Thoughts on "undercarriage wash isn't safe"

Durenol · Post by **Durenol** » 08 Sep 2018, 14:43

Recently got into a conversation with someone who feels that an undercarriage wash isn't safe, based on experience with high pressure water getting up into / collecting in places it shouldn't. Anyone want to weigh in (specifically as it relates to P2 Volvos)?

Post by **BlackBart** » 08 Sep 2018, 15:00

This is just my opinion, but I don't see it as much different than driving in pouring rain and tires blasting the underside. You have covers to keep direct spray off important bits. The one I go to isn't really high pressure - it just sprays up like a garden sprayer as you drive in. A few seconds.

I would say take it right from the car wash and drive it while it's wet. Let it drain, let the air blow around.

There may be issues I'm not aware of.

Post by **jimmy57** » 08 Sep 2018, 17:55

If you had a car that got water into because of the undercarriage wash at a car wash then you have a problem other than car wash undercarriage washing. It is true that the spray jets in the car wash might spray water at an angle that driving through puddles would not but there should be no way for the water to enter regardless. My road was unpaved for years and I have a lift and a pressure washer. I have washed all of my vehicles from the underside and never has water gotten inside. My 2004 V70 never has leaked.

Post by **June** » 08 Sep 2018, 20:00

Doesn't hurt anything. At least on the cars I have owned. I run my S80 through a automated car wash nearly every day that sprays the underside. Living at the ocean salt spray coats everything so must come off to prevent rust. No problem so far. The wash I used in the 90's through early 04 had a button to turn on the underside wash that my children fought to push

. That was the 960, V70, and first S80 era of time before moving up here and no problems with those models from underneath spraying. If anything perhaps it does more good to keep dirt and salt from building up under there? June

Post by **Rattnalle** » 09 Sep 2018, 00:09

Washing the underside is good but I've learned to use plenty of water and be easy on the pressure. A pressure washer is just so much more intense than any road spray. But a car wash will have that dialed in already so I don't worry about it but make sure I'm a bit careful if wash myself.

Car wash brushes though. Paint killers.

Post by **jonesg** » 09 Sep 2018, 06:06

I dont even wash the top.!