SELF-DRIVING CARS CAN'T GO THROUGH CAR WASHES

They’re starting to find some problems with the whole self-driving car thing. One of them is keeping the thing clean. A self-driving vehicle’s exterior needs to be cleaned even more frequently than a typical car because of the dozens – yes DOZENS – of sensors that must remain free of obstructions. Dirt, dead bugs, bird droppings or water spots can impact the vehicle’s ability to drive safely. But there are a range of problems with putting a self-driving vehicle through a traditional automated car wash, experts say. For example, soap residue or water spots could effectively “blind” an automobile. Big mechanical brushes could jar the vehicle’s sensors, disrupting their calibration and accuracy. Even worse, sensors, which can be very, very expensive, could be broken. Until they get the problems worked out, the safest bet is to wash the car by hand.
* …every two hours or so.
* So – they’re going to be a riot in the rain and snow.
* Feel safe yet?
* Nice to know humans will always find work hand-washing our robot overlords.