Tesla owners are being reminded of the importance of using the vehicle’s dedicated car wash mode, thanks to a TikTok highlighting the unique feature.
On Sept. 12, TikTok user @mardofinds highlighted the feature in a video that has amassed over 32,600 views. “Quick PSA for all new Tesla owners,” he said.
In the video, he warned that failing to enable Car Wash Mode before cleaning the vehicle could lead to costly damage. “I’ve seen one too many Tesla videos of owners messing up their cars because they didn’t know about this feature,” Mardo said.
He explained that owners must select Car Wash Mode from the touchscreen menu to ensure the car’s systems are properly locked, preventing water damage. He also noted that there is a separate option to clean the touchscreen before the wash begins.
What Is The Car Wash Mode Feature?
Tesla introduced Car Wash Mode in a 2021 software update to help drivers safely prepare their vehicles for automatic or manual washes. Once activated, the feature closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables automatic windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes.
It also gives drivers the option to place the car into “Free Roll,” which allows it to coast through conveyor-belt car washes without the brakes engaging.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Car Wash Mode?
Tesla drivers have reported a range of outcomes when forgetting to use Car Wash Mode. A Reddit thread on the topic includes anecdotes ranging from no damage to significant issues.
“Car wash mode really only makes sure your windows are sealed and disables USS beeping among the other stuff shown in the UI… the real benefit is enabling free-roll imo,” shared one Reddit user. “Being able to shift in and out of neutral at the press of a button is incredibly convenient.”
The same Reddit user continued. “Also… failing to put your car into neutral causes the conveyor belt carrying cars through to get REALLY upset and you have to embarrassingly mess with the shifter to get into neutral otherwise the attendant will likely hit the emergency stop.”
“Nothing happens. I never bother with car wash mode,” wrote another user. “If you don’t put it in neutral though, the car will fall off the track and the whole car wash tunnel will shut down.”
Does This Apply To All Teslas?
The feature was rolled out first for the Model 3 and Model Y, then later added to updated versions of the Model S and Model X. Tesla’s Cybertruck also comes with Car Wash Mode built in.
Depending on their model year and software version, it is likely that owners of older Model S or X vehicles will not have the feature.
