Can You Leave Engine on in Car Wash?
The Answer is No
It is not recommended to leave your engine on in a car wash, even if the car wash is touchless or uses high-pressure water. There are several reasons for this:
- Water damage: Water can get into your engine and cause damage to the electrical system, the engine components, and the transmission. This can be especially damaging if the water is hot or contains chemicals.
- Fire hazard: If the water gets into the engine and comes into contact with hot components, it can cause a fire. This is especially dangerous if the car wash is using high-pressure water.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: If the engine is running in a closed space, such as a car wash, the exhaust fumes can build up and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This can be fatal.
What to Do Instead
Instead of leaving your engine on in a car wash, it is best to turn it off and put the car in park. This will help to prevent water damage, fire hazards, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you are concerned about your car getting dirty, you can ask the car wash attendant to use a touchless car wash or to use high-pressure water only on the exterior of the car.
Conclusion
It is not safe to leave your engine on in a car wash. Water can get into the engine and cause damage, create a fire hazard, or lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Instead, turn off the engine and put the car in park before entering the car wash.
