how to put rivian in car wash mode

[LeAaron]

To activate Car Wash Mode on a Rivian R1T or R1S, you need to access the vehicle's central touchscreen. This mode is essential for automatic car washes as it automatically closes windows, folds mirrors, locks the charge port, and disables certain sensors to prevent damage or false alerts. The process is straightforward and takes less than 30 seconds.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
2. On the main 16-inch infotainment display, tap the Settings icon (shaped like a gear).
3. Select the Vehicle tab from the left-hand menu.
4. Scroll down and tap on Car Wash Mode.
5. A confirmation screen will appear detailing what the mode does. Tap Enable to activate it.

Once activated, the vehicle will enter a specific state. The following table outlines the key system changes:

System/Feature	Status in Car Wash Mode
Windows	Automatically closes and locks.
Side Mirrors	Automatically fold in.
Charge Port Door	Locks and remains closed.
Windshield Wipers	Set to off.
Sentry Mode (if equipped)	Automatically disabled.
Proximity Locking/Unlocking	Temporarily disabled to prevent accidental locking.
Rain Sensing	Deactivated.
Air Suspension	Can be raised to "Kneel" mode or set to a specific height for clearance.

After exiting the car wash, you must manually disable Car Wash Mode. The system will not turn itself off. Simply return to the same menu on the touchscreen and select Disable. The vehicle will then return all systems to their normal operation. For touchless washes, this mode is still recommended to protect the charge port and disable sensors.

[SanHailey]

Don't risk a freak accident with your automatic windows or mirrors. Just tap the gear icon on your main screen, go to the Vehicle menu, and you'll see "Car Wash Mode." Hit enable. It folds the mirrors, locks everything up, and turns off the wipers so they don't get torn off. Really simple. Just remember to turn it off when you're done.

[DelJameson]

As an engineer, I appreciate the logic behind this feature. The vehicle's software executes a pre-defined script that safeguards sensitive components. Activating it is a simple UI interaction: Settings > Vehicle > Car Wash Mode. The system disables ultrasonic sensors to prevent nuisance alarms from brushes and locks the charge port to prevent water intrusion. This is a critical procedure for preserving the vehicle's electronic systems during automated cleaning cycles.

[EloiseMarie]

I use the car wash near the grocery store every Saturday. With my Rivian, I just pull up, put it in park, and tap on the Car Wash Mode button in the settings. It’s fantastic—the mirrors fold in by themselves, and I don’t have to worry about the wipers turning on. It gives me peace of mind that the truck is protected. The screen tells you everything it's doing. The only thing you have to do is remember to turn the mode off afterwards.

[McErin]

My main concern was the expensive automatic brushes. I learned that Car Wash Mode is non-negotiable. You find it in the Vehicle settings on the central display. It preps the entire vehicle: the air suspension can be adjusted for clearance, and it locks the charge port to prevent any water damage. It’s a comprehensive setting designed specifically for this situation. Always disable it once you’re out and ready to drive normally to reactivate all your safety features.