Removing Surface Contamination

Throughout your vehicle ownership, you may notice contamination on the surface of the stainless-steel body panels. These spots may appear as orange or brown rust. However, it is important to note that your Cybertruck is not rusting.

These spots are surface contamination caused by iron-containing debris that is picked up by your vehicle as you drive. If you want to remove this surface contamination, Tesla recommends spot-cleaning the panels with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) wipes. If ineffective, perform the following procedure:
  1. Remove loose dust and debris from the vehicle surface using water, and a mild detergent if necessary (see Cleaning the Exterior in the Owner's Manual).
  2. Dry the vehicle with a clean microfiber towel.
  3. While wearing gloves, apply a mild, citric acid cleaner with a sponge or microfiber cloth to evenly saturate the entire area of the stainless-steel panel. Tesla recommends CitriSurf® 77 or equivalent. The citric acid binds to and dissolves the iron oxide in the contamination, which can then be removed from the stainless-steel panel.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Follow the citric acid cleaner manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Citric Acid-based cleaners break down iron and other chemical components which may cause slight localized color deviation The process outlined here can be performed on entire panels or the entire vehicle to ensure consistent coloring of the exterior surfaces.
  4. Apply enough cleaner to cover the surface completely while minimizing dripping or pooling.
  5. Let rest for approximately 3 minutes, then remove the cleaner using a blue Scotch-Brite® Non-Scratch Scour Pad to lightly scrub and remove the surface contamination.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do NOT use anything other than the blue Scotch-Brite® Non-Scratch Scour Pad to remove the cleaner. Doing so may scratch the vehicle’s surface.
  6. Remove any residual cleaning solution with water and dry the panel with a microfiber cloth.
  7. The cleaning solution may leave a white residue on plastic trim. This can easily be removed with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes. Continue caring for and cleaning your vehicle as normal.