Hello,
I have basic manually folding side mirrors on my 2017 Toyota Camry LE. My manual says I should fold my mirrors for a car wash. I have been doing that, however they are starting to get a little stiff. Why does the manual ask that I fold them? Is there some form of damage that can happen with the water pressure or are they worried about the car wash running into unfolded mirrors. I only use brush-less car washes.
they are starting to get a little stiff.
The should not.
Why does the manual ask that I fold them?
To avoid potential damage.
I only use brush-less car washes.
As long as you don't hit the mirrors with solid objects, you don't need to fold them.
Thank you @yaser!
You're welcome.
My manual says I should fold my mirrors for a car wash... Why does the manual ask that I fold them?
It is referring to the car washes that use spinning brushes
Is there some form of damage that can happen with the water pressure
No
I only use brush-less car washes.
then you don't need to fold your mirrors
Since you are using a brushless car wash, folding the side mirrors would not be necessary. As yaser mentioned, that would only be a concern if there was a risk of a solid object hitting them, or even the force of the rotating brush pressure damaging them. Now to the issue of your mirrors becoming “stiff”, a product like WD40 water resistant silicone lubricant spray could be used to lubricate the mirror hinges. Regular WD40 could possibly damage painted plastic.?
I personally believe they might be mentioning about those kind of automatic car washes with the large side-brushes? Otherwise, I don't think I see any other reason to fold them.
I usually go to a touch-less car wash. There, it would be unnecessary to fold the mirrors in.
Somewhat related, my friend had an old Acura Integra (late 90s) with retractable antenna. Prior to going into the car wash (this had the brushes and full-contact wash) he did not retract his antenna, and it broke off during the car wash. Had he gone to a touch-less car wash, he would have been ok.
