Tesla Car Wash [How To Guide]

You got your new Tesla - Congratulations!

After your first few spins  - it will (like all other cars) - get soiled.

So:

You need to get it washed;

And:

This is where Tesla (Model 3 or Model Y) is not like "all other cars" - as you are facing 3 issues:

1. Tesla recommends that you do not use a regular car wash with brushes - but only touchless car washes
2. All warranty is void from damage created during car wash - and good luck getting the car wash to pay for it!
3. The paint on your Tesla is soft / prone to scratches and thin - especially on the Black Paint.

But:

Don't worry!

At Auto Glanz we've got you covered - and will guide you through the options that you should take - in order to get your Tesla looking its best - without scratching or damaging it!

 

Key Takeaways:

• Tesla car wash mode protects your vehicle during the cleaning process.
• Enabling and disabling Tesla car wash mode is a straightforward process on the touchscreen.
• Follow Tesla's recommendations for using touchless car washes and hand-washing your Tesla for the best results.
• Regularly cleaning the interior of your Tesla is essential for a comfortable driving experience.

What is Tesla Car Wash Mode?

Tesla car wash mode is a feature that allows Tesla owners to effortlessly clean their vehicles.

Whether you prefer taking your Tesla to an automated car wash or doing it yourself at home, car wash mode provides the necessary settings to ensure a successful and convenient car wash experience.

With car wash mode, you have the ability to enable and disable specific features of your Tesla to protect it during the cleaning process. This includes automatically closing windows, locking charge ports and disabling windshield wipers.

By activating car wash mode, you can confidently bring your Tesla to any automatic car wash minimizing the potential damage. 

If you prefer washing your Tesla at home, car wash mode also ensures that you have all the necessary settings in place to achieve a thorough and effective wash. It's a versatile feature that caters to both automated car washes and personalized, at-home cleaning sessions.

How to Enable Tesla Car Wash Mode

Enabling Tesla car wash mode is a simple process. On the touchscreen, go to Controls, then Service, and select Car Wash Mode. Once enabled, Tesla car wash mode will automatically close windows, lock charge ports, disable windshield wipers, and enable other features to prepare your car for a car wash. It is important to ensure your car is parked before enabling car wash mode.

To enable Tesla car wash mode:

1. Go to the Controls menu on your Tesla touchscreen.
2. Select the Service option.
3. Choose Car Wash Mode.

After enabling car wash mode, your Tesla will undergo the following changes:

• The windows will close to prevent water from getting inside the car.
• The charge ports will lock to protect any electrical components.
• The windshield wipers will be disabled to avoid any potential damage during the car wash.

Please make sure that your car is parked before enabling Tesla car wash mode. This will ensure that the necessary precautions are taken and the car is ready for the car wash.

Steps to Enable Tesla Car Wash Mode	Features Enabled
Select Controls on the touchscreen	Windows automatically close
Choose Service	Charge ports lock
Select Car Wash Mode	Windshield wipers disabled

How to Disable Tesla Car Wash Mode

Disabling Tesla car wash mode is a breeze. You have two options to exit car wash mode and restore the normal settings of your Tesla:

1. Select the "Exit Car Wash Mode" button on the touchscreen; or
2. Start driving over 10 mph.

Tips for Taking a Tesla to an Automatic Car Wash

If you choose to take your Tesla to an automated car wash, it is important to follow certain tips to avoid any potential damage.

1. Use Touchless Car Washes

Tesla recommends using touchless car washes that do not make contact with the surface of your vehicle. These car washes utilize high-pressure water and specialized cleaning agents to safely remove dirt and grime without the risk of scratches or damage. 

Please note: A completely touchless car wash - will not clean your car 100%. The reason being - that the chemicals will simply be too hard on the cars paint, plastic and seals.

If you do choose a non-touchless automatic car wash - there is a risk you will get micro scratches on your car. 

In order to get it as clean as possible - we recommend you use our car wash bundle - in order to get thorough cleaning and good paint protection after wash. Simply choose the cheapest car wash option and use these products:

2. Enable Tesla Car Wash Mode

Before entering the automated car wash, make sure to enable Tesla car wash mode. This mode is specifically designed to protect your car from water damage by closing windows, locking charge ports, and disabling windshield wipers. To enable car wash mode, go to Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode on your Tesla touchscreen.

Hand washing your Tesla

The consensus among Tesla and Tesla owners is that it is best to avoid bringing a Tesla to an automated car wash.

Washing your Tesla by hand is our preferred option to ensure a safe and thorough clean. By following the proper hand-washing techniques and using the right tools and products, you can keep your Tesla clean and well-maintained.

When it comes to washing your Tesla by hand, you have complete control over the process and can ensure that every inch of your vehicle is properly cleaned. Hand washing allows you to use gentle techniques and high-quality cleaning products that are specifically formulated for automotive use. This helps to prevent any potential damage to the paintwork or delicate components of your Tesla.

Benefits of Hand Washing Your Tesla

By hand washing your Tesla, you can enjoy several benefits:

• Greater control over the cleaning process
• Ability to access hard-to-reach areas and remove stubborn dirt
• Reduced risk of damage to the paintwork and delicate components
• Opportunity to inspect your Tesla for any signs of damage or wear
• Satisfaction of knowing you've given your Tesla the care and attention it deserves

When hand washing your Tesla, it's important to follow a few key steps to ensure a thorough and effective clean:

Pre-wash

Start by pre-washing your Tesla with a pre-wash to remove any loose dirt and debris.

Contact wash

Use a pH-neutral car wash soap and a soft microfiber wash mitt to wash the exterior, working from top to bottom.

Drying aid / Paint Protection

After the contact wash - rinse the remaining shampoo off the car and apply your drying aid / sealant. It is a simple spray on - rinse of process.

Dry with a microfibre towel

Using a high quality microfibre towel for drying your car - you will minimize limescale and reduce the risk of scratching it. Even though recommended by Tesla - do avoid using a chamois to dry your car.

The Importance of the Right Tools and Products

In order to achieve the best results when hand washing your Tesla, it's important to use the right tools and products. This includes:

• A pre-wash and necessary tools to apply it
• A pH-neutral car wash soap to gently lift dirt and grime without stripping away protective coatings
• A soft microfiber wash mitt or sponge to prevent scratching the paintwork
• Separate drying towels to ensure a streak-free finish
• A high-quality drying aid / sealant to provide added protection against the elements

Get everything you need for pre-wash here:

Get everything else you need for contact wash, drying and protection here:

By using these tools and products, you can maintain the integrity of your Tesla's exterior and keep it looking its best.

In conclusion, while touchless automatic car washes may seem like a convenient option, it is best to avoid bringing your Tesla to these facilities. Opting for hand washing allows you to have greater control over the cleaning process and reduces the risk of damage to your Tesla's delicate components. By following proper hand-washing techniques and using the right tools and products, you can keep your Tesla clean, well-maintained, and looking its best for years to come.

How to Clean the Interior of a Tesla

Keeping the interior of your Tesla clean is essential for comfort and overall maintenance.

In general there is not much to do in a Tesla. 

You will need our leather care bundle to take care of your leather seats and wheel:

And:

Our interior bundle all the trim, plastics and LCD screen:

For glass - consider our Glass Cleaning Bundle:

That's it!

Recommended Products for Cleaning the Interior of a Tesla

Product	Description
Interior Cleaner	Mist - A specialized cleaner designed to effectively remove dirt and stains from automotive interiors without causing damage.
Microfiber Cloth	Laser Edge 320 - A soft and lint-free cloth that is gentle on interior surfaces and helps to prevent scratches.
Leather Cleaning Set	For keeping seats and steering wheel like new
Vacuum	A vacuum cleaner with narrow attachments for effectively removing dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tesla Car Wash

What is Tesla Car Wash Mode?

Tesla Car Wash Mode is a feature  that allows Tesla owners to enable and disable certain features when bringing their car to a car wash.

How to Enable Tesla Car Wash Mode

To enable Tesla Car Wash Mode, go to Controls, then Service, and select Car Wash Mode on the touchscreen. Once enabled, it will automatically close windows, lock charge ports, disable windshield wipers, and enable other features to prepare your car for a car wash.

How to Disable Tesla Car Wash Mode

To disable Tesla Car Wash Mode, you can select the "Exit Car Wash Mode" button on the touchscreen or start driving over 10 mph. Both options will automatically disable car wash mode and restore the normal settings of your Tesla.

Tips for Taking a Tesla to an Automatic Car Wash

Tesla recommends using touchless car washes that do not make contact with the surface of your vehicle. Make sure Tesla Car Wash Mode is enabled to protect your car from damage.

Should You Bring a Tesla to a Car Wash?

While touchless automatic car washes are safe for Teslas, hand washing your Tesla is the preferred option to ensure a safe and thorough clean.

 

How to Clean the Interior of a Tesla

Start by vacuuming the interior, paying attention to small crevasses and air vents. Use interior brushes and an interior detailer spray for detailed cleaning.