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Cleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings,
tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,
industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Model
3 is due for a complete wash. If necessary, use
denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and
stubborn grease stains, then immediately
wash the area with water and a mild, non-
detergent soap to remove the alcohol.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt,
condensation, or obstructions. Occasionally
remove any buildup of dirt by wiping the
components with a soft cloth dampened with
warm water. These substances can cause
autopilot and safety features to stop working
Cleaning Cameras and Sensors on page
).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model 3:
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from
the vehicle using a hose. Flush away
accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel wells
and panel seams). If salt has been used on
the highways (such as during winter
months), thoroughly rinse all traces of road
salt from the underside of the vehicle,
wheel wells, and brakes.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model 3 using a clean soft cloth
and cold or lukewarm water containing a
mild, high-quality car shampoo.
CAUTION:
Some cleaners and car
shampoos contain chemicals that
can cause damage or discoloration,
especially to plastic trim pieces,
lamps, or camera lenses. For
example, some car cleaning
formulas contain hydroxide or other
highly alkaline or caustic ingredients
that can damage exterior
components. Damage or
discoloration resulting from
cleaning products is not covered by
the warranty.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly
with a chamois. If necessary, dry the brakes
by going on a short drive and applying the
brakes multiple times.
Clean windows and mirrors using an
automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape, or
use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass or
mirrored surfaces.
Cautions for Exterior Cleaning
CAUTION:
Do not wash in direct
sunlight.
CAUTION:
Do not use windshield
treatment fluids. Doing so can
interfere with wiper friction and cause
a chattering sound.
CAUTION:
Do not use hot water,
detergents, or highly alkaline or
caustic cleaning products, especially
those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION:
If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 30 cm
between the nozzle and the surface of
Model 3. Avoid aiming the water jet
directly on the camera(s) or parking
sensors (if equipped). Also do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can
scratch or damage its surface. Keep
the nozzle moving and do not
concentrate the water jet on any one
area.
CAUTION:
Do not aim water hoses
directly at windows, door, or hood
seals or at electronic modules or
exposed cabling.
CAUTION:
To avoid corrosive damage
that may not be covered by the
warranty, rinse away any road salt
from the underside of the vehicle,
wheel wells, and brakes. After cleaning
the vehicle, dry the brakes by going
on a short drive and applying the
brakes multiple times.
Cleaning
209
Maintenance
Summary of Contents for MODEL 3 2020
Page 1: ...MODEL 3 OWNER S MANUAL Software version 2020 12 5 Europe...
Page 4: ...Declarations of Conformity 245 Troubleshooting Alerts 252 Index 261 Contents...
Page 30: ...Interior Storage and Electronics 28 MODEL 3 OWNER S MANUAL...
Page 250: ...Declarations of Conformity 248 MODEL 3 OWNER S MANUAL...
Page 270: ...Work location 165 Index...
Page 271: ...Publication date 2 4 2020...