Are Automatic Car Washes Bad For Tesla?

Are Automatic Car Washes Bad For Tesla? As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, many Tesla owners find themselves questioning whether automatic car washes are suitable for their cars.

While these washes offer convenience, there are specific considerations to keep in mind to avoid potential damage.

The Tesla Owner’s Manual: A Cautionary Note

Tesla’s owner’s manual explicitly warns against using standard automatic car washes. These traditional washes often utilize brushes and abrasive materials that can scratch the vehicle’s paint and damage its surfaces. 

The manual emphasizes that even with the activation of Car Wash Mode, which prepares the vehicle for washing by locking doors and disabling certain features, there remains a risk of damage.

What is Car Wash Mode?

Car Wash Mode is a feature designed to make the car wash experience safer for Tesla owners. When activated, it:

• Locks the charging port and closes all windows.
• Disables automatic wipers and walk-away door locking.
• Turns off parking sensor chimes to prevent annoying beeps during the wash.

However, this mode does not eliminate all risks associated with traditional car washes. The manual advises that failure to engage this mode could lead to water intrusion and damage to sensitive components like the charge port.

The Case Against Brush-Based Automatic Car Washes

1. Surface Damage: Brush-based washes can cause swirl marks, scratches, and even chips in the paint due to the friction and debris caught in the brushes.
2. Long-term Costs: While the immediate cost of an automatic wash may seem low, the potential long-term damage can significantly reduce resale value.
3. Water Spots: Both friction-based and touchless washes can leave mineral deposits on the paint if not dried properly, leading to permanent spotting.

What are the risks of using a standard automatic car wash on a Tesla

Using a standard automatic car wash on a Tesla poses several risks that owners should be aware of. While Tesla vehicles are designed to withstand various environmental conditions, the specific features and materials used in traditional car washes can lead to potential damage.

Key Risks of Standard Automatic Car Washes for Teslas

1. Abrasive Materials: Many automatic car washes utilize brushes or abrasive materials that can scratch the delicate paintwork of Teslas. This is particularly concerning for owners who wish to maintain their vehicle’s pristine appearance.
2. Damage to Sensors and Cameras: Teslas are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems that rely on cameras and sensors. The close proximity of brushes and high-pressure water jets in traditional washes can potentially damage these sensitive components, impacting the vehicle’s functionality.
3. Dirt and Contaminants: If the car wash equipment is not properly maintained, dirt and debris can accumulate on brushes or other surfaces, leading to scratches or swirl marks on the Tesla’s finish1. This is especially problematic for owners who prioritize maintaining their vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.
4. Water Intrusion Risks: High-pressure water jets used in some car washes can force water into areas of the vehicle that are not designed for such exposure. Although Teslas have protective seals, repeated exposure to high-pressure washing can still pose risks to internal components and electronics.
5. Warranty Concerns: Using a standard automatic car wash could potentially void certain aspects of the warranty if damage occurs as a result of improper washing methods.

Recommendations for Tesla Owners

To mitigate these risks, Tesla owners are encouraged to consider safer alternatives:

• Touchless Car Washes: These use high-pressure water and chemical sprays without brushes, significantly reducing the risk of scratches and damage to sensors.
• Hand Washing: While more time-consuming, hand washing allows for thorough cleaning without the risks associated with automatic washes. Using soft microfiber materials is recommended to prevent scratches.
• Car Wash Mode: Tesla vehicles come equipped with a Car Wash Mode that disables certain features during washing. However, even with this mode activated, caution is advised when using traditional car washes due to the inherent risks involved.

Safer Alternatives: Touchless and Waterless Options

For those who prefer automated cleaning methods, touchless car washes are recommended. These systems use high-pressure water jets instead of brushes, minimizing contact with the vehicle’s surface and reducing the risk of scratches.

Waterless washing services like No-H20 offer an alternative that avoids water altogether while still effectively cleaning the vehicle without abrasive contact.

Hand Washing: The Gold Standard

While it may require more time and effort, hand washing remains the safest option for maintaining a Tesla’s pristine condition.

Hand washing allows for thorough cleaning in hard-to-reach areas that automatic systems often overlook.

Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

In summary, while Teslas can technically go through automatic car washes—especially when using Car Wash Mode—there are significant risks involved with traditional brush-based systems.

Tesla owners should prioritize touchless or hand washing methods to maintain their vehicle’s appearance and value.

By being cautious and informed, you can keep your Tesla looking as good as new without compromising its integrity.