Mike_Schlechter
Model S - P457
Ok, I've tried the hi suspension, jack mode, neutral, powered off method and as soon as I get out of the car the parking brake is applied. Vey annoying.
At the Car Wash...
- Thread starter Andrew Wolfe
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Francis Lau
P-1456
I would not use an automatic car wash so I hand washed my car once at home. I used a car wash brush with a long handle to apply soap and then rinse off with a hose. This kept me warmer in the cold winter weather. The brush meant I don't have to get my hands wet.
Then, the other evening, I tried a self wash location like the one shown below. It was even better. Finished washing in warm water in 8 minutes for $4. The powerful spray also got the wheel wells very clean.
But alas, in the Seattle rainy weather, my baby was no longer spotless by the next day :smile:
Then, the other evening, I tried a self wash location like the one shown below. It was even better. Finished washing in warm water in 8 minutes for $4. The powerful spray also got the wheel wells very clean.
But alas, in the Seattle rainy weather, my baby was no longer spotless by the next day :smile:
Mike_Schlechter
Model S - P457
So, for $3 more I am getting the hand wash. They won't let someone sit in the car as it goes through the line.
Also, there are four guys just staring at it right now. I the mean time I'm enjoying the free wifi and crappy coffee.
Also, there are four guys just staring at it right now. I the mean time I'm enjoying the free wifi and crappy coffee.
Mike--Which car wash did you take it to? The one on Rt 7 across from the schools in Wilton? Curious if they did a good job or not.
Doug_G
Lead Moderator
This time of year I can't even get my car home before it is dirty again.
If you want an automated wash, find one where you drive the car in and park, then the machine works around the car. Most of the washes around here work that way.
Also if you want it to not pop out of neutral, turn the car off using the touchscreen.
Mike_Schlechter
Model S - P457
Yep, the Splash in Wilton. They did a great job, and were good about asking questions, like how to open the back and the frunk, and even managed to de-smudge the touchscreen. For $3 more it was a good deal, thought I do hope the ability to stay in neutral eventually works. If this thing needs to be towed it isn't going to be easy.
If you are interested in a test drive and live nearby PM me.
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Doesn't work. I've tried it several times. There is a bug in 4.1, as it worked when I had 4.0.
William3
Member
- Aug 7, 2008
- 174
- 3
Sounds like neutral is problematic. Since you're going to be in the car, how about leaving it in Drive but with Creep turned off?
There is a car wash near my work (in Canberra Australia) which is brushless (High pressure water), and it has no rails or anything, you just drive in, there is an underbody high pressure wash while you're driving in, and once you're in, there is a high pressure upside down L shaped set of jets that go around the car.
I find its the best automatic wash for my current Chrysler 300C, All the others I've seen have rails, and use brushes which leave at least microscratches etc.
I find its the best automatic wash for my current Chrysler 300C, All the others I've seen have rails, and use brushes which leave at least microscratches etc.
huntjo
Member
Went to Whistle-clean in Ft. Collins today to get the snow grime washed off. Much to my chagrin, they said this was the SECOND model S they'd seen!! Someone stole my thunder! I'm looking at you wycolo!!!
The owner's manual suggests putting the car in neutral and then turning the car off manually from the touchscreen, which prevents the automatic shift into park. Just make sure nothing will touch the screen or the brake, either of which will restart the system. I haven't yet experimented with how this interacts with key proximity with the Tech Package. Perhaps you also need to leave the fob in the car?
byt
Member
I just bought this stuff, Freedom Waterless Car Wash online for the areas of the car I can't spray open water on. Under the frunk, trunk and interior door wells are the perfect example. Anyone try this stuff or have something better? This is also good for cold weather, in the garage cleaning of the Model S.
DrComputer
Active Member
Did you try the trick of buckling the driver's seat belt behind you before getting out?
I watched Cinergi's video of what a Factory Delivery walk-through of the features of the Model S are - Tesla factory delivery on Livestream - and I learned a few things that I didn't know before!
One of them solves the issue of getting out of the car in a car wash - While the car is on go to the car controls where the 'E-brake & Power off' controls are. Turn off the parking brake through the touch screen and then power the car off through the touch screen. That should put the car in neutral and keep it there so it's free rolling. You should be able to get out of the driver seat without the parking brake activating and the car going into park!
One of them solves the issue of getting out of the car in a car wash - While the car is on go to the car controls where the 'E-brake & Power off' controls are. Turn off the parking brake through the touch screen and then power the car off through the touch screen. That should put the car in neutral and keep it there so it's free rolling. You should be able to get out of the driver seat without the parking brake activating and the car going into park!
kevincwelch
Active Member
Mike_Schlechter
Model S - P457
The best automatic car wash I've ever used was a brushless wash in San Diego. There are no rails. You slowly drive the car in, until instructed to stop. You remsin there until the wash is done. When the wash is done, you are instructed to pull forward and the drying begins. Nothing touches the car but soap, water, and air. This is the only type of automatic car wash that I would dare take my Model S to. Now if I can only find one of these in Florida.
TheAustin
Model X 90D (Former Model S P85)
I actually figured it out yesterday...The process works, and at some point, you do have to hit the brake and then tap a button on the touchscreen to put the car in Neutral...HOWEVER...The most important step, which I didn't see mentioned anywhere is, you have to perform the procedure with the driver's door OPEN. If not, it will shift back into Park when you open the door and get out. But if you open the door and then run the procedure, the car stays in Neutral, even after you get out and close the door. Yay!
And, believe me...I would much rather to to a touches car wash...But there is one car wash within 30-45 of my house...So, for better or worse, it's the drive-through, or me and a bucket & sponge. And, considering it's been in the 20's-30's in New York the last couple of weeks, I don't plan on seeing my bucket & sponge for quite some time!
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At this particular car wash, they normally don't allow people to stay in the car, they made an exception for me due to the glitches...But I have to say, I really like your idea...I think I may forget that I "figured it out" and try your suggestion next time (Assuming that they continue to allow me to sit in the car during the wash). Thanks for the great suggestion!
And, believe me...I would much rather to to a touches car wash...But there is one car wash within 30-45 of my house...So, for better or worse, it's the drive-through, or me and a bucket & sponge. And, considering it's been in the 20's-30's in New York the last couple of weeks, I don't plan on seeing my bucket & sponge for quite some time!
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At this particular car wash, they normally don't allow people to stay in the car, they made an exception for me due to the glitches...But I have to say, I really like your idea...I think I may forget that I "figured it out" and try your suggestion next time (Assuming that they continue to allow me to sit in the car during the wash). Thanks for the great suggestion!
NigelM
Recovering Member
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