Woman Drives Car with Broken Window into Automatic Car Wash—Experts Warn of Extreme Risks

A woman drove her car into an automatic car wash despite a visibly cracked side window, sparking heated debate on TikTok. In the viral video, occupants inside the vehicle can be heard expressing alarm as high-speed rotating brushes and high-pressure water jets risked widening the crack or even shattering the glass. Experts warn that vehicles with damaged windows should never enter traditional friction-based car washes—water and dirt can easily seep into the cracks, causing the glass to delaminate, warp, or even compromise occupant safety. By contrast, touchless car washes (which use only water and cleaning agents) pose significantly lower risks. Some commenters questioned why the car wash didn’t disable its side brushes, though others noted such equipment is difficult to adjust on short notice. Regardless, drivers should avoid standard automatic car wash services whenever their vehicle’s glass is damaged.