Will a lifted truck fit in a car wash?

Car washes and clearance limits 

Keeping your truck clean is an important part of vehicle maintenance, but if you own a lifted truck, you may wonder whether it will fit in a standard car wash. At Carl Black Hiram, we specialize in lifted trucks and understand the unique challenges that come with maintaining them. Located in Hiram, GA, we’re here to help you keep your truck in top shape while answering all your questions about car washes and clearance limits. Read on to find out whether a lifted truck can safely fit in a car wash and what you need to consider before pulling in.

How Tall Are Most Car Washes? 

Car washes come in different types, including automatic tunnel washes, touchless washes, and self-service bays. One of the most important factors for lifted truck owners to consider is the clearance height. 

• Automatic car washes: Most tunnel-style automatic car washes have a clearance of 7 to 8 feet. Some may accommodate taller vehicles, but it’s best to check the posted height restrictions before entering. 
• Touchless car washes: These tend to have similar clearance limits, though some locations may offer slightly more room for larger vehicles. 
• Self-service bays: These are typically open-air and do not have height restrictions, making them the safest option for lifted trucks. 

How Tall Are Lifted Trucks? 

The height of a lifted truck varies depending on the make, model, and size of the lift kit. Here’s a general breakdown: 

• Stock full-size trucks: Typically range from 6.5 to 7 feet tall. 
• Lifted trucks with 3- to 4-inch lift kits: Often increase total height to 7.5 to 8 feet. 
• Lifted trucks with 6-inch or larger lift kits: These can reach 8.5 feet or more, depending on wheel and tire size. 

Will a Lifted Truck Fit in a Car Wash? 

It depends on the height of both your truck and the car wash. If your lifted truck exceeds 7.5 to 8 feet, it may not fit in a standard automatic car wash. In some cases, even if it does fit, the wash equipment may not be designed to handle oversized tires or extended fender flares, which could lead to improper cleaning or potential damage. 

For lifted truck owners, self-service car washes or hand washing are often the best options. These allow you to control the cleaning process without worrying about height restrictions or damage to your vehicle.

Where to change the tires on my lifted truck

Roof Accessories and Other Things to Consider 

Beyond the truck’s height, other accessories can affect whether your lifted truck fits in a car wash, including: 

• Roof racks and light bars: These can add several inches to your truck’s height, potentially pushing it over the car wash’s clearance limit. 
• Oversized tires: Some automatic washes have track systems that may not accommodate larger tires. 
• Extended mirrors and fender flares: These may be at risk of damage in a car wash with tight clearance. 

Always measure your truck, including accessories, before attempting to enter an automatic car wash. 

Where to buy lifted trucks

Trust the Lifted Truck Experts at Carl Black Hiram 

If you own a lifted truck or are thinking about lifting your current vehicle, the experts at Carl Black Hiram are here to help. We specialize in lifted trucks and can advise you on maintenance, cleaning, and customization options. Visit us in Hiram, GA, to explore our inventory of lifted trucks, accessories, and expert services. 

Looking for more tips on caring for your lifted truck? Contact Carl Black Hiram today, and we’ll help you keep your truck looking and running its best! 

Lifted versus standard height trucks