Have you ever thought about taking your Tesla to an automatic car wash to discover the car wash mode? However, do you know how to put Tesla in car wash mode and use it correctly? If so, you are in the right place, as there will be a lot to cover on this topic.
We will discover the Tesla car wash mode and how you can use it. Then we will go through the advantages and disadvantages of using this mode. We will also find out how much this service costs or whether you should wash your Tesla at home. So, if you want to learn more, stay tuned.
The Basics of Tesla Car Wash Mode
Before we dive into how to put Tesla in car wash mode, we will first discover the basics of this specified mode. Knowing this will help you understand and fully grasp its operation and purpose on a Tesla car.
So, what is the Tesla car wash mode? Well, it’s a special mode that has been installed on modern Teslas. This mode is specifically designed if you want to wash the electric car and go through an automatic car wash system.
It is essential to avoid damaging the car during a wash service. As during the wash time, the entire Tesla should be neutral, not operating in electric mode. Additionally, the Tesla car wash mode locks all doors, closes open windows, and disables certain features such as automatic wipers, sentry mode, and the parking sensor chime.
Imagine you have unfortunately forgotten to close one of the windows. The car will get wet if you are not careful. Or perhaps you forgot to activate the automatic wipers. In that case, the wipers could be severely damaged (impaired) and destroyed.
So, ultimately, always be cautious when using electrical items, big or small, because you won’t know how and when you might destroy them on a beautiful Sunday morning.
Which Tesla Models Support the Car Wash Mode Feature?
Ultimately, you are better off activating the wash mode whenever you use an automatic car wash type. However, did you know that not all Tesla models have this mode? Did your Tesla model even support this car wash function in the first place?
Standardly equipped in the newest Teslas like the Model 3 and Model Y, you can be assured that any new Tesla you buy today will include this mode.
On older models like the Model X and Model S, this feature comes with the newer lines, specifically the April 2021 updates. However, this function did not have an update on the early models of the X and S, as their old hardware may not be updated to support features like this.
Furthermore, you should check the menu and learn about the available updates. Because who knows, you might be eligible for this update on your Tesla vehicle. Just browse through the dashboard screen menu and see if the Tesla car wash mode is available.
How to Put Tesla in Car Wash Mode
Many owners, even if they have a Tesla, have never tried the car wash mode and do not know how to activate or use it in the first place. That said, we will now explain in detail how to properly put Tesla in car wash mode.
Overall, grasping the head-to-toe using the instructions in this mode is very simple. However, you can learn a proper method to speed up the process. Otherwise, you will be stuck with the flashing screen for more than half an hour trying to figure out how you can do it.
The steps are not too complicated because the process of setting up the Tesla Model Y car wash mode is the same as in Tesla Model X, Model S, and Model 3.
Step 1: Put Your Tesla in Park Mode
Before putting your car in Tesla car wash mode, you must first put the car in park (P) mode. Your vehicle should also not be actively charging.
Step 2: Select Car Wash Mode in the Touchscreen Control Panel
Go to the settings panel > select Service > look for and select Car Wash Mode.
Step 3: Select Enter Car Wash Mode in the Warning Window
After selecting the car wash mode, a warning window will appear. There, you need to select Enter Car Wash Mode.
Once activated, the Tesla Car Wash Mode prepares for a car wash by automatically closing, locking, disabling, and turning off various features.
- The windows, front trunk, and rear trunk will be closed to prevent water from entering inside.
- The charge port door will be locked to avoid damaging the port and charge door.
- The wipers will be disabled to prevent them from being activated and destroyed during the car wash.
- The parking sensor chime will be muted to avoid unnecessary beeping.
- Walk-away door locking and sentry mode will be disabled.
Step 4: Manually Manage Some Features If Necessary
The Car Wash Mode also provides the live status of all car wash-related features on the touchscreen. It displays a list of features, each with a status light and its state in text, serving as a checklist for car washes.
The status light will turn green if the necessary actions have been performed. It will turn red to alert when you need to manage a feature manually, as for a few Tesla lines, some existing modes are not equipped automatically.
For example, for the pre-2020 Tesla Model 3 car wash mode, if the trunk is not closed, its status light will turn red. The state in the menu will then be Trunk – Open. You can also manually control the climate system and other functions and set them to cyclic or off.
Step 5: Select the Foldable Mirrors
The Tesla Car Wash Mode also provides a Mirror Fold button. It is necessary to choose the type of foldable mirror so that the mirror is not affected by any force during the car wash.
How to Disable Tesla Car Wash Mode
There are two ways to disable the car wash mode on your Tesla:
- Press the “Exit Car Wash” button and your car will automatically exit the wash mode.
- Drive as you always do and the wash mode will be disabled when the speed exceeds 10 mph.
Is Tesla Car Wash Mode Useful?
Having a dedicated mode to perform all these changes in one batch by pressing a button every time you wash your Tesla saves a lot of time. Having a checklist right on your screen is also a reminder of what you need to do (or not do) when it’s time to wash your car.
You might say it’s a small thing, but if you own a Tesla and wash your car regularly, this feature will save you time and effort. There is nothing new with this feature since you can perform each of these changes yourself. But the difference lies in the number of clicks and the screens you need to access.
Using an Automatic Car Wash on Your Tesla
As you probably know, everything has its pros and cons. Car washing too. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a car wash mode on an automatic car wash service?
Advantages of Using an Automatic Car Wash for Tesla
The biggest advantage of using an automatic car wash is convenience. This type of wash is easy to run. Everything is done by the machine. This means you have nothing to do that makes you sweat and tire you out. When your car is thoroughly washed, it dries completely by itself. Go in, then come out. As simple as that.
And frankly, it’s one of the best ideas that has come to life because, since its creation, it has saved billions of hours of manual labor. And that’s a lot of time, to be honest. Another advantage of using an automatic car wash is the low cost. If you already know, car washes are affordable. It won’t make a difference if you take your car to the car wash once or twice a month.
That’s why we recommend washing your Tesla automatically. But not everything is sunshine and roses. There might be something not optimal with this service, so you need to be cautious and well-prepared all the time.
Disadvantages of Using the Automatic Car Wash for Tesla
We have learned how to put Tesla in car wash mode and covered all the advantages of using automated services. But what are the disadvantages?
One of the biggest disadvantages of using an automated car wash is the problem of damaging your car. Another disadvantage is paint damage caused by the machine. The machine’s brush can create swirls in the car’s paint, and after a few washes, they can worsen.
Overall, the disadvantages do not outweigh the advantages. So you can take your car to the automatic wash, but make sure to activate the Tesla car wash mode. You’ll be ready to go.
How Much Does a Tesla Car Wash Cost?
We have discovered the Tesla car wash and how it works, and we think it’s time to learn more about the amount you can expect to pay at an automated car wash.
On average, an automatic Tesla wash costs about $10 to $20. It depends on where you take your car. But that doesn’t mean it’s worth it. In some places, prices are higher because there simply are no automatic car washes in the area. Some owners might be charged even $50 in some cases.
Although we recommend looking for reputable and reliable car wash locations in your area, you will find one that can do the job for cheap with high quality.
Remember that whenever you take your car, always activate the Tesla wash mode and ensure everything is closed or turned off properly. Additionally, being cautious with this function will ensure that your car’s sensors do not vibrate in danger when the car is in the automatic soap wash.
How to Wash Your Tesla Yourself
If you are sure about using a hand Tesla car wash at home, you can refer to the following steps to make the process easier.
- Step 1: Pre-wash the Tesla car with water to remove dirt from the body.
- Step 2: Use the 2-bucket method to clean Tesla from top to bottom. Fill one bucket with a car wash soap solution and the other bucket to collect dirty water and rinse your car wash gloves. First, dip your gloves in the soapy solution. Clean your car, then dip them in the second bucket to rinse or wring them out. Divide your car into different parts and clean them one by one so you don’t miss any spot.
- Step 3: Once you are satisfied with the results, the next process is to dry your car. We recommend using a microfiber towel to dry your car. Microfiber towels can absorb large amounts of water and are not abrasive. Once the drying process is complete, check the car once more to ensure you have covered all spots.
Waterless Car Wash Method
A waterless car wash, as the name suggests, uses no or very little water. All you need is a waterless car wash method and microfiber towels for a perfect car wash. Here’s how you can wash your car with the waterless car wash method:
- Divide your car into different parts.
- Spray the waterless car wash solution on the body and let it sit.
- After a while, wipe it off with a microfiber towel. While wiping, remember not to press too hard or go in circles. Wipe in one direction only.
- Use different microfiber towels for the car parts.
Touchless Car Wash Service
If you don’t have time to wash your car using the above methods, you can turn to a touchless car wash service. The instruction manual of some Teslas warns against going to an automatic car wash and only to a touchless car wash. In a touchless car wash, no device or tool comes into direct contact with your vehicle. Therefore, there is no possibility of causing scratches.
Conclusion
We have just gone through a few announcements on how to put Tesla in car wash mode. I hope you can gain a deeper insight into this issue and prepare yourself with basic knowledge so that all future projects go smoothly.