Volvo XC60 This smaller crossover offers the capabilities of an SUV with less size - ideal for city driving.

Automatic carwash instructions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 23, 2023 | 11:17 AM
  #1  
jacko15's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 72
Likes: 11
From: Pennsylvania's North Shore
Default Automatic carwash instructions

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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2023 | 01:11 PM
  #2  
mt6127's Avatar
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 9,601
Likes: 540
From: Burlington, VT
Default

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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2023 | 02:22 PM
  #3  
jacko15's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 72
Likes: 11
From: Pennsylvania's North Shore
Default

Originally Posted by mt6127
You also should not lock the steering since the track may pull slightly side to side....
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2023 | 02:52 PM
  #4  
mt6127's Avatar
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 9,601
Likes: 540
From: Burlington, VT
Default

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
 
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2023 | 04:12 PM
  #5  
jacko15's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 72
Likes: 11
From: Pennsylvania's North Shore
Default

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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2023 | 10:47 AM
  #6  
mt6127's Avatar
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 9,601
Likes: 540
From: Burlington, VT
Default

yeah, I never bother to turn my car off, just neutral, no brake and hands off the wheel.
 
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2025 | 06:25 PM
  #7  
VinR1's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by jacko15
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 with SHINEHEROES MOBILE DETAILING. 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.
Volvo recommends shutting off the engine and placing the ignition in position 0 mainly to prevent unintended activation of safety systems like automatic wipers, parking sensors, or auto hold features during the wash. Keeping the ignition off also reduces the chance of electrical interference or warnings triggered by the car detecting motion while stationary. If the engine stays on, some systems may react to the movement or noise in the wash tunnel, potentially causing issues or disruptions. That said, if all other precautions are taken, leaving the engine on likely won’t cause damage—but it's safer to follow Volvo’s recommendation.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Scrapperdave
Volvo V70
1
Oct 2, 2023 11:11 AM
cbadger3
Volvo XC60
1
Oct 3, 2019 09:12 PM
santoury
General Volvo Chat
5
Jun 20, 2019 01:09 AM
VolvoDriver
Volvo 240, 740 & 940
2
Mar 3, 2007 09:36 PM
islander
Penta
1
Jun 3, 2006 06:41 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:00 AM.