How to Use a Ryko Automatic Car Wash

If you’re wondering how to use a Ryko car wash, you’ve come to the right place. While this article is based on the Ryko Ultrasonic 2001 Overhead model, the user/driver experience is similar to many Ryko car wash models.

Remember, while you could just show up and try to figure out how to operate the car wash yourself, it’s important to know how to use a car wash ahead of time so you can get the most efficient and safest experience out of your wash.

Part 1 of 2: Understand the type

If you’re not sure how automatic car washes work, it might be difficult to understand how to use a Ryko overhead system. Follow the steps below for an overview of how automatic car washes operate.

Step 1: Learn the major car wash types. The two most common automatic car wash types are “rollover” and “conveyor.”

car parked in a carwash, large brushes surrounding it

Rollover car washes are the most common type of automatic car wash. These “rollover” or “tunnel” washes require your vehicle to remain stationary while automatic brushes, hoses, and cleaners roll over your car.

car wheels being connected onto conveyer system

Conveyor car washes are the second most common type of automatic car wash. These conveyor washes require you to move your vehicle under fixed spray arches, each performing a different task such as rinsing or spraying your car with detergent. Conveyor systems use rails that catch your tires and pull your car along through the wash.

Step 2: Learn how a Ryko conveyor car wash works. Ryko car washes are a combination of both rollover and conveyor methods.

This is chiefly due to their innovative use of an ultrasonic vehicle detection system. While this car wash uses spray arches, these arches will travel to the appropriate location near your vehicle, using ultrasonic technology to locate your car.

During the drying portion of the service, you must drive your car slowly through a tunnel of dryers. Because of this unique combination of methods, it can be easy for a user to get confused without doing a little research.

Part 2 of 2: How to operate and use a Ryko Ultrasonic 2001 Overhead car wash

Now that you understand how a Ryko car wash works, it’s time to overview the step-by-step directions prior to arriving at the wash.

  • Note: This will vary slightly depending on which package you select.

ryko payment kiosk

Step 1: Pull up to the payment kiosk This station or kiosk comes equipped with Ryko’s AMTT CS touch screen, which can turn on automatically when it senses your vehicle approaching.

The screen will provide options and help you to select a package.

Step 2: Enter the wash bay. When the screen instructs you, drive forward slowly and enter the wash bay.

Step 3: Allow the ultrasonic vehicle detection system to locate your vehicle. Moments after entering the wash bay, the car wash will locate your vehicle.

Step 4: Stop when the buzzer goes off. Once the system verifies the location of your car, you will hear a loud buzzer.

You car will have detergents applied and be washed.

overhanging dryers

Step 5: Drive through the drying tunnel. The system will instruct you to move forward and drive through the drying tunnel.

The dryers will pass over the rest of your vehicle as you exit the tunnel. Your car may still be slightly wet on the surface upon exiting, which will usually go away with natural condensation depending on your area’s weather and climate.

A Ryko car wash is a great way to get your car cleaned, and you should feel more at ease about the process now that you are familiar with how these car washes work. If you have any questions about any abnormalities you notice after using a car wash, or if you have any concerns about your car’s health, Ask a Mechanic for expert advice to help deal with your issue.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

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