What Is Car Wash Mode, and When Should You Turn It On?
Car Wash Mode is a setting on some newer cars, including Teslas and Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models that have it, that prepares the car for a wash with one touch. Tesla's owner's manuals say it "closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes." Turn it on before you pull into the wash, with the car stopped. Tesla warns that failing to use it "may result in damage (for example, to the charge port or windshield wipers)."
The detail that trips drivers up is how the mode turns itself off. Tesla's manuals say Car Wash Mode "disables if the vehicle's speed exceeds 9 mph (15 km/h) or by touching Exit on the touchscreen." Hyundai's infotainment manual says its car wash mode "automatically ends if" the "vehicle speed exceeds 20 km/h," "The ignition turns off," or "A door of the vehicle opens." So on a Hyundai, Kia or Genesis, switching the car off or opening a door ends the mode, and the auto wipers return. This post covers what the mode does by brand, how to use it, and what to do by hand if your car does not have it.
What Does Car Wash Mode Turn Off?
Each brand's version protects the same weak points: wipers that could swing in the spray, windows and mirrors, door handles and the charge port.
Tesla. Beyond closing the windows and locking the charge port, Tesla's Car Wash Mode turns off the wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking and parking sensor chimes. The Model 3, Model Y and Model S manuals add, "If washing in an automatic car wash, use touchless car washes only."
Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. Kia's web manual says the mode exists "to prevent water leaking into the vehicle or wiper damage during car washing." Depending on the model, it can:
Fold the side mirrors
Close all windows
Keep automatic wipers from running even if the rain sensors detect water
Retract flush door handles
Block the charging door from opening with the exterior button
Keep the trunk from opening with the exterior button
Hyundai notes that "Available settings may differ depending on the vehicle model and specifications." Kia also flags items that may need a manual check, such as the sunroof.
How Do You Turn On Car Wash Mode?
On a Tesla, the manual says to "touch Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode," and "Your vehicle must be stationary and not actively charging." On Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models, you press Car wash mode on the home screen and then Start. The screen shows which items were set automatically and which need a manual step.
When the mode ends, not everything goes back the way it was. Hyundai's manual says the mirrors unfold and the auto wipers resume, but "The windows remain closed even when car wash mode ends." Tesla's mode ends as soon as you pass 9 mph or tap Exit.
A simple routine for any car with the mode:
Stop before the wash entrance and make sure the car is not charging.
Turn on Car Wash Mode and check the screen for any item marked as a manual step.
Close the sunroof and fold any mirrors the system did not fold.
Follow the wash's signs for gear selection.
After the wash, drive off normally and let the mode end on its own.
Do You Need Car Wash Mode or Neutral at a Touch-Free Wash?
That depends on how the wash moves your car. Volvo explains the key case: "In an automatic car wash where the car is pulled through the car wash, it is important to switch off functions that prevent the car from rolling freely."
Tesla handles that with Free Roll. Its Model 3 manual says, "If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps your vehicle in Neutral and activates free roll for the duration of the wash, while preventing Model 3 from applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver's seat." To use it, "press on the brake pedal and touch Enable Free Roll; or shift into Neutral."
If the wash's signs tell you to stay in Neutral, use Free Roll or your car's neutral procedure. If the signs tell you to park, follow them. Either way, Car Wash Mode still helps by locking out the wipers and closing windows. For a walk through what happens inside the bay, see how a drive-through car wash works.
What If Your Car Does Not Have Car Wash Mode?
You can do the same steps by hand. Volvo's U.S. manual lists them:
"Make sure that the automatic rain sensor function is switched off."
"The windshield wipers must be switched off throughout the car wash to avoid the risk of damage."
Turn off the Auto-hold brake function and the setting that applies the parking brake automatically.
For a car that is pulled through, put the gear selector in N and switch the motor off so the car can roll freely, following your manual's procedure.
Volvo adds two tips for keyless cars: take the key out and place it "in the open in the front section of the vehicle during the car wash," which "minimizes the risk of unintentionally pressing the button that opens the tailgate," and keep windows, doors and tailgate closed the whole time. Mazda's manuals say to "Retract the door mirrors" in an automatic wash.
Automatic wipers deserve extra attention. Mazda warns that with the wiper lever in the auto position and the ignition on, the wipers can move on their own, so "be sure the wipers are turned off completely" before cleaning the windshield. For more on avoiding problems in the bay, read about common mistakes at automatic car washes.
What Do Automakers Say About Pressure Washers and Sensors?
The same manuals that describe Car Wash Mode set limits for handheld pressure washers. Tesla says to keep the nozzle at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the surface, "Avoid aiming the water jet directly at parking sensors," and "Keep the nozzle moving." Mazda also says to keep "30 cm (12 in) or more" between the nozzle and the vehicle.
Kia's 2024 manual says, "Do not spray the camera, sensors or its surrounding area directly with a high pressure washer." Tesla adds a charging warning: "Never spray liquid at a high velocity (for example, if using a pressure washer) towards the charge port while Model Y is charging."
Tesla also lists a chemical limit: "Avoid exposure to soaps and chemicals above pH 13," and "If unsure, check the product label or ask the staff at the car wash." Electric vehicle owners can find more in this post on whether electric cars can go through a touch-free car wash.
FAQ
What does Tesla Car Wash Mode do?
It closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables the wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking and parking sensor chimes, according to Tesla's owner's manuals.
Does Car Wash Mode put a Tesla in Neutral?
Not by itself. Tesla's manual describes Free Roll as the separate step that keeps the car in Neutral and stops the parking brake from setting if you leave the driver's seat.
When does Car Wash Mode turn off?
On a Tesla, above 9 mph or when you touch Exit. On Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models with the feature, above 20 km/h (about 12 mph), when the ignition turns off or when a door opens.
Do all cars have Car Wash Mode?
No. It is only on some models, and features vary. Without it, turn off auto wipers and the rain sensor, fold mirrors, close windows and follow your manual for Neutral or Auto-hold.
Is Car Wash Mode needed at a touchless car wash?
It is still useful. Tesla's manuals recommend touchless washes for automatic washing and still call for Car Wash Mode to protect the charge port and wipers.
Can automatic wipers get damaged in a car wash?
They can. Volvo says the wipers "must be switched off throughout the car wash to avoid the risk of damage," and Tesla lists wiper damage as a risk of skipping Car Wash Mode.
Use Car Wash Mode at Three Rivers Car Wash
Three Rivers Car Wash runs touch-free automatic washes, which use high-pressure water and cleaning solutions instead of brushes, at its Canonsburg, Washington and Meadowlands locations, open 24/7. If your car has a wash mode, turn it on before you pull in and follow the bay signs. Every package includes a Foam Action Presoak, High Pressure Wash and Spot Free Rinse, and the Ultimate package adds Ceramic Shine and a Double Turbo Dry. Visit the Meadowlands location or the Canonsburg location.
Visit Three Rivers Car Wash or call (724) 222-6580 today. Contact us for more information.
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