Tesla Car Wash Mode Guide: What to Do Before Using an Automatic Car Wash

🚿 Introduction

If you live in an apartment or condominium, washing your car at home isn’t always an option.
Many Tesla owners rely on automatic car washes at gas stations or car wash facilities.

When using an automatic car wash, one feature is absolutely essential: Car Wash Mode.

Enabling this mode helps prevent unexpected issues and potential damage during the wash.

⚠️ Why Car Wash Mode Is Important

If you simply shift your Tesla into Park (P) without enabling Car Wash Mode, problems can occur.

For example:

・The car wash brushes may trigger
　👉 the charging port to open automatically

・This can lead to
　👉 damage to the charging port cover

When Car Wash Mode is enabled, your Tesla automatically:

✅ Closes all windows completely
✅ Prevents the charging port from opening from outside

This makes Car Wash Mode a must-use safety feature when entering an automatic car wash.

🕹️ How to Enable Car Wash Mode

▶️ Start Car Wash Mode

1. Open Controls on the touchscreen
2. Select Car Wash
3. Tap Start Car Wash Mode

Your Tesla is now ready for the car wash.

⏹️ End Car Wash Mode

• Tap End Car Wash Mode on the screen once the wash is complete

Don’t forget to turn it off before driving normally.

⚠️ Important Notes When Using Car Wash Mode

🚦 1. The Car Can Still Drive

・Even with Car Wash Mode ON,
　👉 shifting into Drive (D) will allow the car to move

・If the vehicle exceeds 15 km/h,
　👉 Car Wash Mode will automatically deactivate

Always double-check your gear selection before and after the wash.

🪞 2. Side Mirrors Do Not Fold Automatically

・Car Wash Mode does not automatically fold the side mirrors

・Follow the instructions provided by the car wash
　👉 and fold or unfold the mirrors manually if required

📱 3. Avoid Touching the Screen During the Wash

・Even in Car Wash Mode, you can still open
　👉 the trunk or charging port from the touchscreen

・To avoid accidental operation,
　👉 it’s best not to touch the screen until the wash is finished

📝 Conclusion

By enabling Car Wash Mode before entering an automatic car wash, you can:

• Prevent accidental charging port activation
• Reduce the risk of damage
• Use car wash facilities with confidence

If you regularly use gas station or automated car washes,
making Car Wash Mode a habit is highly recommended 🚗✨