Car wash mode for a 2023 Model 3

[rccola2008]

Hello,

Is it possible to be outside of my model 3 and still put it in car wash mode? I saw a video on YouTube of a guy handwashing his vehicle and he mentions to put it in car wash mode first but I’m only aware of how to do that from inside the vehicle on the touchscreen. Thanks!

 

[PianoAl]

1. Get in car.
2. Put it in car wash mode.
3. Get out of car.
4. Wash car.

 

[EVRider-FL]

I’ve never felt the need to use car wash mode. I just make sure wipers snd Sentry Mode are both off. Don’t care about the other stuff.

 

[PianoAl]

I’ve never felt the need to use car wash mode. I just make sure wipers snd Sentry Mode are both off. Don’t care about the other stuff.

I use it because the hose can make the charge door open. Water can get inside plus I don't want to bump into it and break it.

 

[JC MYLR]

I’ve never felt the need to use car wash mode. I just make sure wipers snd Sentry Mode are both off. Don’t care about the other stuff.

But every time my wash mitt goes over the charging port it would open. I pushed it closed a couple of times but it feels a bit delicate (like it could break if I do that too many times) so then I switched to drying my hand on my pants, getting my phone out and closing the port with the app. Since reading about car wash mode on this forum, I do this every time first and the port stays closed through the whole manual wash and dry process.

 

[rccola2008]

1. Get in car.
2. Put it in car wash mode.
3. Get out of car.
4. Wash car.

Ahaha, thank you. For some reason I just thought I would be locked in and it disables the mode.

 

[EVRider-FL]

But every time my wash mitt goes over the charging port it would open. I pushed it closed a couple of times but it feels a bit delicate (like it could break if I do that too many times) so then I switched to drying my hand on my pants, getting my phone out and closing the port with the app. Since reading about car wash mode on this forum, I do this every time first and the port stays closed through the whole manual wash and dry process.

I use an automatic car wash so I don’t have to worry about the charge port opening.

 

[zoomer0056]

I use it because the hose can make the charge door open. Water can get inside plus I don't want to bump into it and break it.

I understand wanting to take care of the car by hand washing it. But then scratch the paint by dragging the hose over it?

 

[PianoAl]

I understand wanting to take care of the car by hand washing it. But then scratch the paint by dragging the hose over it?

I phrased that poorly. The SPRAY from the hose can open the charge port, not the hose itself. The water hits the door and opens it.

 

[PianoAl]

I pushed it closed a couple of times

When I had mine replaced by a mobile tech, I tested it and started to close it by hand. "No, don't do that," he said, "That's the only way to break it."

I don't like the design. It seems fragile, but I guess it's pretty tough.