The joy of buying a new car is enormous. It’s a good feeling every adult should experience in his/her life. When you purchase and register a new vehicle, temporary plates will be issued to you which you will use until the permanent plates are available.
Can I Go Through a Car Wash With Temporary Plates?
No, you cannot go through a car wash with temporary plates to avoid damaging the plates because they are mostly made from adhesive foil, paper, or a lightweight cardboard-like material.
Since temporary plates are usually temporary and fragile, some car wash facilities may have policies against washing vehicles with such plates due to concerns about the plates’ durability or damage during the wash.
So, whether you can go through a car wash with temporary plates depends on the regulations and guidelines of the car wash facility where you wish to wash the car.
If they have a means by which they protect the plates from getting damaged, you will be allowed to go through the car wash. But if they don’t, you may not be allowed.
Why You Should Not Go Through Car Wash With Temporary Plates
While it’s tempting to take your new vehicle through a car wash right after purchase, there are several reasons why you might want to think twice, especially when you still have temporary plates, these reasons are:
1. The Temporary Plate Material and Its Durability
Temporary plates are often made of materials that may not be as durable as the metal or plastic used for permanent plates, therefore, automated car washes, with their brushes and high-pressure jets, can damage or bend these plates. They may not be able to endure the intense cleaning process of an automated car wash.
2. How the Plates Were Attached to the Car
Temporary plates are attached to the vehicle differently than permanent plates/tags. They might be held in place by temporary fasteners, making them more susceptible to dislodging during vigorous movements in a car wash.
Furthermore, the high-pressure water and mechanical actions in a car wash could increase the risk of the plates getting torn off or lost, leading to legal complications if the plates are required for identification.
3. To Avoid Scratches and Dents
Some car washes use brushes that come into contact with the vehicle’s surfaces. If the temporary plates are not securely attached or if there are protruding elements, these brushes can cause scratches or dents.
Also, the force of high-pressure water jets in some car washes can be strong enough to cause damage, especially if there are any loose edges on the temporary plates.
4. The Design of Your Car
The design of your car also plays a role here. If your vehicle has a unique design with unconventional plate placements, it might be more prone to damage during a car wash.
The automated system in the car wash facility may not be equipped to handle variations in plate placement, height, or design, thereby increasing the risk of damage.
5. The Car Wash Facility Policies
Car wash facilities have policies and guidelines. Some may prohibit vehicles with temporary plates due to the associated risks, while others might allow it. So, if the car wash policy allows you, beautiful, but if they don’t, then, you cannot go.
Best Way to Wash the Car With Temporary Plates
The best way to wash a car with temporary plates is by handwashing the car.
Handwashing allows for better control over the cleaning process. It minimizes the risk of damage to temporary plates and allows for careful attention to areas that might be more susceptible to harm in an automated car wash.
When cleaning the vehicle by hand, you can avoid areas where the plates are attached, reducing the risk of damage. Also, using the handwashing method allows you to use cleaning materials that are gentler on the plates.
If you cannot wash the car by hand or take it to a car wash where it can be washed by hand, then keep driving the car like that until you receive your permanent plates.
What is the Best Type of Car Wash for a New Car?
The best type of car wash for a new car is a hand wash done by professionals or at home using gentle, pH-balanced car wash soap and soft microfiber towels to minimize the risk of scratching the paint or damaging delicate surfaces.
Since the car is new, avoid automatic car washes with harsh brushes or chemicals that may be too abrasive for the car’s finish. You use them later on but for now, avoid them.
Final Thoughts
You should avoid going through a car wash with temporary plates because the automated car wash equipment may not be equipped to wash cars with temporary plates hence, damaging the plates.