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Tesla Car Wash Mode - A Full Guide to Cleaning your Tesla


Credit Tesla: Model Y

Tesla Car Wash Mode is an important feature in your Tesla. In every Tesla Model you have the option to activate this Mode when entering a car wash facility. In this short Guide we will show you all details you need to know and how you can properly clean your Tesla.

To enable Tesla Car Wash Mode, owners can touch Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode on the vehicle's touchscreen. The car must be stationary and not actively charging for the feature to work. If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps the vehicle in Neutral and activates free roll for the duration of the wash, while preventing the car from applying the Parking brake if the driver leaves the seat.


How do you activate Car Wash Mode in a Tesla vehicle?

To activate Car Wash Mode in a Tesla vehicle, follow these steps:

  1. Park the car in a safe location.

  2. Open the Tesla mobile app.

  3. Select the "Controls" tab.

  4. Tap on "Car Wash Mode."

  5. Follow the instructions on the screen to activate Car Wash Mode.

Tesla Car Wash Mode explained

Credit Tesla: Model Y

The Tesla Car Wash Mode is a feature that prepares the vehicle to go through an automatic car wash safely. This feature is available on all Tesla vehicles, including Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y. In this section, we will discuss how to activate Car Wash Mode and the features it offers.


Features of Car Wash Mode

Car Wash Mode offers three features: Screen Clean Mode, Fold Mirrors, and Car Wash Mode. Screen Clean Mode allows the driver to clean the touchscreen without affecting the other settings. Fold Mirrors is a convenient feature that folds the side mirrors when the vehicle is parked, making it easier to navigate tight spaces.

When the vehicle is in Car Wash Mode, it disables all features that may interfere with the car wash process. This includes Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes. Car Wash Mode also closes all windows and locks the charging port.

It is important to note that while Tesla Car Wash Mode prepares the vehicle for an automatic car wash, it does not guarantee that the car wash will not cause damage. Tesla recommends using a touchless car wash or hand washing the vehicle for the best results.

Overall, Tesla Car Wash Mode is a helpful feature that makes it easier for drivers to prepare their vehicle for an automatic car wash. By activating Car Wash Mode, drivers can ensure that their vehicle is ready for the wash and that all features that may interfere with the process are disabled.


Preparing Your Tesla for Car Wash

Credit Tesla: Model Y

Before taking your Tesla to the car wash, it is important to properly prepare it to avoid any potential damage to the car. This section will provide some tips on how to prepare your Tesla for a car wash, whether it is an automatic car wash or a handwash.


Automatic Car Wash Precautions

When taking your Tesla to an automatic car wash, it is important to take some precautions to avoid any damage to the car. Tesla owners should be aware that the car wash mode disables the parking sensor chimes and the automatic windshield wipers. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the windshield wipers are turned off before entering the car wash, as they may be damaged by the brushes or other equipment used in the car wash.

Additionally, ýou should enable free roll to keep the vehicle in Neutral and activate free roll for the duration of the wash. This will prevent the Model 3 from applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver's seat.


Hand Wash and Touchless Car Wash Tips

For those who prefer to hand wash their Tesla or take it to a touchless car wash, there are some additional tips to keep in mind. Tesla owners should avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on the car's paint, as this can damage the ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF).

Instead, Tesla owners should use the two-bucket method, which involves using one bucket of soapy water and another bucket of clean water to rinse the sponge or wash mitt between each section of the car. This will help prevent any dirt or debris from scratching the paint.

We have always cleaned the Tesla manually as you have full control over the result compared to a standard automatic car wash.


Safety and Maintenance Features

Credit Tesla: Model Y

When washing your Tesla, safety and maintenance are two crucial aspects to consider. Tesla Car Wash Mode is a feature that can help with both of these concerns. Here are some of the safety and maintenance features that Tesla Car Wash Mode offers:


Protecting Exterior Components

Tesla Car Wash Mode closes all windows and locks the charge port, which protects the interior of the car from water damage. Additionally, it disables Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes to prevent any unwanted beeping during the car wash.


Interior Maintenance

Tesla Car Wash Mode also ensures that the vehicle is in neutral, which is necessary for automatic car washes that use conveyor belts. This feature protects the brake pedal from damage and allows for a smooth wash.

It is important to note that Tesla Car Wash Mode is not a substitute for hand washing. The Tesla Owner's Manual recommends hand washing as the safest and most effective way to clean the vehicle. However, for those who prefer to use an automated car wash, Tesla Car Wash Mode can help ensure that the car is washed safely and effectively.

Tesla Car Wash Mode is available for all Model 3, Model Y, and the redesigned Model S and Model X vehicles. The older Model S and Model X models do not have this feature.

Overall, Tesla Car Wash Mode is a useful feature that can help Tesla owners safely wash their electric vehicle. By touch enabling free roll and disabling certain features, Tesla owners can safely wash their vehicles without worrying about any damage.


Optimizing Car Wash Mode Settings

Credit Tesla: Model Y

Car Wash Mode is a feature that allows Tesla owners to quickly and easily prepare their vehicle for a car wash. This feature is designed to optimize the car's settings for washing, making the process more efficient and safer for the vehicle. In this section, we will explore how Tesla owners can customize their Car Wash Mode settings to suit their specific needs.


Customizing Controls for Car Wash

One of the key features of Car Wash Mode is the ability to customize the controls of the vehicle. This allows the driver to quickly and easily adjust the settings of the car to suit their needs. For example, the driver can fold the mirrors in, activate Screen Clean Mode, and turn on Walk-Away Door Locking. These settings can be customized to suit the driver's preferences, making the car wash experience more convenient and efficient.


Convenience Functions in Car Wash Mode

Credit Tesla: Model Y

Car Wash Mode also includes a number of convenience functions that make the car wash experience more enjoyable. For example, the Automatic Wipers can be activated to ensure that the windshield stays clean during the wash. Additionally, the Parking Brake can be engaged to prevent the car from moving while on the conveyor belt. By using these convenience functions, Tesla owners can enjoy a more comfortable and efficient car wash experience.

In addition, Tesla owners can also use the Tesla Touchscreen to check the Climate Control Status of their vehicle. This allows them to ensure that the temperature is comfortable inside the car while it is being washed. By using these features, Tesla owners can optimize their Car Wash Mode settings to ensure that their vehicle is safe and well-prepared for the car wash.


Post-Wash Care and Considerations

Credit Tesla: Model Y

After washing a Tesla using Car Wash Mode, it is important to perform some post-wash care and considerations to maintain the car's appearance and prevent damage. This section will cover two important subsections: Inspecting for Damage and Maintaining Tesla's Appearance.


Inspecting for Damage

After washing your Tesla, it is important to inspect the car's exterior for potential damage such as scratches or dents. This is especially important if you have used an automatic car wash as it can cause damage to the car's paint job. It is recommended to inspect the car under bright light to identify any damage that may not be visible in normal lighting conditions.

If any damage is found, it is important to address it promptly to prevent further damage and maintain the car's appearance. Tesla owners should consider using a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the damaged area and assess whether the damage can be addressed through simple touch-up paint or requires professional repair.


Maintaining Tesla's Appearance

To maintain the appearance of a Tesla after washing, it is recommended to use a waterless car wash solution that is safe for the car's paint job. This will help to prevent water spots and streaks that can occur when using a traditional car wash.

Tesla owners should also consider using a microfiber cloth to dry the car after washing to prevent water spots and ensure a streak-free finish. It is important to avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that can damage the car's paint job.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Tesla Car Wash Mode is a useful feature that can help to protect the car's exterior during washing. However, it is important to perform post-wash care and considerations to maintain the car's appearance and prevent damage. By inspecting for damage and maintaining the car's appearance, Tesla owners can ensure their car remains in pristine condition for years to come.


Frequently Asked Questions

Credit Tesla: Model Y

What are the benefits of using Car Wash Mode in Tesla models?

The main benefit of using Car Wash Mode in Tesla models is that it protects the car from potential damage that can occur during a car wash. When Car Wash Mode is activated, the car's exterior sensors and cameras are disabled, and the car's mirrors are folded in to prevent damage.


Can you disable Car Wash Mode manually in a Tesla, and if so, how?

Yes, you can disable Car Wash Mode manually in a Tesla. To do so, simply follow the same steps that you used to activate Car Wash Mode in the first place. When you reach the "Car Wash Mode" option, simply tap on it again to disable it.


Is Car Wash Mode available for all Tesla models, including Model S and Model X?

Yes, Car Wash Mode is available for all Tesla models, including Model S and Model X.


What precautions should be taken when washing a Tesla to ensure vehicle safety Does Tesla Car Wash Mode allow the vehicle to stay in neutral during an automatic car wash?

Yes, Tesla Car Wash Mode allows the vehicle to stay in neutral during an automatic car wash. This prevents the car from moving forward or backward during the wash cycle, which can cause damage to the car's sensors and cameras.


E-Car-Review

If you like to receive more information about the Tesla Model 3 Highland and the Tesla Model Y, we do advise you to check out our designated blog posts.

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