Can Electric Vehicles Go Through The Car Wash?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become a more popular vehicle choice, many owners may wonder if their EVs can safely pass through an automatic car wash. With concerns about high-tech electrical systems, batteries and delicate components, it’s no surprise that drivers are asking these questions. Can EVs go through an automatic car wash? The short answer is yes. However, there may be important considerations and steps to take to avoid any potential issues.

 

EV-Friendly Car Wash: What Makes A Car Wash Suitable For Electric Vehicles?

Electric vehicles are manufactured with watertight components that can handle not only rain but also car washes. The key to finding an EV-friendly car wash is to find a facility that uses high-tech, gentle washing methods. Not all automatic car washes are of the same quality. Some automatic car washes (especially older ones) use harsh chemicals, high-pressure water, and stiff brushes that can damage a vehicle’s surfaces or delicate parts like an EV’s charging port. When selecting a wash facility, it is best to look for one that uses soft-touch brushes, low-pressure water and EV-specific settings to minimize risk.

 

Xpress Car Wash prioritizes the safety of your vehicle’s components and surfaces by using soft-touch materials; gentle detergents; and new, innovative washing technology. Catering to new high-tech and electric vehicles alike, it offers protection for both traditional and EV-specific features.

 

Is Washing A Tesla® At A Car Wash Different?

Entering an automatic car wash with your EV may take a few extra steps when compared to a conventional gas-powered vehicle. Tesla® models (in particular and like many other EVs) have convenient features, such as automatic windshield wipers, self-locking doors and retractable mirrors. While these systems are convenient on the road, they can potentially cause issues in an automatic car wash if they are not deactivated or handled properly. The drivetrain of an electric vehicle is also dramatically different from a traditional gas-powered vehicle. This may require activation of a specific mode to avoid damage to the car or wash facility.

 

Teslas come with a built-in Car Wash Mode that addresses these concerns. Enabling Car Wash Mode temporarily disables functions like automatic wipers and mirrors, locks doors, and keeps the vehicle in neutral during the wash. This mode is specifically designed to protect the car’s sensors, cameras and charging port from water exposure.

 

Some steps on how to prepare a Tesla® (or any similar EV) to enter an automatic car wash are noted below.

 

Activate Car Wash Mode (if available): Car wash mode, available in Tesla® models, helps adjust vehicle settings for safety during the wash. It’s important to check the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s touchscreen to see how to activate it.

 

Fold The Mirrors: Automatic folding mirrors should be tucked in to prevent potential damage to the folding mirror’s motors from brushes.

 

Turn Off Automatic Wipers: This avoids having the wipers activate in the middle of the wash, which could result in unnecessary wear or even damage.

 

Lock The Doors And Windows: Like in a traditional gas-powered vehicle, it’s best to check that all doors, windows and sunroofs are completely closed to prevent water from entering the vehicle.

 

Keep The Vehicle In Neutral: If using a tunnel car wash, the car must remain in neutral to move smoothly along the conveyor belt. This may require specific settings to be engaged for EVs.

 

Key Features Of An Electric Vehicle Car Wash

Xpress Car Wash’s high-tech wash bay has all of the features that make it safe for electric vehicles and traditional vehicles. At Xpress Car Wash, soft-touch materials (such as Hugger™ Brushes and Mitter Cloth Strips) are designed to gently clean vehicles of all types and sizes without damaging the exterior or sensitive components. Xpress Car Wash’s wash tunnels utilize a dual-conveyor belt system. This helps to perfectly align your vehicle and reduce the risk of damage by keeping it stable during the wash.

 

EV Concerns: Scratches, Chemicals And Water Damage

A primary concern for EV owners is whether an automatic car wash might damage the vehicle’s paint or compromise the vehicle’s batteries and electrical system. Some older automatic car washes may use abrasive brushes or higher water pressure that can scratch the surface of the vehicle and erode protective coatings. In extreme cases, high-pressure water could penetrate seals and damage sensitive areas like the battery charging port.

 

To avoid this issue, opt for a car wash like Xpress Car Wash that uses soft, metered materials and gentle cleaning products. These modern systems limit friction and eliminate the risk of scratches while still providing a thorough clean. Additionally, the chemicals used should be designed for EVs or at least safe for delicate finishes.

 

Are Automatic Car Washes Safe For EV Batteries?

EV batteries are built with strong protective casings that are hermetically sealed against water and other contaminants. This is what helps make them safe to drive during a rainstorm or through shallow puddles as any other vehicle would. As long as your EV is not showing any signs of damage to the charging port, seals or electrical components, it is perfectly safe to take it through an automatic car wash. Modern car washes like Xpress Car Wash are designed with new vehicle technology in mind. They use softer brushes, coating-friendly soaps and detergents, and effective lower-pressure water jets for underbody cleaning where EV batteries are housed. This makes the wash process safe for traditional vehicles and EVs.

 

Final Thoughts On Washing Your Electric Vehicle

Choosing to drive an EV over a conventional gas-powered vehicle shouldn’t mean that you are inconvenienced when it comes to keeping your vehicle’s interior and exterior clean. Finding an EV-friendly car wash like Xpress Car Wash that takes advantage of the latest in soft wash technology goes a long way in protecting your vehicle. Always be prepared. Follow the wash instructions in your EV owner’s manual and at the wash tunnel to help make the automatic car wash experience stress-free. Remembering simple precautions (like folding in mirrors, turning off automatic systems and checking your vehicle settings) goes a long way in protecting your investment during the wash. With facilities like Xpress Car Wash leading the charge in electric vehicle car wash safety, keeping your EV in its just-bought condition is easier than ever.