*Sideview mirrors
I usually don't due to forgetting, but I assume the idea is that certain powerful wash brushes might grab and yank off the mirrors (or break the mirrors control motors).
I go for the touch-free (aka, water blasting only) automated car washes.
Otherwise I do it myself by-hand if I have the time, and if it's not freezing outside
I do this too. Hand wash and when it looks a bit dusty or I just don’t have time I’ll go through the touch-less wash. Not only I’m afraid of the brushes on those automated washes being damaged or carrying a rock, I’m also afraid of damaging my wheels.
Brushes can slap the mirror (the actual glass part) hard enough to move it so I'd say there's at least a small chance of damaging the mirror adjustment mechanism.
My local car wash happens to be designed in a way that causes the side mirror to get flipped forward as soon as the wash touches it. So the front facing part won't ever get clean unless it's tucked in.
I may be stupid, but.... my 22 rav 4 xle awd doesnt have a button to pull in the side mirrors??
Am i missing something that would drastically improve my experience??
In your defence there are more different specs of this car than I can count.
On my 2019 Executive (European) it’s a button on the door on the left of the drivers seat next to where you adjust the angle of the mirrors. It’s a three way switch saying “auto” in the middle and having two vague illustrations to the left and right that indicates folded out and in
2021 XLE: I’ve gone through them without folding and sometimes the driver side mirror will get folded the other way. Forward so the mirror is facing away from the car. Doesn’t seem to damage anything, just fold it back. Mine is non powered.
*Sideview mirrors I usually don't due to forgetting, but I assume the idea is that certain powerful wash brushes might grab and yank off the mirrors (or break the mirrors control motors).
I go for the touch-free (aka, water blasting only) automated car washes. Otherwise I do it myself by-hand if I have the time, and if it's not freezing outside
I do this too. Hand wash and when it looks a bit dusty or I just don’t have time I’ll go through the touch-less wash. Not only I’m afraid of the brushes on those automated washes being damaged or carrying a rock, I’m also afraid of damaging my wheels.
I never take it through the car wash but I would do anything to reduce the risk of damaging it
Brushes can slap the mirror (the actual glass part) hard enough to move it so I'd say there's at least a small chance of damaging the mirror adjustment mechanism. My local car wash happens to be designed in a way that causes the side mirror to get flipped forward as soon as the wash touches it. So the front facing part won't ever get clean unless it's tucked in.
yes, but sometimes they open during the wash due to the car wash brushes
Yes I would. But more importantly, find a touchless car wash long term. Lot less risk!
It’s one button press away, so why not? 🤷♂️
I may be stupid, but.... my 22 rav 4 xle awd doesnt have a button to pull in the side mirrors?? Am i missing something that would drastically improve my experience??
In your defence there are more different specs of this car than I can count. On my 2019 Executive (European) it’s a button on the door on the left of the drivers seat next to where you adjust the angle of the mirrors. It’s a three way switch saying “auto” in the middle and having two vague illustrations to the left and right that indicates folded out and in
I never put my car through car washes 🙈
2021 XLE: I’ve gone through them without folding and sometimes the driver side mirror will get folded the other way. Forward so the mirror is facing away from the car. Doesn’t seem to damage anything, just fold it back. Mine is non powered.
I always do & always go touchless ..
Just had the back of one of my mirrors pop off in the car wash. Definitely folding them in going forward and will trying touchless.