The season for outdoor adventure is in full swing, and you want to haul your mountain bike, surfboard, and extra gear with you, and a roof rack is the best option to get you and your kits where you want. Regardless of your next adventure location, the roof rack can withstand nature’s environmental abuses. How to keep your roof rack clean and maintained?
Can you go through a carwash with a roof rack? It is possible to take your car for a thorough wash with a roof rack, but it won’t work for all vehicles. The medium and small-size vehicles can go through a carwash with a roof rack, but for SUVs and trucks, it won’t work. The best way to clean the roof rack is by disassembling the rack and washing it with your hands.
Going through an automatic carwash with a roof rack is not prescribed. There are multiple parts in the roof rack, and they may get caught during the carwash. Besides, the process may cause damage to the roof rack and carwash tools. So, removing the roof rack before going through an automatic carwash is best.
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Can you Go Through a Carwash With a Roof Rack – In Brief!
Going through an automatic carwash with a roof rack is possible, provided that the carwash company allows it and the car and roof rack don’t exceed the set height limits for a carwash. Most carwash companies don’t let the car go through a carwash with a roof rack because it causes damage to the vehicle and other car washing tools. So, you must talk with the professionals before going through a carwash with a roof rack.
If you take your car for a carwash with a roof rack, the intensive use of the roller and brushes in the machine may wear out, and it may cause bodywork damage to the car. So, professionals often suggest taking down the roof rack before going through the carwash and washing the racks with hands. It is for the safety of washing equipment and the roof rack.
So, car owners must remove it before washing and install it later instead of going through a carwash with a roof rack. Washing the roof rack separately with hands is better as it protects the rack from damage and prevents the risk of bodywork damage during carwash.
What is the Average Height of Carwash That Allows Carwash with a Roof Rack?
The average height of an automatic carwash is 84-85 inches or 7 feet. However, the height varies depending upon your location and Carwash Company, but most carwashes have a standard height of seven feet. So, if your car is below seven feet in height with the roof rack, it can slide into the carwash easily.
Below is the table that shares the average height of roof racks, cars, and car washes. Provided that information, Can you go through a carwash with a roof rack? It mainly depends on the car’s height.
| Car Type | Average Car Height | Roof Rack Height | Would it Fits for Carwash |
| Mini or Small Car | 55.7 Inches | 5 Inches | Yes |
| Large Car | 58.2 Inches | 5 Inches | Yes |
| Pick-Up Truck | 75 Inches | 5 Inches | Yes |
| Cargo Van or SUV | 82 Inches | 5 Inches | No |
What Carwash Works Best for a Car with a Roof Rack?
The self-service car wash works best for a car with a roof rack. The self-service carwash involves human hand washing the vehicle. The professionals will take extra care of the bodywork and the roof rack. So, the self-service carwash is the best choice for a car with a roof rack compared to an automatic carwash.
Owners can bring their car through a self-service carwash and wash the interior and exterior with their hands. The professionals will offer the best carwash services with vigilance.
- Professionals will take off the roof rack if required before washing. It ensures the car’s roof is thoroughly cleaned and the roof rack is not trapping any water or debris.
- The professionals also ensure that the roof rack and car are dry before reinstalling the roof rack. It helps prevent the risk of rust formation that may take a toll on the car’s aesthetic value.
Because of extra precautions and professional vigilance, many car owners bring their cars through a self-service car wash. So, if you don’t want to remove the roof rack before a carwash, take your vehicle through a self-service carwash service near you.
Can You Take Your Truck for a Carwash with a Roof Rack?
Yes, you can take your truck with a roof rack for a carwash as long as they meet the average height limitation set by the carwash company. You have to check the height of your car and roof rack before taking it through a carwash with a roof rack.
Can You Take an SUV for a Carwash with a Roof Rack?
Yes, touchless, brushless and automatic carwash is recommended for SUVs with roof racks, provided that it is below the average height limit. If the SUV is large with a roof rack, it may not slide into the carwash; hence, a self-service carwash will be the best choice for those vehicles.
What are the Cars That Can’t Go Through a Carwash with a Roof Rack?
Vehicles above 83 inches in height and 70 inches in width can’t go through a carwash with a roof rack. Large trucks with beds comprising fuel tanks, trucks with uncovered beds that are empty, and trucks with dual rear tires are also prevented from going through a carwash with a roof rack.
Final Thought
Hopefully, it is clear by now Can you go through a carwash with a roof rack? Theoretically, you can bring your car to a carwash with a roof rack as far as it meets the average height limit. Going through a carwash with a roof rack can pose a risk to your car, the carwash machine, and the roof itself.
Removing the car’s roof rack before going through a carwash is always safe to reduce the risk of bodywork damage. The self-service carwash is the best option if you still want to go through a carwash with a roof rack. It involves human hand-washing services where professionals individually clean your car and roof rack.
Depending upon the height of your car and roof rack, you may choose between automatic and self-service carwash for your car with a roof rack.
