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Car Wash Mode - Instructions!

Discussion in 'Model 3' started by Glenn90, Aug 15, 2020.

  1. macanjr

    macanjr Member

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    1 bucket car wash...
    [​IMG]

    This 2-bucket method is especially critical for cleaning wheels without scratching them with break dust. But then again, I use 4 different brush types for the wheels alone (my Porsche wheels unfortunately have many crevices), so I may be over the top. :rolleyes: Be sure to use a wand spray, preferably with soap attachment, to wash car undercarriage as well.

    For body panels, after pre-rinse, I dunk 2 microfiber wash mitts (1 on each hand) into the soapy bucket (#1), then clean 1 panel (ex. 1 door) at a time Daniel-san style, then flip the mitts to wash next panel, then rinse them together in the rinse bucket (#2) with grit guards, then dunk into soapy bucket, repeat. After a few rounds, you'll see the the rinse bucket has already darkened.

    After final rinse, clay bar with quick detailer spray to pick up little grits, then buff, polish if needed, apply then synthetic sealant (I only seal once or twice a year).

    I actually enjoy this ritual, but it takes a while and tests my wife's patience. Hence I just applied PPF for her mY, and it's off to the car wash with the printed guide for her! :p
     
  2. macanjr

    macanjr Member

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    If wiper setting also binds to driver profile, this is a great idea! But doesn't creep mode potentially cause you to move too quickly towards the car in front?
     
  3. UCIBtheG

    UCIBtheG Member

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    Yes, you're right; I meant Roll instead of Creep, I got my modes mixed up. Will edit my original post, thank you.
     
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  4. Siciliano

    Siciliano Member

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    That is a pretty ingenious idea, to just create another profile called "car wash" with all those settings you mentioned. I will definitely be doing this.

    So roll behaves exactly like neutral?? I've never used it so I want to be 100% sure before I make the profile!

    On a completely different note, has anybody else installed the carbon fiber spoiler? I just installed mine two days ago, and I will now be completely paranoid about the car wash ripping it off!
     
  5. Wennfred

    Wennfred Supporting Member

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    A lot of those spoilers are coming lose from the corners, I mean the ones installed by Tesla, a lose edge can snag on the corner of the spoiler by one of those cloth brushes ripping it off, another reason not to use a car wash.

    If all possible, find a touchless car wash bay without the recycle water and wash it yourself.


    Fred
     
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  6. UCIBtheG

    UCIBtheG Member

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    #86 UCIBtheG, Aug 20, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2020
    At the speed the rollers would take you through the car wash, Roll mode (in D) behaves just like neutral. Just make sure you don't brake hard enough to put it in Hold before they start up the rollers (if you do, just tap the brake again and it should take you out of Hold). I've been doing it this way a couple times a week for about a year now with no issues.

    Oh, and one other change that I added to my Wash profile that I forgot about; muting the ultrasonic sensor "close proximity" chimes. Don't need all the dinging and beeping going through the wash, I know what I'm doing, car ;)

    Sorry, can't comment on the spoiler, don't have one.
     
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  7. CyberGus

    CyberGus Not Just a Member

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    When I had to change my ICE timing belt at 60,000 miles, I wanted to replace it with the heavy-duty belt they used on the California cars, which were rated for 100,000 miles.

    But nope, same part number. Turns out that the timing belt must last 100,000 miles by law, so they just printed a different manual for California cars lol
     
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  8. Siciliano

    Siciliano Member

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    Yeah now I'm even more paranoid - the real carbon fiber spoilers aren't cheap. I'm not gonna be lazy anymore, I'll just wash it myself in one of those self-wash bays... we have a lot of them around here. I can get a little exercise in the process. Drying afterwards is a bit of a PITA, but I'll get over it. :D
     
  9. Wennfred

    Wennfred Supporting Member

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    I use these as they are the best in immediately wiping down all of the water in one swipe. Best towels on the Market making drying so quickly and easy.

    Chemical Guys MIC_781_01 Waffle... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQYCIVI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

    I washed my car this morning already but next time I will post a video on using these waffle towels

    Fred
     
  10. PianoAl

    PianoAl Member

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    But with my system, any cloth that touches the car never goes back into a bucket.

    1. Bucket
    2. Wipe car
    3. In the to-be-washed bin
     
  11. CyberGus

    CyberGus Not Just a Member

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    Can't wait for my CyberTruck. I'm gonna wash it with gravel and sandpaper
     
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  12. Wennfred

    Wennfred Supporting Member

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    Page 49 of the manual says Buck Shot works well, but aiming at the windows will void warranty.

    Fred
     
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  13. CyberGus

    CyberGus Not Just a Member

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    Depends on the gauge

    [​IMG]
     
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  14. yesla4tesl

    yesla4tesl Member

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    So even after months of ownership, and going through the car wash I showed in my video, I STILL have anxiety. Like when I exit the car wash, the car behind me is so close you have to quickly tap break and put in drive. I always think I will be rear ended lol.. Anyway, massive thanks to Glen for the pdf, here is my video I did showing this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XhR120KyhA Next video will be my Model S full wrap. :)
     
    • Like x 1
  15. Noodles

    Noodles Member

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    Why can't tesla just make a single button?

    just tap.

    done.
     
  16. yesla4tesl

    yesla4tesl Member

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    agree, only downside would be when you turn car wash mode off. So for example:

    Press to turn on:
    It brings mirrors in, turns wipers off and even could put you into neutral with a "Are you sure type of prompt"

    Press to turn it off:
    Bring mirrors back out, resets wiper mode to previous setting before being disabled. I do not think putting it in drive would be optionable. But other than going into drive, it would be pretty nice
     
  17. ahankins

    ahankins Member

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    The rear hatch or the rear passenger door? Either way I don't understand how that can happen?? :confused: You can press the lock on the top left corner of the screen.
     
  18. RayK

    RayK Active Member

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    Sounds like maybe the rear driver side door opened if you are able to lean back and close it. However, if a high pressure water jet hits the button to open the trunk/hatch....

    Hmmm.... maybe I'll be locking all my doors when going through a car wash from now on.
     
  19. NOLADriver

    NOLADriver Member

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    If it makes you feel better when you exit the conveyor style car washes you are over the top of a loop sensor, it knows when you move, and also the distance between your bumper and the bumper of the car behind you (entry photo eyes) so it will stop the conveyor if you dont move and the car is too close. Its not 100%, $hit happens, but its pretty damm good at stopping in time.
     
  20. yesla4tesl

    yesla4tesl Member

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    oh, wow, thanks, I did not know that. I honestly thought it would just keep pushing them all through lol Like in the cartoons.
     
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