How to Wash a Tesla
Well, it was news to me when I bought a Tesla that I would have to start washing my car differently. Tesla’s paint is notorious for scratching because they are made in California where there are environmental laws on how cars need to be painted. Even though no one asked, I am all for environmental regulations.
The downside is that Teslas scratch super easily. I got my car ceramic coated to help harden the paint. Some people like to do a Paint Protection Film (PPF), but the ceramic coating was more in my budget. Bonus, the car’s paint also becomes hydrophobic and most of the dirt will drain to the bottom of the car. Also, no one asked, but I got the windows tinted to block out 99.99% of UV rays.
Back to why you have to wash a Tesla differently. One, you can’t take it through a normal car wash. They have to be touch-less car washes only. Like only water, foam, and more water. Nothing, and I mean nothing, should be touching the car. Touch-less car washes are hard to find, but some Chevron stations have them. Then have a waffle microfiber drying towel in your car to use to soak up the excess water.
So, I did a deep dive on how to wash a Tesla and learned some helpful washing tips from the pros at the car shop that ceramic coated and tinted my car. Here are the items you will need to wash your Tesla at home. Bonus, it barely uses any water. Great news for us Californians living in a perpetual drought.
Hose down the car with these items: Gallon Sprayer and Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
Use a detailing bucket kit with a dirt guard and microfiber mitt and some more of the No Rinse Wash. It’s the dirt that scratches the car. Wash the car with the microfiber mitt, trying to softly move the cloth over the car. If you got the ceramic coating, the dirt will probably be at the lower parts of the car.
Then dry the car with a car blow dryer. Yeah, I know, they thought of everything. This one really does work to dry the car without touching it. For any water droplets left, use a microfiber drying towel to dry the car. Also, remember to open the door panels / trunk doors and clean those, too. Then clean the inside however you want. I have no special tips for that. Takes about 10-15 minutes in total. Not too shabby.
And voila! That’s how you wash a Tesla.