So I took my car to a hand car wash for the first time. When they first started watering it down the car was idling and it started making this siren-like sound for about 10 seconds. They turned off the engine and then dried it out.

I imagine some water got in the rear.

Afterwards it started up fine, drove fine, and I took it on the highway with no problems.

I'm just wondering is everything A-ok or should I get this checked out?

 

Belt squeak, no big deal.

 

Yep --belt squeak is normal . It stopped when they dried up.

 

Belt squeak and I let them idle my car so that the wing can remain up when they drive it around to wash and then dry. It is all good.

 

I hand wash my TT and I'm amazed on how much water gets into the engine compartment. I now place one of those absorbant towels over the two intake openings, close the hatch and then wash.

 

shut off engine when washing it. don't use high pressure spray (as all car wash place do) near the intake vents at the rear. the side vents should be avoided but wont be as bad as they are used to cool turbo intercoolers.

 

Wow thanks a lot guys thats a load off my mind, hehe.

 

Yes thanks for the tip - I'll remember that when mine gets here.

 

What I do is put a large towel on top of the engine compartment under the cover whenever I wash my car. Close the compartment gently. Water gets through the vent openings. Just remember to remove it afterwards.

 

So what do you do when you drive in the rain?

 

I assumed you turbo guys just drove so fast in the rain the engine never get wet

 

You don't get nearly as much in the engine compartment when driving or sitting in the rain as you would when washing the car.

 

Using a hose to rinse off the rear deck puts water in and on at much different angles than rain - never had a problem with a wet compartment after rain...but you' be amazed at how much water gets in after washing.

 

Great minds think alike.

 

I get the squeak too. I just make a point to open the engine compartment when drying the car and making sure I get out as much water as i can. Not a big deal. If you drive in the rain (I do) I make sure to hose off the dirt under the car and the wheel wells (I use a Meguire brush for that but its been discontinued). If the engine is hot wait till it cools down before just a quick spray. If you wait the dirt is harder to get off. Lastly, every month or two (depending where you live) be sure to vacume all the debris off the front radiators. You will need a small tube like attachment to get to the side corners. Try it and you will be surprised what comes out of there....leaves, cigarette butts, paper, and all sorts of bugs. My mechanic laughs at me when he puts my car up on the hydraulics because its the cleanest car he's ever seen underneath (including new ones). All the cosmoline is removed (don't need it in SF) and the engine literally shines. I know its a bit much but I like to do it. Gretta I thought you would have your car by now??? Its been a long wait, hang in there!