A Tesla is like no other car. It’s stylish, very efficient, has amazingly cool modes, and can drive on its own – sometimes even better than you! However, what’s not so easy is washing your Tesla. Yes, we know how troublesome it can get, but you don’t have to worry. Use the top tips mentioned below to keep your Tesla spotless all the time.
How to Hand Wash Your Tesla at Home
Washing your Tesla at home using handwashing techniques can effectively reduce the chances of scratches being caused. You can follow the steps below for a perfect car wash at home:
- Step 1: Pre-wash your Tesla with water before starting the cleaning process to loosen the dirt stuck onto the car.
- Step 2: Wash your Tesla from top to bottom using the two-bucket method. Fill the first bucket with car wash soap solution and use the other bucket to collect dirty water and rinse your wash mitt. Dip your mitt into the soapy solution first, clean your car, and then dunk it in the second bucket to rinse or wring it out. Divide your car into different sections and clean it so you won’t miss out on any spot
- Step 3: Once you are happy with the results, the next step is drying your car. We recommend using microfiber towels to dry your car. They can absorb large amounts of water and are non-abrasive. After you’re done with the drying process, give the car a once-over to check if you’ve covered all the spots.
The Waterless Car Wash Method
As the name implies, it utilizes no or very little water. All you need is a waterless car wash product and some microfiber towels for the perfect car wash. Here’s how you can wash your car using the waterless car wash method:
- Step 1: Divide your car into different sections.
- Step 2: Simply spray the waterless car wash product on the car’s body and then leave it to sit.
- Step 3: After some time, wipe it off with a microfiber towel. While wiping, keep in mind to not apply too much pressure, and do not go in a circle. Wipe in only one direction.
- Step 4: Use different microfiber towels for different sections of the car.
Visit a Touchless Car Wash
If you don’t have the time to wash your car using the aforementioned methods, you can visit a touchless car wash. The Tesla owner’s manual warns you not to take your car to an automatic car wash and to visit only a touchless car wash. However, in a touchless car wash, no equipment comes in direct contact with your car, so there is no chance of scratches being caused.
Additionally, Tesla recently released the ‘car wash mode’ for the Model Y and the Model 3 to give you a hassle-free car wash experience. According to Electrek, the all-new car wash mode closes all the windows, locks the charging port, disables the windshield wipers, Sentry mode, walk-away door locks, and parking sensor chimes. Although you could perform these tasks manually, the car wash mode can now do them in one single tap.
Tips to Wash Your Tesla
- It’s advisable to avoid using automatic car washes, as they may damage the car’s delicate components.
- You can choose a waterless car wash, which saves water and produces great results.
- You can use a microfiber cloth for a waterless wash and a different cloth for the windows to prevent streaks.
- Avoid applying too much pressure when wiping, and refrain from wiping in circles.
These simple tips can help keep your Tesla in good condition for longer.
Common Queries on Tesla Car Wash
Can I take my Tesla through a drive-thru car wash?
Tesla warns against taking your vehicle to a regular automated car wash, which uses brushes and bristles to clean your vehicle. However, if you want to take your Tesla through a drive-thru car wash, use only touchless car washes.
Should I hand-wash my Tesla?
Yes, it’s the safest method to clean your Tesla. Of course, you can use the two-bucket method. If your Tesla is covered with just light dirt, use the waterless or rinseless car wash method.
How do you dry a Tesla?
We recommend you use microfiber towels to dry your Tesla. Microfiber towels can effectively remove water without causing scratches on your car’s exterior. Also, drying it under sunlight or letting it dry on its own will cause water spots on your Tesla; we’re sure you don’t want that.
How to put Tesla in car wash mode?
To enable the car wash mode in Tesla Y, touch control>services>car wash mode. The Tesla car wash mode will close the doors and windows and disable windshield wipers and Sentry Mode. The car wash mode disables if you exceed 10 mph or touch the exit on the screen.
How to top up Tesla windshield washer fluid?
If your Tesla’s windshield fluid level comes down, it will be displayed on the touchscreen. Locate the windshield wiper fluid reservoir behind the front trunk and top it up.
What is the best way to wash Tesla?
Do not use rough or close-napped textiles, such as wash mitts. If you need to clean something, get a good-quality microfiber cloth. If you must use a car wash, make sure it’s touchless.
How often can I wash my Tesla?
While there is no ironclad rule dictating how often you must wash your Tesla, most experts agree that every two weeks is ideal. However, more frequent washings are warranted if your Tesla is frequently subjected to contaminants like soil/mud, road salt, bird droppings/bug guts, tree sap/brake dust/tar.
Can a Tesla go through water?
Tesla does not recommend driving through water, even though some experts suggest that EVs aren’t worse than ICE cars going through deep water or floodwater.
Is it safe to wash a Tesla while it’s charging?
Ideally, you shouldn’t wash any Tesla model while it’s charging. But if you absolutely must, it’s safe to do so because all Teslas are waterproof. To be safe, don’t use hot water.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
