Can you take a Bronco Sport through a car wash?

Yes. In most cases, a Ford Bronco Sport can go through a standard car wash, but it’s best to choose a gentler option and avoid aggressive brushes. This helps protect paint, decals, and exterior accessories.

This article examines what you should know before washing a Bronco Sport, the wash types to consider, and practical steps to take to minimize risk while keeping the vehicle clean.

Types of car washes and their impact

Car washes vary in how they treat your vehicle, from contact with brushes to touchless cleaning. Understanding the differences helps you pick a safer option for the Bronco Sport’s exterior features and sensors.

• Touchless (no brushes) car washes — use high-pressure water jets and detergents without physical contact, reducing the risk of scratches on paint, decals, and trim.


• Soft-cloth or brush washes — involve cloth or brush components that contact the paint; generally safe if the facility maintains clean brushes and uses mild detergents, but there is still some risk to delicate graphics and trims.


• Self-serve bays — allow you to wash manually; you control brush intensity and technique; best for sensitive spots or spot cleaning.


• Full-service or hand wash services — staff assist with cleaning; often gentler on delicate features and removable accessories.

In general, for most Bronco Sport owners, a touchless wash is the safest default. If you have protective decals, aftermarket trim, or sensitive cameras and sensors, a hand wash or supervision by staff may be a better option.

Best practices for Bronco Sport in a car wash

To maximize safety and cleanliness, follow these practical steps when using a car wash with your Bronco Sport.

1. Choose the wash type that minimizes contact — prefer touchless or soft-cloth washes, and avoid aggressive machinery on heavy-graphic decals or aftermarket parts.


2. Close all windows and sunroof; secure or retract wing mirrors and any protruding accessories (roof racks, antennas) if possible.


3. Remove or secure loose items on the exterior that could snag or get damaged by jets or brushes.


4. Follow the wash operator’s directions and stay in the vehicle; maintain a slow, steady pace to prevent rattle or misalignment of components.


5. Once finished, move to the dry area or wait for staff to dry the vehicle; use extra drying in areas prone to water spots if the facility offers it.


6. Inspect the vehicle after the wash for any scrapes, chips, or moisture around sensors and cameras; address any issues promptly with a professional if needed.

These steps help protect the Bronco Sport’s paint, decals, sensors, and exterior accessories while ensuring a thorough cleaning.

Considerations specific to the Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport has features such as parking sensors, a rearview camera, and potential aftermarket gear that could be sensitive to aggressive wash cycles. While the vehicle is designed for everyday use, owners should consider how graphics, decals, or roof racks may fare under different wash types.

Sensor and trim considerations

Your car wash choice can influence the integrity of the Bronco Sport’s sensors and trim. Touchless washes reduce the risk of brush abrasion on trim and emblems, while dedicated car wash bays and staff assistance can help protect recessed sensors, cameras, and decal edges.

Aftermarket gear and decals

If your Bronco Sport has aftermarket roof racks, mud flaps, or decals, extra care is advised. Some decals and trim pieces may be more susceptible to wear from brushes or water pressure; a hand wash or gentler touchless option can help extend their life.

Summary

In short, you can generally take a Bronco Sport through a car wash, but the safest approach is to choose a touchless or soft-cloth wash and be mindful of any aftermarket accessories, decals, or sensors. When in doubt, hand washing or seeking staff-assisted services is a prudent alternative. Regularly inspect the vehicle after washing for any signs of paint damage or misalignment of sensors.

How do you wash a Ford Bronco?

Wash the vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral pH shampoo. We recommend Motorcraft Detail Wash. Important: Never wash the vehicle when it is hot to the touch, or in strong or direct sunlight.

What is the lawsuit against the Ford Bronco Sport?

Ford is facing several lawsuits related to its Bronco Sport vehicles, including a class-action lawsuit over a faulty 12-volt battery recall that allegedly did not fix the problem, and another lawsuit investigation related to a fuel injector defect that poses a fire risk. The 12-volt battery recall affected about 273,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick models, while the fuel injector issue affects certain Bronco Sport and Escape models with 1.5-liter engines.
 
12-volt battery class-action lawsuit 

• What it's about: A class-action lawsuit alleges that Ford's fix for the 12-volt battery recall is insufficient and that the batteries continue to fail. 
• Vehicle models: 2021–2023 Bronco Sport and 2022–2023 Maverick models equipped with a specific 12-volt battery. 
• Legal claims: The suit claims Ford's recall is inadequate and has led to issues like the vehicle failing to restart or stalling. It also alleges the recall cost owners time and money for repairs and has devalued the vehicles. 
• Recall details: Ford recalled certain models over a 12-volt battery defect that could cause a loss of drive power or a failure to restart. The fix involved software updates. 

Fuel injector lawsuit investigation

• What it's about: An investigation has been launched into a separate fuel injector defect that could lead to fuel leaks and a risk of engine fires.
• Vehicle models: Certain Bronco Sport and Escape models with 1.5-liter engines.
• Legal claims: The lawsuit is looking into Ford's handling of the defect, which has resulted in multiple recalls. Some vehicles that received previous "fixes" have reportedly still experienced engine fires.
• Recall details: The recall is for a defect where fuel can leak into the engine compartment. Ford's interim fix involves a software update, but a permanent solution is still being developed. 

Other legal issues

• Lemon Law: Individuals with persistent issues may be able to pursue a "lemon law" claim, as shown in a case where a Bronco owner received a vehicle buyback for ongoing problems. 
• Other recalls: While not directly tied to a lawsuit yet, it's worth noting other safety recalls, such as one for a loose bolt in some 2021-2023 Broncos (SUV, not Sport) that could increase injury risk in an accident, according to Austin American-Statesman. 

Can I take my brand new car through a car wash?

Yes, car washes are safe for new cars, but the type of wash matters. Modern cars have durable paint that doesn't need time to "settle," but automatic washes can still cause damage like swirl marks from brushes or harsh chemicals. For the safest options, choose a high-quality touchless car wash or, ideally, hand washing with gentle soap and water.
 
Safe options for new cars

• Touchless car wash: This is a good balance between convenience and safety. 
  • They use high-pressure water and soap to clean the car, avoiding physical contact that can scratch the paint. 
  • Be aware that some may use harsh chemicals that can strip wax or damage the clear coat if not rinsed thoroughly. 
• Hand washing: This is the safest method for preserving your new car's finish. 
  • Use a two-bucket method with plenty of water, a gentle soap, and microfiber mitts to avoid scratching. 
  • This method gives you the most control and ensures no abrasive debris is transferred from other cars. 
• High-quality automatic car washes: Some modern automatic washes are built with softer materials and better maintenance practices. 
  • Look for facilities with good reviews and modern equipment. 

What to avoid

• Automatic washes with physical contact: Tunnel washes with spinning brushes or other abrasive materials are the most likely to cause scratches and swirl marks. 
• Poorly maintained facilities: Even a touchless wash can be risky if the equipment is old, not maintained, or if the recycled water contains too much dirt and grime. 
• Harsh chemicals: Be cautious of automatic washes that use very strong, acidic chemicals for cleaning, especially on wheel rims, as they can damage the paint and finishes over time. 

Key takeaway

• Modern paint is durable: You don't need to wait for the paint to "settle" before washing your new car. 
• Prioritize gentleness: The main risk comes from abrasive materials and harsh chemicals, not the age of the car. 
• When in doubt, hand wash: A hand wash provides the safest, most controlled way to clean your new vehicle. 

Can Bronco Sport go through car wash?

Yes, it's ok to take your Bronco in car wash.