Taking your Tesla through a car wash: before entering, it helps to know where the controls are and what to check on the display. This short guide covers the 2025+ Model Y described in the Italian Tesla manual consulted on 25 October 2026. Use it as a practical reminder alongside your own vehicle’s instructions.
The best time to read the instructions is before reaching the conveyor. If a control or warning differs from the description here, stop somewhere safe and consult the manual for your car. The cover is a stock image of a Model Y, rather than a demonstration of a car wash.
1. Tesla car wash: choose the right facility first
Tesla specifies touchless automatic car washes, without brushes touching the bodywork. Avoid acidic or harsh products and washing in direct sunlight.
2. Enable the mode while the car is stationary
With the car stationary and not charging, open Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. This closes the windows, locks the charge port door and disables features including the wipers and Sentry Mode. Check the screen before proceeding.
3. Check free rolling on the conveyor
For a conveyor wash, press the brake and select Enable Free Roll, following the manual and the operator’s instructions. This keeps the car in Neutral during the wash.
4. Keep your distance with a pressure washer
When using a pressure washer, keep at least 30 cm from the surface, keep the nozzle moving and avoid directing jets at seals, windows, electronic components or exposed cables. Do not direct high-pressure water at the charge port while charging.
5. Exit and check the car
The mode ends when you select Exit or exceed 15 km/h. After washing, dry the brakes if needed by driving a short distance and applying them several times. The manual warns that damage caused by car washes is not covered by the warranty.
A reminder to keep handy
You can save this page alongside the other Teslhub guides and tutorials. For cold-weather preparation, see our Tesla winter guide. This page focuses on preparing for a wash; the two guides address different needs.
Verified source: Tesla Model Y Owner’s Manual, Cleaning. Always check your model, configuration and the instructions displayed by the vehicle.
Stock photo: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. Cover includes original Teslhub graphics.
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Alessandro Marmaglio — Teslhub
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