PriusChat Forums

Judi,

Second Correction: You can shift to Neutral while in IG-ON Mode -- but you have to press your foot on the brake in order to shift to Neutral (or shift out of Park).

Phew! I'm glad it's three strikes and you're out!

EDIT: You can shift to Neutral while in IG-ON Mode -- but you have to press your foot on the brake in order to shift to Neutral or out of Park.

I screwed up! I passed on info from patsparks in the threads that said you can shift into neutral from IG-ON mode. But I just tried it, and I can't shift into neutral or anything else while in IG-ON mode.

So, I think the advice for car washes is (1) remove your antenna, (2) shut off all accessories and (3) shift to neutral while the car is in Ready mode. I don't think the 5 minutes in the car wash will deplete the traction battery. But I guess that if you want to be EXTRA EXTRA safe like PriusRos, then don't go to the car wash unless you have at least two bars of charge showing on the traction battery.

EDITED 10/8: In car washes, you have to shift the car to Neutral. But the gist of those car wash threads is that with the Prius you have to watch out for draining the battery because, unlike other cars, the Prius battery does not recharge while it's in Neutral. I don't think it's a real problem because you're only in Neutral for something like 5 minutes tops. Nonetheless, you should try to save electricity by first of all, turning off all accessories, especially the air conditioning. And then if you want to be extra careful, don't leave the car in Ready mode while you shift to Neutral in the car wash -- instead (1) Power Off, (2) press twice on the Power button with your foot OFF the brakes so that you'll be in IG-ON Mode (I had mistakenly called it Accessories Mode before I edited) and (3) with your foot ON the brakes, shift to Neutral.

Tom,

I am totally confused after reading the post about drive through car washes in the Gen III postings. Can you cut to the chase for me and simplify this?? Should I do that ever?? If so, what do I do to the car prior to allowing the guys to drive it into the wash or if I take it to the $3 and "I drive it through thing", what do I do??? Help!!! Thanks Tom....Judi

Hi Judi,

Sorry, I don't know much about window tinting.

Tom....do you know anything about GeoShield window tint?? I want to tint the windows and this has been suggested. Help!!! Thanks. Judi

Judi,

Great to be your friend.

I'm glad you like that Optimum No Rinse. LOL, I too would NEVER handwash my car outside during one of those incredibly hot and humid days that Baton Rouge (or New Orleans, Houston, Hong Kong, etc.) frequently has. I'd be in physical distress within 5 minutes.

-- Boo (Tom)

Tom....Just wanted you to know that at your advice I purchased Omni No Rinse. That is phenomenal stuff. You have the issue of hauling water down to the street; we have the unforgiving heat and humidity that make washing the vehicle outside insane!! Thanks again for the post about it......Judi