Has anyone ever taken their Prius through an automated car wash? And if so, have you had any problems with the antenna on the roof? I found myself wanting to go through one today, but didn't because of the visions of those huge rollers snapping the doggone thing.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mparrish @ Jan 28 2007, 04:50 PM) [snapback]382033[/snapback]</div> Then do what it says in the manual and remove it before sending it through. I do know someone who ignores this and has been lucky so far. - Tom
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ Jan 28 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]382049[/snapback]</div> The antenna unscrews very easily by hand.
If you're going through the brushes, take it off! I've had no problems with touchless ones. The overhead bar clears the antenna. Again, do so at your own risk.
<_< One of the first modifications I made was to replace the original whip antenna with a stubby antenna [found on eBay] - in my case I chose a 2". Receiption seems the same around the Dallas metroplex. When I drive "cross-country," I replace the original whip.
I didn't take it off the few times I have been to the car wash. Will take it off when I wash it again. B)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mparrish @ Jan 28 2007, 04:50 PM) [snapback]382033[/snapback]</div> I just remove mine takes less than 60 seconds.....
Depending on how much the radio is used and if a Prius owner intends to frequent car washes, one might consider replacing the factory antenna with one of the popular, aftermarket 'shark fin' radio antennas. While stylish and significantly reducing the possiblity of a car wash brush removing it, the trade-off of the 'shark fin' radio antennas is reduced radio reception. Using a 'shark fin' would actually make even more sense if someone were also using a satellite radio service in their Prius.
I too, know about the advisability of unscrewing the antenna before venturing into a car wash. However - - I keep forgetting. I have actually removed it once. And my antenna has survived the big rotating brush car wash twice with no apparent harm -
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mparrish @ Jan 28 2007, 04:50 PM) [snapback]382033[/snapback]</div> Just unscrew it. It's only hand tight.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mparrish @ Jan 28 2007, 05:50 PM) [snapback]382033[/snapback]</div> Ran mine through the rolling monster today with no apparent damage.
The car wash I use takes the antenna off and gives it to me then tapes the rear wiper blade down before I go through, when I get to the towel area they reinstall the antenna and remove the tape from the rear wiper blade. They do the same with any car with removable antennas and rear wipers.
we have found a laser automatic car wash that does an fantastic job and if you go through slow at the begining you get a geat under carrage wash also. nothing touches the car but soap water and spot free rinse water no rollers no dryers come down very nice . so 21st century for a small town..lol
I never go to the brush/roller type car wash anymore. If you think about it, a lot of grit and grime from other cars could be stuck on there and end up scratching your finish. I always go to a touch-free laser wash. As an added benefit, you don't have to worry about the antenna.
Luckily I went to the laser wash for my first one last week, because when I tried to take off the antenna I couldn't reach it!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Highly ImPriused @ Mar 26 2007, 12:05 PM) [snapback]412362[/snapback]</div> Same here. After you take a car thru a brush type washes a couple of dozen of times, you will notice scratches in the paint surface. I always wash mine by hand. This also helps me to stay one with my Prius. ...ummmmmm
My Prius is a car. It needs to stay clean as a matter of simple maintenance, but it doesn't need hand washing. The dealer has a free anytime you want it car wash that I use on a regular basis. I don't need to stay one with my Prius any more than I need to stay one with my Bic pen. Here's an idea: next time you browse through this forum, as you read, replace the word "Prius" with the word "Taurus". See how silly many posts sound.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(adam1991 @ Mar 31 2007, 11:32 AM) [snapback]415477[/snapback]</div> yes, I am sure if you replaced the word "Prius" with the word "Taurus" in the following post, "My Prius got 68 MPG!!!" to be "My Taurus got 68 MPG!!!" I am sure it would sound silly.
yeah, just like a thread titled, "Do you always park next to another Taurus?" sounds ridiculous. As ridiculous as, "Do you always park next to another Prius?"
