Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
You can take your Tesla through a car wash – with some precautions. Avoid automatic brush-style car washes, as they can cause scratches and damage to the paint job of your Tesla. Instead, opt for touchless or hand-washing methods. Touchless options use high-pressure water and specialized detergents to remove dirt without touching the vehicle’s surface. Hand washing also works well but requires more effort on your part.
Best Ways To Wash A Telsa:
Method 1: Hand Wash
Hand washing your Tesla is an effective and safe method to clean it. It may take some time, but it is worth the effort to ensure that dirt and grime are removed thoroughly.
- Park your car in a shaded area, preferably away from direct sunlight. This will prevent any water spots from forming on the paintwork.
- Prepare a bucket of clean water mixed with car wash soap according to the instructions on the bottle.
- Use a microfiber mitt or sponge to dip into the soapy water and gently scrub one section of your Tesla at a time, starting from the top down.
- Rinse each section with clean water before moving on to the next one.
- Dry your car using a microfiber towel or chamois cloth to avoid leaving any streaks or scratches behind.
Method 2: Waterless Car Wash
A waterless car wash is a modern method of washing cars that don’t require large amounts of water. Instead, it uses specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt and grime from the surface of your vehicle. One advantage of this technique is that it can be done anywhere, even where access to water might be limited.
- Spray the solution on the car’s surface, which helps to loosen dirt particles without damaging the paintwork.
- Using a microfiber towel or sponge, gently wipe away any remaining dirt and grime before buffing the surface with another clean towel for added shine.
Waterless car wash has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its eco-friendliness and convenience.
Method 3: Touchless Car Wash
A touchless car wash uses high-pressure water jets and detergents to clean your car without physically touching it. This method eliminates the risk of scratches or damage to the paint surface caused by brushes or another physical contact. The process is quick and efficient, taking only a few minutes to complete.
How To Wash Your Tesla?
Cleaning The Exterior:
Before starting the washing process, ensure your Tesla is turned off and unplugged from its power source for safety reasons. Then, begin by rinsing the car with water to remove any loose dirt or debris on the surface. Afterward, use a high-quality microfiber cloth or sponge and apply soap suds to clean the body thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive materials such as scouring pads or brushes that may scratch the paintwork.
Cleaning The Interior:
Take precautions when cleaning the interior. A common mistake is using harsh cleaning products on the dashboard and touchscreen display, which can cause damage or leave streaks. Instead, use a microfiber cloth with water or mild cleaner designed for car interiors.
Another area that requires attention when cleaning the interior of a Tesla is upholstery. It’s best to avoid using excessive amounts of water in this area as it can seep into the seats and cause mold growth or damage to electrical components located beneath them. Instead, vacuum thoroughly and use an approved fabric cleaner sparingly.
Don’t forget about air vents and crevices where dust and dirt accumulate. An air compressor or dusting tool can remove debris from these areas without causing any damage.
Why Can’t Tesla Go Through A Car Wash?
The Tesla Model S has a low ground clearance, making navigating rough terrain or obstacles like speed bumps difficult. Car washes typically have rollers and tracks that can cause damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle.
Tesla vehicles come equipped with various sensors on their exterior surfaces, such as cameras, radar systems, and ultrasonic sensors that help with autonomous driving features. When exposed to high-pressure water sprays used in car washes, these sensors could malfunction.
Some Tesla models, like the Model X, come with falcon-wing doors that require special attention when cleaning them. Improper handling during a car wash could damage or even breakage of these doors.
Does Tesla Offer A Free Car Wash?
Tesla does not offer free car wash services to its customers. However, Tesla recommends that car owners clean their vehicles regularly to maintain the appearance and longevity of their cars. Cleanliness also helps keep electrical components running smoothly.
Can You Take A Tesla Model 3 Through A Car Wash?
You can take your Tesla Model 3 through a car wash if it is touchless. Touchless car washes use high-pressure water and soap to clean the vehicle without physically touching it, which is safe for any car, including the Tesla Model 3.
However, if you go through an automatic car wash with brushes that make physical contact with your vehicle, you may risk damaging your Tesla’s paint job. The brushes used in typical automatic car washes may scratch or even chip off pieces of the paint on your vehicle over time.
Should I Hand Wash My Tesla?
Hand washing your Tesla will allow you to take extra care when cleaning the exterior of your vehicle. This means that you can pay closer attention to areas where dirt and grime might be more stubbornly stuck on the surface of your car. Additionally, using specialized tools such as microfiber cloths and gentle cleansers, you can ensure that your paint job stays in great condition for years.
Why Is Car Wash Mode Not Available In My Tesla?
The Model S and Model X produced before March 2019 do not have the car wash mode, as it was introduced in a software update released after that date.
Some older Teslas do not have the car wash mode due to concerns about water getting into the vehicle’s sensitive electronics and causing damage. This issue was addressed by introducing a new software feature that protects these components from water damage during a carwash.
Conclusion
Tesla owners can wash their cars just like any other car. However, there are a few things to remember when washing a Tesla. First and foremost, it is important to use the right cleaning materials and techniques to protect the car’s paint and finish. Using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools can damage the car’s exterior.
One of the best ways to clean a Tesla is through hand-washing with non-abrasive soap and microfiber cloths. This method removes all dirt and debris without damaging the car’s surface. It is also recommended that owners avoid high-pressure power washers as they may cause water damage to sensitive areas of the vehicle.
