Should you keep your car on during a car wash?

Usually, yes—keep the vehicle powered on and in Neutral for conveyor/tunnel car washes so it can roll through safely; for stationary in-bay automatics and self-serve/hand washes, you can generally put the car in Park and switch the engine off once positioned, unless signage says otherwise. The right choice depends on the wash type, your vehicle (gas, hybrid, or EV), and features like electronic shifters, auto-hold, and car‑wash modes. Here’s how to decide—and what to switch off—so you avoid damage and stay within safety and legal guidelines.

It depends on the car wash type

Conveyor/tunnel washes (you’re pulled through)

In a tunnel wash, the vehicle is moved by a conveyor or rollers. Many modern cars require power to stay in true Neutral, especially those with electronic shifters, so keeping the vehicle on is typically necessary.

Follow this checklist to prepare for a tunnel wash and avoid damage or abrupt stops.

• Keep the vehicle on (“Ready” for hybrids/EVs) and shift to Neutral; disable Auto Hold so the car can roll.
• Hands off the wheel, foot off the brake, and do not steer unless instructed.
• Turn off automatic wipers and rain sensors; fold mirrors; close windows/sunroof; remove or retract antenna if applicable.
• Temporarily disable low‑speed automatic braking/park assist if your car applies the brakes when it senses obstacles (many “Car Wash” modes handle this).
• Keep the parking brake off; ensure electronic parking brake won’t auto‑engage.

Most tunnel operators post the same instructions: Neutral, no braking or steering, wipers off, windows up. Keeping power on prevents unwanted auto‑park or brake‑hold events that can cause collisions on the conveyor.

In‑bay automatic (touchless/soft‑touch) where you stop

In these systems, you drive in and the machine moves around your stationary car. Because the vehicle is not rolling, you typically put it in Park. Engine-on is usually not required in this setup.

Use these steps in a stationary automatic bay unless the operator’s signage specifies otherwise.

• Stop at the marker, shift to Park, and apply the parking brake only if the operator permits it.
• You may turn the engine off, especially in enclosed bays or where anti‑idling rules apply; keep accessory power on if needed for climate or defogging.
• Turn off auto wipers; close windows/sunroof; fold mirrors; retract/remove antenna if required.
• If your car has aggressive proximity braking at very low speeds, disable it (or use the vehicle’s car‑wash mode) to prevent any unexpected activation as the arms pass.

Leaving the engine off reduces emissions and noise in enclosed spaces. In cold weather, you may keep the vehicle powered for defrost, but follow posted instructions first.

Self‑serve, hand wash, or detailing bays

When washing the car yourself or using a hand-service bay, stationary safety is the priority. There’s no need to keep the engine running.

These tips will help you wash safely and legally in self‑serve or hand-wash settings.

• Park, switch off the engine, and remove the key/fob if you’ll be outside the car.
• Close windows, sunroof, and charge port; fold mirrors as needed.
• Beware of carbon monoxide risk in enclosed spaces—avoid idling.
• If moving the car slightly within the bay, re-start, reposition, then switch off again.

Turning the vehicle off prevents unintended movement and keeps idling within local regulations, while still allowing you to reposition when needed.

Vehicle type matters: gas, hybrid, and EV

How your car behaves in Neutral and how its driver‑assist systems react can vary widely by powertrain. The guidance below reflects common 2024–2025 systems; always defer to your owner’s manual and posted wash instructions.

Internal‑combustion (gas/diesel)

Conventional vehicles are straightforward in tunnels but can still be tripped up by electronic assists.

• In tunnel washes, keep the engine on to maintain Neutral and power steering; switch off Auto Hold and avoid the parking brake.
• Disable auto start‑stop if it might shut the engine at awkward moments; many cars won’t auto‑stop in Neutral, but prevent surprises.
• In in‑bay/stationary washes, Park and engine off is fine unless signage says otherwise.
• Mind anti‑idling rules and ventilation in enclosed bays to prevent CO buildup.

This approach preserves rolling capability when needed while minimizing emissions and safety risks when stationary.

Hybrids and plug‑in hybrids

Hybrids often enter a “Ready” state even when the engine isn’t running, which is fine for conveyor systems.

• For tunnel washes, keep the vehicle in Ready and Neutral; the engine may cycle on/off automatically—this is normal.
• Disable Auto Hold and any low‑speed automatic braking that could stop the car.
• For in‑bay washes, Park and power off unless the operator requests otherwise.

Ready mode maintains power to steering, brakes, and the transmission logic so Neutral stays engaged during a conveyor pull.

Battery electric vehicles (EVs)

EVs frequently auto‑park if power is off or the door opens; many also include specific car‑wash settings.

• Use your brand’s car‑wash or Neutral‑hold mode for tunnels: Tesla Car Wash Mode (holds Neutral, disables wipers and Sentry), Mercedes “Carwash” function (via MBUX), BMW “Car Wash View/Mode,” Ford/GM/Hyundai/Kia Neutral Hold or “Utility N,” and Rivian/Tesla “Car Wash Mode.”
• Ensure the vehicle stays powered so Neutral doesn’t timeout; verify Auto Hold is off and the parking brake won’t auto‑apply.
• Close and lock the charge port; turn off auto wipers and proximity braking features that might intervene.
• For in‑bay washes, Park and power off is generally acceptable if the system doesn’t require Neutral; follow signage.

Using the built‑in mode simplifies setup by disabling sensitive features and maintaining Neutral for the duration of the wash.

Features to turn off before any automatic wash

Modern driver‑assistance systems can interfere with car‑wash equipment, particularly at low speeds. A quick pre‑wash setup prevents most incidents.

• Automatic wipers and rain sensors (to avoid blade/machinery damage).
• Auto Hold, brake‑hold, or low‑speed automatic braking/park assist that can stop the car when sensors see brushes or guide rails.
• Electronic parking brake auto‑apply and “auto‑park” behaviors; ensure true Neutral if rolling is required.
• Hands‑free driving or lane centering; keep the wheel straight and hands off in tunnels.
• Close windows, sunroof, and trunk/liftgate; fold mirrors; retract/remove mast antennas and unsecured accessories.

These steps reduce the chance of the vehicle fighting the wash equipment or sustaining avoidable cosmetic damage.

Common mistakes and how to avoid damage

Most wash incidents stem from a few preventable errors. Keeping these in mind can save you a deductible—and a headache.

1. Braking or steering in a tunnel: follow Neutral/foot‑off‑brake rules to avoid rear‑end impacts.
2. Leaving Auto Hold on: it can clamp the brakes against the conveyor, causing jerks or stalls.
3. Forgetting auto wipers: blades can tear or tangle with brushes.
4. Not disabling proximity braking: some cars will “panic stop” when brushes approach.
5. Failing to lock/retract antennas or fold mirrors: common sources of breakage.
6. Going through with loose accessories (license plate frames, bike racks, magnetic signs): remove or secure them.

Double‑checking these items before entering the bay typically prevents the majority of car‑wash claims.

What do manufacturers recommend?

As of 2025, many automakers publish car‑wash guidance or provide dedicated modes. The precise steps vary by brand and even model year.

These examples illustrate common recommendations—consult your owner’s manual for model‑specific instructions.

• Tesla: Car Wash Mode keeps Neutral engaged, disables wipers/sentry/parking sensors, and prevents charge‑port opening.
• Mercedes‑Benz: “Carwash” function (MBUX) closes windows/sunroof, folds mirrors, mutes sensors, and can prep transmission as applicable.
• BMW: iDrive Car Wash View/Mode readies cameras, folds mirrors, disables wipers; Neutral Hold available on many models.
• Ford/Lincoln: Neutral Hold/Stay in Neutral feature for tunnel washes; some models have “Deep Neutral.”
• GM (Chevrolet/GMC/Cadillac/Buick): Transport/Neutral Tow or Neutral Hold functions on many newer models.
• Hyundai/Kia/Genesis: Utility/Service Neutral or “N” hold; some cluster shortcuts maintain Neutral without driver input.
• Rivian: Car Wash Mode disables sensitive features; follow prompts to maintain Neutral.
• Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, Subaru, VW/Audi: Guidance typically includes Neutral for tunnels, disabling auto wipers and low‑speed braking; some trims offer Neutral Hold or car‑wash prep screens.

If your vehicle lacks a dedicated mode, you can manually replicate the steps: Neutral (if rolling), disable Auto Hold and auto wipers, fold mirrors, and mute low‑speed braking/park assist temporarily.

Legal and safety notes

Car‑wash safety extends beyond vehicle setup. Consider these operational and regulatory factors.

• Obey posted instructions from the wash operator—they supersede generic advice.
• Anti‑idling laws in many cities limit how long you may idle in enclosed or public spaces.
• Ventilation matters: avoid extended idling in enclosed bays to reduce CO exposure.
• Cold weather: verify doors, windows, and fuel/charge ports are unfrozen and sealed to prevent leaks or freezing shut afterward.
• Keep people and pets secured; never open doors or windows mid‑cycle.

Following site rules and local laws ensures a safe, compliant wash with minimal risk to occupants and the facility.

Summary

Keep the car on and in Neutral for conveyor/tunnel washes; for stationary in‑bay automatics and self‑serve/hand washes, Park and turn it off unless the operator says otherwise. Regardless of type, close windows, fold mirrors, and turn off auto wipers, Auto Hold, and any low‑speed automatic braking or park‑assist features that might fight the equipment. EVs and many newer cars offer a car‑wash or Neutral‑hold mode—use it. When in doubt, follow the wash’s posted instructions and your owner’s manual.

Are you supposed to turn your car off in a car wash?

No, you are generally not supposed to turn your car off in an automatic car wash; you typically need to keep your engine running and put the car in neutral to be propelled by the car wash’s conveyor belt or track. However, always follow the specific instructions provided by the car wash facility, as they are the authority on their equipment and procedures. 
What to do in a typical automatic car wash:

1. Keep your engine on: This allows the car’s mechanics to pull your car through the wash. 
2. Put the car in neutral (N): This is crucial so the car can roll freely along the track. 
3. Turn off “Auto Hold” and “Rain Sensors”: Deactivate any features like automatic parking brakes or rain-sensing wipers that might interfere with the process. 
4. Roll up windows and turn off climate control: This prevents water and chemical smells from entering the cabin. 
5. Take your foot off the brake: Once the car is on the track, your foot should be off the brake pedal. 

Why these steps are important:

• For conveyor belt/track systems: Keeping the car in neutral allows the external system to move the vehicle through the washing process, as the car is not a self-propelled machine. 
• Safety: Disabling certain features prevents unexpected movements or malfunctions that could cause damage or injury. 
• Preventing damage: Keeping the engine running is sometimes a requirement for the washing mechanics to work, but it’s important to follow instructions to avoid corrosion. 

When to turn the engine off:

• Specific Instructions: Some car washes may have specific instructions requiring you to turn the engine off. Always check for signs, verbal instructions, or ask an attendant if you are unsure. 
• Self-Serve Car Washes: If you are using a self-service car wash bay where you are responsible for operating the washing equipment, you would turn your engine off to avoid any issues with water splashing or potential electrical problems, but there is usually no need to turn the engine on for the wash. 

How much do you tip for a $20 car wash?

For car wash folks 10% is normal. Usually they pool tips in a jar so $3 to $4 for regular car wash, mats, tires, good job on glass etc.

Can you leave your car on while getting a car wash?

You should turn your engine off in a car wash if the car wash specifically requests it or if you are using a self-service, high-pressure washer, as it could damage the engine or its electronics. For an automatic drive-through car wash that uses a conveyor belt, the car wash will typically tell you to put the car in neutral and leave the engine running to pull the car through the wash cycle. Always check your car’s owner’s manual for the specific instructions for your vehicle and obey any signs or instructions at the car wash. 
When to turn the engine OFF:

• If the car wash tells you to: Some car washes, especially those for manual-drive-throughs or that use high-pressure undercarriage jets, may request you turn off your engine. 
• When using a self-service, high-pressure washer: The intense pressure from these devices can cause moisture to enter engine components, leading to corrosion or damage. 
• For safety reasons: With a running engine, there is a risk of moisture getting into electrical components, which could cause expensive problems, especially with newer, computer-controlled cars. 

When to leave the engine ON:

• At automatic drive-through car washes: Opens in new tabMost automated car washes instruct you to put your car in neutral and keep your engine running to be pulled through the wash by the conveyor system. 
• With modern, keyless cars: Opens in new tabKeyless start systems may keep the engine running in a car wash where you might otherwise turn the car off. 

Important Safety Tips:

• Follow the car wash’s instructions: Opens in new tabAlways look for instructions at the car wash or ask an attendant if you are unsure. 
• Consult your owner’s manual: Opens in new tabYour car’s manual will have specific guidance for what to do in different types of car washes. 
• Turn off automatic wipers: Opens in new tabIf your wipers are on an automatic setting, they may activate in the car wash, so it’s best to turn them off. 
• Ensure your car is in neutral: Opens in new tabFor conveyor belt washes, put the car in neutral and take your foot off the brake. 
• Keep the key in the ignition: Opens in new tabFor keyed cars, leave the key in the ignition as instructed by the car wash. 

Is it okay to run your car through a carwash?

Brushes are inherently abrasive, so every vehicle owner should be concerned about drive-thru carwash brushes damaging their car, truck or SUV’s paint coat as they scrub off dirt, grime and other materials. The type of soap used may contain harsh chemicals that could corrode your paint coat over time if overused.