The Tesla Cybertruck boasts a suite of advanced technologies that set it apart in the electric vehicle market. These include a high-voltage system that enables rapid charging, ultra-hard 30 cold-rolled stainless steel, steer-by-wire driving system, and assisted-driving and full self-driving capabilities. But there is a catch. It can be tough to clean and cannot be readily sent to a tunnel car wash.
Unique Cleaning Requirements of the Cybertruck: From Removing Stains to Necessity to Setting a Specific Car Wash Mode
Specific Cleaning Challenges
The Wall Street Journal reported in 2024 the different cleaning challenges of the Cybertruck faced by owners and cleaning services providers. There are various Reddit threads discussing concerns and tips on how to clean their six-figure electric vehicles. The most commonly reported ones are the accumulation of fingerprints and smudges.
Cybertrucks with raw stainless steel exteriors and those with copper-like and rose gold finishes are highly susceptible to visible fingerprints, smudges, and water spots. This makes routine cleaning more demanding than with traditional painted vehicles. Some owners have also reported rust-like spots that come from environmental contaminants.
Hard water can leave noticeable spots on the stainless steel and other finishes if not dried properly and thoroughly. Traditional car cleaning products may not be suitable. Several Reddit threads have replies from owners suggesting a range of alternative solutions. These include using oil lubricants used in machines, glass cleaners, and isopropyl alcohol.
Owners should consider the aggressiveness of commercial and substitute cleaners. Tesla notes using pH-neutral cleaners because acidic and basic cleaners can result in surface damage. It also recommends hand washing with soft microfiber cloths to minimize scratches. Pressure washers should be used at a distance of at least 12 inches.
Various Car Washing Issues
Several media outlets have also reported Cybertrucks malfunctioning after a car wash. An article by The Independent, which was published in August 2024 detailed incidents involving owners reporting how their vehicles broke down after taking it through a car wash. One owner teased that the bulletproof electric pick-up was not waterproof.
The Cybertruck has a “Car Wash Mode” that needs to be activated before taking it for a wash. It prepares the vehicle by closing windows, locking the charge port, and disabling certain features. Failure to activate this mode can lead to damage not covered under warranty. Some facilities have declined to service Cybertrucks due to their unique design.
Note that the official manual also cautioned against automatic car washes. This could be true since several owners have reported that their vehicle malfunctioned after taking it to a car wash. Another owner also reported a Cybertruck needing to undergo a five-hour reboot after the Cybertruck went unresponsive post-wash despite under Car Wash Mode.
It is worth mentioning that the official manual cautions that failure to use Car Wash Mode may result in damage not covered under warranty. It explains potential electronic components like the harm to the charge port or windshield wipers. Cases of post-wash malfunction despite Car Wash Mode activation might require further investigations.
FURTHER READINGS AND REFERENCES
- Cuthbertson, A. 24 April 2024. “Tesla Cybertruck Breaks Down After Going Through Car Wash.” The Independent. Available online
- Glickman, B. 24 September 2024. “The Toughest Part About Owning a $100,000 Tesla Cybertruck?” The Wall Street Journal. Available online
- Shahan, Z. 18 April 2024. “What’s Going On With The Tesla Cybertruck That Wouldn’t Work After A Car Wash?” Clean Technica. Available online
- n.d. “Cleaning.” Cybertruck Owner’s Manual. Available online