Should the Engine Be Turned Off During Automatic Car Wash?
3 Answers
When using an automatic car wash, the vehicle should be placed in neutral or N gear, and it is best not to turn off the engine. Here are the specific details: Reasons for not turning off the engine: Automatic car washes use a conveyor belt to move the car into the wash bay. During this process, the steering wheels will move with the motion of the conveyor belt. If the engine is turned off, the steering wheels will be in a locked state, and the forced movement caused by the conveyor belt can damage the hydraulic system of the steering. Features: The system uses laser positioning technology to determine the car's position and shape and controls the cleaning medium to wash the top, bottom, and sides of the car. This reduces the need for additional equipment like conveyor belts and eliminates the use of dazzling brushes, control arms, and soft cloths, significantly decreasing the footprint of the car wash bay and the maintenance of equipment.
I've used automatic car washes many times, and experience has proven that you must turn off the engine. If the engine is left running, the car may slide on the conveyor belt, and if the equipment doesn't move smoothly, it could hit something, damaging either the vehicle or the car wash machine. When water sprays, the heat from the engine can cause steam to enter the exhaust system, which may corrode parts over time. I also remember one time when I accidentally left the engine on, and the water spray suddenly increased, causing the car to move slightly. Fortunately, I braked in time. Before washing, remember to close the windows and fold in the side mirrors—safety first. The whole process only takes a few minutes to turn off the engine, saving you from endless repairs. Once you develop the habit, automatic car washes become easy and efficient.
From a safety perspective, automatic car washes require the engine to be turned off. Keeping the engine running while the vehicle is moving on the wash conveyor increases the risk of loss of control. For instance, slippery surfaces could cause skidding or collisions, potentially harming personnel or equipment. High-pressure water jets directed at the engine area may seep into electrical components, such as causing sensor short circuits or water entering the exhaust pipe, which in severe cases could lead to engine failure. The accumulation of these hazards can result in exorbitant repair costs. I always strictly adhere to the manual's recommendations—turning off the engine and shifting into park—to make the washing process more controllable. To prevent low-probability incidents, prioritizing engine shutdown during every operation protects both myself and the car.
