What is self-parking in a washing machine?

Top-loading washing machines aren't as common as front-loading ones, but they're still in demand, primarily due to their compact size. Using a top-loading machine can pose a number of problems, such as the drum spinning when the doors are open. This can be eliminated by activating the auto-parking feature. We'll explain the purpose of this feature and how it makes life easier for homeowners.

Why do we need car parking?

Most vertical washing machines have a similar design: additional doors under the top cover provide access to the drum. A latch secures the metal doors. On inexpensive models, the fasteners cannot properly hold the doors in place when the drum is braking or accelerating.

Therefore, the doors may open on their own during a wash cycle, even if the opening is located at the bottom of the machine rather than at the top. This situation can be a hassle for the homeowner, as turning the drum with the doors open without damaging the drum is quite challenging. Automatic parking will help lock the drum in the correct position, facilitating repairs. This will make it much easier for the user to repair a broken mechanism.

The automatic parking feature in the washing machine ensures that the drum opening is aligned with the housing hatch.

This option will be useful not only if the vertical one breaks down. Parking the drum in the washing machine will also provide the housewife with safe access to clean laundry. By activating this feature, you no longer have to worry about the drum spinning downwards and pinching your finger. The drum door will lock firmly in place.

A significant drawback of the "vertical"

If you're choosing between a top-loading and a front-loading washing machine, think carefully. In fact, top-loading machines have one significant drawback that sellers don't warn you about. The top cover of the vast majority of models isn't coated with a protective layer, so it starts to rust after a few years of use.

To prevent corrosion, it's essential to carefully maintain the lid. Be sure to not only wipe the entire surface and the rubber seals dry, but also use cotton swabs to remove any remaining water droplets around the door hinge.

Meticulous, proper maintenance will delay rust, but it won't prevent the lid from deteriorating. Corrosion will simply start in 4-5 years, not 2-3. Many vertical car owners are wondering how to fix the problem.

If the top cover of the housing is so rusty that it becomes scary to use the washing machine, there are two options:

• Buy a new door and install it in place of the damaged one. The cost of a replacement part varies for each model, but it's quite possible to purchase a cover for between 2,000 and 4,000 rubles;
• Remove the door, scrape off any peeling paint, sand down any rust, and prime any damaged areas. Then paint the panel and reinstall it.

In any case, the lid will rust again within a couple of years. This problem is more common in cheaper models, whose top panel is made of low-quality iron, which is highly susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, when purchasing a vertical dishwasher, it's best to choose machines from reliable brands.

Readers' comments