New Owners - Neutral is different for Car Washes!

[TES-E]

On my MS, I use a car wash where you stay in the car and ride through the car wash. I simply leave it in D and let the rollers push the car through. It's slow enough it is just like very slow coasting. At the end of the line when the green light comes on, I step on the accelerator and drive on out.

It does drive the parking sensors nuts, though.

 

[daniel]

Since you're discussing Car washes (pg 119 in the manual), here's a caution that the Manual lists:

Caution: If washing in an automatic car wash, use Touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model 3. Using any other type of car wash could cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.

Yeah, the Roadster has that warning also. I could not take it through car washes anyway as noted above because it's too low to the ground. But I wonder if there's something special about the tesla, or if all car makers say that.

Don't have my Model 3 yet but does it have the Manual available on the screen like they do on the Model S? There go you to Controls - Settings - and the Manual icon is in the lower left of the window. Personally even on the Model S I think it should be easier to find for those times you have a question and need to look something up on the spot...like how to get into Neutral or Tow mode without going through all the screens you think it might be on.

Yes, the manual is available on the screen. I think it's under the Service tab.

 

[israndy]

The Model 3 w/o an update (Car Wash Mode) will not allow the car to be pulled thru the wash w/o someone in the seat. Lots of car washes expect to send the car thru empty so you will be banned from those washes until something changes.

Fortunately, we have one of those drive-thru touchless washes ($6) in Alameda that is perfect for my new Model 3 (and my old New Volvo).

-Randy

 

[daniel]

The Model 3 w/o an update (Car Wash Mode) will not allow the car to be pulled thru the wash w/o someone in the seat. Lots of car washes expect to send the car thru empty so you will be banned from those washes until something changes.

Fortunately, we have one of those drive-thru touchless washes ($6) in Alameda that is perfect for my new Model 3 (and my old New Volvo).

-Randy

From page 141 of the March 6, 2018 edition of the owners manual:

...before pulling Model 3 onto a flatbed truck, you must use the touchscreen to enable Transport Mode. Transport Mode keeps Model 3 in Neutral, allowing the tires to turn freely. Transport Mode also prevents damage that would be caused when the tires turn as you pull Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. Do not attempt to use Transport Mode to tow Model 3 with the tires on the ground. Transport Mode can prevent damage only when used for a limited time and speed, and for a very short distance, such as when you pull Model 3 onto a flatbed truck.

Going through a car wash is a bit farther than towing up onto a flatbed truck, but it's still a very short distance. I am NOT going to attempt this. I'm just wondering. Of course, they don't want you to use a car wash anyway, so they're not going to offer a car wash mode. They want you to wash the car by hand with a bucket and sponge and chamois.

 

[tagpats]

I’m a little conflicted about the whole automatic car wash vs. hand wash with one bucket vs. 2 bucket vs. no rinse with microfiber. My experience with my Teslas is that any of the above are going to result in clear coat imperfections over time and that it may not really matter a whole lot which way you go.

I have only hand washed with sponge and one bucket or used the drive through brush type automatic car wash for all of my previous non-Tesla vehicles and never gave it a second thought. Over many years, I certainly noticed imperfections in the paint, but nothing that jumped out at me.

I used to think the whole Tesla soft paint thing was much ado about nothing and just a push to use paint protection, etc., but I find that regardless of method, my Teslas show more swirl marks and imperfections than any car I have owned. Maybe I’m just sensitive because they are the most expensive and nicest cars I have owned, but I agree now that this paint is different and less forgiving than other manufacturers.

I have only hand washed my S with two buckets and decided for my 3 to use no rinse solution and microfiber towels to hopefully improve my outcome. I have not been successful. My 3 is 2 months old and appears to have more imperfections than my 2 year old S. Both have a great shine and are pristine in every other way, but in full sun, you can’t miss the microscratching of the clear coat. My 3 is red and my S is midnight silver so that could contribute.

I guess my point being, either I am terrible at washing a car with even the gentlest of methods or anything short of not touching your car is going to result in imperfections. I would consider paint protection if this is a concern to you. Sorry if slightly off topic, but given some feedback on avoiding the car wash, I thought I’d share my experience.

 

[rtanov]

On my MS, I use a car wash where you stay in the car and ride through the car wash. I simply leave it in D and let the rollers push the car through. It's slow enough it is just like very slow coasting. At the end of the line when the green light comes on, I step on the accelerator and drive on out.

It does drive the parking sensors nuts, though.

That's what I do in my Model 3 - works the same way. I just mute the sensors so I won't listen to them going nuts.

 

[israndy]

There are automated car washes that are touchless. I think Tesla is FINE with car washes, they just don't want you sending the car to one with brushes. Adding the Car Wash mode would allow me to take the Model 3 to the full-service wash in my neighborhood, they are really good.

-Randy

 

[TheLocNar]

Neutral sounds annoying. lol Guess I’ll get a cheap electric power washer next year.

 

[PapaSlabes]

Tesla should just make a "car wash" mode.

I think that's a great idea.

 

[wesley888]

FYI, you can leave the seat belt buckled and the car will stay in neutral. No need to have someone sit in the car. I do that when I go to my local car wash.

 

[RedOctober]

I’m a little conflicted about the whole automatic car wash vs. hand wash with one bucket vs. 2 bucket vs. no rinse with microfiber. My experience with my Teslas is that any of the above are going to result in clear coat imperfections over time and that it may not really matter a whole lot which way you go.

I have only hand washed with sponge and one bucket or used the drive through brush type automatic car wash for all of my previous non-Tesla vehicles and never gave it a second thought. Over many years, I certainly noticed imperfections in the paint, but nothing that jumped out at me.

I used to think the whole Tesla soft paint thing was much ado about nothing and just a push to use paint protection, etc., but I find that regardless of method, my Teslas show more swirl marks and imperfections than any car I have owned. Maybe I’m just sensitive because they are the most expensive and nicest cars I have owned, but I agree now that this paint is different and less forgiving than other manufacturers.

I have only hand washed my S with two buckets and decided for my 3 to use no rinse solution and microfiber towels to hopefully improve my outcome. I have not been successful. My 3 is 2 months old and appears to have more imperfections than my 2 year old S. Both have a great shine and are pristine in every other way, but in full sun, you can’t miss the microscratching of the clear coat. My 3 is red and my S is midnight silver so that could contribute.

I guess my point being, either I am terrible at washing a car with even the gentlest of methods or anything short of not touching your car is going to result in imperfections. I would consider paint protection if this is a concern to you. Sorry if slightly off topic, but given some feedback on avoiding the car wash, I thought I’d share my experience.

Great thread that will save owners some embarrassment. On the car wash issue, I only hand wash and use a microfibre wash mitt. Keep a coat of Zaino wax on it and have no swirl marks.

 

[boaterva]

Noted, Tow mode is 'Transport' mode in a 3. It's like the software was ported to a different brand....

 

[claudelaval]

My wife and I independently took the new Model 3 to the Car Wash without knowing that the method for shifting into Neutral has changed from the Model S.

I pulled up and drove into the lanes, and then couldn't figure out how to get into Neutral. I completely clogged up the car wash lane and they had to move cars out of the way so I could back up.

As I left, I searched for how to switch into Neutral and found the answer on this forum. Like I said, the same thing happened to my wife, so I'm guessing it may happen to many new Model 3 owners.

On the S, you push all the way down (basically, 2 clicks) to get into drive, and then softly push it back up one click to go into Neutral. That does not work on the Model 3!

On the 3, you push down (1 full click) to get into drive, and then softly raise the stick WITHOUT clicking for a few seconds and it will shift into Neutral.

I hope this helps somebody. I felt very foolish not knowing how to shift my car into Neutral!

On the delivery the Tesla specialist didn't tell you that?

 

[Model 3]

... windows rolled up, door unlocked, stereo blasting “Tiny Bubbles”, etc.

No no no! Here is what it have to play:

 

[Bargo]

I didn't notice any scratches, but will definitely be on the lookout for that. Thanks!

The scratches they are referring to are not huge scratches that you would casually noticed. They make very light circular scratches called spider webbing that will reduce the gloss and shine of the vehicle because the surface is no longer smooth. It cause light to reflect in various directions making the paint more dull.

Automated car washes with brushes really are bad for your paint.

 

[daniel]

On the delivery the Tesla specialist didn't tell you that?

I'm not the one you were replying to, but just have to throw in that since my car was shipped to me, I didn't have anyone give me a walk-through. I did get them to email me a copy of the owner's manual to read before the car arrived. The car came in a truck, and the truck driver didn't know anything about the car except how to use the key card to drive it off the truck.

 

[Chopr147]

Car washes are a necessary evil, at least for me. I'm not cleaning my car in 20 degree weather
But I have had no problem with Tow mode,(other than the 1 time it refused to work) I just have to pull it up into the wash lane for them rather than letting the wash guys do it. Such problems

 

[lowflyer2000]

Waiting patiently for my order to be filled (18 + months to go - LOL). Interesting reading of some "questionable" procedures / functions etc. of this vehicle!!! When I purchased an Audi some years ago, the dealer sat with me in the car and went through EVERY function / feature while i was in the drivers seat and I didn't leave the lot until THEY were satisfied. I would hope this would be a good gesture with Tesla dealers.

 

[daniel]

Car washes are a necessary evil, at least for me. I'm not cleaning my car in 20 degree weather
But I have had no problem with Tow mode,(other than the 1 time it refused to work) I just have to pull it up into the wash lane for them rather than letting the wash guys do it. Such problems

I figure that in winter the car will get dirty again so soon that there's no point in washing it until spring.

 

[Glamisduner]

I figure that in winter the car will get dirty again so soon that there's no point in washing it until spring.

maybe to get road salt off in salt states?