Always running. I do have to turn off the auto hold. I go to a great place...armour all on wheels and tires in-line. I do not get out. Interior cleaning is done by me at home.

 

A drive thru car wash? Huh?

I'd never punish my vehicles this way. Good ol' fashioned elbow grease and some sun screen...Vitamin D FTW

 

A drive thru car wash? Huh? I'd never punish my vehicles this way. Good ol' fashioned elbow grease and some sun screen...Vitamin D FTW

Haha. Used to that but don't have the time. Did enjoy being outside. It's a great car wash, soft-cloth, very hi-tech as far as car washes go...plus in the winter, I like to keep the salt off.

 

I never used to turn mine off, but then one time I washed it right before changing the air filters (not cabin). The filters (both sides) were soaked. This shouldn't happen, but it did to me. 2008 V8, nothing modified or broken.

I know, I hate drive thru (touch less is worse because the chemicals are harsher and the pressure), but having kids and a one hour and a half commute each way kills the hand washing habit. I sure sure miss that...

 

To me engine running is an opportunity for water to get sucked in. Those touch less sprayers create a high pressure mist that flies everywhere and conceivably could get pulled into the air cleaner. Engine off for me, don't want a drop of whatever chemicals they use getting sucked in, even if it's very unlikely. Even engine off, the Touareg knows it's moving and prompts me a couple times during the wash to put it in Park.

 

I don't like to wash an engine that's hot.

 

I don't wash the car apart from windows and lights. The dealer washes it at the annual service. Stop wasting your money!

 

You usually have to leave the engine on. When you get to the end, you have to drive off. Kinda hard to do that with no engine running. :- /

I have never actually tried it in the Touareg, but some new cars will not start in Neutral, either.

High pressure water shouldn't ever get into your air intake. That's what your filters are for. And high pressure spray will never get that close to your hot engine or air ducts, unless your vehicle is swiss cheese due to rust. And if that's the case, you shouldn't be going through an automatic wash in the first place! LOL!

 

You usually have to leave the engine on. When you get to the end, you have to drive off. Kinda hard to do that with no engine running. :- /

I guess I've been doing it wrong for 40+ years. Engine off, wait until the car gets that last push-off at the exit, start engine, drive.

 

I gently tap the brake pedal (not enough to actually engage brakes, but enough for the switch to allow me to start from neutral). Try this before you do it on belt in wash so you know what you are doing.

This works on the T1 and T2, no idea on the T3.

No, water shouldn't get into the air intake. I was shocked. I suspect results might very by car wash, but for me I can't do it.

Good news was that the filters did their jobs, (and air boxes too), while lower half was soaked upper half was not. Intake tubes were good too. No idea why other than too much water to air saturation. Car wash owner shrugged and said it didn't sound right either, but that he never had a claim for engine damage at any of his 30+ locations...

 

+1 wash at home

 

Wash at home is all good if it 50F (10C) or warmer. I take it to a car wash in the winter.

When I win the lottery I will build a garage with a drain area and set up a curtain where I can wash it inside in the winter. Eh, who am I kidding, I will just pay someone else to do it then.

 

No car I've ever owned has gone through any mechanical car wash - all my company lease cars did though - for them it was engine off because wipers needed to be stopped part way through their cycle to avoid being ripped off by the brushes - maybe that's what the wiper service park position is for on a Touareg?

 

My habits are

Engine off for touchless stationary car wash.

Engine on for tunnels

 

Ride-through car wash is a no-go area for my Treg.

 

Oregon - try to avoid automated car washes! Spider web city on your paint after some time. If you must, use touchless then follow up with a water-less wash.

I guess if it's a lease it doesn't matter...not sure what your situation is.

 

Are there still car-washes around that move the car? We only have the machine moving and car stationary. Stopped using them when it ripped a good sized piece of paint off my rear door.

 

That's it. I don't think you can stay in the vehicle at the Des Plaines location, which is across the street from Allstate Arena.