Tesla car wash mode has a few steps. My first time taking my Model Y through an automatic car wash, I fumbled around with the settings. That’s why I’m sharing this guide on how to use Tesla car wash mode.
Up first, you’ll find a video guide and list of steps. Then below, you’ll find answers to other common questions about washing a Tesla. For example, should you be taking your Tesla through a car wash? I’ve changed how I wash my Tesla…
How to Use Tesla Car Wash Mode
If you have any questions, feel free to leave any comments on the video. Or I always appreciate any comments. Because that helps me as a small content creator. Where are you watching from? You can learn from other comments as well.
How to Enable Car Wash Mode
When in the driver’s seat, you can use the front screen to turn on car wash mode.
- Press the bottom left Tesla icon
- Navigate to controls (default screen) or service section
- Select car wash mode
- Press enter car wash mode
These first few steps are easy. You’ll see the screen now shows your Tesla is in car wash mode. However, there’s another step that most people need to take. If you’re at an automatic car wash, you’ll need to enable free roll.
I had put my Tesla Model Y in park to talk to the car wash guy. And when in park, the Enable Free Roll button is grayed out…
With the guy waiting for me, I fumbled around quickly and ended up tapping down the brake and slightly pressing the right stick down. This put the Tesla in neutral. It worked to enable free roll. However, here’s what I do now…
- Make sure you’re in drive
- Tap down on the brake
- Press the Enable Free Roll button
Then when coming out of the car wash tunnel, you can turn off car wash mode a few different ways.
How to Turn Off Tesla Car Wash Mode
Once off the conveyor belt, simply press the Exit Car Wash Mode button on the screen. Then tap the brake and right stick down. This will put you in drive and you can zoom away.
However, you can also skip pressing the on-screen button and just switch into drive. Then once you go at least 10 miles per hour, it’ll automatically exit car wash mode.
Now you know how to enter and exit Tesla car wash mode, what does it actually do? Why not just use neutral for free rolling and skip these other steps?
What Does Tesla Car Wash Mode Do?
When turning on car wash mode, you might first notice the AC changes. If your AC is on, Tesla car wash mode turns on recirculating climate controls. That’s to prevent water from getting inside.
On top of that, you’ll see the side view mirrors fold in. And if your windows were down, they’ll automatically close. Another big reason to use car wash mode is for the windshield wipers. It’ll turn them off so they don’t automatically move around.
Other than that, this feature will make sure both the trunk and charge port stay closed. And one little side note, make sure the Tesla frunk is closed before going through the car wash.
Can Tesla Cars Go Through a Car Wash?
I’m living proof that you can take a Tesla through a car wash. Although, is it safe? Some Model Y and Model 3 owners also recommend only touchless. That’s what I started with, but now I use the default brushes with most car wash tunnels.
The touchless washes didn’t do a good job. I’d still have to do extra hand washing afterwards for a full clean. And if doing that, I might as well wash the entire Tesla by hand.
I was a little hesitant to start using the brushes, but I haven’t noticed any damage and they do a better job at cleaning. They might wear down the paint a little faster, but I’m not worried. It likely won’t change the timeline for a new paint job, if needed at all.
Also, small paint touch ups are easy and not expensive. I put together a short guide on how to use a Tesla paint repair kit. Feel free to check it out.
So far, the only downside to using a touch wash on a Tesla is a bent license plate. Since I live in a two-plate state, I had to install a front license plate holder. I used the default one that came with the new Model Y and it’s stayed on well for 36,000 miles. And hopefully many more.
However, the holder doesn’t wrap over the outside of the license plate. As a result, the car wash brushes bend it. But there’s an easy workaround. I just take it off before going through the car wash.
Beyond Tesla Car Wash Mode: Top Features and Guides
I hope this short guide helped with learning how to use Tesla car wash mode. There are a few simple steps to taking your Tesla through a car wash.
Compared to gas cars, a Tesla requires less maintenance overall. However, there are a few more useful guides and Tesla features to know. Being proactive can save you some hassle down the road. Here are some other articles and videos I’ve shared…
Washing a Tesla is good to do regularly, whether you use a car wash or do it by hand. And for something that’s also good to do, here’s how to change Tesla air filters. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. And once again, I always appreciate any comments.