I have a 2024 F150 Lariat, Supercrew, 3.5L Powerboost in Star White. She has the off road package. I have a hard, 3-panel tonneau cover on her.
I like to keep her clean and will wash and vacuum as needed. No problem when it is warm.
But when it is really hot or cold, it can be a problem. The original radio antenna is on her, above the right fender.
We have some fancy new automatic car washes in the area. Can this truck go through one of these automatic car washers? I will check them out with the owner/manager as well.
Should I replaced the original antenna with one of the shorter ones? I see some 4", 6" and 7" antennas on Amazon. I don't listen to AM/FM much, preferring the SirusXM or music on my cell phone.
Anything else to be worried about in taking her into an automatic car wash?
Thanks a lot.

 

If they are soft cloth wash or rotating bristle I would not attempt it, they can wrap around the antenna and rip put the fender. I usually go to touchless to avoid the issue. I have a 4" stubby.

 

I realized I never use entertainment radio, pulled it, hid it under the rear mat JIC, and plugged it with Cmas tree from Lowes I can pull by hand

 

I don’t ever listen to regular radio so I bought the antenna delete cap off Amazon. I do keep the antennae in the storage compartment under the back seat just in case. Other than the antenna you should be fine. I’ve taken my 25 through brush car washes

 

Stay away from these types of car washes unless you want lots of scratches in your veh.. THey drap dirt in the brushes and then scratch the crap out of your veh. If you really must use a car was go to a touchless they work at getting the heavy off and if you get their "wax" treatment it actually helps keep the dirt off, just after a few washes you will have to go and hand wash as it tents to leave a slight film after a while. I use a touchless in the winter as it also has the underbody spray and helps get all the salt and grime off until summer when i can hand wash again.

 

I have one of the short antennas and although I don't listen to the radio often it works fine with FM but not AM.

 

I mostly use touchless car washes but when going through a brush or cloth style car wash I remove the antenna before entering and reinstall when leaving.

 

Don’t bother askinggthe staff at the car wash, they will tell you they assume no liability and it’s at your discretion. I replaced mine with a short rubber antenna, and it still works well. Looks better too.

 

I have a '23 and ran it through the car wash several times with the factory long antenna with no problems. I did replace it recently with a 12" antenna as I did not like the long one flopping around all the time.
I do agree with the others on the car wash, those brushed car washes will scratch your paint. The last time I went through one it left 2 scratches on my drivers side A pillar that are pretty noticeable. I have just went to hand washing now and looking at investing in a small electric power washer and a foam cannon.

 

Never had a problem with my antenna going through car washes, including with rotating brushes