No, you should not turn off your engine when using most modern automatic car washes in Dubai or Abu Dhabi — keep it running in NEUTRAL (N). Turning it off can cause the vehicle to roll or fail to move with the conveyor, a major reason for machine damage and even scratched paint in washes on Sheikh Zayed Road. According to operating guidelines from RTA Dubai and general safety advisories by the MOI UAE, the vehicle must be in a state where it can be pulled by the system without driver input; this requires the engine and power steering to be operational. For a typical GCC-spec vehicle like a 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser (which often has auto-hold features), the correct procedure is: drive onto the tracks, shift to N, release the brake completely, keep hands off the wheel, and let the system guide the car. Turning off the engine disables the power steering, which can cause the wheels to lock if the system tries to move them, leading to tyre damage or a stalled conveyor. The RTA's vehicle inspection guidelines for public transport fleets also note that improper car wash procedures are a common factor in premature wear to parking brakes and alignment. For a private owner, the cost of repairing a damaged conveyor guide or paint scratch from an incident far outweighs the minimal fuel consumed (approx. 0.1-0.2 litres for a 5-minute wash). Always check the specific instructions at the petrol station entrance (like ENOC or ADNOC stations), as some older or touchless systems may have different rules, but the standard for tunnel washes is clear: engine on, gear in neutral.
