How do I use a car wash?

[kateclarke]

OK, I know this is a really stupid question. I am very anxious and am prone to over thinking.
I have just got 12 free car washes with my insurence. It is the kind of car wash you drive to and the staff hand wash your car.
Can anyone explain it as if I am 5?
Do I drive where they tell me to and move when they say? Where do I look? Is it awkward?
I feel a fool, but really want to push my self and also have a clean car for a year!

I'm sure some one will help. But I feel exactly the same as you. Wish i could be more help but things like this give me severe anxiety

When you get there they will direct you to each bay when you need to move. Turn off your engine in each bay. At the polish bay they will open each door to wipe the sills. Close all the windows.

Is it the IMO car wash? They don't hand wash it. They rinse off all the worst bits and soap your car and then you drive forward onto a sort of conveyor belt. You have to take your windscreen wipers off automatic, put the car in neutral and take the handbrake off. They will check you've done all that and will tell you when to stop. Then you just sit back and wait as all the car wash stuff happens.

My car wash gets a bit arsey if you don't tell them when you're in the queue that you have a QR code as they have to get their phone from the office to scan it. I'd go when it's quiet for your first time. Mid morning on a weekday is a good bet

If it’s the IMO free car washes you just turn up, show the attendant the voucher on your phone, he will scan it and then he will show you where you need to be. Tell him it’s your first time so that he doesn’t expect you to know anything.

He’ll go round the car with a spray and soft brush and then aak you to drive forward. He will show you how to line the car up correctly. Then you just put the car into neutral, turn off the engine, leave the handbrake off and the car wash will do the rest. It will take you through without you having to steer and when you get to the end there is a red light that will turn green when it is time for you to drive off.

Easy peasy.

This is a job I had to take on when DH died. Ridiculous that I'd never done it before (shared car). I just went and told them I was a bit useless and didn't know what to do and they were lovely. Actually that's basically the way I've been getting through life lately 😆

Thank you all so much.
Yes it's an IMO car wash, I feel so much better now I have an idea of what to expect ( and knowing I'm not the only person who worries about stuff like this).

My recommendation is to have a favourite track lined up (something loud) and put it on the moment you go in and sing along loudly.

It's very cathartic!

Thanks @Clymene great idea .

If you value your paintwork then stick the free car washes in the bin!

@Shade17 my car is 14 years old, and I have bashed it more times than I care to remember, so don’t need to worry about that.

Your anxiety over something so normal is the reason I hand-wash my own car. I wouldn't know what to do either.

Please report back once its done to give the rest of us some courage to adult too

@Pixiedust1234 I will make it my mission to do it for mumsnet and report back.

If you value your paintwork then stick the free car washes in the bin!

I know the OP doesn't mind, but for anyone who does, never use an automatic car wash. They really do scratch the paintwork.

I've used automatic carwashes plenty of times and never had scratched paintwork.

Out if interest why does the handbrake have to be left off?

Because you are being pushed along. If the hand brake was on you wouldn't move

Ahh never been to one like that before