Should You Put the Car in N or P When Washing?

[Chavez]

It depends on the type of automatic car wash equipment you encounter. Here are the details: 1. Many automatic car washes require the car to be stationary, with the wash equipment moving along a track to clean from the front. In such cases, the automatic transmission should generally be placed in P (Park) or in N (Neutral) with the handbrake engaged to ensure the car remains immobile. 2. Another type of automatic car wash equipment is fixed, requiring the car to move slowly forward along its track, driven by the track itself. In this scenario, the automatic transmission must be placed in N (Neutral) to allow the car to move forward slowly. During the wash, neither braking nor engaging the handbrake is permitted.

[SanJake]

When I first got my driver's license, I was quite clueless about washing cars and always wondered whether to put it in N or P gear. After trying a few times, I realized that N gear is the correct choice because P gear locks the wheels, and the automatic car wash machine might drag the tires when pushing the car, potentially damaging transmission components. Don't be careless when washing manually either—after shifting to N gear, pull the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling. Also, turn off the engine to avoid accidentally accelerating right after washing. I know a friend who had to spend thousands repairing the transmission because they used P gear while washing. So now, I've developed the habit of checking if the gear is in neutral before washing, along with inspecting brake fluid and tire pressure. These small details help protect the car and make driving more reassuring.

[Shawn]

With years of driving experience, I'm quite skilled at car washing and always decisively shift to N gear. The reason is simple: P gear is for parking, but car washing requires free wheel rotation to prevent machine thrust from damaging the wheel axle. When washing manually, shifting to N gear and pulling the handbrake provides better stability, avoiding accidental sliding that could hurt people or hit objects. Safety first—always remember to turn off the engine and check the car locks when washing. I recall a colleague who once washed the car in P gear, causing the vehicle to squeak under the pushing force, but fortunately, it was handled in time. I recommend beginners learn such basic operations to avoid unnecessary repair costs and keep the car running longer.

[McAbigail]

As a car enthusiast, I recommend always shifting to Neutral (N) when washing your car—it's a smart choice for vehicle protection. Parking (P) gear locks the wheels, and forcing them to move under car wash machinery can damage the transmission chain. Neutral allows the wheels to rotate freely, minimizing friction risks. The same applies to manual washing: shift to Neutral, turn off the engine, and ensure no one is inside the car to prevent accidental starts. Remember to quickly check the brake discs and tire pressure before each wash—this small habit helps maintain stable performance and extends the vehicle's lifespan.