CAR WASH for Cybertruck - Touch / Touchless?

[MyFirstElectricTesla]

... folds in the mirrors, if you want them folded in ...

I want the mirrors open so the high water pressure can clean them up.

... Evidently, people still drive into car washes without knowing if their windows are up ...

I always drive with all windows up: less noise, dust, dirt, smoke ... One time years ago, I opened all windows down at night because I saw a cop car pulling up on my Benz's side: front windows tinted at 5%. Then when that cop made a right turn I was about to close them back up but suddenly got bit by a bee. Damn, that hurt and I almost hit the island on the left.

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[DAE1]

It locks the BAW.

Simply putting it in neutral locks the auto wiper? I know the car wash mode does, but this is the first I’m hearing about neutral doing that.

 

[Stuck4ger]

Simply putting it in neutral locks the auto wiper? I know the car wash mode does, but this is the first I’m hearing about neutral doing that.

No, I thought I was responding to what car wash mode did.

 

[TyPope]

I may as well put this question here.

Yesterday, I was wiping down my tailgate. Something I don't usually do but I'm probably beyond self-washing my CT due to temperature.

My shop towel was black from the oxidation (?)

Can wax be used on the CT and would that prevent or slow the oxidation of the stainless steel?

 

[DAE1]

No, I thought I was responding to what car wash mode did.

Someone was saying you can just put it in neutral and that the charge port is automatically locked so I was asking “what about the wipers.”

 

[chonnertruk]

You're still going to scratch the living daylights out of your glass.

Disagree. That glass is tougher than you're givin it credit for. I spoke with a couple of SC techs here in MN. They said their truck care manual has changed so often, it is difficult to recommend one over the other at the moment. I am no chemist, but I think my only concern would be elevated hydroxide use on SS. A common chemical in many Carwashing detergents.

 

[chonnertruk]

I use a touchless but the brushes still make contact on the sides, very lightly, and Blitzen is wrapped with no problems. I just get the basic, water, soap and air-dry, no wax or coating as I am already clear-coated. No problems except the tailgate never gets clean due to no brushes and the sharp upright angle...it's okay, quick wipe down and we are on our way. Only issue was that I had magnetic flames roaring down the rocker panels behind the front wheels and they were blown off with one side totally missing...we think a brush ate it.

I think you mentioned the key term.... "Wrapped CT's."

 

[chonnertruk]

Car Wash mode just makes sure everything is closed and folds in the mirrors, if you want them folded in. That’s all.
Evidently, people still drive into car washes without knowing if their windows are up. Ha
I always see people driving away from gas pumps either their gas caps off, so it’s a thing.

Doesn't CW Mode also apply air pressure to battery pack during "under cartridge" portion of carwash??

 

[rtfitch]

I think you mentioned the key term.... "Wrapped CT's."

Correct, I feel more vulnerable to damage than a straight up, stock SS finish. Still, I would keep to the basics if I was back to the standard finish.

 

[Carlos Thomas]

I take my CyberTruck through an automated (touch) car wash called QuickQuack. I get the basic wash so there is no sealants or waxes. I get nothing put on the tires because it makes a mess. 90 seconds...BOOM...I come out the other end like a new baby. I don't got time for all that washing stuff.

$21 per month. Unlimited.

 

[devdrone6]

My shop towel was black from the oxidation (?)

Can wax be used on the CT and would that prevent or slow the oxidation of the stainless steel?

This is normal - any type of wax you put on will color or dull the look. But it's not going to hurt to try, do a panel and see if you like it. I also tried Turtle wax Graphene spray but that had the same dullness effect.

But then I put on everbrite protectaclear and it works great. No finger prints to worry about and I just use sprayaway and a microfiber to clean it. I usually just wipe it down with the sprayaway- one panel at a time, if I need to, I sometimes go through a touchless carwash first and then wipe it down at home. And it's easy to apply another coat of protectaclear if someone scrapes it off with their door.

 

[REM]

Disagree. That glass is tougher than you're givin it credit for. I spoke with a couple of SC techs here in MN. They said their truck care manual has changed so often, it is difficult to recommend one over the other at the moment. I am no chemist, but I think my only concern would be elevated hydroxide use on SS. A common chemical in many Carwashing detergents.

You may not notice one-time use of a touch wash, but repeated use will definitely cause mass amounts of scratches.

I'm not guessing here, I know it to be a fact. If you want to prove it yourself, go take a close look at any one of them. Not only are most of them black with dirt and oil, but even the foam padded ones have very tiny grains of sand in them that are embedded. You are essentially sandpapering your car every time you use it.

 

[CyberGus]

I may as well put this question here.

Yesterday, I was wiping down my tailgate. Something I don't usually do but I'm probably beyond self-washing my CT due to temperature.

My shop towel was black from the oxidation (?)

Can wax be used on the CT and would that prevent or slow the oxidation of the stainless steel?

Oxidation is the magic that makes the steel stainless. It actually performs poorly in an anaerobic environment.

If you scrub stainless, even with the gentle blue pad, some of the surface layer will release and turn black. Ordinary gentle washing should not do this, however.

 

[TyPope]

Thanks @devdrone6 and @CyberGus

I've washed Fluffy twice since August. It stays pretty clean or at least hides the dirt well. But, I had the glass plus (ammonia free) in my hand from tinting the front windows so I decided to give the tailgate a quick wipe. The shop towel (blue cotton "paper towel") was black from the contact. I knew it was oxidation. I didn't want to just ignore it all winter if time + oxidation would cause discoloration.

 

[Cyber Bear]

I agree that the car isn't that delicate. Use whatever.

I'm still getting the hang of cleaning it though. I've read the threads and suggestions here, bought several products, but it still seems like the windshield never gets clean enough for me.

The stainless steel is never perfect for me either, but I don't care much about that. I love that I don't have a glossy paint job that I have to keep clean and perfect. But I would like to be able to see out of the front windshield.

Funny. I feel the same about the windshield!

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