How to Prepare Your Vehicle for an Automatic Car Wash?

Visiting an automatic car wash in Calgary, like New Brighton Car Wash, is one of the easiest ways to keep your car clean. You simply drive in, and the machines take care of the rest. But did you know that without proper preparation, your car might not get cleaned properly? Worse, loose parts could break, water might leak inside, or sensors could interfere with the process.

A few simple steps can make your car wash experience smoother and safer. Here’s how to prepare your car the right way

Remove Loose Items from the Outside Before an Automatic Car Wash in Calgary

Before going into the car wash, check the outside of your car. Remove any loose parts that could break or get lost.

• Take off the antenna: Some older cars have long antennas that can bend or snap in the wash. If your antenna can be removed, unscrew it before entering.
• Fold in the side mirrors: If your mirrors fold, push them in. This prevents them from getting hit by brushes or strong water jets.
• Take off roof racks (if possible): If you have a removable roof rack, take it off to avoid damage.
• Check for loose bumpers or trims: If something looks loose, fix it before the wash.

These small steps protect your car from damage and help the wash work better.

Close All Windows and Sunroof

This step might seem obvious, but many people forget it! Make sure to close all doors, windows, and the sunroof tightly. If even a small gap is open, water will rush inside and wet the seats. Before you enter the wash, double-check by pressing each window button to make sure everything is shut properly.

Remove Valuables and Loose Items from Inside

Automatic car washes use strong water pressure, and the car will shake slightly during the wash. Loose items inside can move around or fall.

• Take out any cash, sunglasses, or important papers.
• Remove phone holders, air fresheners, or anything hanging from the mirror.
• Pick up any loose cups, bottles, or toys from the floor.

By doing this, you avoid losing or breaking things inside your car.

Turn Off Automatic Wipers

Many modern cars have automatic windshield wipers that turn on when they sense water. But in an automatic wash, you don’t want them to activate. The brushes and water jets could damage the wipers. To be safe, turn off the wiper system completely. If your car has a rain sensor, switch it to manual mode before entering.

Check Tire Pressure and Alignment

An automatic car wash in Calgary often has moving belts or tracks that guide your car through the wash. If your tires have low air pressure, they might not sit properly on the tracks, making the ride uneven or bumpy. Check your tire pressure before heading to the wash. If they look too soft, inflate them a little. Also, make sure your steering wheel is straight before entering the wash. This helps your car stay aligned on the track.

Know Your Car’s Features

Some modern cars have features that can interfere with the wash. Be sure to:

• Turn off automatic braking: Some cars have sensors that stop them if they detect obstacles. The car wash machines might trigger these sensors, so turn them off.
• Disable parking sensors: The loud beeping from sensors can be annoying during the wash. If your car has a setting to turn them off, do it before entering.
• Put the car in neutral: Most automatic washes need your car to be in neutral gear. This lets the moving belt pull the car forward smoothly.

If you’re not sure how to turn off these features, check your car manual or ask a worker at the car wash.

Pre Rinse If the Car Is Too Dirty

If your car is covered in mud, sand, or thick dirt, it’s a good idea to rinse it off first. Many automatic car washes have self-service spray stations nearby, making it easy to do a quick pre-rinse.

Use a hose to remove heavy dirt before entering the wash. This prevents scratches, keeps the brushes cleaner, and helps the wash clean the car better. Skipping this step may result in leftover dirt or uneven cleaning, so taking a few extra minutes can make a big difference in the final shine.

No Prep, No Shine

A little preparation goes a long way! Just like you wouldn’t jump into a pool with your shoes on, you shouldn’t drive into an automatic car wash in Calgary without getting your car ready. Loose items, open windows, and forgotten settings can turn a simple car wash into a big mess.

Therefore, by taking a few minutes to secure everything, adjust your settings, and check for trouble spots, you make sure your car gets the perfect wash, without any surprises. So, the next time your car needs a fresh shine, treat it right.

Contact New Brighton Car Wash for the best car washing services!