Best Practices to Ensure a Clean Ride Through the Car Wash

Knowing how to drive through a car wash can mean the difference between a frustrating experience and a perfectly clean car. Here, we’ll explain how to get the most out of car wash services with a little preparation and some tips for during and after the wash.

Before You Pull In — Preparing Your Car

Remove or Secure Exterior Accessories

Remove exterior accessories such as bike racks, roof ladders, cargo boxes, hitch covers, antennas, and tow mirror extensions before entering the car wash tunnel, which is not designed to accommodate them. If you cannot remove these accessories, staff may recommend an alternative service, such as hand washing where available.

Calling all truck owners: Here’s your friendly reminder to clear out your truck bed before a wash. Trucks cannot go through the wash tunnel with any items in the truck bed.

Clear Out Your Interior

If you’re going for a full-service visit, remove loose items from the car cabin. Check your seats and dashboard, and clear your cup holders of any items that don’t belong.

Check Your Windows and Doors

Before entering the wash tunnel, ensure all windows are fully closed and the doors are latched properly. This is especially important if you have children in the car. You don’t want a toddler’s curiosity turning the inside of your car into a water park!

During the Wash — In-Tunnel Best Practices

How to Enter the Tunnel

Most car washes have visual guides to indicate where to center your car. Our on-site employees help direct you to ensure your wheels are centered properly.

Once properly aligned, bring the car to a complete stop, put it in neutral, remove your foot from the brake, and take your hands off the steering wheel.

While in the car wash, avoid using your phone. Problems can occur if drivers are distracted while entering the tunnel. By staying off your phone and focusing on staff instructions, everyone can have a quick—and safe—experience.

Disable Driver Assistance Features

Turn off automatic emergency braking, automatic wipers, and similar advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) before entering the tunnel. These features can trigger unexpectedly as your vehicle advances through the wash, causing it to stop inside the tunnel and increasing the risk of being bumped by another vehicle.

Do You Keep Your Engine On in a Car Wash?

Yes, keep your engine running while you move through the car wash. Once your vehicle is in neutral and properly positioned, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the light show as the wash takes care of the rest.

Trust the Technology

Modern car wash technology uses sonar or Vehicle Profile Dimensioning (VPD) to map your vehicle. As a result, standard vehicles don’t need to fold their mirrors. Towing mirror extensions, however, should be tucked in or removed.

A tunnel car wash at Flagship leaves your vehicle looking spotless. Our smooth microfiber cloth and foam brushes are nonporous, so dirt and dust will not cling to them, helping prevent paint scratches.

The Flagship team makes every effort to operate all car wash tunnels safely and efficiently. Some situations may cause the belt to shake or shift, so a temporary pause while in the wash tunnel is nothing to be alarmed about. Our trained team members will address any issues that arise promptly to get you back on the road.

After the Wash — Getting the Most From Your Clean

Use the Free Amenities

After the exterior car wash, take advantage of Flagship’s self-serve vacuums, compressed air, glass cleaner, and microfiber towels to keep your car clean inside and out.

Tap Your Brakes Gently on Exit

After exiting the dryer portion of the car wash tunnel, tap your brakes two or three times at low speed. Doing so helps dry your brake rotors and pads.

Inspect for Water Spots

While professional car washes use reverse-osmosis water for a final rinse, it’s a good idea to take a quick walk around the car and look for residual water spots, which you can wipe away with a microfiber towel before they dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Vehicles Can Go Through the Tunnel?

Most standard passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, including electric vehicles, can go through a professional car wash. Ask staff if lifted vehicles or vehicles with large accessories can go through the tunnel or require a hand wash.

Is the Tunnel Car Wash Safe for My Car’s Finish?

Absolutely. Modern car wash tunnels use soft-touch equipment and vehicle profiling systems to avoid paint damage. Wash packages that include wax or ceramic coatings help protect your clear coat between washes.

Driving Through a Car Wash Is Easy

Driving through a car wash is easy. Take the time to prepare your vehicle, follow all staff directions as you enter the tunnel, and remember to give your interior a quick clean before you leave. Drop by your nearest Flagship location for a wash and take advantage of our many car wash services.