Top 10 modern cars with problems in the car wash
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Washing the car by hand is preferable if done carefully. But often we do not have much time, and then an automatic car wash is an acceptable alternative - unless your car was produced in the last 7-8 years. Then you first need to make sure that he will transfer the procedure successfully.
For the automatic car wash to work properly, you must leave the car in neutral and release the parking brake. However, with much more modern models with an electronic parking brake, this is almost impossible, and then the owner must remain in the car throughout the procedure. Other innovations in cars also go against the principles of car washes - for example, automatic wipers can be activated at the most inopportune moment, or an emergency stop system can interpret approaching brushes as a risk of collision and block the wheels. which could also potentially damage the vehicle.
In countries like the United States, car washes are widespread and this has prompted some automakers to anticipate the design of their vehicles.
For example, Volvo models equipped with Pilot Assist automatically apply the brakes every time the car is stationary for more than three minutes – a definite convenience if you're stuck on a slope, but a real problem when washing. Therefore, in 2017, the Swedes changed the system so that it does not work when the transmission is in N mode.
Mercedes has taken it one step further by introducing a special “car wash mode” in its new GLS this year. But with dozens of other models, the problem remains and it is recommended that you test how your machine behaves in such conditions before placing it in the tunnel for washing.
10 cars to look out for at a car wash
Mercedes-Benz
The most unusual ignition system is possessed by models equipped with the so-called SmartKey. With their help, the start button can be removed, and a key can be inserted in its place. For this, the engine must be running. Keep the brake pressed. You pull out the start-store button and insert the key into place. Shift to neutral. Release the brake pedal and the electronic parking brake. Stop the engine, but do not remove the key.
Honda Accord and Legend
The issue here is with a specific automation switch in some versions. With the engine running and the brake pedal depressed, shift to neutral (N). Stop the engine after 5 seconds. The dashboard should display the Shift To Park message, after which you have 15 minutes before the system automatically applies the electronic brake again.
BMW 7 Series
After putting the car in the wash, turn the lever to the N position and do not turn off the engine - otherwise the computer will automatically switch it to the parking mode (P) and apply the brake.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The push-button 8-speed version also has an automatic parking brake (this applies to other Chrysler, Ram and Dodge models as well). The problem here is that the system does not allow the transmission to remain in neutral if the engine is not running. The only way to outwit the system is to stay in the car during the wash. At least with the Ram, it is possible to release the electronic brake in an emergency. Not with the Grand Cherokee.
Lexus CT200h, ES350, RC, NX, RX
The problem here is in models equipped with a collision avoidance system. With their help, you need to turn off the dynamic cruise control and make sure that the light for it on the dashboard is off.
Range Rover Evoque
Hold the power button for three seconds to turn off the engine. Shift the transmission to N. This automatically engages the parking brake. Take your foot off the brake pedal and press the Power button again for one second. Then depress the pedal again and release the electronic parking brake using the button on the center console.
Subaru Impreza, WRX, Legacy, Outback, Forester
This applies to all Japanese models equipped with the EyeSight anti-collision system. If it is not switched off, it recognizes the brush as a collision hazard and will constantly brake. To turn it off, press and hold the system button for at least three seconds. The Pre-Collision Braking System Disabled indicator on the dashboard will illuminate.
Tesla Model S
Tesla foresaw the opportunity to take the car to a car wash and explained how it happens in its official Tesla Model S walkthrough video, available on YouTube (16:26 pm).
Toyota Prius, Camry, RAV4
The instructions here also apply to models with an anti-collision system. With them, you need to make sure that dynamic cruise control is disabled.
Volvo S60, V60, S80, XC60, XC90
After placing the car in a car wash, disable the auto hold function using the button on the center console. Enter the SETTINGS menu, then MY VEHICLE and then Electric parking brake and disable the automatic parking brake. Then engage the transmission in position N. Stop the engine by pressing the start-stop button and be sure to hold it for at least 4 seconds.
