Yes, you should fold in your car mirrors at an automatic car wash to prevent potential damage and ensure a smooth experience. This simple step protects your mirrors from being hit by brushes or high-pressure water jets, saving you from costly repairs and hassle.
Ever driven up to an automatic car wash, feeling that little pang of worry about your car’s delicate parts? You’re not alone! For many of us, especially those new to the car ownership world, the idea of navigating those powerful machines can be a bit nerve-wracking. One common question that pops up is about those side mirrors. Should they stay out, or is it better to tuck them in? We’ve all seen those spinning brushes and forceful water sprays, and it’s natural to wonder if your mirrors are safe. Don’t fret! This guide is here to walk you through exactly why folding in your mirrors is a smart move and how to do it with ease. We’ll cover everything you need to know to give your car the best clean without any unexpected bumps or scrapes.
Contents
- 1 Why Folding Your Mirrors is a Smart Move
- 2 How to Fold Your Car Mirrors: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- 3 What if My Car Doesn’t Have Power-Folding Mirrors?
- 4 When to Fold Your Mirrors: Beyond the Car Wash
- 5 Understanding Your Car’s Mirror Features
- 6 Table: Mirror Folding Features by Vehicle Type (General)
- 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 8 What to Do if Your Mirror Gets Damaged
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10 Conclusion
Why Folding Your Mirrors is a Smart Move
Automatic car washes are designed to clean your vehicle efficiently, but they involve a lot of moving parts and high-pressure water. While most modern car washes are safe for standard vehicles, certain components, like side mirrors, can be vulnerable.
The Risks of Leaving Mirrors Extended
When your car passes through an automatic car wash with your mirrors unfolded, they become exposed to potential hazards:
- Brush Contact: The large, rotating brushes used to scrub your car can easily catch on an extended mirror. This can cause the mirror to bend forcefully, potentially breaking the glass, damaging the housing, or even detaching the entire mirror assembly from your car.
- High-Pressure Water Jets: While less likely to cause physical breakage, powerful water jets directed at mirrors from close range might force water into the mirror’s internal mechanisms, potentially affecting the auto-dimming feature or electronic adjustments over time.
- Physical Obstructions: Some car washes have guide rails or other physical components that your car must navigate. An extended mirror could snag on these, leading to damage.
Think of it like this: if you were going through a narrow doorway with bulky items sticking out, you’d tuck them in to avoid hitting the frame, right? Your car mirrors are no different when facing the “doorway” of an automatic car wash.
How to Fold Your Car Mirrors: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Folding your car mirrors is usually a straightforward process, but it varies slightly depending on your car’s make and model. Here’s a general approach:
Step 1: Locate the Folding Mechanism
Most cars manufactured in the last 15-20 years have power-folding mirrors. The controls for these are typically found in one of a few places:
- Driver’s Side Door Armrest: This is the most common location. Look for a button or a switch that has an icon resembling a mirror being folded or a circular arrow.
- Center Console: Some vehicles integrate this control near the gear shifter or other dashboard controls.
- Driver’s Side Door Handle Area: Less common, but some manufacturers place the button near the interior door handle.
Pro Tip: If you can’t find the control, consult your car’s owner’s manual. It will have specific diagrams and instructions for your vehicle. You can usually find a digital version on the manufacturer’s website if you don’t have the physical copy.
Step 2: Activate the Folding Function
Once you’ve found the control, simply press or toggle it. You should hear a faint whirring sound as the mirror housing retracts towards the car door. Ensure both mirrors fold in completely.
Why this step is important: Activating the mechanism ensures the mirrors fold smoothly and correctly, minimizing stress on the internal components. Forcing them by hand can damage the motor or gears.
Step 3: Confirm They Are Folded
Visually check that both mirrors are tucked in against the car body. They should be flush or nearly flush with the car’s profile. This ensures maximum clearance as you go through the wash.
Why this step is important: A quick visual confirmation guarantees that the mirrors are protected and won’t snag on anything during the wash. Sometimes, one mirror might not fold fully due to a minor obstruction or a slight malfunction, and it’s better to know before you enter the wash.
What if My Car Doesn’t Have Power-Folding Mirrors?
Not all cars come equipped with power-folding mirrors. If yours doesn’t, don’t worry! You still have options:
Manual Folding Mirrors
Some vehicles have mirrors that can be manually folded. These often have a pivot point near the base where the mirror arm attaches to the door. You might need to apply gentle, steady pressure to fold them inwards.
How to do it:
- Gently grasp the mirror housing.
- Apply steady pressure towards the car body. You should feel a slight resistance as it pivots.
- Listen for a click or feel it settle into the folded position.
- Repeat for the other side.
Important Note: Be gentle! If your mirrors feel stiff or don’t seem to fold easily, do not force them. Forcing manual mirrors can lead to breaking the housing or the attachment point. If they are very stiff, it might be best to skip the automatic wash or ask the attendant for advice.
No Folding Capability
If your car’s mirrors are fixed and cannot be folded either manually or electronically, you have a couple of choices:
- Hand Wash: Consider a hand wash instead of an automatic one. This gives you complete control and avoids potential hazards.
- Drive Through Carefully: If you must use an automatic wash, drive through as slowly and precisely as possible, staying centered in the lane. While there’s still a small risk, many modern washes are designed to minimize contact with fixed mirrors. However, it’s always the riskier option.
- Ask the Attendant: Some car washes may have attendants who can assist or offer guidance for vehicles with fixed mirrors.
When to Fold Your Mirrors: Beyond the Car Wash
Folding your mirrors isn’t just for automatic car washes. It’s a good practice in several other situations:
- Tight Parking Spaces: In crowded parking garages or on narrow city streets, folded mirrors reduce the chance of them being clipped by other vehicles.
- When Parking on the Street: Especially in busy urban areas, folding mirrors can prevent accidental damage from passing cars or pedestrians.
- During Winter Weather: Folding mirrors can help prevent ice buildup from freezing them in an open position, making them easier to unfold later.
- When Traveling on Ferries or Narrow Transport: If your vehicle is being transported on a ferry or a car carrier, folding mirrors can prevent them from being damaged by adjacent vehicles or tie-down straps.
Understanding Your Car’s Mirror Features
Modern cars often come with advanced mirror features. Knowing what yours does can help you care for them:
Power-Folding Mirrors
These are the most convenient. A simple button press retracts the mirrors. They are powered by a small electric motor within the mirror housing.
Pros:
- Convenient and quick.
- Consistent folding action.
Cons:
- Can be expensive to repair if the motor fails.
- May have limitations if excessively dirty or frozen.
Manual Folding Mirrors
These rely on a mechanical pivot. They are simpler but require a bit of physical effort.
Pros:
- No electrical components to fail.
- Generally more robust.
Cons:
- Requires manual effort.
- Can become stiff with age or lack of use.
Heated Mirrors
Many cars have heated mirrors, which help defrost or defog the mirror surface. This feature is usually activated with a button on the dashboard, often linked to the rear defroster. While this doesn’t directly relate to folding, it’s good to know your mirror’s capabilities.
For more information on automotive maintenance and features, resources like the Consumer Reports car section offer valuable insights and reviews.
Table: Mirror Folding Features by Vehicle Type (General)
This table provides a general overview of mirror folding features commonly found in different vehicle types. Keep in mind that features can vary significantly by trim level and specific model year.
| Vehicle Type | Likelihood of Power-Folding Mirrors | Likelihood of Manual Folding Mirrors | Likelihood of Fixed Mirrors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Sedans/SUVs | Very High | Low | Very Low |
| Mid-Size Sedans/SUVs | Moderate to High | Moderate | Low |
| Compact Cars/Hatchbacks | Moderate | Moderate to High | Low to Moderate |
| Economy/Budget Cars | Low | High | Moderate |
| Trucks/Work Vehicles | Low to Moderate | Moderate to High | Moderate |
Note: “Likelihood” is a general indicator. Always check your specific vehicle’s features.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple task like folding mirrors, a few common mistakes can happen:
- Forcing Manual Mirrors: As mentioned, if manual mirrors don’t fold easily, don’t force them. You risk breaking them.
- Forgetting to Unfold: After the car wash, remember to unfold your mirrors before driving away. Driving without mirrors is dangerous and illegal.
- Ignoring the Owner’s Manual: If you’re unsure about your car’s specific mirror controls, the owner’s manual is your best friend.
- Assuming All Car Washes are the Same: While most automatic washes are similar, some might have slightly different brush types or water pressure. Folding mirrors is a universal precaution.
What to Do if Your Mirror Gets Damaged
Despite your best efforts, sometimes accidents happen. If your mirror does get damaged during a car wash:
- Stop Safely: Pull over to a safe location immediately after exiting the car wash.
- Assess the Damage: Check if the mirror glass is cracked, the housing is broken, or the entire assembly is detached.
- Contact the Car Wash: Most reputable car washes have policies regarding damage caused by their equipment. Speak to the manager and provide details. They may have insurance to cover repairs. Keep any receipts or documentation from the car wash.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the damage and any communication you have with the car wash management.
- Get Repair Estimates: If the car wash doesn’t cover the damage, you’ll need to get repair estimates. For minor issues like cracked glass, a replacement mirror glass might suffice. For more significant damage, the entire mirror assembly might need replacement.
For reliable information on vehicle repairs and maintenance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides guidelines on vehicle safety equipment, including mirrors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I really need to fold my mirrors for every automatic car wash?
A: While not every single car wash will cause damage, it’s a highly recommended precaution. Modern car washes are generally safe, but the risk of a brush snagging an extended mirror, especially on certain car designs or if the wash equipment is slightly misaligned, is real. Folding them is a simple, preventative step that costs nothing and can save you from potential costly repairs. It’s like wearing a seatbelt – you hope you never need it, but it’s crucial for safety.
Q2: What if my car’s mirrors are very stiff and hard to fold manually?
A: If your manual mirrors are stiff, do not force them. Forcing them can break the hinge mechanism or the plastic housing. Instead, try these gentle methods: first, try wiggling them slightly as you apply pressure. Sometimes, a bit of movement can loosen them up. If they remain stubborn, it might be best to skip the automatic car wash or opt for a hand wash. You can also try applying a small amount of silicone lubricant (like WD-40 Specialist Silicone) to the hinge area and letting it sit for a while before trying again. However, be cautious not to get any lubricant on the mirror glass itself.
Q3: What’s the difference between power-folding and manual-folding mirrors?
A: Power-folding mirrors are operated electronically via a button inside your car. They use small electric motors to retract the mirror housing. Manual-folding mirrors, on the other hand, are operated by hand. They have a mechanical pivot point that allows you to push or pull the mirror housing to fold it. Power-folding mirrors offer convenience, while manual mirrors are simpler and often more robust mechanically.
Q4: Can folding my mirrors damage them?
A: When done correctly using the car’s intended mechanism (either the power button or the manual pivot), folding your mirrors should not cause damage. The damage risk comes from external forces in the car wash catching on extended mirrors, or from forcing manual mirrors that are stuck. Always use the designed method and be gentle with manual mirrors.
Q5: What should I do if my car doesn’t have folding mirrors at all?
A: If your car has fixed mirrors that cannot be folded, your safest bet is to opt for a hand wash. If you must use an automatic car wash, drive through as slowly and precisely as possible, ensuring your car is perfectly centered. Be aware that this carries a higher risk of minor damage, such as scuff marks on the mirror housing, compared to folding them. Some people also choose to temporarily remove their mirrors for automatic washes, but this is generally not recommended unless you are very experienced, as it can be difficult to reattach them correctly and securely.
Q6: How do I find out if my car has power-folding mirrors?
A: The easiest way is to check your car’s owner’s manual. Look in the index for “mirrors” or “power mirrors.” You can also check the driver’s side door panel, usually near the window controls and mirror adjustment buttons, for a dedicated folding mirror button. If you still can’t find it, a quick search online for your car’s specific make, model, and year plus “power folding mirrors” should give you the answer.
Q7: Is it okay to leave my mirrors folded after the car wash?
A: No, it’s important to unfold your mirrors immediately after exiting the car wash and before you start driving. Mirrors are essential safety features that allow you to see traffic around your vehicle. Driving without them is dangerous, illegal in most places, and could result in a ticket. Make it a habit to check and unfold them as soon as you’re in a safe spot.
Conclusion
Taking a few moments to fold your car mirrors before entering an automatic car wash is a simple yet highly effective way to protect your vehicle. Whether your car has power-folding or manual mirrors, understanding how to operate them correctly ensures a smooth and worry-free wash experience. For those with fixed mirrors, choosing a hand wash or proceeding with extra caution is advisable. By following these guidelines, you can keep your car looking its best while safeguarding its components. Happy washing!
