In recent years, electric vehicles have become increasingly popular in Hong Kong. 

Whether commuting to work, picking up children, or heading out for weekend outings, encountering rain, dust, and road grime is inevitable, making car washing an essential part of routine maintenance.

If you want convenience without damaging your paintwork, Hong Kong car owners typically choose between "manual car washes" and "contactless automatic car washes." Below, we compare the pros and cons of both options and explain which functions to enable or disable for pure electric vehicles during automatic washing to ensure safety and peace of mind.

Manual Car Wash: Professional service at car wash facilities or auto detailing shops

• Pros: Detailed, time-saving, gentlest on paintwork

Manual car washes remain the preferred choice for many Hong Kong residents. Whether at neighborhood car washes or professional detailing shops, most can complete a private vehicle within 30 minutes. Key benefits include:

1. More attentive: Manual handling reduces the risk of scratching the paintwork, making it particularly suitable for dark-colored cars,  brand-new vehicles.
2. Price flexibility: Basic washes are affordable, while the most comprehensive packages (interior cleaning, vacuuming, steam disinfection, etc.) typically cost around HK$300.
3. Immediate customization: You can request spot cleaning for heavily soiled areas like the front bumper or hidden spots during the service.

• Drawbacks: Requires supervision and checking for proper licensing

First-time customers at unfamiliar car washes often watch nearby to prevent technicians from accidentally dislodging parts or scratching trim. Additionally, car wash facilities and gas station car washes must hold a Water Pollution Control Ordinance license. Remember to choose compliant locations.

Contactless Automatic Car Wash (Mostly at Gas Stations)

• Advantages: Fast, affordable, convenient, and scratch-free

Contactless car washes use high-pressure water jets and foam for cleaning, eliminating the friction of brush arms against the vehicle body. Theoretically, this causes less damage to the paintwork. Additionally, they offer the following benefits:

1. Quick: Done in minutes.
2. Most affordable: Many gas stations offer discounted rates.
3. No waiting for attendants: Ideal for busy owners.

• Drawbacks: The quality of the car wash solution varies by location.

Some automatic car washes use harsh chemical detergents that may gradually dull the paint finish with prolonged use. It's advisable to choose well-known gas station brands or highly-rated car washes for better reliability.

What should electric vehicle owners be aware of with contactless automatic car washes?

Although electric vehicles undergo rigorous waterproof testing, improper vehicle configuration during automatic washing may pose safety risks. Take the AION V as an example. This pure-electric SUV is quite popular in Hong Kong, offering practical space, decent range, and a comprehensive suite of intelligent driving assistance systems, including AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking), AVH (Automatic Parking Hold), L2 Intelligent Assistance, rain-sensing wipers, and 360-degree imaging.

These features are highly useful during regular driving, but in contactless automatic car washes, they may misinterpret high-pressure water jets, rotating equipment, or sensor interference. This can lead to issues like the transmission shifting into park, the vehicle locking up, or the wipers suddenly activating.

 So what should you pay attention to when using self-service car washes?

• Pre-wash preparation

1. Fold in the side mirrors (to avoid damage from water pressure or equipment)
2. Turn off automatic wipers/rain-sensing wipers (to prevent excessive wiping)
3. Ensure charging port cover is securely locked
4. Disable intelligent driver-assistance functions, including AVH, AEB, and automatic parking.

• Enter the car wash tunnel (conveyor belt/roller type)

1. Shift vehicle to N (neutral)
2. Fasten seatbelt and remain seated (some models require an occupant to prevent automatic wheel locking)
3. Avoid accidentally touching the gearshift during this process, as it may shift into P (Park) gear. This could cause the vehicle to be pulled by the equipment, creating a hazard.

• Important Notes During Washing

1. Avoid directing high-pressure water jets at charging ports, high-voltage wiring locations, or Class B electrical systems
2. If the vehicle has protective film or coating, verify beforehand whether it can withstand high-pressure water jets

Summary

For Hong Kong EV owners:

1. Prioritize paint protection + desire a thorough wash → Manual car wash is the safest bet!
2. In a hurry + want a quick, affordable solution → Contactless automatic car washes are the most convenient!

Both options are suitable for EVs. Just ensure the facility is legal and safe, and disable relevant functions based on your vehicle model—washing should be no problem!