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 Y 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. These substances can cause unclear
pictures or Autopilot and safety features to stop
working (see
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model
Y:
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 Y 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.
Car Wash Mode
When taking Model Y to a car wash, Car Wash Mode
closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables
windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door
locking, and parking sensor chimes. To enable, touch
Controls
>
Service
>
Car Wash Mode
. Your vehicle must
be stationary and not actively charging.
If using an automatic car wash,
Enable Free Roll
keeps
your vehicle in Neutral and activates free roll for the
duration of the wash, while preventing Model Y from
applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver's seat.
To enable, press on the brake pedal and touch
Enable
Free Roll
; or shift into Neutral.
Car Wash Mode disables if the vehicle's speed exceeds
10 mph (16 km/h) or by touching
Exit
on the
touchscreen.
CAUTION:
Failure to put Model Y in Car Wash
Mode may result in damage (for example, to the
charge port or windshield wipers). Damage caused
by car washes is not covered by the warranty.
Cleaning a Camera
To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens must be clean
and free of obstructions. Remove any build-up of dirt or
debris by spraying water onto the camera lens with a
spray bottle or pressure washer.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to remove dirt or debris
by wiping an exposed lens with your hands or a
cloth. This debris can damage the surface of the
lens when rubbed against it during wiping.
CAUTION:
Do not use chemical-based or abrasive
cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the
lens.
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 12" (30 cm) between the
nozzle and the surface of Model Y. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly at parking sensors (if
equipped). 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.
Cleaning
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MODEL Y Owner's Manual
