In order to properly maintain your Tesla, it is essential to follow a few rules so as not to damage its bodywork and especially its safety sensors, which could affect their operation. Here are some tips to help you clean your electric car properly.
In order for your Tesla to continue to operate as on the first day, certain points must be observed so as not to damage the bodywork or any other exterior element. Particular care should be taken with sensors and cameras, which guarantee the safety features of the electric vehicle.
The cars of the American are technological and embark consequently, a large number of equipment of which many cars are devoid. The bodywork is dotted with cameras and other sensors that play an essential role in certain features such as autonomous driving, Sentinel mode and all other driving assistance. In order to ensure optimal operation, it is essential to take care of your electric vehicle by respecting certain rules.
Manual exterior cleaning
Start by rinsing with clear water, using a garden hose. Take care that the pressure is not too high, and prefer a diffuse jet to a concentrated jet. Also, be careful not to point the jet directly at the Tesla’s sensors or cameras, and keep the jet moving. Use this jet to remove all superficial traces and residues (bird droppings, road salt, tar etc.). Do not neglect places that are not visually accessible such as wheel arches, brakes or the underside of the car.
Use a soft cloth dipped in cold or lukewarm water with a little car shampoo. Be careful with the products you use, some may contain hydroxide, alkaline or very corrosive components. Do not use paper towels such as Sopalin, which tends to create micro-scratches on the bodywork. Use a car window product to clean the glass parts (windscreen, rear-view mirror, etc.).
Rinse again to remove all traces of soap.
Dry your car with a dry chamois leather. If necessary, dry your brakes by driving and applying them several times.
car wash mode
If you opt for automatic washing in a station without a roller and therefore “contactless” (with simple jets of water), you will need to activate the associated mode from your Tesla: Controls > Maintenance > Car wash mode. Make sure your car is stationary and not charging. This mode deactivates certain features such as Sentinel mode, walk-away locking or parking aid signals in order to avoid any damage.
Absolutely avoid roller washing stations, known to scratch the bodywork and which can also damage the various sensors and cameras of the Tesla, and prefer “contactless” washing stations. Tesla does not fail to specify in the user manual that rollers are to be avoided in favor of contactless stations.