It’s a common weekend chore for car owners: deciding how to clean your vehicle. For Raptor Car owners, the question of whether to use an automatic car wash is more complex than it seems. While automatic car washes offer convenience, they might not always be the best solution for the robust and uniquely sized Raptor.
One Raptor owner’s experience highlights the potential pitfalls. Intending to pamper his Raptor with a detailing, he opted for a local car wash that claimed to handle Raptors without issue. Despite initial skepticism about the fit, he proceeded through a touchless wash. However, the situation quickly turned sour at the tire cleaning stage. The Raptor became trapped between the brushes, abruptly halting the car wash machinery.
Alt text: A Raptor car visibly stuck within the rotating brushes of an automatic car wash, emphasizing the potential size incompatibility issues and risks of damage.
The car wash staff’s attempts to resolve the jam proved ineffective, even suggesting towing the vehicle. Frustration mounting, the owner resorted to forceful self-extraction, resulting in damage to the car wash equipment. While the manager eventually apologized and refunded the wash, the incident underscores a significant concern for Raptor owners: automatic car washes are not always Raptor-friendly.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Insights from a car wash business owner reveal the underlying technical challenges. The structural dimensions of older car wash designs, particularly frame width and articulating arm range, are often inadequate for accommodating the larger size and height of Raptor cars. While newer car wash technologies are evolving to handle larger vehicles, current systems still present risks.
Alt text: Close-up shot of a person hand washing the tire of a Raptor car with a sponge, demonstrating a safer and more meticulous car cleaning method for large vehicles.
So, what’s the takeaway for Raptor car owners? While some modern “touchless” car washes might accommodate a Raptor, caution is paramount. The safest and most recommended approach is hand washing. Hand washing allows for meticulous cleaning, prevents potential damage from ill-fitting machinery, and ensures that every inch of your Raptor car receives the care it deserves. Before risking an automatic car wash, consider the potential for damage and opt for the peace of mind that comes with a thorough hand wash.
