It is
very possible
depending on the car wash you are using and the design of your vehicle to have your antenna or other exterior components damaged. … The weight of the brushes and sponges in the car wash alone are heavy enough to snap the antenna without the machine pressing against it.
Should I remove antenna before carwash?
Car Antennas: Most antennas can either be unscrewed or pushed down so they no longer protrude from the car's exterior. They're flexible enough to withstand the occasional automatic car wash, but it's best
if you get in the habit of removing
these items before you head in.
How do you remove a car antenna?
Place a clean cloth around the antenna to protect the surface of the car and use a screwdriver to gently lift the rubber grommet from around the lip of the antenna.
Pry the rubber piece loose and take it off
of the antenna.
Why you shouldn't use a car wash?
While some types of car washes are worse than others, any time you wash your car—even if you are carefully hand washing it—you are essentially
applying an abrasive and/or harsh chemicals to the paint finish and the risk of swirls and scratches in the finish
is always there. That's the bad news.
Is it bad to go through a car wash?
The answer really depends on the type of automatic car wash you're taking it through, but the short answer to this very common question is:
Absolutely do not take your vehicle through the automatic car wash because it IS very bad for your vehicle's paint finish
!
How much does it cost to replace a car antenna?
The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for radio antenna mast replacement is
between $147 and $162
. Labor costs are estimated between $57 and $72 while parts are priced at $90. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
Why can't you use your phone in a car wash?
It turns out that
cellphones can and do disable computers
. But not the ones controlling the automatic car wash. They interfere with the microprocessors inside the heads of people waiting in line.
Can I leave my car antenna off?
In other words, you are solely responsible for any damages that occur to your vehicle while it's in the car wash. Some automated car washes recommend that
you disconnect the antenna
before entering in order to keep it from being bent or snapped.
Can you replace an antenna on a car?
Fixed-mast
antennas are much easier to replace. Buy a universal kit (about $15) from any auto parts store. Just unscrew the bent mast with an adjustable wrench and install the new mast. You may have to install an adapter (included in the kit) to match the thread size.
Is a car antenna necessary?
Most modern vehicles will never need to have
the AM/FM radio antenna replaced. But older cars or cars with long, thin metal-shaft antennas might occasionally need a replacement.
Do drive through car washes damage paint?
However,
even touch-free car washes can damage a vehicle's clear coat and paint coat
. Not only do these touch-free washes use aggressive acids to clean. Over time, overly acidic cleansers can deteriorate your car's protective coatings.
Why are automatic car washes bad?
Some people argue that an automatic car wash might be bad for your car
because it can brush dirt against the paint
. … Soft-cloth car washes employ softer, lighter materials than the drive-through washes of old that tended to abrade painted surfaces.
What type of car wash is best?
- Handwash.
- Touchless wash (if using gentle soap)
- Rinseless wash.
- Waterless wash.
- Brushless wash.
- Automatic wash.
Is it better to hand wash your car?
As long as you know what you're doing,
hand washes typically do a much better job of cleaning the vehicle
. … Washing a vehicle yourself will also give you the ability to wax and polish your vehicle, helping to remove any extra debris and give your car a brand-new looking finish.
Do automatic car washes clean the undercarriage?
Do car washes clean the undercarriage?
Yes
. Car washes use high pressure sprays to clean the car's undercarriage and prevent rust. That said, not all car washes are equal, and some tend to clean car undercarriages better than others.
Are unlimited car washes worth it?
Unlimited car wash programs can
most definitely be worth your money
– provided you're the type of car use that uses car wash services more than once or twice a month. Unlimited car wash plans are of great value if you prefer the convenience of a tunnel wash – especially when using a not-so-high-end vehicle.
