14 hours Ago By Teresa Mettela
A DRIVER has been left less than impressed after taking his expensive vehicle to a car wash.Now he’s warning other drivers about how soap can apparently have a negative effect on certain cars.GettyA TIkToker was less than impressed with the effects of a car wash (stock photo)[/caption]TIKTOK/@e.
bear_He warned about the risk of taking certain cars like his Tesla through automatic car washes, insisting it led to discoloration of the trim on his vehicle[/caption]In a viral TikTok video, the driver (@e.bear_), warned of the risks of bringing a Tesla to an automatic car wash.He made the video after noticing his paint looked slightly discolored after taking it through the machine.
“If you own a Tesla do not take it through an automatic car wash,” he warned.He then showed viewers the trim of his Tesla which used to be blue but had faded to a more silver-grey color.There were spots on the trim that looked multi-colored – completely different than the original paint job.
He insisted the issue was all down to the type of soap used in automatic car washes.“The pH levels in their soap will do this to your trim,” he claimed.The video got a lot of attention with over 34,000 views and nearly 100 comments.
Some viewers asked the driver how they could fix the issue.“Isopropyl alcohol wipe down+claybar+light polish+ceramic coating,” the content creator replied. “This should help.
”Other commenters suggested the driver should use WD-40 and a paper towel to solve the problem.“All it takes is a microfiber with WD40 to get that residue off easily,” one suggested.“Wipe it with WD-40, works like a charm,” another said.
Another Tesla owner used stainless steel cleaner to get rid of the discoloration on the trim.However, other Tesla owners said they hadn’t run into the problem.“Unlucky,” said one user.
“I’ve been taking mine, nothing has happened.”Enabling Tesla's Car Wash ModeTesla provides an extensive manual on how prep your vehicle before taking it to the car wash.Tesla’s Car Wash Mode will close all windows, lock the charge port, and disable windshield wipers.
To enable, owners should touch Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode.The mode can only be enabled if the vehicle is stationary and not actively charging. If you’re using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll will keep your car in Neutral and activate Free Roll for the wash period.
To enable this, press on the brake pedal and touch Enable Free Roll, or shift into Neutral.Source: Tesla 3 Owner’s Manual“I been taking my Tesla through an automatic car wash and there hasn’t been any difference, no discoloration,” another person wrote.“I wouldn’t be surprised if a later year model fixed the issue with a different type of finish,” @e.
bear_ responded.One commenter suggested it could be an issue unique to the specific car wash the content creator visited.Tesla provides instructions for owners who want to take their vehicles through automatic car washes.
Drivers can choose between Tesla’s Car Wash Mode or its Enable Free Roll mode.The manual warns soaps above a pH of 13 should not be used or they could damage the vehicle.Drivers are urged to check with employees at the car wash before giving their cars a clean.
Tesla did not immediately reply to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
CAR WASH OPTIONS There are a range of different types of car washes available to drivers.They can take advantage of mobile services, which means they do not need to leave their driveway.But, one of the downsides of this option is that it can be pricey.
This is despite the fact it may be convenient. Drivers can also clean their cars by hand, subsequently cutting down their costs. While this option might have positives, it has disadvantages too.
Homeowners might not have the best tools to clean cars, and it might take longer to do the job compared to going to an automatic car wash..
