A Tesla, being a sophisticated electric vehicle, requires a specific approach when it comes to car washes to prevent damage to its various sensors, automatic features, and delicate paintwork. While handwashing is often recommended for the best results and control, Tesla's "Car Wash Mode" is designed to make automatic car washes safer and more convenient. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about utilizing this feature.
Step 1: Getting Ready for the Wash – Pre-Wash Preparation and Mental Checklist
Before you even think about pulling into that car wash bay, let's make sure your Tesla is primed and ready. This initial step is crucial for preventing potential headaches and costly repairs down the line.
 |
| How To Do Car Wash Mode Tesla |
Sub-heading: The Golden Rule: Stop and Think!
First and foremost, your vehicle must be completely stationary and not actively charging to enable Car Wash Mode. Trying to activate it while creeping forward or with the charging cable plugged in just won't work.
Sub-heading: Visual Inspection and Clearing Loose Items
Remove all loose items: This includes phone mounts, dash cams, anything hanging from your rearview mirror, or items on the exterior (like roof rack attachments, if applicable). These can be damaged or cause damage during the wash.
Check for open windows or trunks: While Car Wash Mode should close all windows and lock the charge port, it's always a good idea to manually double-check that all windows, doors, and the front/rear trunks are fully closed before entering the wash. A quick visual scan can save you from a soaked interior!
Fold your side mirrors (optional but recommended for tighter washes): While Car Wash Mode disables automatic folding, manually folding them in can offer an extra layer of protection, especially in brush-style or narrow car washes.
Step 2: Activating Car Wash Mode – Your Tesla's Protective Shield ️
This is where the magic happens! Car Wash Mode essentially puts your Tesla in a protective cocoon, disabling features that could be problematic in an automatic car wash.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Touchscreen Interface
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
Tap "Controls": On your Tesla's large touchscreen display, look for the car icon at the bottom left corner and tap on "Controls." This is your gateway to various vehicle settings.
Select "Service": Within the "Controls" menu, you'll find a series of options. Tap on "Service."
Choose "Car Wash Mode": Finally, locate and tap on "Car Wash Mode."
Confirm Activation: A prompt will appear, asking you to confirm. Tap "Enter Car Wash Mode."
Sub-heading: What Car Wash Mode Does Automatically
Once activated, Car Wash Mode performs several critical actions:
Closes all windows (if not already closed).
Locks the charge port door to prevent it from accidentally opening during the wash.
Disables windshield wipers, preventing them from activating and getting damaged.
Turns off Sentry Mode, which would otherwise trigger alarms and recordings due to the movement and water.
Disables walk-away door locking, ensuring the doors don't try to lock or unlock unexpectedly.
Silences Parking Sensor chimes, preventing annoying beeping from the water and brushes.
Enables easy access to the "Fold Mirrors" and "Free Roll" options (more on Free Roll next!).
Step 3: Engaging Free Roll for Automatic Washes – Smooth Sailing!
For automatic car washes that use a conveyor belt system, Free Roll is absolutely essential. This allows your Tesla to move freely through the wash without resistance.
Sub-heading: The "Free Roll" Maneuver
Be stationary and in Car Wash Mode: Ensure you've completed Step 2 and your car is completely stopped at the entrance of the conveyor.
Press the Brake Pedal: With your foot firmly on the brake, the "Enable Free Roll" option on your touchscreen will become active (it might be greyed out otherwise).
Tap "Enable Free Roll": Tap this option on the screen. Your Tesla will then shift into Neutral.
Important Note: Some Tesla models or software versions might also allow you to shift into Neutral using the gear stalk while in Car Wash Mode. However, enabling "Free Roll" ensures the parking brake won't automatically engage if you leave the driver's seat.
Sub-heading: Why is Free Roll So Important?
Without Free Roll, your Tesla's parking brake might engage automatically, or the car might resist being pushed by the conveyor, leading to potential damage to the vehicle or the car wash equipment. This feature ensures a seamless journey through the wash.
Step 4: After the Wash – Exiting Car Wash Mode ☀️
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Once your Tesla emerges sparkling clean from the wash, it's time to bring it back to its normal operating state.
Sub-heading: Simple Disengagement
There are two main ways to exit Car Wash Mode:
 |
Tap "Exit Car Wash": On the touchscreen, you'll see an "Exit Car Wash" button. Tapping this will disable Car Wash Mode and re-enable all the previously disabled features.
Drive above 9 mph (15 km/h): If you simply drive your Tesla and its speed exceeds approximately 9 mph (15 km/h), Car Wash Mode will automatically disengage.
Sub-heading: Post-Wash Checks
Wipe down any water spots: Use a microfiber cloth to dry any remaining water spots, especially around mirrors, sensors, and cameras, to prevent streaks or water marks.
Check functionality: Briefly check that your wipers, Sentry Mode, and automatic door locks are functioning as expected after exiting the mode.
Important Considerations & Tips
Touchless Car Washes are Preferred: Tesla generally advises using touchless car washes. These washes rely on high-pressure water jets and cleaning solutions, minimizing physical contact with your vehicle and reducing the risk of scratches. Brush-style car washes, while often quicker, can potentially cause swirl marks or minor scratches on your paint.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Be cautious with the chemicals used in any car wash. Some harsh or highly alkaline/acidic cleaners can damage your Tesla's paint or trim over time.
Pressure Washer Precautions: If handwashing with a pressure washer, maintain a distance of at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the surface. Avoid aiming the water jet directly at parking sensors, window seals, or exposed cabling.
Ceramic Coating/PPF: Consider applying a high-quality ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF) to your Tesla. These provide an additional layer of protection against minor scratches and environmental contaminants.
Regular Cleaning: Don't wait for your Tesla to be excessively dirty. Regular, gentle washing helps maintain its pristine appearance and prevents stubborn grime buildup.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to protect my Tesla's paint during a car wash?
Activating Car Wash Mode is the primary step, as it disables features that could be damaged. Additionally, consider using touchless car washes and applying paint protection like ceramic coating or PPF.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
How to enable Free Roll in my Tesla for a conveyor car wash?
While in Car Wash Mode and stationary, press the brake pedal firmly, and then tap the "Enable Free Roll" option on your touchscreen.
How to turn off Sentry Mode for a car wash?
Sentry Mode is automatically disabled when you activate Car Wash Mode, so no separate action is needed.
How to prevent my Tesla's wipers from activating in a car wash?
Car Wash Mode automatically disables the windshield wipers, ensuring they don't engage during the wash cycle.
How to lock the charge port in my Tesla for a car wash?
Car Wash Mode automatically locks the charge port door to prevent accidental opening and damage.
Tip: Focus on sections most relevant to you.
How to exit Car Wash Mode in my Tesla?
You can either tap the "Exit Car Wash" button on your touchscreen or simply drive your Tesla above 9 mph (15 km/h).
How to find Car Wash Mode on my Tesla's screen?
Navigate to "Controls" > "Service" > "Car Wash Mode" on your Tesla's touchscreen.
How to prepare my Tesla for a hand wash?
While Car Wash Mode isn't strictly necessary for handwashing, manually folding mirrors and ensuring all windows/trunks are closed is good practice. Use a two-bucket method with gentle, pH-balanced soap and microfiber cloths.
How to avoid water spots on my Tesla after a car wash?
Thoroughly dry your Tesla immediately after washing using a soft, clean chamois or microfiber towel. Avoid washing in direct sunlight.
How to clean the interior of my Tesla after a car wash?
Use a soft cloth moistened with warm water for interior lighting. For other surfaces, use a mild, non-detergent cleaner and avoid abrasive materials.
To see a visual guide on how to use Tesla's Car Wash Mode, check out this video:
 |
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
