What gear should an automatic transmission car be in when washing?

[KaiMarie]

When using an automatic car wash, an automatic transmission car should be shifted to the "P" position. Here is some relevant information about automatic car washes: 1. Definition: An automatic car wash uses a large amount of flowing water to rinse the car body and includes an automatic drying process that blows out any water remaining in all the gaps of the car body. 2. Features: Automatic car washes can automatically avoid mirrors, flagpoles, etc., ensuring the safety of the car; they have strong cleaning power, high water content, and do not damage the car, causing less than 30% of the wear and tear on the paint compared to manual washing. The brushes in automatic car washes apply even pressure, and the washing speed and direction are stable.

[MacPhoebe]

When washing an automatic transmission car, selecting the correct gear is crucial for safety. Experience tells me that different car wash scenarios have varying requirements: During manual washing, such as using a hose at home, first park the car on level ground, shift into P (Park) and engage the handbrake to ensure the vehicle is secured; the engine can then be turned off to reduce noise and energy consumption. Automatic car washes are the complete opposite: When the vehicle enters the moving conveyor belt, it must be shifted into N (Neutral) to keep the transmission idling, allowing the wheels to rotate freely without restraint; car wash attendants usually signal to shift into N before exiting the vehicle. Never shift into D (Drive) or R (Reverse), as the car wash equipment may accidentally trigger the vehicle to move forward or backward, causing transmission shock or even accidents. Developing the habit of checking the gear before every car wash can prevent mishaps and protect your car's lifespan. Additionally, closing windows and doors properly avoids water ingress, and these small details add up to make car washing more efficient and safe.

[StVincent]

Many novice drivers make common mistakes when selecting the wrong gear during car washing. I've seen a new driver friend almost cause an issue by engaging D gear in an automatic car wash. Simply put: When manually washing, selecting P gear is safest—park, engage the handbrake, then start scrubbing to prevent the car from moving; for automatic car washes, use N gear to allow the machine to pull the wheels without resistance, protecting the transmission. The key is to avoid drive gears like D or R, as accidental activation during washing can be dangerous. Remember these steps for a smooth process: Drive into the station, follow the attendant's signals, shift to N gear and press the brake to prepare for movement; after washing, shift back to P gear for normal driving. Practice a few times to make it a habit, ensuring a calmer, more confident car wash experience. As a bonus tip, checking tire and body cleanliness post-wash is good maintenance practice—killing two birds with one stone.

[Pamela]

From a technical perspective on gear selection for car washing, when an automatic transmission is in N (Neutral) gear, the output shaft is disconnected from the engine, allowing the wheels to rotate freely. This is suitable for external pulling by automatic car wash machines. P (Park) gear locks the output shaft to prevent the car from rolling, making it appropriate for stationary manual washing. Engaging D (Drive) or R (Reverse) maintains the connection, and accidental movement during washing could damage the transmission system. Turning off the engine reduces risks.

[JocelynMarie]

Practical car washing scenarios: For manual washing at home, park at a fixed spot, engage P gear, and ensure the handbrake is firmly applied for safety. At commercial automatic car washes, shift to N gear and follow staff instructions, allowing the conveyor belt to move the vehicle. Avoid engaging P gear on moving equipment or D gear during any washing phase to prevent mechanical failures or accidents. Develop the habit of checking the car wash point rules to improve efficiency. Always inspect the vehicle's condition after washing to maintain its longevity.