Tesla Model Y: 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).
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.
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.
READ NEXT:
Car Wash Mode
When taking Model Y to a car wash, Car Wash Mode
closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables
windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door
locking, and parking sensor chimes. To enable
Cautions for Exterior Cleaning
CAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight.
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, de
Cleaning the Interior
Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its
appearance and to prevent premature wear. If possible,
immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For
general cleaning, wipe interior sur
SEE MORE:
Vehicle Labeling
It is important to understand your vehicle's original tire
sizes and pressures, and the GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).
This information can be found on two labels attached to Model Y.
Both labels are visible on the door pillar when the front door is open.
Scroll Buttons
A scroll button is located on each side of the steering wheel. Use your thumb
to press this button to the right or left. You can also press the button or roll
it up or down.
1. Use the left scroll button to:
Control the volume. Press the scroll button to mute/unmute the volume,
roll the scro
