Method and apparatus for washing or drying a vehicle

Method and apparatus for washing or drying a vehicle (1). The vehicle (1) and an overhead unit (10) of the washing and/or drying apparatus (4) of the vehicle (1) are moved in relation to one another in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1). A position of the overhead unit (10) of the washing and/or drying apparatus (4) is determined in relation to the vehicle (1). In addition, a longitudinal virtual profile (15) of the vehicle (1) is determined. The position of the overhead unit (10) in relation to the vehicle (1) is controlled by a continuous control of the position of the overhead unit (10) in relation to the vehicle (1) by a basic control of the overhead unit (10) and the basic control of the overhead unit (10) is acted on, when necessary, by an additional control of the overhead unit (10) based on the longitudinal virtual profile (15) of the vehicle (1).