Cleaning - Tesla MODEL Y 2022 Owner's 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
Y 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.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt,
condensation, or obstructions. These
substances can cause unclear pictures or
Autopilot and safety features to stop working
(see Cleaning a Camera on page
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model Y:
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 Y using a clean soft
cloth and cold or lukewarm water
containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
CAUTION: Some cleaners and car
shampoos contain chemicals that
can cause damage or
discoloration, especially to plastic
trim pieces, lamps, or camera
lenses. For example, some car
cleaning formulas contain
hydroxide or other highly alkaline
or caustic ingredients that can
damage exterior components.
Damage or discoloration resulting
from cleaning products is not
covered by the warranty.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
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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.
Car Wash Mode
When taking Model Y to a car wash, Car Wash
198).
Mode closes all windows, locks all doors, and
disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode,
walk-away door locking, and parking sensor
chimes. To enable, touch Controls > Service >
Car Wash Mode. Your vehicle must be
stationary and not actively charging.
If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free
Roll keeps your vehicle in Neutral and
activates free roll for the duration of the wash,
while preventing Model Y from applying the
Parking brake if you leave the driver's seat. To
enable, press on the brake pedal and touch
Enable Free Roll; or shift into Neutral.
Car Wash Mode disables if the vehicle's speed
exceeds 16 km/h or by touching Exit on the
touchscreen.
Cleaning a Camera
To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens
must be clean and free of obstructions.
Remove any build-up of dirt or debris by
spraying water onto the camera lens with a
spray bottle or pressure washer.
CAUTION: Failure to put Model Y in
Car Wash Mode may result in damage
(for example, to the charge port or
windshield wipers). Damage caused
by car washes is not covered by the
warranty.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove
dirt or debris by wiping an exposed
lens with your hands or a cloth. This
debris can damage the surface of the
lens when rubbed against it during
wiping.
MODEL Y Owner's Manual