Tesla Introduces Car Wash Mode: Features and Benefits Explained

Tesla's Car Wash Mode is a feature designed to protect and simplify the process of washing your Tesla, whether you're using an automated car wash or washing it yourself. This mode streamlines the preparation steps, ensuring your vehicle's advanced systems are safely disabled to prevent potential damage.

How to Enable Car Wash Mode

To enable Car Wash Mode on your Tesla, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Car Controls: Go to the controls menu on your Tesla's touchscreen.
2. Select Service: Choose the "Service" option.
3. Activate Car Wash Mode: Select "Car Wash Mode" from the service menu.

Once activated, the mode will perform several key functions to prepare your vehicle for washing.

Functions of Car Wash Mode

1. Close Windows and Doors: The mode closes all windows, including the trunk and front trunk, to prevent water from entering the vehicle.
2. Lock Charge Port: The charge port door is locked to prevent it from opening when brushes or water jets come into contact with it.
3. Disable Windshield Wipers: Rain-sensing wipers are disabled to prevent them from activating and getting tangled or caught in the car wash's brushes.
4. Disable Parking Sensors and Emergency Braking: Parking sensor chimes and automatic emergency braking are turned off to prevent unwanted activation during the wash.
5. Disable Walk-Away Door Locking: This feature is temporarily disabled to prevent the doors from locking automatically while the car is being washed.
6. Disable Sentry Mode: Sentry Mode, which is designed for security, is turned off to avoid any unnecessary alerts or actions during the wash.
7. Enable Free Roll: For automatic car washes that use conveyor belts, you need to put your Tesla into neutral. Car Wash Mode includes an "Enable Free Roll" button that simplifies this process. You'll need to have your foot on the brake pedal and tap the button on the screen.

Additional Features

• Climate System Adjustment: The climate system is set to recirculating mode to prevent water from entering the air conditioning vents.
• Exterior Vent Closure: The exterior vent to the A/C system is closed to protect the filters from water.
• Mirror Folding: You have the option to fold your mirrors if needed, which can be accessed from the Car Wash Mode screen.

Tips for Using Car Wash Mode

1. Avoid Bristle Car Washes: Tesla recommends using touchless car washes to avoid potential damage to the vehicle's sensitive surfaces.
2. Ensure Proper Activation: Make sure to activate Car Wash Mode before entering the car wash to prevent any features from triggering unnecessarily.
3. Check Status: The Car Wash Mode screen provides a live status for each feature, ensuring that everything is properly disabled or locked before proceeding.

Exiting Car Wash Mode

To exit Car Wash Mode, simply tap the "Exit" button on the touchscreen or put your car into drive and exceed 10 mph.

By using Tesla's Car Wash Mode, you can ensure a safe and efficient washing process, protecting your vehicle's advanced features and maintaining its condition.