Car Wash

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stephanie j @ May 22 2007, 02:47 PM) [snapback]447439[/snapback]</div>

That's exactly what I do. Of course I take the whip antenna off first.

And thanks for the reminder that my Prius needs a bath.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stephanie j @ May 22 2007, 10:47 AM) [snapback]447439[/snapback]</div>

Yes, you have to hold the shifter towards Neutral for a few seconds in order for it to stay in Neutral (prevents you from bumping it). The display will change to N after it takes. No need to turn off the car.

You may also want to remove your radio antenna, since the owner's manual recommends doing so.

I also suggest taking a towel for the back of the car after the wash, as my car still had soap under the spoiler after the car wash! I have the touring, so perhaps its slightly larger spoiler prevents the car wash from being able to rinse under there.

Best is hand wash followed by "touchless." Just avoid those abrasive scrubbers that some car washes have.

 

We take ours to a laser touchless car wash if not doing it by hand. we drive up until it says stop then just put car in park and the car wash goes around your vehicle it does not move your car. It does not mess with the ant. or the rear wiper.
works great

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priussoris @ May 22 2007, 05:39 PM) [snapback]447582[/snapback]</div>

I do the same thing when I'm lazy or in a hurry. I have noticed that the high powered spray has taken the "chrome" off my Science fish emblem. It's a few years old, so it might have to be retired/replaced.

 

Prius C does not like the blowers! It makes the roof buckle, but pops back up at the end of the dry cycle. Only hand wash now.

 

Once in N, the car cannot recharge the big battery, so do not spend much time in N, and use as little electricity as possible in N. (I would not use a car wash that required me to be in N)

 

I wash my car the old fashioned way

 

Wait for rain.

 

But seriously - I prefer touchless car wash learned some time ago that Prius has rather sensitive paintwork.

 

Not to be snarky here....but this is really a topic that the "Search" function can be your friend. There are numerous threads already in existence about Drive Through Car Washes and Automatic Car Washes.

I don't think I would put a vehicle less than 1 year old through a automatic car wash. I would put NO vehicle I cared about through an automatic car wash without it having a good coat of wax or sealant on it.

If you trust the drive through car wash to be well maintained? And you have a good protective coating of wax or sealant on your vehicle.....proceed at your own risk.

The best (safest) method is to commit to hand washing.

 

I use a local "touchless" car wash that also does the undercarriage. With all the salt/grime on the roads for ice season this car wash place will save my car twice a month.
I just found one and tried it today, works fine. The only minor issue is some streak from minerals in the water. I'll let the rain take care of the rest.

 

since you use undercarriage wash you might want to check your 12v battery compartment.... the vent hose that is connected to the 12v battery outputs on the bottom of the car.. many have water sitting under the 12v battery because of this.

 

I checked with a flashlight, it's as dry as a bone back there.

And I would think that if Toyota didn't want me to do an undercarriage wash that they would have told me when I asked them about it at the dealership.

 

good to hear.

here is a link 12 volt battery change and alot of water under it | PriusChat

 

K I don't do enough mechanics to know what I'm doing or what all the parts are or look like, I just popped the pins off the compartment. I go for my first actual sch. maintenance appt. soon so I'll ask them before winter hits.

 

My local car wash pushes the mirrors in and tapes the rear wiper down with masking tape, I have a shark fin antenna, so no removal. I place the car in neutral and let her roll through - no problems so far.