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 given 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 one bucket with car wash soap solution and the other to collect the dirty water and rinse out 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 satisfied with the results, the next process is drying your car. We’d recommend you use microfiber towels to dry your car. Microfiber towels can absorb large amounts of water, and they 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.
Read: 10 things driving a Tesla says about you
The waterless car wash method
A waterless car wash – as the name implies – 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 visit only a touchless car wash. However, in a touchless car wash, no equipment comes in direct contact with your car. Therefore the chances for scratches being caused is none.
What’s more, Tesla recently released the ‘car wash mode’ for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles to make your car wash experience hassle-free. According to Electrek, the new car wash mode closes all windows, locks the charge port, disables 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 get it done in one single tap.
Read: 6 tips to help extend the battery life of your Tesla
Tesla car wash – Frequently asked questions
Can I take my Tesla through a drive-thru car wash?
Tesla warns you against taking your car to a regular automated car wash that uses brushes and bristles to clean your vehicle. However, if you’re taking your Tesla through a drive-thru car wash, make sure you use only touchless car washes.
Should I hand wash my Tesla?
Yes, it’s the safest method to clean your Tesla. You can, of course, use the two-bucket method to wash your Tesla. Use the waterless or rinseless car wash method, if it’s covered with just light dirt.
How do you a dry a Tesla?
We’d recommend you use microfiber towels to dry your Tesla. Microfiber towels can effectively remove the water without causing any scratches on your car’s exterior. Also, drying it under the sunlight or letting it dry on its own can 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.