Guide: Taking an electric car to the car wash?

Water and electricity - two elements that don't actually get along. But if you take your e-car to the car wash, you don't have to worry, the electrical company EnBW reassures. Because the electric car is well protected all round, otherwise it could be paralyzed at any time by rain, puddles or splashing water. The high-voltage technology is just as well protected against the ingress of moisture as the rest of the electrical system. Manufacturers also have to prove this through safety tests. This is why you can take your electric car to the car wash without any problems and even have an underbody wash carried out.

It is important that you always follow the car wash operator's instructions when washing your car. You will find information on the system about which gear to engage (for example "N" or "P"). This is simply because some electric cars no longer have a start button. Instead, you activate the ignition by sitting in the driver's seat (via sensors in the seat and seat belt). If you leave the seat, some electric cars automatically switch to "P" mode. However, in most cases, the "N" level is prescribed in the car wash. In this case, it is essential to remain seated in the driver's seat during the wash program. If in doubt, read the information provided by the car wash.

Just as with combustion cars, you should also close the flaps, fuel filler cap, windows and doors of electric cars before driving into the car wash. Also switch off the windshield wipers (and their automatic function). You should only be careful when carrying out repairs to the underbody (e.g. after a hard collision) or conversions and it is better to wash the electric car by hand. In such cases, it is advisable to consult the workshop where the electric car was repaired. The same also applies to combustion and hybrid cars.

The warning that electric cars have no place in the car wash probably goes back to early Tesla models of the S and X series. However, the problem after visits to the car wash was not short circuits in the battery, but certain sensors that then led to error messages. Doors, tailgates and tailgates opened as if by magic. However, these problems have been resolved since a software update. All current Tesla models and most other electric cars now have a "car wash mode". This must be activated before entering the car wash so that, among other things, the vehicle can roll freely through the system. Tesla also recommends the use of a "contactless car wash", which does not use brushes and therefore avoids scratching the paintwork. You can find out which special features apply to your Stromer in the user manual.

However, you should be careful when washing your electric car with a high-pressure cleaner. The jet should generally not be aimed directly at the underbody of all cars, otherwise the hard jet of water could cause some moisture to penetrate the battery or the motor. It is also better not to use a high-pressure cleaner in the area of the charging socket. Doors, roof or wheel rims, on the other hand, are unproblematic. However, make sure you use a flat angle and a distance of at least 25 to 30 centimeters to avoid damaging the paintwork.

It goes without saying, but nevertheless: Do not wash your electric car when it is charging! And also: If you want to wash your electric car at home, find out beforehand whether this is even permitted in your city or municipality (it is usually prohibited) - and if so, what conditions apply. Otherwise, you may face heavy fines. (aum)