Spot-test cleaners on an inconspicuous area before applying to visible surfaces. Never use cleaners containing alcohol or bleach. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including certain cosmetics. Promptly treat dye transfer from clothing, such as indigo-dyed denim. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free cloth.Īlthough seating surfaces are designed to repel stains, Tesla recommends regular cleaning to maintain performance and an as-new appearance. Wipe spills and chemical residues from interior surfaces as soon as possible using a soft cloth moistened with warm water and non-detergent soap. 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. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells and panel seams). These substances can cause unclear pictures or Autopilot and safety features to stop working (see Cleaning a Camera).įollow these steps when washing the exterior of Model X:īefore washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle using a hose. Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation, or obstructions. 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. Do not wait until Model X is due for a complete wash. Prices start at about $1.75 to $2 for a tunnel, or do-it-yourself wash, and can escalate to $7 or more for full-service.To prevent damage to the paint, immediately remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). The estimated 22,000 professional car washes in North America range from no-nonsense, do-it-yourself places to indoor full-serves where you can sip coffee and read a magazine as your car is pampered. "When the temperature rises above freezing, the moisture formed by the melting snow and ice combines with the chemicals in road salt to wreak havoc on the thinly painted surface of your car." "Not washing your car during the winter months may result in severe damage to the car," said Tina Gonsalves, marketing director of the International Carwash Association in Chicago. The added protection fights against corrosive road salt. Get a polymer wax at any auto parts store and follow the directions. Or you can do it yourself in a heated garage for the cost of a can of wax. You can go to a car wash and spray on wax. "Waxing is helpful because your car stays cleaner longer," said Walker. "A good water repellant, like Rain-X, will help heavy wet rain, sleet, snow and ice to bead up and roll off the windshield, which will increase visibility in poor driving conditions," he said.Īlmost everyone agrees that waxing your car is a good idea, too. Walker added that it's wise to apply a water repellant to all glass on a car during chilly days. When you hear them scraping across the windshield it's time to replace them," he said. "Windshield wipers are made out of rubber, and they get hard from the snow and ice. You can keep your windshield free from scratches by replacing the wipers often, Walker said. They'll absorb the water and corrosive substances you bring in on your boots," Walker said. "Buy plastic `sacrificial' car floor mats at any mass merchandiser. The better equipment seems to have the ability to flush the salt and dirt from under the wheel wells, bumpers and rocker panels."Īccording to Tom Walker, vice president of product management at Ziebart International Corp., a Troy, Mich., car-care company, you can prevent a lot of winter damage to your car by thinking ahead. The costlier tunnel car washes seem to have better equipment. "I wouldn't go to the $2 tunnel car washes in the cold. "If you get your car washed tunnel-style, though, go to a place where you spend a little money," said Kasey Hopper, vice president of Classic Appreciation, a Rochester, Mich.-based car detailing shop.
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