Cleaning Cleaning the Exterior
Car Wash Mode
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Model 3 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.
When taking Model 3 to a car wash, Car Wash Mode closes all windows, locks the charge port door, and disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes. To enable, touch Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. Your vehicle must be in Park and not actively charging.
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 on page 177). Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model 3: 1. Rinse Thoroughly 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. 2. Hand Wash Hand wash Model 3 using a clean soft cloth and cold or lukewarm water containing a mild, high-quality car shampoo. CAUTION: Some cleaners and car shampoos contain chemicals that can cause damage or discoloration, especially to plastic trim pieces, lamps, or camera lenses. For example, some car cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can damage exterior components. Damage or discoloration resulting from cleaning products is not covered by the warranty. 3. Rinse with Clean Water After washing, rinse with clean water to prevent soap from drying on the surfaces. 4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly with a chamois. If necessary, dry the brakes by going on a short drive and applying the brakes multiple times. Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces.
If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps your vehicle in Neutral and prevents Model 3 from applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver's seat. It also enables free rolling for the duration of the wash. Ensure the vehicle is in Drive or Reverse, press on the brake pedal, and touch Enable Free Roll; or shift into Neutral to enable. Car Wash Mode disabled if the vehicle's speed exceeds 16 km/h or by touching Exit on the touchscreen. CAUTION: Failure to put Model 3 in Car Wash Mode may result in damage (for example, to the charge port or windshield wipers). Damage caused by car washes is not covered by the warranty.
Cleaning a Camera To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens must be clean and free of obstructions. Remove any build-up of dirt or debris by spraying water onto the camera lens with a spray bottle or pressure washer. CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove dirt or debris by wiping an exposed lens with your hands or a cloth. This debris can damage the surface of the lens when rubbed against it during wiping. CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the lens.
Cautions for Exterior Cleaning CAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight. CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and cause a chattering sound. CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products, especially those containing hydroxide. CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a distance of at least 30 cm between the nozzle and the surface of Model 3. Avoid aiming the water jet directly at parking sensors (if equipped). Keep the nozzle moving and do not concentrate the water jet on any one area. CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses directly at windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic modules or exposed cabling.
Maintenance
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