First, I would like to ask that this thread not become a discussion about the pros and cons of an automatic car wash. The Volvo owner's manual has instructions for using an automatic car wash at this link: Automatic car wash | Exterior cleaning | Maintenance and service | XC60 2023 Late | Volvo Support

My question is, why does it call for the engine to be shut off? Also, what would happen if the engine is not shut off? It seems to me that if all the other instructions are followed there should be no issue. Does anyone have any input about why the engine needs to be shut off, having the ignition switch placed in position 0. Thank you for any feedback concerning this.

 

most automated car washes have a track that pulls the car along - and will tell you to put the car in neutral / no brake. By turnng the car off, Volvo is suggesting this will deactivate safety systems and allow the car to roll freely. You also should not lock the steering since the track may pull slightly side to side. On older cars without all the sensors etc, neutral / foot off the brake does the job.

 

That's interesting! I didn't think of that. I wonder if shutting the engine off, as it says to do so in the owner's manual, would lock the steering wheel. I'll definitely have to check that out in my driveway. Maybe it only locks the steering wheel when it's in park and shut off.

 

on some cars key position 0 locks the wheel while position 1 allows the ignition to be off but the steering unlocked. LOL, I need to check this out on my son's car - my daily uses an inserted fob vs a key so I can't verify

 

I checked, and it doesn't lock the wheel in position 0. Also, without shutting the engine off, but doing everything else in the instructions, the vehicle coasted easily down a hill. I'm guessing the engine can be running in a carwash.

 

yeah, I never bother to turn my car off, just neutral, no brake and hands off the wheel.