Does the Chevy Bolt have a car wash mode?

The Chevy Bolt does offer a Car Wash Mode on many model years, designed to protect the wipers and related electronics during automatic car washes. Availability varies by year and market, so check your owner’s manual or the in-car settings to confirm for your vehicle.

What Car Wash Mode does on the Bolt

Car Wash Mode is a built-in safety feature that, when activated, typically prevents the wipers from triggering automatically and keeps the vehicle in a safe state for washing. The exact behavior can differ by model year and region, so consult your manual for specifics.

• The wipers are kept in a parked/off state and will not operate during a car wash.


• The vehicle remains in Park and will not shift into drive or reverse during the wash, preventing unexpected movement.


• Door locking behavior is adjusted to avoid being locked inside; some versions unlock or prevent auto-locking during the wash.


• External lights or audible alerts may be suppressed to avoid nuisance triggers in a high-pressure wash environment.

Note that the Bolt’s Car Wash Mode features are not guaranteed on every model year or market. If you don’t see a Car Wash Mode option in the settings, your vehicle may not support the feature.

How to check or enable Car Wash Mode in your Bolt

If your Bolt supports it, you’ll typically find Car Wash Mode in the infotainment system’s Vehicle Settings. The exact steps can vary by year and software version.

Use these steps to check or enable Car Wash Mode, if available:

1. Park the vehicle and ensure it is in a safe, upright position.


2. Open the infotainment system and access Settings or Vehicle settings.


3. Look for an option labeled Car Wash Mode (or similar) and select it.


4. Toggle Car Wash Mode On and confirm if prompted, then exit Settings.


5. Proceed with the car wash; after finishing, return to Settings and turn Car Wash Mode Off if needed.

If you cannot locate Car Wash Mode or your Bolt does not display the option, your vehicle likely does not support this feature. In that case, exercise standard car wash precautions, such as manually managing wipers and ensuring doors are appropriately locked/unlocked according to the wash facility.

Summary

Car Wash Mode is a feature offered on several GM models, including some Chevy Bolt configurations. Availability depends on model year and market. When present, it helps prevent inadvertent wiper activity, keeps the vehicle in a safe state during washing, and may adjust door lock behavior. Always verify with your owner’s manual or dealer for your specific Bolt configuration and software version.

How to put Chevy Bolt in car wash mode?

Car Wash Mode (Driver in Vehicle) To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the vehicle on and the vehicle occupied: Drive to the entrance of the car wash. Apply the brake pedal. Shift into N (Neutral). If desired, press POWER O to turn off the vehicle. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.

Which cars have car wash mode?

Cars from manufacturers like Tesla, Rivian, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford have a car wash mode or feature. These modes automatically disable features like automatic wipers, parking sensors, and certain door locks to prepare the vehicle for an automatic car wash and prevent damage.
 
Examples of car wash modes

• Tesla: Disables wipers, locks the charge port, and deactivates Sentry Mode and walk-away door locking. For automatic car washes, a "Free Roll" option can be enabled to put the car in neutral so it can be moved by the conveyor belt. 
• Rivian: Available on the R1T and R1S. It disables automatic door handles, mutes parking sensors, turns off proximity locking, and disables rain-sensing wipers and automatic emergency braking. 
• Mercedes-Benz: Disables automatic safety systems, reminds the driver to close windows, and can recalibrate the surround-view camera. On some models, it will also fold the mirrors, activate air recirculation, and raise the vehicle height if equipped with E-Active Body Control. 
• BMW: Has a "car wash view" that displays the front and overhead surround view on the screen to help guide the car through a car wash. However, this mode does not disable the automatic wipers or other functions like some other manufacturers' modes. 
• MINI: Models with a front-facing camera have a car wash feature that displays lines on the screen that move with the steering wheel to help align the car. 
• Ford, Hyundai, and GM: Many other electric and modern vehicles from these and other manufacturers also include this feature, though the specific name and functionality can vary. 
• Toyota: Vehicles like the Sienna may not have a dedicated "car wash mode," but it's recommended to manually turn off sensors and put the vehicle in neutral to prepare for an automatic car wash. 

How to use car wash mode

1. Activate the mode: Before entering the car wash, find and activate car wash mode through the vehicle's infotainment system or dedicated button. For models without a specific mode, manually deactivate features like rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors. 
2. Enable Free Roll (if applicable): If using an automatic conveyor belt car wash, enable "Free Roll" (or a similar option) when prompted. This allows the vehicle to roll freely without engine power. 
3. Disable Car Wash Mode: After the wash is complete, disable the mode via the infotainment system. For models with a "Free Roll" option, re-enable drive, and for others, manually turn off the features that were turned off. 

How do you use car wash mode?

Door. It stays in neutral see doors open all that we're going to go through the car wash. And once it gets all done puts it right back in park. It's that quick and easy for car wash mode.

Do electric cars have a car wash mode?

No, not all electric cars have a car wash mode, but many newer models from manufacturers like Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai do. This feature is specifically designed to prevent damage during an automatic car wash by disabling certain functions like wipers and parking sensors, and by locking the charge port and closing windows. If your car doesn't have this specific mode, you should consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations on safely washing the vehicle.
 
Features of car wash mode

• Disables automatic functions: It turns off automatic windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, and walk-away door locking. 
• Locks doors and charge port: This prevents any accidental openings during the wash. 
• Closes windows: All windows are automatically closed. 
• Disables parking sensors: Parking sensor chimes are turned off to avoid alerts and potential interference. 
• Enable Free Roll: For conveyor car washes, this feature is often included to keep the vehicle in neutral and allow it to roll freely through the wash. 

If your car doesn't have car wash mode

• Check the owner's manual: The manufacturer will provide specific instructions on how to safely wash the vehicle. 
• Manual preparation: You may need to manually perform the functions that car wash mode automates, such as turning off wipers and locking doors. 
• Use caution: Ensure your car is prepared to avoid damage, especially if it's an older model or from a manufacturer that doesn't offer this specific feature.