Can You Wash An Electric Car While Charging?

Many EV owners go out of their way to keep their vehicles spotless. Some EV owners even wash their electric cars while they’re charging them. But is that safe? Can you wash an electric car while charging?

You can wash an electric car while charging since all charging ports are meant to be waterproof. As long as you don’t shoot high-pressure water straight at the charging connector. It’s better to unplug your EV if you’re using a pressure washer, as high-pressure water can damage the port. 

Your electric car is too expensive for it not to be taken care of. Therefore, it’s essential to follow the correct cleaning procedure for your vehicle so that you don’t cause any harm. That is why, in this guide, we’ll describe the best practices to follow if you want to wash your electric car. 

How To Wash An EV With A Jet Wash

It’s essential to take good care of your EV, including knowing how to wash it using a jet wash. To spotlessly clean your car with Jetwash, follow the steps we have laid out for you below:

Step 1: First, you need to connect the hose to the pressure washer. Plug it in and check whether the hose’s length is sufficient to reach all car regions.

Step 2: Next, prepare the car wash soap or shampoo as instructed by your car manufacturer.  It’s always best to follow the instructions for making a car wash for your vehicle to get the optimum results. 

Step 3: Gently spray the car wash evenly on your EV’s surface, and ensure that you don’t miss any spots. Make sure you don’t pour the car wash inside the charging port; otherwise, you damage it. 

Step 4: Next, you must spray your EV with water to remove dust and other pollutants. The best way to proceed with this is to spray water starting from your EV’s roof since gravity will naturally allow the water to cascade down and make your work easier. 

Be cautious not to set the pressure too high, and avoid standing too close to the vehicle. The ideal pressure setting is around 1200 to 1900 PSI which is generally considered safe and effective on cars. Remember to keep the jet wash’s nozzle away from the vehicle’s surface by at least 5 to 6 inches.

Furthermore, you should also spray at a downward angle so that you don’t damage the surface of the car.

Step 5: After cleaning your vehicle, use a clean towel to dry its surface. If you’ve ever cleaned a vehicle, you know the drying phase is significant if you want to avoid water stains. Electric cars are no exception. 

Step 6: Like any other vehicle, the last step in cleaning your electric vehicle at home is applying a coat of wax to preserve the paint and enhance the color and sheen.

Natural carnauba wax is one of the best car wax available. However, you can also work with synthetic wax as an alternative. 

The ideal way to apply the wax is in tiny, linear movements. You don’t want to risk getting swirl marks by using excessive amounts of circular movements.  

Water Susceptibility: Electric Vs. Traditional Cars

EVs are less prone to damage from water than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts. Conventional cars comprise air intakes that water can penetrate, resulting in irreversibly damaged components. 

On the other hand, EVs are not vulnerable in this way: they operate without external interference, and their internal systems are free of fluid. As a result, your EV is more likely to survive a flood than a traditional vehicle.

Taking An EV Through A Car Wash

Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. However, electric vehicles have strong sealants that prevent water from leaking into the battery pack and harming the numerous electrical components. If you’re concerned about driving EVs through a carwash, don’t worry! It’s perfectly safe to do so. 

EV Manufacturers do thorough testing to ensure that these sealants are watertight and that the electric components can withstand exposure to water. All EVs are soak-tested, which means they are driven in heavy rain.

EV manufacturers also test the vehicle on surfaces flooded with water to ensure that the battery’s sealant coverings are functioning correctly.

The good news is that automated car washes do not rise to flood levels. Plus, the water jets your vehicle is exposed to in a car wash are entirely safe.

What To Do Before Taking An EV Through A Car Wash

Although a car wash won’t damage your EV, you can never be too careful. Therefore, it’s best to follow specific guidelines before you take an EV through an automated car wash:

First, check your EV’s battery charge before going to the car wash. Once inside the tunnel, switch your car to neutral, keeping the wheels from locking and allowing you to navigate the car wash tunnel effortlessly. You should also roll up the windows, retract the antenna, and lock all doors before beginning the vehicle wash procedure.

Keep your EV’s ignition inside the car wash, but turn off all automated systems. For example, windshield wipers may automatically engage if you don’t turn them off. 

FAQs

Q) Are Electric Vehicles Safe To Drive In Rain?

Yes, because of the solid battery insulation, electric cars are safe for driving in water. The insulation prevents the chances of short-circuiting and other similar hazards.

Q) Should I Charge My EV Every Night?

It’s not ideal for you to charge your EV every night. Charging an EV every night might reduce the battery pack’s lifetime. 

Q) Can I Start My EV While It Is Being Charged?

Yes, you can start your EV while it is being charged without worry. Most EV owners prefer listening to the radio, heating their seats, and using various accessories while the EV is being charged.

Conclusion

Electric cars are redefining the meaning of reliability in cars. If you have an EV, you don’t have to worry about any sort of damage due to water as they are designed to be waterproof. Even its electrical components are safe from any sort of water damage.