So been reading on the forums but nothing recent. I've seen that some soaps can mess up the black trim around the windows in 2020 Model Y's. Is this still a problem now? Is it safe to run my MYP through a touchless carwash? Thanks!
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Touchless Car wash. Should I do it?
- Thread starter Kingrat1
- Start date
Check with the touchless car wash you plan to use regarding the detergents and other cleaning agents that are applied.
See Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual, page 173 for information regarding cleaning the Tesla Model Y:
https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/model_y_owners_manual_north_america_en.pdf
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide
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 Y. Some touchless car washes use caustic
solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration
of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to
soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check
the product label or ask the staff at the car wash.
Damage caused by improper washing is not
covered by the warranty
See Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual, page 173 for information regarding cleaning the Tesla Model Y:
https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/model_y_owners_manual_north_america_en.pdf
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide
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 Y. Some touchless car washes use caustic
solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration
of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to
soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check
the product label or ask the staff at the car wash.
Damage caused by improper washing is not
covered by the warranty
Rice&Curry
Member
The issue is not whether the car will go through and come out safely in the car wash. It is more to do with the alkaline nature of the liquid spray at the carwash which can change or affect the color of the trim. One has no way of knowing the nature of the carwash solution when you are driving in to the carwash.
Yea I was trying to find out what the Ph was on the soap being used (Am/Pm Laser Wash). But I couldn't find anything online or in store.
sleepydoc
Well-Known Member
Am I the only one who thinks that making a car with parts that can’t tolerate a car wash is poor design?
Clark_Kent
Member
You're probably not the only one, but you may be in the minority.
I used to use car washes all the time. But now, the pride of ownership of a Tesla keeps me from using one. It helps that recent improvements in shampoos and car wash methods (rinse less, waterless) make it not only easy to wash by hand, but also less time consuming.
Clark_Kent
Member
Not really. I don't think about it much because I don't use automatic car washes, ever.
Agreed. I find it a little humorous that many folks scrutinize 50+ checkpoints during vehicle delivery only to start using car washes during their ownership tenure. I get that many may not have access to hose and bucket or a garage but some good microfiber towels and rinse-less wash can get decent results.
roblab
Active Member
Just a data point, I have never washed any of my Teslas for the last ten years.
I just rinse them and wipe them off with baby diapers (so s-o-f-t!) Once in a while wifey goes out and uses a spray wax on them. But never any soap. The baby diapers will adsorb any kind of dirt spots, bugs, oil drips or smog, and my cars always look like new.
Why do people wash off wax and then reapply it? Just wipe off the dirt and leave the wax alone! I'm still using the bottle of Turtle wax I used on my car 3 Teslas ago, not because I'm lazy, but because the wax is still there making the car shiny.
I just rinse them and wipe them off with baby diapers (so s-o-f-t!) Once in a while wifey goes out and uses a spray wax on them. But never any soap. The baby diapers will adsorb any kind of dirt spots, bugs, oil drips or smog, and my cars always look like new.
Why do people wash off wax and then reapply it? Just wipe off the dirt and leave the wax alone! I'm still using the bottle of Turtle wax I used on my car 3 Teslas ago, not because I'm lazy, but because the wax is still there making the car shiny.
sleepydoc
Well-Known Member
In MN, washing your car in your driveway is not an option for most of the year. On top of that, I don't even know of a DIY wash anywhere near me and our water is incredibly hard (33 grains of hardness) so the one time I washed my car in the driveway it had horrible spots all over it. Automatic car washes are really the only viable option for me, especially if I want to get the salt off of my car in the winter.
We've used automatic car washes with all of our cars for years and never had an issue with the soap staining or marking the trim. If every other car maker can do it, why can't Tesla? I stand by my view that Tesla is using poorly chosen materials in its design if they don't hold up to a car wash.
andaconda
Active Member
When 6 out of 12 months it's below freezing. That's why.
andaconda
Active Member
You are right about the 'law' - there are some severe drought stricken areas in the States where tough water restrictions are enforced. Fortunately my area is not one of them.
sleepydoc
Well-Known Member
Also, our water is incredibly hard - Typically anything above 11 grains is considered 'very hard.' Ours is 33 grains. That means you end up with horrible water spots if unless you're able to get rid of all the water before it dries.
We also had a ban on washing cars this summer during the drought. They may have lifted it now, but with high temps around 6º C/45º F, washing the car in the driveway isn't practical.
andaconda
Active Member
Yep, got to have the soft towels at the ready! I keep the car constantly wet until I'm completely finished.
As far as I am aware this is still an issue if you use a touchless automatic car wash.
You should be OK if you use the self wash bay (this wash requires you purchase and put in tokens.) Avoid the presoak stage as this is solution is probably very high pH. Just get the exterior wet and then apply the standard soap solution followed by the high pressure water. The final rinse stage is designed to minimize water spotting and should not discolor the trim.
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