How to wash a Tesla?

What Do You Need to Wash a Tesla on your own?

Usually, washing a Tesla is similar to washing any other car. It’s important to note that when washing a Tesla, you should avoid using high-pressure water or steam, as this can damage the car’s electronics and sensors. Additionally, be careful not to get water inside the charging port or other openings, as this can also cause damage.

On the official website, Tesla gives detailed instructions on cleaning Tesla, which we also recommend studying!

You will need a few basic supplies to get started:

1. Car wash soap: Use a high-quality car wash soap that is specifically designed for use on automotive paint. Avoid using dish soap or other household cleaners, as these can strip away the protective wax and damage the paint.

2. Bucket: Fill a bucket with warm water and add the car wash soap according to the instructions on the label.

3. Microfiber wash mitt: Use a soft, microfiber wash mitt to gently scrub the surface of the car. Avoid using abrasive sponges or brushes, as these can scratch the paint.

4. Hose or pressure washer: Rinse the car with a hose or pressure washer to remove any loose dirt or debris.

5. Drying towel: Use a soft, microfiber drying towel to dry the car after washing. Avoid using a regular towel or chamois, as these can scratch the paint.

6. Optional: Wax or sealant: If you want to protect the paint and add shine, you can apply a layer of wax or sealant after washing and drying the car.

However, there are several important questions that Tesla owners are interested in when washing a car. Let’s look at several washing options:

How To Wash a Tesla?

There are several ways to wash a Tesla, depending on your preference and the equipment you have available. Here are a few options:

Hand wash

Hand washing your Tesla is the safest option, as you can control the pressure and avoid sensitive areas of the car. To hand wash your Tesla, you will need a bucket of soapy water, a microfiber wash mitt, and a drying towel. Gently scrub the surface of the car with the wash mitt, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Rinse the car with a hose or pressure washer, and then dry it with a soft towel.

Touchless car wash

Touchless car washes use high-pressure water and soap to clean the car, without the use of brushes or other equipment that could potentially scratch the paint or damage the sensors. This is a safe option for Teslas, but keep in mind that touchless car washes may not be as effective at removing stubborn dirt or grime.

Waterless car wash

Waterless car wash products are designed to clean the car without the need for water. These products typically come in a spray bottle and are applied to the surface of the car, then wiped away with a microfiber towel. While waterless car washes can be effective at removing light dirt and grime, they may not be as effective as a traditional hand wash.

Automatic car wash

If you choose to use an automatic car wash, make sure to choose a touchless car wash that uses high-pressure water and soap. Avoid car washes that use brushes or rollers, as these can potentially scratch the paint or damage the sensors.

Overall, hand washing your Tesla is the safest option, but touchless car washes can also be effective if you choose the right type of car wash.

How Often Should I Wash My Tesla?

It depends on several factors, such as where you live, how often you drive the car, and the weather conditions. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to wash your Tesla at least once a month to keep it looking clean and free from dirt and debris. If you live in an area with a lot of dust, pollen, or other environmental factors that can affect the car’s appearance, you may want to wash it more frequently.

Additionally, if you drive your Tesla on dirt roads or in areas with a lot of salt or sand on the roads, you may want to wash it more often to prevent damage to the paint and undercarriage. It’s also a good idea to wash your Tesla after any long trips or extended periods of driving to remove any buildup of dirt or grime.

Finally, keep in mind that washing your Tesla too often can also be harmful, as it can strip away the protective wax and damage the paint over time. As a general rule, aim to wash your Tesla once a month or as needed, and be sure to use high-quality car wash soap and a soft microfiber wash mitt to protect the paint.

READ ALSO: Best Tesla seat covers. Cleaning tips

Products to Avoid Using On Your Tesla

Some products to avoid using on your Tesla while washing include:

– Dish soap or other household cleaners: These products can strip away the wax and damage the paint on your Tesla.

– Abrasive sponges or brushes: These can scratch the paint and leave swirl marks on your Tesla.

– Harsh chemicals: These can damage the paint and other surfaces on your Tesla.

– High-pressure water or steam: These can damage the car’s electronics and sensors, and can also force water inside the charging port or other openings.

Instead, it is recommended to use a car wash soap that is specifically formulated for use on vehicles, a microfiber wash mitt or sponge, and a bucket of clean water. Additionally, it is important to use a drying towel or chamois to dry the car after washing it.

As you know, Tesla has one feature that will help you in your car wash. This is a special mode. Let’s take a look at it:

Tesla Car Wash Mode

Tesla Car Wash Mode is a feature that is designed to make it easier and safer to wash your Tesla. When activated, Car Wash Mode disables certain features that could be damaged by water or cause issues during the washing process.

To activate Car Wash Mode on your Tesla, follow these steps:

1. Open the Tesla mobile app or go to the car’s touchscreen display.
2. Go to the Controls menu.
3. Select Service and then Car Wash Mode.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm that you want to activate Car Wash Mode.

When Car Wash Mode is activated, it will disable features such as automatic windshield wipers, parking sensors, and the automatic parking brake. This will prevent these features from being accidentally triggered during the washing process.

It is important to note that Car Wash Mode does not lower the suspension on your Tesla, so you may need to adjust the suspension manually if you need more clearance for the car wash equipment. Additionally, it is still recommended to use a touchless car wash or hand wash your Tesla to avoid potential damage to the car’s paint or sensors.

And finally, we cannot ignore the internal cleaning. Let’s see what features it has:

Interior Cleaning of Tesla

Cleaning the interior of your Tesla is an important part of maintaining its appearance and overall condition. Here are some tips for cleaning the interior of your Tesla:

1. Remove any large debris: Start by removing any large debris such as trash, food crumbs, or leaves from the interior of your Tesla. Use a vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum to remove any debris from the seats, floor mats, and carpet.

2. Clean the surfaces: Use a microfiber cloth and a mild all-purpose cleaner to clean the surfaces of your Tesla’s interior, such as the dashboard, door panels, and center console. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the surfaces of your Tesla.

3. Clean the seats: Use a specialized car upholstery cleaner to clean the seats of your Tesla. Tesla’s seats are made of various materials depending on the model and trim level, so it’s important to use the appropriate cleaner for your specific model.

4. Clean the windows: Use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean the windows of your Tesla. Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of the windows for a streak-free finish.

5. Clean the touchscreen: Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle touchscreen cleaner to clean the touchscreen display. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can scratch the surface of the screen.

6. Deodorize the interior: Use an air freshener or odor eliminator to keep your Tesla smelling fresh and clean.

It is important to note that Tesla recommends against using any cleaning products that contain bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia. These chemicals can cause damage to the interior surfaces of your Tesla. It is also recommended to avoid using any sharp or abrasive tools when cleaning the interior to avoid damaging the surfaces.

FAQs

Does a Tesla need to be hand washed?

While it is not necessary to hand wash your Tesla, it is generally considered the safest and most effective way to clean your car. Hand washing allows you to have more control over the cleaning process, ensuring that you are using the appropriate materials and techniques to avoid damaging the car’s paint or sensitive electronics.

Hand washing also allows you to pay close attention to areas that may be missed in an automatic car wash, such as the wheels, door jambs, and other hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, hand washing allows you to use a gentle touch and avoid using high-pressure water or steam that can damage the car’s electronics and sensors.

However, if you prefer not to hand wash your Tesla, touchless car washes are also a safe and effective option. Touchless car washes use high-pressure water and specialized cleaning solutions to clean the car’s exterior without making contact with the car’s paint or sensitive electronics. Be sure to choose a touchless car wash that is specifically designed for use on vehicles and avoid using brush car washes or automatic car washes with rollers, which can damage the car’s paint or sensors.

Can you wash a Tesla with a hose?

How do you put a Tesla in wash mode?

To put a Tesla in “Wash Mode,” follow these steps:

1. Open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the “Controls” tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap on “Service” at the bottom of the screen.
4. Scroll down until you see “Wash Mode” and tap on it.
5. A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm that you want to activate Wash Mode. Tap “OK.”
6. Your Tesla will now enter Wash Mode, which disables certain features that could be damaged by water or cause issues during the washing process. This includes features such as automatic windshield wipers, parking sensors, and the automatic parking brake.

It’s important to note that Wash Mode does not lower the suspension on your Tesla, so you may need to adjust the suspension manually if you need more clearance for the car wash equipment. When you’re finished washing your Tesla, you can exit Wash Mode by tapping the “Exit” button on the pop-up window that appears.