Should the Engine Be Turned Off for Self-Service Car Wash?
4 Answers
Automatic car wash does not require turning off the engine. Here are some precautions regarding automatic car wash: Car Settings: When entering an automatic car wash, first set the car to neutral gear, do not use the handbrake or foot brake. Once inside the automatic car wash, avoid moving the steering wheel randomly or performing any operations on the vehicle, as the external washing equipment may affect the car. Close Windows and Doors: Ensure all windows and doors are closed. Drive the left wheel onto the conveyor belt, shift into neutral without turning off the engine, do not pull the handbrake, turn off the automatic headlights and windshield wipers, and fold the side mirrors on both sides before entering to prevent damage from external pressure.
From my own experience, you must turn off the engine when doing self-service car washing! Last time, a friend of mine didn’t turn off the engine before spraying water, and the water nearly damaged the catalytic converter after flowing into the exhaust pipe. Washing the car while it’s idling can cause cold water to suddenly splash onto high-temperature engine components, potentially leading to deformation or cracks. Moreover, when you bend down to clean the rims or front bumper, accidentally touching the gear shift could cause the car to move suddenly, which is extremely dangerous. Also, the high pressure from the car wash gun might splash onto electrical connectors in the engine bay, risking a short circuit. Now, every time I go to a self-service car wash, I first shift to P, engage the handbrake, turn off the engine, and put the keys in my pocket before starting—this ensures both safety and vehicle protection.
From the perspective of saving fuel and money, it's definitely better to turn off the engine. A car idling for 10 minutes can burn half a liter of fuel, and washing the car yourself would take at least 20 minutes, right? That's two dollars worth of gasoline wasted and polluting the environment for nothing. Additionally, when the engine is running, the air conditioning compressor is also working, and water mist can seep into the air intake during car washing, which can lead to mold and unpleasant odors. My old car suffered from this issue, and it later cost me 500 yuan to dismantle and clean the evaporator. Remember to check if the windows are tightly closed after turning off the engine, otherwise, high-pressure water jets can leak through the door gaps.
Engine must be turned off! First for safety reasons - walking around the car during washing makes it easy to get hit by a moving vehicle. Secondly, if the front cooling fan is running, it may suck in water mist and damage circuit boards. I've seen a neighbor wash his car without turning off the engine - splashed water flowed onto the battery causing immediate short circuit and smoke. Modern cars have so many electronic components, especially those with auto start-stop function, so complete power shutdown is crucial. Don't forget to set the wipers to maintenance mode and lift them before washing, otherwise the rubber blades may get damaged by water pressure.
