Wondering if you can take your truck through an automatic car wash with a soft tonneau cover on? A lot of truck owners have the same question, especially since tonneau covers are built for weather protection, not necessarily the rough handling of a car wash. Taking care of your cover while keeping your truck clean becomes a bit of a balancing act.
Are Soft Tonneau Covers Safe in Automatic Car Washes?
If you’ve got a soft tonneau cover, you might be concerned about how it holds up against those strong car wash brushes, sprays, and the high-pressure jets. Generally, a soft cover is designed to handle rain, dirt, and some exposure to harsh elements, but car washes are a different story. Soft covers, especially vinyl ones, might not withstand all car wash setups without damage.
Some car wash machines use brushes that are rough on surfaces, and they could potentially rip or wear down a soft cover. Also, high-pressure water jets may cause a soft cover to sag, leak, or even loosen if it isn’t secured tightly. So before rolling into the wash, check how strong your cover is, how secure it’s attached, and if the car wash uses gentle, brushless techniques.
Types of Car Washes and What They Mean for Your Soft Tonneau Cover
Not all car washes are the same, and the type of wash you choose matters. Each has different effects on soft tonneau covers, so let’s look at some common types.
01. Touchless Car Washes
A touchless wash is the safest option if you have a soft tonneau cover. This type of wash uses high-pressure water jets and chemical cleaners but doesn’t have any rotating brushes that physically touch your vehicle. Since nothing is directly hitting your cover, there’s a lower chance of ripping or damaging it.
However, even touchless washes can pose risks if the water jets are extremely strong. Some high-powered jets could lift the edges of a poorly secured cover or force water through small gaps, causing leaks. If your cover is well-sealed and in good condition, though, you’re usually safe with a touchless wash.
02. Brush Car Washes
Brush car washes are more risky for soft tonneau covers. The spinning brushes can easily catch on the edges of a soft cover, potentially causing tears or loosening the attachment points. These machines use brushes with large bristles that scrub the vehicle’s surface, but that’s not ideal for delicate material like vinyl or canvas.
With a soft cover, it’s best to avoid this kind of car wash unless you want to chance some serious wear and tear on the material. Some covers have reinforced edges that may help, but it’s still a risk.
03. High-Pressure Washes
High-pressure washes use intense jets of water and air to blast away dirt. This type of wash can potentially force water under or around the cover, leading to leaks in the bed. If the pressure is too high, it might also damage the fasteners or straps holding the cover down.
Soft tonneau covers with tight seals and strong fasteners might withstand this, but it’s worth noting that not all soft covers are built the same. If you go with this option, check your cover’s fastening before and after.
Tips to Protect Your Soft Tonneau Cover in a Car Wash
If you need to take your truck through a car wash, here are some tips to keep your cover safe.
Check Your Cover’s Condition
Inspect the cover to ensure there are no loose edges, tears, or weak spots. A well-secured, damage-free cover has a better chance of surviving the car wash without issues.
Use a Touchless Wash When Possible
A touchless wash is the safest option for any soft tonneau cover. Without brushes or rollers hitting the cover, there’s a lower risk of damage. If you have a choice, a touchless wash will be gentler on the material.
Avoid High-Pressure Washes
High-pressure water jets can damage or lift soft covers. Choose a car wash with moderate pressure settings if possible, as this minimizes the chance of loosening the cover or causing leaks.
Dry Your Cover After Washing
After leaving the car wash, take a few minutes to wipe down your cover to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent any water damage, mildew, or warping, especially with vinyl covers.
Is It Worth the Risk?
Deciding whether to take your truck with a soft tonneau cover through an automatic car wash ultimately comes down to your comfort with the risk. Soft covers are not typically built for that kind of stress, and there’s always a chance of wear and tear happening sooner if you go this route. If you’re looking to keep your cover in good shape, hand washing might be a better long-term solution.
Last modified: June 4, 2025