'It's Like the Car Knows It's Spa Time': Tesla Driver Activates Car Wash Mode. But What's the Best Way To Actually Wash It?
'Why I wash at home...'
Forget fumbling with mirrors or worrying about stray wiper sweeps during your next driveway car wash. As a TikTok user demonstrated, Tesla’s Car Wash Mode automates the prep for you; locking ports, folding mirrors, and shutting windows in seconds. The result? A safer, faster way to wash at home while preserving the finish and the tech inside.
The clip from Tesla Maverick (@tesla.maverick) talks up the ease and innovation at work from the electric vehicle flagship brand. While making things as simple and no-brainer as possible, the Car Wash Mode keeps all the crucial equipment and technology safe from the suds.
How Car Wash Mode Works
Tesla introduced Car Wash Mode in a 2021.24.4 software update to help protect vehicles during washes by disabling and securing many moving parts at once. Once activated by tapping Controls → Service → Car Wash Mode while in Park and not charging, the car auto-secures several components:
- Closes all windows
- Locks the charge port
- Disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locks, parking sensor chimes
Offers quick options like Screen Clean and Fold Mirrors - Includes an Enable Free Roll button to set the car in Neutral for automatic conveyor-style washes
Skipping this mode causes damage to charge ports, sensors, and wipers. And that damage isn’t covered by warranty.
Safe & Smart Tesla Cleaning
The TikTok video offers a straightforward look at washing a Tesla at home, but Tesla owners can take a few extra steps to make sure the process is both safe for the car’s technology and effective for preserving its finish. Preparation is key before any soap touches the car. A thorough rinse removes loose dirt and grit that could otherwise scratch the surface during washing.
Experts recommend a pH-balanced automotive soap rather than dish detergent or industrial cleaners, which can strip waxes and degrade paint protection films or ceramic coatings. Some Tesla detailers also advise washing in a shaded area to reduce water spotting.
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When it comes to the actual wash, gentle technique matters. Many Tesla owners use the two-bucket method: one bucket with soapy water and another with clean rinse water, combined with a microfiber mitt to lift away grime without grinding it into the paint. Care should be taken to avoid blasting water directly into the charge port or camera housings, both to protect sensitive electronics and to keep Autopilot systems working reliably.
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After the wash, a complete rinse ensures no soap residue remains. Drying with a soft microfiber towel or a contactless air dryer reduces the risk of swirl marks. Tesla also warns against high-pressure water streams aimed at sensors or trim, which can cause costly damage. Exiting Car Wash Mode is as simple as tapping the on-screen prompt or driving over 10 mph, at which point the car automatically restores its normal settings.
Beyond the basics, Tesla owners can take advantage of some brand-specific best practices to keep their cars looking and functioning at their best. The automaker’s owner’s manual recommends cleaning exterior cameras weekly in wet weather and at least monthly during dry periods. This helps maintain visibility for Autopilot and other driver-assistance features, and it should be done with a light spray of water and a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the lenses.
Tesla also discourages the use of automatic car washes with spinning brushes or harsh chemical detergents. While they may be convenient, these systems can scratch paint and damage protective coatings. Touchless washes using high-pressure water and detergent sprays are safer, but even then, owners should be cautious about water jets aimed at sensitive areas.
For those looking to go further, many Tesla enthusiasts invest in ceramic coating or paint protection film. Both options add shield against UV damage, environmental contaminants, and light abrasions, while also making it easier to clean the car’s surface. These treatments can help preserve the vehicle’s appearance and potentially boost resale value.
Why This Matters for Tesla Owners and Buyers
Car Wash Mode might look like a small convenience on the touchscreen, but it’s a tool every Tesla owner should use. By automating the prep work of closing windows, locking the charge port, folding mirrors, and disabling wipers, it eliminates several common ways a wash can go wrong. That means no accidental water intrusion, fewer opportunities to scratch moving parts, and less risk of triggering alarms or safety systems mid-wash.
For owners, this isn’t just about keeping the car shiny for weekend drives. A consistent, careful cleaning routine is part of protecting your EV investment. Dirt and road film can degrade paint over time, water spots can etch clearcoat, and neglected cameras or sensors can compromise Autopilot performance. Making Car Wash Mode part of your process, paired with gentle, pH-balanced soap and microfiber drying, can extend the life of paint protection, reduce the need for costly detailing, and help keep resale value high.
Prospective buyers should take note as well. Tesla has engineered a feature that makes even the mundane task of washing smarter and safer, and using it is a simple way to avoid expensive mistakes. If you’re buying your first Tesla, learn where Car Wash Mode lives on the screen before your first cleaning. If you’re a longtime owner, make it a habit. As the TikTok creator summed up, “It’s like the car knows it’s spa time”—and a savvy owner makes the most of it.
Inside EVs reached out to the creator via direct message.
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