Keeping your car clean is crucial, but with today’s busy lifestyles, convenience is key. A trip to the car wash is a quick way to get your vehicle sparkling, but if you have a roof rack, you might be wondering if it’s safe to go through with it still attached.
Roof racks are handy for transporting items that won’t fit inside your vehicle, but they can raise concerns about whether you need to remove them before heading through a car wash. Here’s what you need to know about taking your car through a car wash with a roof rack.
Types of Car Washes
Different car washes use various methods to clean vehicles, which can affect whether you can keep your roof rack on.
- Automatic Car Washes
Automatic car washes are popular for their speed and efficiency. These washes use a conveyor system to move your car through a series of cleaning stages, including pre-soaking, washing, rinsing, and drying. However, automatic car washes with large brushes may not be ideal for vehicles with roof racks. The brushes could potentially get tangled in the rack or damage it.
- Brushless or No-Touch Car Washes
Brushless or touchless car washes are a great option for vehicles with roof racks. Instead of brushes, these car washes use high-pressure water jets and cleaning solutions to clean your vehicle. This method is less likely to cause damage to your roof rack and is effective at removing dirt and grime.
- Manual Car Washes
For a more hands-on approach, you can use a manual car wash with self-service bays. These facilities provide high-pressure hoses that you can use to clean your car yourself. This option allows you to avoid potential issues with roof racks and ensures you can clean your vehicle as thoroughly as needed.
- Hand Car Washes
Hand car washes involve professionals cleaning your car by hand, providing a meticulous clean. This is a good choice if you want to ensure that every part of your vehicle, including the roof rack, is thoroughly cleaned without risking damage from automated equipment.
Car Wash Policies
It’s important to check the car wash’s policy regarding roof racks. While brushless car washes are generally safe for roof racks, automatic car washes might have specific rules. Some car washes may require you to remove the roof rack before entering, while others might allow you to keep it on.
If the car wash permits roof racks, make sure the rack and any items on it are securely fastened. Loose items can potentially cause damage to your vehicle or others in the car wash.
Types of Roof Racks
Roof racks come in two main types: factory-installed and aftermarket.
- Factory-Installed Roof Racks: These are designed specifically for your vehicle model and are usually low-profile. They are often more seamlessly integrated and less likely to cause issues in a car wash. While they can be removed, it’s not always practical to do so frequently.
- Aftermarket Roof Racks: These come in various styles and materials, including aluminum, steel, and plastic. Some aftermarket racks, particularly those with crossbars that extend beyond the car’s width, can be problematic in car washes. They are often easier to remove if needed.
Cleaning Your Roof Rack
If your roof rack is dirty, the best approach is to remove it if possible and clean it separately. If removing it is impractical, a brushless car wash is a good option for cleaning both your car and the roof rack.
Should You Remove Your Roof Rack?
If you’re concerned about potential damage, removing the roof rack before going through a car wash is a sensible precaution. This ensures you don’t have to worry about any issues during the wash and can help prolong the life of your roof rack.
Can a Car Wash Damage Your Roof Rack?
While car washes generally won’t damage your roof rack, following the guidelines in this article can help minimize any risk. By choosing the right type of car wash and ensuring your roof rack is secure, you can keep your vehicle and its accessories clean and in good condition.