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With these instructions for the car wash, you can ensure that your vehicle comes out of the system undamaged.
Car wash instructions: before you start
Check around your car before you drive into the car wash.
- Set your windshield wipers to the rest position.
- If your car is equipped with electrically folding mirrors, you should use this function. If your vehicle has manual mirrors, fold them in as well for safety.
- Close all windows, the sunroof and the fuel filler flap. Make sure that all doors and the tailgate are properly closed.
- Retract or unscrew the antenna of your vehicle.
- Remove ski racks or similar roof structures.
- In modern vehicles, deactivate the automatic parking brake and the “Auto-Hold” function, as these can otherwise block the conveyor belt.
You can tell whether the function has been deactivated by the fact that the indicator light with the red P is not illuminated. - Switch off the start-stop system if your vehicle has one.
- If you have a large vehicle, such as an SUV, ask the operator beforehand whether the car wash is designed for the respective dimensions.
Wash tunnel: how to drive in correctly
After you have prepared your car for the wash, you can drive into the car wash.
- If there is a conveyor belt, a car wash employee will normally help you with the instructions.
- Watch out for the warning lights. If they switch from red to green, you are in the right place in the car wash.
- Then switch off the engine, take the car out of gear or set the automatic transmission to P and apply the handbrake.
- In a conveyor belt car wash, remain seated in the car during the wash.
- In a gantry car wash, get out of the vehicle, close the driver’s door, check the correct position of your car again and then start the wash program;
- In a gantry car wash, you should also deactivate the rain sensor to avoid malfunctions during the wash process.
- After the washing process, pay attention to the traffic light. As soon as it turns green, start the engine and drive out of the car wash.
Car wash: additional tips for car care
These tips will also help you to care for your vehicle.
- For heavily soiled vehicles, it is advisable to carry out a manual or mechanical pre-wash before the actual car wash. This removes coarse dirt particles and reduces the risk of paint damage due to the so-called sanding effect.
- Choose a car wash that ideally works with modern brushes made of polyethylene or textile materials, which are gentler on the paintwork. Avoid systems with nylon brushes, as these can scratch the paintwork of your car .
- Car washes that use osmosis water offer a particularly thorough clean, as this water is free of minerals and dirt and does not leave any stains on the paintwork.
- After washing the vehicle, you should clean the inside of the car. Here you can use a care set for cleaning plastic, upholstery, leather & fittings .
