Do I Need to Turn Off the Engine for Automatic Car Wash at Gas Stations?
3 Answers
Automatic car wash does not require turning off the engine. Here are the precautions for automatic car wash: Car Settings: When entering the automatic car wash, first set the car to neutral gear, do not use the handbrake or foot brake. Once inside the automatic car wash, do not move the steering wheel randomly or perform any operations on the vehicle, as the external washing may affect the car. Close Windows and Doors: Close all windows and doors properly, drive the left wheel onto the conveyor belt directly, shift to neutral without turning off the engine, do not pull the handbrake, turn off the automatic headlights and automatic wipers, and fold the side mirrors on both sides before entering to prevent damage from external pressure.
I've been driving for years and often use automatic car washes at gas stations, where it's safer to turn off the engine. During the wash, the conveyor belts pull the car forward, and if the engine is left running, it might overheat, produce smoke, or rub against something, damaging your beloved car. I remember the first time I didn't turn it off—it was noisy and wasted fuel. Later, I learned to shift into neutral (N), letting the machine pull the car naturally. The whole process is quick. By the way, before an automatic wash, close all windows, fold the mirrors to avoid scratches from the brushes, and turn off the radio to prevent signal interference. Workers at the wash stations always remind you not to rush in—check the instructions first and follow the steps. This saves hassle and protects your car. The battery lasts long enough after turning off the engine, so no worries about power loss. A clean car after the wash lifts your mood.
The first time I tried an automatic gas station car wash recently, I was so nervous! My friend said I must turn off the engine and shift to neutral, so I did. The machine slowly pulled the car through, and everything went smoothly. Leaving the engine running might interfere with the car wash system, such as sensors misjudging movement, triggering alarms or minor malfunctions. Turning it off is much safer and also reduces exhaust emissions, which is better for the environment. I noticed others sometimes forget to close their windows, letting water inside and wetting the seats, so I reminded myself to prepare in advance. The car wash process only takes a few minutes, and turning off the engine saves fuel and money. Remember to shift to N (neutral) to let the conveyor belt work, and don’t step on the brake, as it might damage the equipment. The easy lesson I learned is to carefully check the car’s condition every time before going in.
