How to Drive Into a Car Wash

Remembering a few pointers while driving into a car wash will assure not only an effective wash but also the safety of your vehicle. Follow these steps.

  • Lower any power antennas and fold in the outside mirrors. Raise the windows and lock your doors. Make sure that the moon roof is closed.

  • Center the vehicle before the ramp for the best wash. Pull forward slowly when the driving light flashes.

  • Drive up the ramp until the front tires fall into place. Stop immediately when a horn sounds or the stop sign lights up.

  • Place the vehicle in park or in neutral and engage the parking break. Remain in the vehicle during the complete car wash operation.

  • Stay in the vehicle while the conveyor belt rolls along the car through the tunnel. The procedure is the same for both touchless and cloth friction washes.

  • Exit the car wash when the drive sign flashes. Drive slowly through the drier that forces heated air through a series of nozzles to dry the surface of the vehicle.