When you have set up a rooftop cargo box atop your vehicle, you need to know when it has to be removed. Many car owners feel unsure about removing the cargo roof box when taking their cars for a thorough wash. Some cargo roof boxes may take time to remove and set up and that is another reason behind their reluctance to unmount it. Most roof box manufacturers say you should remove the cargo box before visiting any automated carwash centers.
Yes of course, the latest models of roof boxes are supposed to be water resistant but just that does not mean that they will be able to keep your belonging from getting wet if the force of the water is high. During a car wash, water gets sprayed at a high pressure and it gets sprayed from all direction and that means, the chances are quite high that the water might seep into the roof box through some crack or hole. So, it make sense to dismount the roof box before you take your car to an automated car wash center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Box and Carwash
How To Wash Your Car When a Roof Box Is Fitted?
You may opt for a hand wash service. The jet wash systems may miss out the places around the fittings and under the roof box. Hand carwash services are quite popular and they are less risky. Keep in mind that the jet wash systems used at the local fuel stations can scratch car paint.
What May Go Wrong If You Attempt a Carwash with A Fitted Roof Box?
If the cargo box atop your car does not contain anything when you visit an automated car wash point, you need not worry much. Even if water seeps inside the rooftop box, nothing will get damaged. However, you would not want your rooftop cargo box to sustain damage. Things can go horribly wrong if scrubbers somehow gets entangled with the roof box. The roof box might get yanked off the roof of your vehicle in the middle of wash and things can get very messy.
You have to think of the risks.
These are:
- Rusting and fittings damage
- Pulled off the roof
- Nullifying the manufacturer’s warranty
- Damaging the automatic car washer
- Getting filled with water
- Falling and causing damage to the car
If you want to keep your cargo box on the car roof when taking it for a wash, choose a touch less carwash point. These systems use only water jets and no brushes. So, the risk of the box getting tarnished or damaging the vehicle are reduced.
Can You Go Through an Automated Carwash with A Roof Cargo Box Fitted?
Yes you can but remember that there will be risks of damaging the cargo box and you may get a criminal damage notice. So, it is not advisable. Why not wash your beloved vehicle yourself and save some money too.
Are The Automatic Car Washers Insured for Any Damage Caused to Your Roof Box?
The answer is no. Most brands ask the drivers to remove the rooftop attachments and cargo boxes prior to washing the car. There are instances of people unwittingly damaging carwash system brushes. Since the brushes are super soft, they can get entangled with the rooftop attachments and this can cause extensive damage to the soft brushes. You will find so many automatic car washes fitted with caution signs.
What to Do Then?
Before you take your car fitted with a rooftop cargo box to an automated carwash centre exercise caution. The best thing is to ask the staff working there about the risks. Ask them about damage insurance coverage.
If the car roof or the cargo box does get damaged despite getting assurance from the staff, take images of the incident. This can be handy if the carwash company tries to skip paying the compensation. You may even record footage to boost your chances of compensation. In other words, keep enough evidence so that things don’t go awry.
Conclusion
To be on safe side evade taking your car with a roof cargo box set on top to any automated car wash point. The better option is spending 40-45 minutes and washing the vehicle personally. It will ensure your cargo box stays safe and the car is washed in the best manner. Make sure the brackets and hinges are dried after the wash to evade rusting. Applying some protective coating on these parts can help enhance lifespan of your car cargo box.
