TERROR at the CAR WASH 🫧💦

[Jimrpa]

So, I decided to take my first, filthy, nasty Mustang Mach E to the car wash at lunch. When I got out of the car, I explained to the attendant that you have to follow the prompt on the screen and press the L button to keep the car in neutral. (To his credit, he did ask if I wanted to ride through the tunnel. I declined because they (usually) know what they’re doing. I then go inside and watch my car go through the tunnel. I noticed the back wheels weren’t “rotating”, but rather staying still, as if the brake was on and they were being dragged, then, they would suddenly jerkily turn maybe a quarter revolution. I thought to myself “that’s not right!”, and ran over and told the owner (who knows my car well) what was going on. He ran to the tunnel, stopped it, went to my car, and properly put it in reverse. They’re still cleaning the interior now, and my fingers are crossed. 🥹

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[RickMachE]

I would never trust my $60,000 car to a car jockey, whether it's a car wash attendant or a parking lot valet attendant.

What you described is not good.

 

[MABachE131]

Hope turns out well... Keep us up to date.

 

[Logal727]

Does that car wash not have the safety system in place that stops the machine from moving if the wheels don't move? wow. Some of the newer car washes actually have a belt and the wheels don't have to move at all on it, just a big conveyer belt. Those are nice.

 

[breeves002]

Does that car wash not have the safety system in place that stops the machine from moving if the wheels don't move? wow. Some of the newer car washes actually have a belt and the wheels don't have to move at all on it, just a big conveyer belt. Those are nice.

First time I took a vehicle that had a dial shifter in the car wash it left the auto hold brake on and the little thing that pushes the wheel just went under the wheel. Car didn't move at all.

 

[Logal727]

First time I took a vehicle that had a dial shifter in the car wash it left the auto hold brake on and the little thing that pushes the wheel just went under the wheel. Car didn't move at all.

I find it crazy that it can push a 5000 lb vehicle even if the wheels aren't moving, makes me think something is up with that car wash, seems sketchy

 

[Jimrpa]

Update:
Car seems no worse for the west

I thought this car wash had the safety systems others have described. My front wheels were rotating normally, it was only my rear wheels that were misbehaving. My suspicion is that the safety system only detects the front wheel since that is the wheel that is being pulled. I thought it was weird that the front wheels seemed to be rotating fine. I have an AWD ER MY 21 Premium

 

[Deleted member 16048]

Does that car wash not have the safety system in place that stops the machine from moving if the wheels don't move? wow. Some of the newer car washes actually have a belt and the wheels don't have to move at all on it, just a big conveyer belt. Those are nice.

Yeah I wish they had those here in MN. We haven't had a new car wash decide to go with the belt option yet. I go to Mister Car Wash and thankful I drive it myself through. When I got my tires rotated the other day, the tech definitely activated the alarm system a few times and was a little confused on how to drive it so I drove it to the bay for them. lol

 

[CurtW]

Solution: Garden hose, bucket of suds, micro-fiber mitt, chamois, a little sunshine, and a maybe cold beverage. Zero terror.

 

[MachEMaster]

Solution: Garden hose, bucket of suds, micro-fiber mitt, chamois, a little sunshine, and a maybe cold beverage. Zero terror.

Zero Terror you Say!?

 

[Lloydian]

I know what the L button does. I don't trust it (or their drivers). When I go to my car wash, I turn off Auto Hold from the menu.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Yeah you must turn off Auto Hold if you use it before going in the car wash. That's an additional step. Stay in neutral mode does not disable auto hold. Read the manual about car washes if confused.

 

[jhalkias]

You lost me at "Car Wash" . . .

 

[shadowsjc]

I know most people prefer to hand wash at home. I take it to a brushless car wash (I sit in the car and drive through myself). I would never dream to take it to a car wash like you described.

 

[Ex 2011GTCS]

So, I decided to take my first, filthy, nasty Mustang Mach E to the car wash at lunch. When I got out of the car, I explained to the attendant that you have to follow the prompt on the screen and press the L button to keep the car in neutral. (To his credit, he did ask if I wanted to ride through the tunnel. I declined because they (usually) know what they’re doing. I then go inside and watch my car go through the tunnel. I noticed the back wheels weren’t “rotating”, but rather staying still, as if the brake was on and they were being dragged, then, they would suddenly jerkily turn maybe a quarter revolution. I thought to myself “that’s not right!”, and ran over and told the owner (who knows my car well) what was going on. He ran to the tunnel, stopped it, went to my car, and properly put it in reverse. They’re still cleaning the interior now, and my fingers are crossed. 🥹

Simple procedure:
Disengage One Pedal Drive and Auto Hold if you have them enabled. Fold in your mirrors. Buckle your drivers seat belt and tell attendant to leave it buckled. This will allow the car to remain in neutral when attendant exits the car in the wash lane leaving car in neutral. If you have auto lock enabled you can either disable it or leave the key in the car.

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