Yes, you should generally fold your car mirrors when going through an automatic car wash to prevent damage. This simple step protects your mirrors from potential impacts with brushes, sprays, or other equipment, saving you from costly repairs and ensuring a smooth wash experience.
Ever stood at the entrance of an automatic car wash, wondering about those little side mirrors? It’s a common question many car owners have. You want your car to sparkle, but you also want to avoid any unexpected bumps or scrapes. Those mirrors, while essential for driving, can sometimes be a bit vulnerable when your car is navigating the automated cleaning process. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through why folding your mirrors is a good idea and what else you can do to ensure a safe and effective car wash for your beloved vehicle.
Contents
- 1 Why Folding Your Car Mirrors is a Smart Move
- 2 The Mechanics of Automatic Car Washes and Your Mirrors
- 3 When is it Especially Important to Fold Your Mirrors?
- 4 How to Fold Your Car Mirrors Safely
- 5 What About Other Car Wash Preparations?
- 6 Pros and Cons of Folding Mirrors in Car Wash
- 7 The Science Behind Mirror Protection
- 8 When NOT to Fold Your Mirrors (Rare Exceptions)
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Folding Your Car Mirrors is a Smart Move
When you drive into an automatic car wash, your car is essentially going on a ride through a series of brushes, water jets, and drying mechanisms. While these systems are designed to be safe for most vehicles, there are always small risks involved. Your side mirrors, especially when extended, stick out from the main body of your car. This makes them potential targets for:
- Brush Collisions: The large rotating brushes, while typically soft, can sometimes snag or apply uneven pressure to extended mirrors.
- Water Jet Angles: High-pressure water jets are powerful. If they hit an extended mirror at just the wrong angle, it could potentially cause damage or dislodge it.
- Drying Equipment: Some car washes use large air blowers or cloth-drying systems that might interact with protruding mirrors.
- Accidental Impacts: In the automated environment, there’s always a slight chance of minor contact with other parts of the car wash machinery.
Folding your mirrors in minimizes their profile, tucking them closer to the car’s body. This significantly reduces the chance of any contact, offering peace of mind and protecting your car’s exterior. It’s a small action that can prevent big headaches and potential repair bills.
The Mechanics of Automatic Car Washes and Your Mirrors
Automatic car washes have come a long way, but they operate on a set track and with specific equipment. They are designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicle shapes and sizes. However, the very nature of automation means there’s less individual attention to the specific protrusions of each car. Think of it like this: the car wash machinery is set up to handle the “average” car profile. Anything that extends beyond that average, like your side mirrors, presents a slight deviation from the norm.
Modern car washes often have sensors and guides to keep your car centered. However, these systems are primarily focused on the vehicle’s overall width and height, not necessarily the precise position of every exterior accessory. The brushes and water nozzles are programmed to move along a general path. If your mirrors are extended, they might be in the direct path of a brush or a water jet that isn’t perfectly calibrated to avoid them.
For instance, consider a car wash that uses a large, spinning cloth roller. This roller is designed to move across the car’s surface. If a mirror is sticking out, the roller might catch it, twist it, or even break it. Similarly, high-pressure water jets are often positioned to clean the sides of the vehicle. An extended mirror can catch these jets in a way that might not be intended, potentially forcing the mirror housing or even the glass itself.
The most advanced car washes might have more sophisticated sensors that can detect protruding mirrors, but relying on this is a gamble. The safest bet is always to proactively prepare your vehicle. Folding your mirrors is a simple, proactive step that takes seconds but can save you significant trouble.
When is it Especially Important to Fold Your Mirrors?
While it’s a good general practice, there are certain types of automatic car washes where folding your mirrors is particularly crucial:
- Friction Washes: These are the car washes that use spinning brushes or cloth strips. These are the most likely to catch and damage extended mirrors.
- Tunnel Washes: Cars are typically pulled through these washes on a conveyor belt. The fixed paths and machinery in a tunnel wash offer less flexibility for unique car protrusions.
- Older Car Wash Systems: While newer facilities might be more advanced, older car washes might have less refined machinery and fewer sensors.
- Touchless Washes (with caveats): Even touchless washes use high-pressure water jets. While they don’t use brushes, the force of the water can still pose a risk to vulnerable mirrors if they are not folded.
If you’re unsure about the type of car wash, or if it looks like it has a lot of moving parts, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and fold those mirrors.
How to Fold Your Car Mirrors Safely
Most modern cars have power-folding mirrors, which makes this task incredibly simple. If your car has this feature, you’ll typically find a button on your driver’s side door panel or on your dashboard. Look for an icon that resembles a mirror with an arrow indicating it’s folding. Pressing this button will usually retract the mirrors smoothly into their housing.
If your car has manual mirrors:
Some cars, especially older models or those with basic trim levels, might have mirrors that need to be folded manually. These usually have a hinge mechanism. You’ll need to gently push the mirror housing towards the car body. You might feel or hear a click as it locks into the folded position. To unfold them, simply pull them back out until they click into place.
Important Considerations for Manual Folding:
- Be Gentle: Don’t force the mirror. If it feels stiff or resistant, check if there’s a specific release mechanism or if you’re trying to fold it the wrong way. Forcing it can break the hinge.
- Know Your Car: It’s a good idea to practice folding your mirrors a few times in your driveway before you need to do it at the car wash. This way, you’ll be familiar with the process and can do it quickly and confidently.
- Check for Obstructions: Make sure nothing is blocking the mirror’s path as you fold it.
If you’re unsure how your car’s mirrors operate, consult your owner’s manual. It will provide specific instructions for your make and model.
What About Other Car Wash Preparations?
Folding your mirrors is just one part of preparing your car for an automatic wash. Here are a few other essential steps to ensure a smooth and safe experience:
- Close All Windows and Sunroof: This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial to prevent water from entering the cabin.
- Retract or Remove Antennas: If your car has a manual antenna, retract it. If it’s a fixed antenna that sticks out significantly, consider if it might be at risk.
- Secure Loose Parts: Check for anything that might be loose on the exterior, like roof racks, spoilers, or decorative trim, and ensure they are securely fastened.
- Turn Off Wipers: If your wipers are on, they might get caught by the brushes or water jets, potentially causing damage to the wiper mechanism or the car wash equipment.
- Check for Clearances: Ensure your car is low enough for the car wash. Some car washes have height restrictions.
- Remove Bike Racks or Cargo Carriers: These will almost certainly not fit and can cause significant damage.
These small preparations help protect both your vehicle and the car wash equipment, ensuring a problem-free wash for everyone.
Pros and Cons of Folding Mirrors in Car Wash
Like most things, there are advantages and disadvantages to folding your mirrors. Understanding these can help you make the best decision for your car wash routine.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Prevents Damage: Significantly reduces the risk of mirrors being hit, bent, or broken by car wash equipment. | Time Commitment: Takes a few extra seconds to fold and unfold mirrors, which might feel like an inconvenience. |
| Saves Money: Avoids potential repair costs for damaged mirror housings, glass, or electronic components. | Forgetting to Unfold: The risk of forgetting to unfold them after the wash, which can be a safety hazard while driving. |
| Peace of Mind: Eliminates worry about mirror damage during the wash cycle. | Manual Mirrors: Can be slightly more effort if your car has manual folding mirrors. |
| Protects Electronics: For cars with heated mirrors or integrated turn signals, folding can protect these sensitive components from high-pressure water. | Potential for Forgetting to Fold: If you’re in a hurry or distracted, you might forget to fold them in the first place. |
As you can see, the pros of folding your mirrors far outweigh the cons, especially when considering the potential cost and hassle of repairing a damaged mirror.
The Science Behind Mirror Protection
Mirrors on cars are designed for optimal visibility during driving, meaning they are positioned to provide a wide field of view. This outward extension is precisely what makes them susceptible to damage in an automated wash. The forces involved in a car wash, particularly from brushes and high-pressure water, can be substantial. According to research on automotive aerodynamics and exterior components, even seemingly minor impacts at speed can cause significant stress to attached parts.
Consider the forces applied by a rotating brush. While often made of soft materials like foam or cloth, these brushes spin at high RPMs. If an extended mirror is in their path, the brush can exert a rotational or lateral force on the mirror assembly. This force can exceed the design limits of the mirror’s mounting or the hinge mechanism, leading to breakage. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has numerous papers detailing the stress analysis of automotive exterior components, highlighting the importance of proper design and protection for elements that protrude from the main vehicle body.
High-pressure water jets, often operating at pressures exceeding 1000 PSI (pounds per square inch), can also exert significant force. While designed to dislodge dirt, these jets can, if misdirected, create localized stress points. An extended mirror presents a surface area that might be exposed to a direct, concentrated blast of water. This can potentially compromise the seals around the mirror glass, or in extreme cases, even affect the internal mechanisms if water ingress occurs.
Furthermore, modern cars often integrate complex electronics into their mirrors, such as turn signals, heating elements, and even blind-spot monitoring sensors. These components are generally sealed, but prolonged or forceful exposure to water, especially at high pressure and odd angles, can potentially lead to moisture ingress and electrical faults. Folding the mirrors tucks these sensitive components closer to the vehicle’s body, offering a layer of protection against direct water spray and physical impact.
By folding your mirrors, you effectively reduce the exposed surface area and the leverage that external forces can apply. The mirror housing is brought closer to the car’s A-pillar or door frame, creating a more streamlined profile. This significantly diminishes the likelihood of any mechanical interaction between the mirror and the car wash equipment, safeguarding the mirror’s integrity and the car’s overall finish.
When NOT to Fold Your Mirrors (Rare Exceptions)
While the advice to fold mirrors is generally sound, there are a few very specific scenarios where it might not be necessary or even advisable:
- Touchless Car Washes with Extremely Gentle Systems: If you are absolutely certain you are using a touchless car wash that uses only very low-pressure water and no physical contact whatsoever, and your mirrors are very securely attached, you might choose not to fold them. However, this is still a risk.
- Car Washes Specifically Designed for Extended Mirrors: Some high-end or specialized car washes might have systems that are advertised as being safe for all mirror positions. Again, verify this thoroughly.
- Manual Mirrors That Don’t Fold: If your car has mirrors that are not designed to fold, then obviously you cannot fold them. In this case, ensure the mirrors are as securely attached as possible and hope for the best, or opt for hand washing.
However, for the vast majority of automatic car washes, especially those with brushes, folding your mirrors is the safest course of action. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I fold my mirrors in an automatic car wash?
Yes, it is highly recommended to fold your car mirrors when using an automatic car wash. This simple step helps prevent potential damage from brushes, water jets, or other equipment that could snag or hit the mirrors, saving you from costly repairs.
What kind of car washes are riskiest for mirrors?
Friction car washes, which use spinning brushes or cloth strips, pose the greatest risk to extended mirrors. Tunnel washes, where cars are pulled on a conveyor, also present a higher risk due to fixed machinery paths. Even touchless washes with high-pressure water jets can potentially cause issues if mirrors are not folded.
How do I know if my car’s mirrors fold automatically?
Most modern vehicles equipped with power-folding mirrors have a button on the driver’s side door panel or dashboard. Look for an icon that resembles a mirror with an arrow indicating folding. If you’re unsure, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which will detail all its features and how to operate them.
What should I do if my car has manual folding mirrors?
If your mirrors fold manually, you’ll typically need to gently push the mirror housing towards the car body until it clicks into place. To unfold them, pull them back out until they click. It’s a good idea to practice this a few times at home so you can do it quickly and confidently at the car wash. Always be gentle and avoid forcing the mirror.
Can automatic car washes damage the mirror glass itself?
While less common than damage to the housing or mounting, it is possible. Strong impacts or high-pressure water jets hitting the glass at an extreme angle could potentially crack or dislodge the mirror glass. Folding the mirrors reduces the likelihood of these direct impacts.
What are the consequences of forgetting to unfold my mirrors?
Forgetting to unfold your mirrors after leaving the car wash can be a safety hazard. Extended mirrors are crucial for checking blind spots and changing lanes. Driving with one or both mirrors folded in significantly reduces your visibility and increases the risk of accidents. Always double-check your mirrors before driving away.
Are there any car washes where I don’t need to fold my mirrors?
In rare cases, a very gentle touchless car wash with minimal water pressure might not require folding mirrors. However, even then, there’s a slight risk. It’s generally safest to fold your mirrors for any automatic car wash, especially those with physical brushes or high-pressure water systems. When in doubt, fold them!
By taking a few moments to prepare your vehicle, you can ensure a safe and effective automatic car wash experience every time. Folding your mirrors is a small step that offers significant protection for your car. Happy washing!