Keeping your electric adventure vehicle clean is a badge of honor, especially after a weekend of hitting the trails. However, the advanced sensors and automated features on an R1T or R1S require a specific protocol before entering a cleaning bay.
Learning how to put rivian in car wash mode is the first step toward preventing accidental damage to your charging port, wipers, or door handles. If you have ever seen an automated brush snag a retractable handle, you know exactly why this software feature is a lifesaver.
In this guide, we will walk through the exact steps to secure your vehicle, explain what the system does behind the scenes, and provide pro-level tips for both touchless and conveyor-based washes. Let’s get your Rivian back to its showroom shine without the mechanical headaches.
Understanding the Importance of the Dedicated Wash Setting
Modern electric vehicles are essentially rolling computers equipped with dozens of ultrasonic sensors, cameras, and motorized components. When you enter a car wash, the vehicle needs to be “blinded” and “locked down” to prevent it from reacting to the brushes or high-pressure spray.
Without activating the proper mode, your Rivian might think a heavy brush is a person trying to enter the vehicle, causing the flush-mounted door handles to pop out. If a brush catches an extended handle, the repair bill can be staggering.
Furthermore, the rain-sensing wipers are incredibly sensitive. A single spray of water can trigger the wiper arms, which may then be bent or snapped off by the heavy equipment inside a tunnel wash. This mode acts as a digital shield for these components.
Step-by-Step: how to put rivian in car wash mode
Activating this feature is straightforward, but it must be done in a specific sequence to ensure all systems are locked. Follow these steps once you are lined up at the entrance of the wash bay.
- Shift into Park: Ensure your vehicle is completely stationary and the electronic parking brake is engaged. The software will often grey out the option if the vehicle is in Drive or Reverse.
- Access the Vehicle Menu: On your center touchscreen, tap the Vehicle icon (it looks like a small silhouette of the truck) located at the bottom of the display.
- Navigate to Settings: From the vehicle menu, look for the Service tab. This is where Rivian houses most of its maintenance and diagnostic tools.
- Toggle Car Wash Mode: You will see a button labeled “Car Wash Mode.” Tap it once. A confirmation screen will appear, detailing exactly what the vehicle is about to do.
- Confirm Activation: Tap the “Enter Car Wash Mode” button on the screen. You will hear the locks engage and see a status indicator on the driver’s display.
Once active, the screen will display a checklist of the systems that are now secured. This visual confirmation gives you peace of mind before the water starts spraying.
What Happens When Car Wash Mode is Active?
It is more than just a simple lock; it is a comprehensive system override. Knowing how to put rivian in car wash mode prevents the wipers from triggering and manages several other critical functions simultaneously.
First, it disables the proximity locking and unlocking feature. Usually, as you move around the vehicle with your key fob or phone, the truck locks and unlocks. In a wash, the moving brushes can trick the sensors, but this mode keeps everything sealed shut.
Second, it closes the charge port door and locks it. High-pressure water hitting the sensitive pins inside the charge port is never ideal. This mode ensures the motorized door stays closed even if the exterior sensor is bumped by a brush.
Third, it disables the automatic wipers. As mentioned earlier, this is the most common point of failure in car washes for vehicles without a dedicated mode. The system forces the wipers to stay in the parked position regardless of moisture levels.
Handling the Windows and Liftgate
The system also checks the status of your windows and the rear liftgate or tailgate. If a window is slightly cracked, the interface will notify you to close it before the mode fully engages.
For R1S owners, the rear liftgate is also electronically locked. This prevents the “kick-to-open” sensor (if equipped or updated in software) from being triggered by the water flow or the underbody sprayers.
Finally, the climate system switches to recirculation mode. This prevents the scent of harsh soaps and chemicals from being pulled directly into the cabin through the intake vents, keeping your interior smelling fresh.
Navigating Different Types of Car Washes
Not all car washes are created equal, and your Rivian handles each one differently. Whether you prefer a touchless bay or a traditional conveyor system, you need to know how to manage the drivetrain.
Touchless and Stationary Washes
In a touchless wash where the machine moves around your stationary vehicle, simply keep the truck in Park. The car wash mode will handle the rest. This is generally the safest option for the paint and the external sensors.
Ensure your side mirrors are folded in. While car wash mode can be configured to do this, it is always a good habit to double-check the mirror status via the quick-access menu on your steering wheel buttons.
Conveyor-Based Tunnel Washes
This is where things get a bit more technical. Most tunnel washes require the vehicle to be in Neutral so the conveyor belt can pull the wheels along. Rivian has accounted for this within the software interface.
While in car wash mode, you will see a specific button on the screen labeled “Enter Neutral.” Pressing this allows the vehicle to roll freely while keeping all the other “wash mode” protections active.
Pro Tip: Do not try to shift into Neutral using the gear stalk while in wash mode, as this may kick you out of the specialized setting. Use the on-screen button specifically designed for the conveyor.
Critical Safety Precautions for Off-Roaders
If you have been out on the trails with your “FatBoysOffroad” crew, your Rivian is likely covered in more than just dust. Caked-on mud and grit require a different approach than a standard grocery getter.
Before you even think about how to put rivian in car wash mode, you must perform a pre-wash rinse. Use a pressure washer to clear out the wheel wells and the area around the air suspension bellows.
Dried mud can act like sandpaper when a car wash brush hits it. If you take a muddy R1T directly into a brush wash, you risk “swirl marks” or deep scratches in the clear coat. Always blast the heavy chunks off first.
Check your recovery points and tow hooks as well. Ensure there are no stray branches or debris wedged in the front bumper that could be caught by the car wash machinery and dragged across your hood.
Post-Wash Maintenance: What to Check
Once you exit the wash and deactivate the mode (which usually happens automatically when you exceed 5-10 mph or manually via the screen), there are a few things you should inspect.
Check the camera lenses. Rivians rely heavily on the 360-degree camera system for Driver+ and parking assistance. Sometimes, soap residue or wax can leave a film over the lenses, causing “blurry” vision for the computer.
Wipe down the door seals. While the vehicle is watertight, a small amount of moisture can sometimes sit in the door sills. Wiping this away prevents water spots and ensures the seals stay supple over time.
Inspect the gear tunnel (on the R1T). The gear tunnel doors have complex seals. After a high-pressure wash, it is a good idea to pop them open and ensure no water has bypassed the primary gaskets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is forgetting to disable Auto-Hold. If your vehicle is in a conveyor wash and Auto-Hold engages, the truck will resist the conveyor, potentially jumping the track or damaging the drivetrain.
Another pitfall is leaving accessories in the bed. If you have a bike rack or a bed-mounted tent, most automatic car washes will refuse service. Even in car wash mode, these items can be ripped off by the overhead brushes.
Avoid using “hot wax” settings if you have a matte wrap or Paint Protection Film (PPF) that isn’t rated for it. While the vehicle’s hardware is safe, the chemicals in some automated washes can degrade aftermarket finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to put rivian in car wash mode
Does car wash mode stay on if I turn off the truck?
No, the mode is designed to be active while the vehicle is powered. If you exit the vehicle and it sleeps, it may default back to its standard locked state. It is best to stay inside the vehicle during the wash process.
Can I use car wash mode while charging?
No, the vehicle must be unplugged to activate this mode. Furthermore, you should never attempt to wash your vehicle while it is actively connected to a Level 2 or DC Fast Charger due to electrical safety risks.
What should I do if the screen freezes and I can’t exit the mode?
If the software hangs, you can perform a soft reset by holding the far left and far right buttons on the steering wheel for about 15 seconds. This will reboot the infotainment system without affecting the drive systems.
Is there a shortcut for how to put rivian in car wash mode?
Currently, the fastest way is through the Service menu. However, Rivian frequently pushes “Over-The-Air” (OTA) updates. It is worth checking your latest release notes to see if they have added a quick-access toggle to the control center.
Will car wash mode fold my mirrors automatically?
Yes, in the most recent software versions, activating the mode includes an option to auto-fold the mirrors. This is crucial for narrow wash bays where the brushes come in close contact with the sides of the vehicle.
Final Thoughts for the DIY Detailer
Taking care of a Rivian requires a blend of traditional automotive “elbow grease” and an understanding of modern software. Knowing how to put rivian in car wash mode is just one part of being a responsible owner of such a high-tech machine.
Whether you are cleaning off the salt from a winter road trip or the red clay from a weekend in Moab, using the built-in safeguards ensures your truck remains in peak condition. Always prioritize a touchless wash when possible to preserve that beautiful factory finish.
Take the time to explore your Rivian’s service menu and familiarize yourself with these settings before you are sitting in the car wash line. Being prepared makes the maintenance process stress-free and keeps your adventure vehicle ready for the next trail.
Stay safe, keep it clean, and we will see you off-road!
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