Cleaning - Tesla MODEL S Operating Manual

Cleaning

Cleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings,
tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,
industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until
Model S is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove
tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then
immediately wash the area with water and a
mild, non-detergent soap to remove the
alcohol.
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model S:
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from
the vehicle using a hose. Flush away
accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel wells
and panel seams). If salt has been used on
the highways (such as during winter
months), thoroughly rinse all traces of
road salt from the underside of the
vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a clean soft
cloth and cold or lukewarm water
containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly
with a chamois. If necessary, dry the
brakes by going on a short drive and
applying the brakes multiple times.
Clean windows and mirrors using an
automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape,
or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.
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Cautions for Exterior Cleaning
Caution: Do not use windshield treatment
fluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper
friction and cause a chattering sound.
Caution: Do not use hot water or
detergents.
Caution: Do not wash in direct sunlight.
Caution: If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm)
between the nozzle and the surface of
Model S. Keep the nozzle moving and do
not concentrate the water jet on any one
area.
Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly
at window, door, or hood seals.
Caution: Do not aim water hoses at
electronic modules or exposed cabling.
Caution: To avoid corrosive damage that
may not be covered by the warranty, rinse
away any road salt from the underside of
the vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes. After
cleaning the vehicle, dry the brakes by
going on a short drive and applying the
brakes multiple times.
Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or
rough cloths, such as washing mitts.
Caution: If washing in an automatic car
wash, use touchless car washes only.
These car washes have no parts (brushes,
etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model S.
Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.
Caution: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model S to avoid the risk of
damaging the wipers.
Caution: Do not use chemical based
wheel cleaners. These can damage the
finish on the wheels.
Caution: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the camera(s) or
parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
or damage its surface.
Warning: Never spray liquid at a high
velocity (for example, if using a pressure
washer) towards the charge port while
Model S is charging. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Model S Owner's Manual