Practical guide
Car wash: prepare the vehicle before entering
Before washing, check the washing mode and the method of moving the car.
Guide updated 2 Oct 2026 · revision 1
Enable the correct mode beforehand
On a stopped car that is not charging, turn on Car Wash Mode. It closes windows, blocks the charging port and disables wipers and some automatic functions. Before you start washing, make sure that the doors and trunks are closed, and the method of washing you choose meets the Tesla guidelines for your vehicle.
Check how the conveyor moves the car
If the installation moves the car, deal with Enable Free Roll in advance according to the guidance and instructions of the staff. Simply turning on the wash mode does not in itself mean free rolling of the wheels. For automatic washing, Tesla recommends a contactless option; brushes can damage the exterior surfaces and finishes of the car.
Protect the finish
When hand washing, first rinse the sand, use a soft material and a suitable shampoo. Keep the high pressure nozzle no closer than 30 centimeters and do not direct the jet directly to seals or electrical equipment. After winter salt, wash the contaminated areas; after washing, dry the brakes with a short safe ride with a few brake pedal presses.
Keep in mind: You cannot direct a high pressure jet to the charging port during charging.
Sources and currency
This concise guide was prepared by Volt. A manual version does not mean that software is installed on your car.
For your vehicle and software, the in-car manual and release notes are the most precise references.