Cleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately remove
corrosive substances (grease, oil, 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
Cleaning a Camera on page 179).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model Y:
1.
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 Model Y using a clean soft cloth and cold or
lukewarm water and a mild, high-quality car shampoo.
CAUTION: Some cleaners and car shampoos
contain chemicals that can cause damage or
discoloration, especially for plastic trim pieces,
exterior lights, or camera lenses. For example, some
car cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other
highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can
damage exterior components. Do not use acidic
products either. Damage or discoloration resulting
from cleaning products is not covered by the
warranty.
3. After washing, rinse with clean water to prevent soap
from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry thoroughly with a chamois. If necessary, dry the
brakes by going on a short drive and applying the brakes
multiple times.
Use isopropyl alcohol wipes (such as those used to clean
glasses or screens) to clean away small stains.
Window Cleaning and Treatments
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass
cleaner. Do not scrape or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on
glass or mirrored surfaces. Follow the directions in Cleaning
the Exterior on page 179 for best practices in cleaning the
exterior glass.
To add a hydrophobic coating to your vehicle's windows,
apply the coating only to the side and rear windows, not the
front windshield—doing so may affect the visibility of the
autopilot cameras. Follow the hydrophobic coating
manufacturer’s instructions for application details.
NOTE:
Tesla is not responsible for any damage associated
with applying window treatments on your vehicle.
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 15
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 and drying it with a microfiber cloth. Clean
the camera lens every week during wet weather (snow, rain,
sleet) and every month during dry weather.
The front-facing camera is equipped with a sprayer nozzle.
To clean the front-facing camera, touch the app launcher,
select the Camera app, and press the spray icon.
NOTE: The inside of the windshield within front camera
enclosure (see
Cameras on page 19) must be cleaned
periodically to maintain clear visibility and optimal camera
function. To check if such cleaning is needed, review your
vehicle's maintenance summary by touching Controls >
Service > Maintenance. When needed, use the mobile app to
schedule a service appointment.
CAUTION:
Do not use chemical-based or abrasive
cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the lens.
CAUTION:
Do not clean an ultrasonic sensor (if
equipped) or camera lens with a sharp or abrasive
object that can scratch or damage its surface.
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.
Cleaning
179Maintenance
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