If you are an adventure enthusiast, you probably have a roof box installed on your car to provide some extra storage space. However, you may be wondering if you can go through a car wash with a roof box. The answer is yes, but there are some tips and safety measures you need to consider.
Going Through a Car Wash with a Roof Box: What You Need to Know
- Different types of roof boxes are available and their compatibility with various car models varies.
- Safety measures such as checking the roof box’s weight limit, secure attachment, and preparing the vehicle are important.
- Tips such as turning off the roof box’s heating system and choosing a car wash with soft brushes are helpful.
Types of Roof Boxes
Roof boxes come in two types: hard-shell and soft-shell. Hard-shell roof boxes are more expensive and heavy, made of fiberglass, ABS plastic, or aluminum. Soft-shell roof boxes, on the other hand, are lighter and less expensive, made of fabric. When choosing a roof box, ensure it is compatible with your car model and securely attached to the vehicle. Also, ensure it does not exceed the weight limit.
Safety Measures
Going through a car wash with a roof box can be risky if proper safety measures are not taken. Ensure that the roof box is securely attached to the vehicle and does not exceed the weight limit. Remove any loose items from the roof box before going to the car wash. Loose items can fly off and cause damage to other cars or people.
Prepare the vehicle before going to the car wash. Close all windows and sunroofs, remove any antennas or other attachments that may interfere with the car wash equipment, and turn off the heating system of the roof box to prevent damage.
Car Wash Regulations
Before going through a car wash, check the regional regulations related to using a roof box. Some car washes may have restrictions on the use of roof boxes or may require additional fees. Knowing the local guidelines will help you avoid violating any laws.
Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safety. Read the instructions carefully and ensure that the roof box is installed correctly. Failure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines can result in damage to the roof box or the vehicle.
Tips for Going Through a Car Wash
Here are some tips that can help you go through a car wash with a roof box safely:
- Turn off the heating system of the roof box to prevent damage.
- Choose a car wash with soft brushes instead of hard ones to avoid scratches or dents on the roof box.
- Keep a safe distance from other cars in the car wash to avoid collisions.
- If possible, choose a touchless car wash to avoid any risk of damage to the roof box.
| Type of Car Wash | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Touchless | $12-$20 |
| Car Wash with Brushes | $6-$12 |
The Cost of a Touchless Car Wash
A touchless car wash is usually more expensive than a car wash with brushes. The cost difference can vary depending on the car wash location, but the touchless car wash price is usually higher.
Personal Experience: Going Through a Car Wash with a Roof Box
I recently went through a car wash with my roof box attached and wanted to share my experience. I had checked the weight limit of my roof box and ensured it was securely attached to my vehicle before entering the car wash. I also turned off the heating system in my roof box to prevent any damage.
I chose a car wash with soft brushes instead of hard ones, as recommended in the article. The car wash went smoothly, and my roof box did not cause any damage to the car wash equipment.
However, I did notice that some water had seeped into the roof box, and a few items inside were damp. To avoid this issue in the future, I will make sure to cover the roof box with a waterproof cover before going through the car wash.
Overall, my experience going through a car wash with a roof box was positive, but it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure safety and prevent any damage or water leakage.
FAQs
Can a roof box cause damage to the car wash equipment?
No, a roof box is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and high speeds. However, it is recommended to choose a car wash with soft brushes to avoid any scratches or dents on the roof box.
How to securely attach a roof box to a vehicle?
The roof box should be attached to the vehicle’s roof bars or roof rack. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure proper installation. Ensure the roof box does not exceed the weight limit and is securely attached to the vehicle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can go through a car wash with a roof box if proper safety measures are taken. Ensure the roof box is securely attached to the vehicle, the weight limit is not exceeded, and the manufacturer’s guidelines are followed. Follow the tips mentioned in this article to enjoy a clean car without damaging your roof box. Remember to check the local regulations before going to the car wash and to choose a touchless car wash if possible.
