Wanted to ask this before going to a car wash for the first time with the new car.
What do I do with the smart key? In my older cars, I just leave the key in the ignition and the car wash can pull the car in. But here, the key is in my pocket, and what happens if I leave the engine on and walk away from the car with the key still in my pocket?
Thanks,

 

You have to leave the car running. It then doesn't matter where the key is. If you shut the car off, it will go into park automagically.

 

I would not take the Jag to a commercial car wash. Your car's paint will come out full of swirls and, depending on the color, look like someone rubbed steel wool all over it. Try to take it to a detailer that washes cars by hand. There are mobile detailers that can do it at your office or home.

I made that mistake and had to have the car professionally detailed to remove those swirl marks. My car is black (this color will swirl more easily) and I will never take the car to another commercial car wash.

 

Yes thanks, I usually go to a hand car wash nearby.

 

To answer your question. I remove the key from the FOB, put the key in my pocket, put the FOB in the cup holder and turn the engine off. BTW I have 2010 XF Portfolio. I made the mistake of leaving the FOB with the key in it once and when it went through, the doors locked with the engine running. They had to take me home to get my spare. Never gain.

Regarding the swirls, never use a car wash that uses brush type systems, they make the swirls. I use one that has cloth type strips, very gentle. I know the owner and he is a Jag lover, respects my car.

 

1) remove key from pocket
2) place key in cupholder
3) step away from the vehicle

 

If I take mine to a car-wash (Brush-less), it will be just for a quick rinse off and then I get home and hand detail it with Spray wax ...But a note of caution about commercial wash detergents;..they will stain the chrome trim around the door windows if left on to dry..So I wipe these trim pieces off with a microfiber towel before I leave the car-wash lot...

 

A couple years ago, I happened to be be speaking with a guy who owns car washes, and he said a little known fact is that during the winter, the "soap" that is used has a high salt content itself - it's apparently a very effective way to get the salt that is on the vehicle to dissolve and be removed - liquid salt onto dry salt. As far as the FOB and car washes, I leave it in the cup holder and hope that the technology that is supposed to recognize that the key is inside the vehicle will prevent it from being locked in...

 

Me too, just left the key in the cup holder, no issue.