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Choosing the Right Car Washing Method For Your Tesla

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An inspection of a Tesla Model 3 revealed significant issues with the car’s paint, including both its thickness and hardness. The inspection, conducted in response to owner concerns about easily damaged paint, found the paint to be softer and thinner than industry standards. This thin and soft paint contributed to excessive stone chip damage, particularly on the lower rear flanks of the car.

When it comes to washing your vehicle, it’s crucial to choose a method that effectively cleans while minimizing the risk of damaging the paint. 

The methods range from gentle, less abrasive techniques ideal for regular maintenance, to more intensive methods that might be necessary occasionally but pose a higher risk to your vehicle’s finish. Here they are, ordered from least to most harmful to paint:

Waterless Car Wash (Least Harmful to Paint)

  • Best For: Lightly soiled vehicles with dust or minor dirt.
  • Items Needed: 
    • Waterless wash spray or solution
    • Multiple clean microfiber towels
  • Recommended Products:
  • Method: The waterless wash product is designed to encapsulate and lift dirt off the surface. When you spray the solution and gently wipe with a microfiber towel, the dirt is supposed to be trapped in the solution and then removed safely with the towel. Watch this how-to video.
  • Precaution: Use plenty of product to ensure adequate lubrication and change towels frequently to avoid dragging dirt across the paint.
  • PPF and Ceramic Coating Compatibility: Safe for both PPF and ceramic-coated cars. Ideal for light cleaning and maintaining the coating’s shine.

Rinseless Car Wash

  • Best For: Moderately dirty vehicles.
  • Items Needed:
    • Rinseless wash solution
    • Bucket
    • Grit guard
    • Microfiber wash mitts or towels
    • Drying towels
  • Recommended Products:
  • Method: Rinseless wash solutions are more lubricating than regular soap and are designed to safely clean the surface without a pre-rinse. You soak a wash mitt or towel in the solution and then wash the car section by section, typically wiping in straight lines to minimize the risk of scratching. Watch this how-to video.
  • Precaution: Use a clean section of the mitt or towel for each pass and frequently rinse it in a bucket of clean water (preferably with a grit guard at the bottom).
  • PPF and Ceramic Coating Compatibility: Suitable for cars with PPF and ceramic coatings. The lubrication provided by rinseless products helps prevent scratching the protective layers.

For both waterless and rinseless methods, the key to preventing scratches is to use plenty of lubrication (the cleaning solution) and to gently wipe without applying too much pressure. They are more suitable for maintaining a clean car rather than cleaning a very dirty one. For heavily soiled vehicles, a traditional wash with a pre-rinse step is usually safer and more effective.

Hand Wash (Foam Gun Optional)

Touchless Car Wash

  • Best For: Quick and convenient washes, especially when hand washing is not feasible.
  • Items Needed: None required by the car owner; this is a drive-through service.
  • Method: The vehicle is cleaned using high-pressure water jets and detergents without any physical brushes or cloths touching the car.
  • Precaution: Ensure the chemicals used are not too harsh, as they can potentially degrade the coating over time.
  • PPF and Ceramic Coating Compatibility: Safe for both PPF and ceramic-coated cars. The touchless system avoids the physical contact that can cause scratches.

Foam Gun + Pressure Washing

  • Best For: Thoroughly cleaning the exterior, especially for removing heavy dirt and grime before hand washing.
  • Items Needed:
    • Pressure washer
    • Adjustable nozzle (preferably with a fan spray setting)
    • Access to water
    • Foam gun (for hose or pressure washer)
    • Car wash soap
    • Drying towels
  • Recommended Products:
  • Method: Use a pressure washer to spray water over the vehicle’s surface, effectively loosening and removing dirt. It’s often used as a pre-wash technique before hand washing. The foam gun further loosens dirt and grime. Rinse then dry with clean cloths. Watch this how-to video.
  • Precaution: Keep the pressure washer nozzle at a safe distance (at least 12-18 inches away) and use a fan spray pattern to avoid concentrated pressure that can damage the protective layers.
  • PPF and Ceramic Coating Compatibility: Suitable for vehicles with PPF and ceramic coatings when done correctly. The high-pressure water can effectively clean without physical contact.

Automatic Car Wash with Soft Cloth (More Harmful to Paint)

Picture credit: starautowash.net/carwash.php 

  • Best For: Quick washes when time or resources for hand washing are limited. Suitable for cars that are not heavily soiled.
  • Items Needed: None required by the car owner; this is a drive-through service.
  • Precaution: Be aware that even soft cloth automatic washes can accumulate dirt and grime, which might cause micro-scratches. It’s advisable to use these sparingly and to choose car washes that regularly maintain and clean their equipment.
  • PPF and Ceramic Coating Compatibility: Not ideal for PPF and ceramic-coated cars. Repeated use may degrade the protective layers over time.

Automatic Car Wash with Brushes (Most Harmful to Paint)

  • Best For: Situations where convenience is a priority over paint condition. May be used occasionally for cars where cosmetic appearance is not the primary concern.
  • Items Needed: None required by the car owner; this is a drive-through service.
  • Precaution: These washes carry the highest risk of scratching and paint damage due to the abrasive nature of the brushes and potential dirt accumulation on the brushes. It’s recommended to use this type of wash only when other options are not available.
  • PPF and Ceramic Coating Compatibility: Generally not recommended for vehicles with PPF or ceramic coatings. The brushes can be abrasive and may cause micro-scratches or damage the protective layers.

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