How to Go Through a Car Wash in an Automatic Car

Put the car in the right gear for the wash type (usually Neutral for conveyor tunnels, Park or Neutral as posted for in-bay machines), turn off auto features that could activate (wipers, Auto Hold, automatic braking), keep windows and mirrors secured, stay off the pedals and steering during the wash, and re-enable features after you exit. This guide explains the differences between wash types and the specific steps for modern vehicles, including those with electronic shifters, Auto Hold, and “Car Wash Mode.”

Know Your Car Wash Type

Different automatic car washes require different settings and driver actions. Understanding which type you’re using ensures you choose the correct gear and prevents damage to your vehicle or the wash equipment.

• Conveyor tunnel (belt or chain): Your car is pulled through while it rolls in Neutral; you do not steer or brake.
• In-bay automatic (rollover/touchless): Your car stays stationary while the machine moves around it; typically Park (sometimes Neutral) is required.
• Self-serve bay: You drive in and wash the car yourself; not covered here.

Once you identify the wash type, follow the posted signs or attendant directions, which supersede general guidance.

Before You Enter: Prepare Your Car

These preparation steps help avoid sensor misreads, unintended braking or wiper activation, and physical interference with brushes or blowers.

1. Close all windows, sunroof, and the fuel door or charge port; remove or retract the antenna if it’s a screw-on mast.
2. Fold in mirrors (use the power-fold button if equipped) and remove magnetic signs or exterior accessories that could detach.
3. Turn wipers completely off (not Auto). Disable rear wiper. If your car has rain-sensing wipers, set the stalk to Off.
4. Disable Auto Hold and ensure the electronic parking brake is off; these can stop the car mid-wash.
5. Temporarily turn off forward/rear automatic emergency braking or obstacle detection if the manual or wash signage recommends it; sensors can trigger braking in brushes or blowers.
6. Keep seat belt fastened and doors closed; many newer cars shift into Park automatically if the driver door opens or the belt is unbuckled.
7. Verify tire, roof-rack, and spoiler clearance with the wash’s posted limits; avoid brushes if you have delicate wraps or aftermarket parts.
8. If you drive a hybrid/EV, keep the car powered on; Neutral may be time-limited and requires the system awake.

Completing these checks takes less than a minute and prevents most wash-related mishaps with modern driver-assistance features.

Inside the Wash: Do This Based on Wash Type

Conveyor Tunnel (Belt or Chain)

Conveyor tunnels move your car through the wash; you must keep the transmission in a free-rolling state and avoid steering or braking.

1. Align the front tires with the guide rails or markers; follow the attendant’s hand signals if present.
2. Shift to Neutral (N). In cars with electronic shifters, hold the Neutral command as required; some models need a long press or “Transport/Car Wash Mode.”
3. Feet off the pedals and hands off the wheel. Do not brake or steer; let the conveyor move the vehicle.
4. Keep engine/system on. EVs/hybrids must remain powered to maintain Neutral; avoid opening doors or unbuckling.
5. Do not follow too closely if it’s a belt conveyor with a moving queue; maintain spacing as instructed.

Remain calm and still; any braking or steering can derail the process or cause contact with equipment or other vehicles.

In-Bay Automatic (Rollover or Touchless)

In-bay machines move around your stationary vehicle; you typically secure the car and avoid any control inputs during the cycle.

1. Pull forward until the sign or signal indicates Stop; center the vehicle within the bay.
2. Follow posted instructions: most touchless systems request Park (P) with the parking brake off; some soft-touch rollovers specify Neutral (N).
3. Keep wipers off and avoid shifting, steering, or braking while the gantry operates around the car.
4. If the system uses wheel clamps or chocks, wait for the prompts and remain stationary until the cycle completes.

Because procedures vary by brand, always default to the bay’s signage and on-screen prompts for gear selection and positioning.

Special Notes for Modern Vehicles

Many 2020–2025 vehicles include features that can conflict with wash equipment. These points help you adapt safely.

• Auto Hold and Electronic Parking Brake: Turn Auto Hold off and ensure the parking brake is released before entering a conveyor; both can halt the car mid-ride.
• Automatic Emergency Braking/Rear Braking: Sensors may interpret brushes or blowers as obstacles; temporarily disable if recommended by your manual or the wash.
• Rain-Sensing Wipers: Set to Off, not Auto; accidental activation can tear blades or damage equipment.
• Auto Start-Stop: Generally fine, but if Neutral is required, keep the engine/system on to maintain lubrication and electrical power.
• Door/Seatbelt Interlocks: Some cars shift to Park if the driver door opens or the belt unbuckles; stay buckled with doors closed.
• “Car Wash Mode”: Some brands (e.g., Tesla, Hyundai/Genesis/Kia, others) offer a mode that folds mirrors, disables wipers/sensors, locks charge ports, and enables free-rolling; activate it when available.
• Hybrids/EVs: Neutral may time out after a few minutes; consult the manual for maintaining Neutral (often via a specific menu or long-press sequence) and keep the vehicle powered.
• All-Wheel Drive/Transmissions: Short, low-speed conveyor use in Neutral is typically acceptable, but follow your owner’s manual—some drivetrains have specific cautions.

Consult the owner’s manual terms like Neutral, Transport Mode, Tow Mode, or Car Wash Mode for model-specific instructions that prevent auto-reengagement of Park or brakes.

After You Exit the Wash

Once clear of the equipment and dryers, complete these quick checks to restore normal driving settings and ensure safe braking performance.

1. Shift back to Drive (D) and gently apply the brakes to squeegee water off the rotors; expect slightly reduced braking until dry.
2. Re-enable features you disabled: Auto Hold, automatic braking, and set wipers back to Auto if desired.
3. Unfold mirrors and verify the antenna, fuel door, or charge port is secured.
4. Wipe the camera lenses and mirrors if visibility is streaky; modern driver-assist systems rely on clean sensors.
5. Check for trapped wash media (e.g., cloth) around wipers or trim before driving at speed.

These steps restore your vehicle to its normal configuration and help ensure predictable handling after the wash.

Troubleshooting and Safety

If something feels wrong in the wash, it’s important to avoid sudden inputs that could cause a collision or equipment damage. Use these tips to resolve common issues.

• If the car won’t stay in Neutral, engage the maker’s Car Wash/Transport mode or ask an attendant for assistance.
• If Auto Hold or an auto-braking alert appears, press the button to disable and keep your foot off the brake in conveyor tunnels.
• If you drift or misalign in a tunnel, do not steer abruptly; signal the attendant and follow instructions.
• If a brush or arm catches on an accessory, stop the process via the emergency button (if instructed) or alert staff immediately.
• For convertibles or vehicles with unusual addons (light bars, bike racks), choose a touchless wash or hand wash to avoid damage.

When in doubt, pause and ask the attendant; intervening early prevents minor issues from becoming expensive repairs.

Summary

For an automatic car in a car wash, prepare the vehicle (windows up, mirrors folded, wipers/assist features off), choose the correct gear for the wash type (Neutral for conveyor; Park or Neutral as posted for in-bay), avoid steering or braking during the cycle, and restore settings after you exit. Use any built-in Car Wash/Transport mode if available, keep the vehicle powered in hybrids/EVs, and follow the site’s signage or attendants for best results.

What to do with your car when you go through a car wash?

As soon as you’re told to stop put your car in neutral. Then take your foot off the brake. Your car is not going to go anywhere once it’s in neutral because it’s being held in place within the track.

How do I drive into an automatic car wash?

Entering the Car Wash Tunnel

1. Align Your Vehicle: Use the guide rails or markers to align your vehicle with the conveyor belt or track system.
2. Shift into Neutral: Once your car is aligned, shift your automatic transmission into neutral.
3. Keep Hands Off the Wheel: Avoid touching the steering wheel during the wash cycle.

What to do when going through an automatic car wash?

Drive up and pay at the screen, then choose the wash you want. (Three different intensities usually from what I’ve seen.) the automated thing will tell you to pull forward and when to stop. If you go too far it’ll tell you to back up. Park, then wait for it to say its done and that you can go.

Do I put my car in park or neutral for car wash?

You should put your car in neutral and take your foot off the brake for an automatic car wash. The car wash’s conveyor belt will then move your vehicle through the washing process. Always follow the specific instructions or signs provided at the car wash, as some may have different procedures.
 
Instructions for a Car Wash

1. Follow the guide: Line your vehicle up with the conveyor belt or guide rails at the car wash entrance. 
2. Shift to Neutral: Place your vehicle in neutral to allow the conveyor belt to pull it through the wash. 
3. Release the brake: Take your foot off the brake pedal. 
4. Do not steer: Keep your hands off the steering wheel and do not steer during the wash. 
5. Do not brake: Do not apply the brake or gas pedals as you move through the wash. 
6. Brake after the wash: Once you exit the car wash, you can apply the brake and shift back into drive.