you frequently use a roof rack, investing in a quality wash mitt, automotive shampoo, and a hose-end foam cannon can make hand washing a quick and effective routine.

Factor	Low Risk (Touchless Wash)	High Risk (Brush/Cloth Wash)	Safest Alternative (Hand Wash)
Risk to Roof Rack	Minimal to none; no physical contact.	High; brushes can snag and stress mounts.	Zero risk; full control over cleaning.
Risk to Accessories	Low for the rack itself, but accessories should still be removed.	Extreme; cargo boxes, bikes, etc., will be damaged.	Not applicable; accessories can be cleaned separately.
Risk to Vehicle Paint	Low; no abrasive contact, but strong chemicals may affect wax.	High; dirt trapped in brushes can cause swirl marks.	Lowest; using proper techniques preserves the finish.
Convenience Factor	High; drive-through automation.	High, but with significant risk.	Lower; requires time and effort.
Cost Implication	Standard car wash fee.	Potential for hundreds to thousands in damages.	Cost of supplies; no fee per wash.

[OKing]

My rule is simple: if it's a touchless car wash, you're probably fine. If it's the kind with big spinning brushes, just don't. I learned the hard way after a car wash brush caught the edge of my aftermarket crossbar and left a nasty scrape along my roof. Now I either take the five minutes to remove the crossbars or I just hand wash it. It's not worth the anxiety or the potential repair bill.

[MaverickDella]

Check your roof rack's manual. My Thule system's documentation explicitly states it's designed to withstand the forces of automated car washes, including brush types. However, it also emphasizes that all attachments like bike racks must be taken off first. The key is whether the rack is a professionally installed, name-brand system or a cheaper, less secure option. Knowing what your specific equipment is rated for is the most important step.

[JulietMarie]

As someone who uses my roof rack for bikes and skis year-round, I never drive through an automated wash with anything on it. The rack itself might be okay, but I'm not risking my expensive bike rack. I either do a quick hand wash or, if it's winter and too cold, I go to a self-service bay. I use the high-pressure rinse to get the salt and grime off the car and the rack, which is perfectly safe and effective.