Method and device for washing an automobile

The method involves moving a roof brush (18) and side brushes (22, 24) along a vehicle (12) during a reference cycle. The reference cycle is executed before a washing process. A movement of the washing tool along a sub region of the vehicle is manually controlled. A contour of the vehicle region is stored in form of contour data on a magnet card (44). The stored contour data is used during another washing process for controlling a vehicle washing system (10). The stored contour data is clearly associated to the vehicle by an identification code. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle washing system comprising a washing tool.