Exterior Cleaning
To prevent damage to the exterior, immediately remove corrosive substances (such as grease, oil, bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Cybertruck is due for a complete wash. If necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.
Dents and Scratches
The stainless steel exterior of Cybertruck is more resistant to dents and dings than most other vehicles. However, Cybertruck does not have a clear coat on the surface of the exterior body panels, meaning any scratches that appear are in the stainless steel panels themselves. Anyone performing scratch repair should refer to the applicable "Exterior Stainless Steel Panel Refinishing" procedure within the Collision Repair Manual on service.tesla.com. In addition, do not use, and/or immediately remove, chemical, corrosive, or non-pH neutral substances (including but not limited to: acidic liquids or materials, grease, oil, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.) as they can cause corrosion on the vehicle's exterior.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation, or obstructions. These substances can cause unclear pictures or Autopilot and safety features to stop working (see Cleaning a Camera).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Cybertruck:
- Before washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
- Mix a mild, pH-neutral soap (such as car shampoo) with water until it gets soapy.
- Soak a soft cleaning sponge in the
soap mixture and hand wash Cybertruck.CAUTIONSome cleaners and car shampoos contain chemicals that can cause damage or discoloration, especially for plastic trim pieces, exterior lights, or camera lenses. For example, some car cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can damage exterior components. Do not use acidic products either. Damage or discoloration resulting from cleaning products is not covered by the warranty.
- After washing, rinse with clean water to prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
- Dry thoroughly with microfiber cloths (ensure the cloths are clean of sand, dirt, rocks, etc.), one in each hand, rotating in circular motions until the surface is dry.
- Hand wash using a non-ionic pH-neutral waterless wash with a high quality microfiber towel.
- Dry any streaks thoroughly with a chamois.
- Remove oil and grease with an
organic solvent, such as alcohol or ethyl alcohol.NoteDo not use alcohol or ethyl alcohol on the head or tail lights.
For spot cleaning: Use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. Spray glass cleaner and wipe in a zig-zag motion when cleaning large areas, such as entire panels.
Use isopropyl alcohol wipes (such as those used to clean glasses or screens) to clean away small stains.
Cleaning Mud
If your vehicle is covered in mud, such as after off-roading, rinse the entire exterior of the vehicle with water. It is important to regularly clean the exterior of Cybertruck after off-roading because mud and debris can quickly build up and limit some vehicle functions.
For certain components, such as the underside, wheel wells, panel seams, and radiator, use a power washer to remove stuck-on mud or debris. Then follow the rest of the cleaning steps, as explained above. Wipe away mud from the headlights, tail lights, and cameras, as it may affect your vehicle’s ability to drive safely.
Mud and rocks can get trapped between the wheel cover and wheel well. This may cause noise or vibration. Remember to clear mud, dirt, and rocks from the wheel wells after off-roading.
Window Cleaning and Treatments
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces.
To add a hydrophobic coating to your vehicle's windows, apply the coating only to the side and rear windows, not the front windshield—doing so may affect the visibility of the autopilot cameras. Follow the hydrophobic coating manufacturer’s instructions for application details.
Car Wash
If taking Cybertruck to an automatic car wash is necessary, Car Wash Mode closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, and walk-away door locking. To enable, touch . Your vehicle must be stationary and not actively charging.
If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps your vehicle in Neutral and activates free roll for the duration of the wash, while preventing Cybertruck from applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver's seat. To enable, press on the brake pedal and touch Enable Free Roll; or shift into Neutral.
Car Wash Mode disables if the vehicle's speed exceeds 9 mph (15 km/h) or by touching Exit on the touchscreen.
Using a Car Cover
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body when Cybertruck is not being used, use a genuine Tesla car cover. Car covers can be purchased online from the Tesla Shop.