....to run the Volt thru an automatic car wash? Leave the car "On" and in Neutral ??
Is the car wash safe?
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Yes, but I must admit, I have picked up some scratches this way...
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Agreed, if someone brought their 4x4 after mudding, you've have sand and dirt all over those brushes that whip around at high speeds. I think I'd only stick to the touchless war washes, but then again, I wash my own car in the driveway. I invested in an electric power washer years ago and make sure I have my own set of laundered towels that I use exclusively for car cleaning.
The wax they use is just a spray on wax that washes off - it's crap. I use the old fashioned method - wax on, wax off.
https://youtu.be/Bg21M2zwG9Q
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I purchased an electric pressure washer last year. I believe my days of using the "run through" washes are over. Those things are a breeze to use, super quiet, and you don't have to worry about fouling the thing up with old gas or pulling on that rope until your arms falls off
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I've been through 3 electric power washers. The first 3 models you underpowered cheap portable units which usually break if you leave any water in them and let it freeze in the garage. My latest is a 2100 psi Ryobi which I store in the basement to avoid cracking a manifold because of freezing. I learned long ago to avoid all the gas powered small engines where you have to mix oil then gum up the carberator if you leave the fuel in the tank. I will slowly switch to all electric or 4 cycle engines. 2 cycle is for the birds. My last weed walker had a 4 cycle motor which has separate spouts for motor oil and fuel. It starts every time, though now I want it to die so I can buy some of those new tangles big battery lain tools.I purchased an electric pressure washer last year. I believe my days of using the "run through" washes are over. Those things are a breeze to use, super quiet, and you don't have to worry about fouling the thing up with old gas or pulling on that rope until your arms falls off
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The last time I used a commercial car wash was in July 2016 because I wanted to have my Dad's 2003 Mazda Protege washed and its engine bay cleaned, since he is 87 years old, suffered a fall last year, and cannot wash his car anymore. I washed cars since 1962 so I am an expert doing it for my own cars, and several family cars, too.
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Perfectly safe, I have used car washes on all THREE of my Volt's since March 2012. Never a problem with the car or the wash/scratches etc. But then when you see folks taking $60K to $70K vehicles through I felt safe. But no two car washes are the same, glad mine is.
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1,900 Posts
Once a week at least on both my Volts especially in the winter to remove all the snow melt products as much as possible. If I didn't go through the automatic car wash it is likely I would not drag the power washer out and the cars would not get a good cleaning all winter.
Perfectly fine to use a car wash, the Volt can go anywhere a normal passenger vehicle can be expected to be driven. I frequently run my cars through an automatic car wash, my 2017 Volt is no exception. The 2017 Volt Owner's Manual does not say to turn off the Volt when in a car wash, not sure why anyone would do this.
Fold in the side mirrors before you go through the car wash, you will have to fold in the mirrors by hand. Be sure the doors and hatch are securely closed and all of the windows are fully in the closed position. I like to put the climate control into recirculate so the scent of the car wash detergent does not permeate the cabin of the Volt.
As you enter the car wash lane be careful to align your front left wheel between the two metal guide rails for the car conveyor, when the car wash employee yells or makes a motion with his hand then shift the Volt into Neutral. Be sure you do not shift to Park or leave the Volt in Drive.
At the end of the car wash cycle, after the car dryer has passed over your vehicle, usually there will be a signal with a red and green light. When the light turns green that is the indication that you should put the Volt in Drive and slowly drive away. After exiting the car wash, stop as soon as possible, put the Volt in Park and apply the parking brake or turn off the Volt. Exit the Volt and extend the side mirrors. Open all doors and the hatch and the charging port to let any excess water drain out. If you open the fuel filler door this will depressurize the fuel tank so I don't normally do this each time I use the car wash. A couple of paper towels will help to wipe up any excess water inside the door sills.
A clean car is more aerodynamic and uses less fuel or electricity to slice through the air, I believe that the Mythbusters team proved this to be true. If you buy a book or several books of car wash coupons, each wash is usually cheaper.
Fold in the side mirrors before you go through the car wash, you will have to fold in the mirrors by hand. Be sure the doors and hatch are securely closed and all of the windows are fully in the closed position. I like to put the climate control into recirculate so the scent of the car wash detergent does not permeate the cabin of the Volt.
As you enter the car wash lane be careful to align your front left wheel between the two metal guide rails for the car conveyor, when the car wash employee yells or makes a motion with his hand then shift the Volt into Neutral. Be sure you do not shift to Park or leave the Volt in Drive.
At the end of the car wash cycle, after the car dryer has passed over your vehicle, usually there will be a signal with a red and green light. When the light turns green that is the indication that you should put the Volt in Drive and slowly drive away. After exiting the car wash, stop as soon as possible, put the Volt in Park and apply the parking brake or turn off the Volt. Exit the Volt and extend the side mirrors. Open all doors and the hatch and the charging port to let any excess water drain out. If you open the fuel filler door this will depressurize the fuel tank so I don't normally do this each time I use the car wash. A couple of paper towels will help to wipe up any excess water inside the door sills.
A clean car is more aerodynamic and uses less fuel or electricity to slice through the air, I believe that the Mythbusters team proved this to be true. If you buy a book or several books of car wash coupons, each wash is usually cheaper.
There's no need to turn it off. I take mine through an automatic car wash usually twice a week, and you have to shift from Neutral to Drive while the conveyor is still pulling you at the end so that you can drive all the way out just before the end of the conveyor, otherwise the car behind you could hit you at the very end. No way I'd try turning the car off for that.
Thanks for all of the great advice ! I too believe that a clean car improves freeway performance/economy....so I wash myself frequently, but have been "tempted" to use an autowash when out of town. I am still a little reluctant to give it a try with the Volt as my car's paint and finish really look great and I would hate to get any scratches in it this early in its life.
I must also say, after washing it for the first time yesterday (with Maguire's Gold Class Wash) the Volt is a very aerodynamically slick car. I really like the design, even if it isn't the easiest car to see out of!........
I must also say, after washing it for the first time yesterday (with Maguire's Gold Class Wash) the Volt is a very aerodynamically slick car. I really like the design, even if it isn't the easiest car to see out of!
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It is safe. The question is what's worth more to you? Your car or your time? I used to wash my own cars a while back. Then I realized I've better things to do with my life than waste an hour washing it and worrying about scratches on a car that I'll return after my lease ends anyway.
But safety isn't an issue. Your time is.
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I certainly hope so for those around you.
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Agreed. I have two Volts and trying to hand wash them 3 or 4 times a month is too much wasted time.
Good catch.....
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