Quartz52

Hey guys, has any of you gone through these touchlesscar washes found in gas stations?

I'm thinking of going through one soon to wash off some of the salts from the roads but I read on another forum some of the Q5 owners who have smart key entry on the door handles, they stopped working after going through a couple times.

They needed to get them replaced because the power washes may have overwhelm the sensors on the door handles and fried something... They unlock/lock on and off while the handles are being sprayed...(I think) (Also I think when they went through these their cars were off, not too sure though!)

Can anyone confirm?

I would assume if the car is left running, and locked from the interior while you are sitting in it, it should be fine right? I just dont want to take any chances without your experiences.

Thanks.

Quartz52

And this thread is directed to the owners with smart key entry. Premium plus. Thanks.

tomashek

This is true with regards to self-serve car wash stations. Main problem there is that you turn your car off, jump of and start washing it with high pressure. The second you hit sensor on the handle, it will lock, then unlock, then lock again and cycle repeats itself. This is where it failed for some. I have done it but knew about issue and left car running and all was OK. Since then I bought monthly pass for car wash Oasis (I know Petro Canada sells them too) for 50$. It's very convenient, and is registered on 2 cars so my wife gets car wash every couple days too.

Also be very cautious with touchless washes as they use very harsh chemicals, so you may think about it too.

sakimano

we've taken our B8 A4 Avant with smartkey through one of these touchless washes about 15 times this winter. Never had a problem with our smartkey.

playonwords

Only happened to me when my car was switched off and i was using the hose to rinse. The next time i just put my key out of range as i washed. Doesn't happen during the touchless car wash because car is kept on in Park.

warcity

iTrader: (1)

My Q5 with touch less smart key, i've been using shell touch less for the last 1.5 years almost every month no issues whatsoever.

I've also used coin car washes even washed my engine (water only) no issues.

Quartz52

Thanks for the tips guys. Im off to the touchless car wash! And yes, when I hand wash, I'll make sure to keep my key out of range.

LMcQueen

There's mention in the manual that you can set the power locks to allow the trunk to open if the convenience key is in the car. This might be an option (when handwashing) to leave your keys relatively close (in the trunk, rather than far out of range)...but have the plastic emergency key ready, just in case.

bigc_2k3

I had the same problem with the convience key and washing the Q, both in my driveway and at coin washes.

I found the best way to overcome the issue was actually fairly simple. Keep the key in your pocket, but turn the ignition on (press the start button) without your foot on the brake.

This will basically turn the car to accessory setting while you wash. No more annoying lock/unlock cycle.

Happy

Damn, I wish I would have known this before. I noticed that my door sensors have become a lot worse but I never put two and two together. They haven't stopped working but it use to be a quick rub of the finger and now I have to do it a couple times or sometimes it doesn't work at all.