Admittedly, I never asked myself that question. But, I understand the reader Alexander from Austria. Because he asked this question on our blog. And expanded it a little. Not only “whether” the underbody can be “cleaned normally” in the car wash, but also how the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid Outlander is protected against rust, whether the batteries are protected from water and in which driving program you can go through the car wash moves.
Rainproof and waterproof - the plug-in hybrid Outlander
Basically you have to say about underbody sealing, here the importers decide themselves whether the vehicles should be provided with an additional wax layer. The importer in Germany has this done in Bremerhaven. Only a query from the importer in Austria helps here. And if that is not done in Austria, yes, then I recommend such additional underbody sealing. The additional wax also initially leads to an odor nuisance in the first few days - just until the excess wax has melted from the heat-loaded components (exhaust ect.) - but this additional wax layer is not a stupid idea for the sills and the entire underbody.
With the plug-in hybrid in the car wash
The Mitsubishi Plug-In Hybrid Outlander is an SUV and as such, MUST use mud and snow, water and sand. Of course, the developers were aware of that and the batteries were well packed accordingly. Water to the wheel hub makes the Outlander absolutely nothing and also the underbody washing is completely problem-free! It is highly recommended, especially in winter. That's the only way to really get rid of the road salt nests under the vehicle. Neither the heat of the water nor the water itself is a problem for the Outlander.
The cleaning with the steam jet is just as possible. Of course, you should not aim directly into the tank openings, as with gasoline. As long as the flap is closed, cleaning with the steam jet is no problem. Of course, with the tailgate open you should not go with the steam jet over the charging sockets! But that goes without saying.
From a motor wash by steam jet we advise rather off. Not because of the electric motor, but because of the petrol engine. Ignition cables, connectors and Co, because you can make something damp with a steam jet quickly. And that's never good.
Gearbox on N in the car wash
As with any automatic vehicle, you drive the plug-in Hybrid Outlander into the belt-operated car wash and set the transmission to NEUTRAL. The shift lever of the Plug-in Hybrid Outlander is pushed slightly to the right in “N”. The “neutral display” then appears in the cockpit display. The plug-in Hybrid Outlander is now “disengaged” and can be rolled. At the end of the washing belt, just briefly tap the brake, switch to D and drive out. Very simple 😉
The Plug-in Hybrid Outlander can be treated in the car wash like any other car with an automatic transmission. Batteries? Water? Forget your worries - no problem!
