Can you take a Tesla through a carwash?
Ava Mcdaniel
Updated on March 13, 2026
Can I take my Tesla through a drive-thru car wash? Tesla warns you against taking your car to a regular automated car wash that uses brushes and bristles to clean your vehicle. However, if you're taking your Tesla through a drive-thru car wash, make sure you use only touchless car washes.
Will a car wash damage Tesla?
Car Wash Mode disables if the vehicle's speed exceeds 16 km/h or by touching Exit on the touchscreen. 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.Can Teslas go through automatic car washes?
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 3. Some touchless car washes use caustic solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration of decorative exterior trim.Are touchless car washes OK for Tesla?
It's a tough decision whether to take your Tesla car to an automatic car wash or not. Tesla recommends avoiding automatic car washes. Automatic car washes can misalign sensors, damage charging ports, and scratch the paint job. Tesla recommends to handwash all Tesla cars or to use a touchless car wash to avoid damages.How do you put a Tesla in neutral in a car wash?
Since there is no gear stalk on the 2021+ Model S and Model S, you'll need to tap the car icon to go to Controls, then tap and hold the Neutral button. This will engage your car into Neutral.Watch This Before Taking Your Tesla To A Car Wash
Can electric cars go through car wash?
Thankfully, washing your electric car in automatic car washes, such as rollovers, tunnels and jet wash systems, is completely safe. These machines will not damage the electrical system, electric motor or the batteries.Can Teslas get wet?
Older Model S vehicles are said to have problems driving through rain. Newer Tesla Models are known for the ability to drive through deep water which has been shown on test courses and out on the road.Can you wash undercarriage of Tesla?
You can wash your Tesla's undercarriage the same way you wash the exterior of the vehicle: you can wash by hand or take your Tesla to a car wash. In either case, you'll want to do a pre-rinse of the vehicle using a hose.Do you have to hand wash a Tesla?
Should I hand wash my Tesla? Yes, it's the safest method to clean your Tesla. You can, of course, use the two-bucket method to wash your Tesla. Use the waterless or rinseless car wash method, if it's covered with just light dirt.Are Tesla Motors waterproof?
So that's the story and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has even stated that the motor and battery units are sealed, so water intrusion shouldn't occur, however, these seals may not be as robust as they should be over time. And if they wear out, then water can potentially get in.What happens if a Tesla goes in water?
Driving in flooded zones can severely damage a car's engine, whether it's electric or gas-powered, as the vehicle's undercarriage is not designed to sustain prolonged periods of submersion in water.What happens if an electric car falls in water?
If an electric vehicle gets flooded, it could become extremely hazardous to the occupants of the vehicle. Water conducts electricity, and EVs store large amounts of electricity to rotate driveshafts. Driving an EV through a flood could cause the occupants of a vehicle to get severely electrocuted.Can you wash an electric car while charging?
Of course it is perfectly safe, thanks to the 'soak test' which manufacturers put every type of car they make through. This replicates the heaviest rain and flooding conditions, to ensure the car is fully watertight. You can wash an electric car in all the same ways as you can with any car.Can you drive electric cars in the rain?
Electric cars are designed to drive and charge safely in the rain or snow, but no car should drive when the roads are completely flooded. Both EVs and gas-powered cars use electricity and so auto engineers of both types have designed their vehicles to be safe for drivers to use in most weather conditions.How do you use an electric car wash?
You just need to follow these steps below:
- Search for a Car Wash. ...
- For Newer Cars: Go With Soft-Touch, Touchless, or Brushless Car Washes. ...
- Make Your Payment at the Payment Station or Cashier. ...
- Drive Through the Carwash Entrance and Pull Up to the Car Wash Track. ...
- Turn Off the Automatic Windshield Wiper. ...
- Roll Up and Lock Windows.