Can you wash a roof rack together with the car in a car wash?
Denis Khristolyubov Many customers ask us: Is it permissible to leave the roof rack on the vehicle when the car goes through a car wash or is washed with foam?
Based on our experience at Airholder, the answer is: Yes – in most cases this is easily possible if you follow a few simple rules.
We regularly wash our vehicles ourselves , including the roof rack – typically with active foam (foam wash) . In practice, we've observed that the surface remains even, and the color doesn't change.
Our experience: Foam washing – surface and color remain stable
At Airholder, we clean the roof rack together with the vehicle:
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Apply active foam and let it take effect.
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Then rinse thoroughly.
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Depending on the situation, optionally rinse briefly with clean water.
The result from our experience:
No visible changes to the surface and no color change during regular foam washing in normal washing operation.
How to wash your roof rack properly
1) Foam + touchless washing is the best option
Touchless washing is ideal because dirt is loosened and rinsed away without brushes or abrasive sponges rubbing against the surface.
Tip: Don't rinse off the foam immediately, but let it sit for a short time – this will help remove dirt from corners and edges.
2) High-pressure cleaner: Keep your distance, don't point it directly at the target.
High pressure is generally okay, but the application is important:
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do not hold the camera directly on one spot from close range
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Avoid prolonged "continuous beams" on connection points, edges or screw areas
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It's better to work evenly from a slight distance.
This prevents water from being unnecessarily forced into crevices or from being subjected to very localized stress.
3) Avoid brushes and abrasive sponges
If it's a car wash with brushes or you wash by hand:
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no rough sponges
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Avoid dirty brushes (sand acts like sandpaper)
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It's better to use clean microfiber or soft washcloths.
After the wash: two quick checks
1) Briefly remove any remaining water
Water may collect in certain areas after washing. If you like:
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Let it drain briefly
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If necessary, wipe dry with microfiber.
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Optionally, briefly blow out corners with air if there are any.
2) Occasional visual inspection
A car wash is a good time to quickly check:
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Is everything clean and secure?
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Is there any dirt "baked in" anywhere (e.g., on edges)?
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Are there any traces left by transported cargo (e.g., sand ladders, boxes)?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is car wash chemicals a problem?
Normal washing chemicals and active foam, as used in standard car washes and self-service car wash bays, are generally unproblematic in practice.
We use active foam ourselves – and the surface and color remain stable.
If a facility offers very aggressive specialty cleaners (e.g., strongly acidic/alkaline for rims/tar), we recommend:
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Use only in a targeted manner
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Do not leave on for long
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Rinse thoroughly
Do you have to remove the roof rack before every wash?
No. In everyday use, the roof rack usually remains mounted. More important is proper washing technique and occasional inspection of the parts attached to the vehicle roof.
