The Cybertruck is an iconic addition to the Tesla collection. Sporting unconventional yet impressive stainless steel bodywork and exoskeleton, a giant windshield, armored glass, and a unique design. With the potential for 2.6 second 0 to 60 mph performance, it has the potential to revolutionize how we see trucks in the modern world from now onwards.
This truck isn’t for the faint of heart, with massive performance and unique maintenance requirements, it garners a somewhat cult following of owners who are incredibly passionate about their vehicles - and rightfully so. Caring for your Cybertruck is a labor of love, keeping the stainless steel from developing an inconsistent patina or removing the many fingerprints that seem to appear out of nowhere.
We love working with Tesla owners to deliver the best possible results, so here’s how to clean a Cybertruck at home.
Step-by-Step Routine Exterior Cybertruck Maintenance
To keep your Cybertruck in the best possible condition, regular care and maintenance is mandatory. Due to the properties of stainless steel, corrosive materials should be routinely removed from the bodywork as soon as possible and regular washes will have some extra requirements.
1. Full Exterior Wash
Begin by thoroughly rinsing your Cybertruck with a hose, focusing on areas like wheel wells, panel seams, and the underside of the vehicle. This helps remove grit and road salt, as well as soften any dirt and grime on the stainless steel panels.
Avoid high-pressure water jets too close to the surface, as they can force dirt into sensitive areas.
Hand Wash with pH-Neutral Soap
Mix a mild, pH-neutral soap with water, and use a microfiber car wash mitt to hand wash the Cybertruck. Pay particular attention to dirty areas.
If you prefer to work slowly or are washing your Cybertruck in hot weather, opt to clean and dry in sections, perhaps by the panel. This helps to avoid soap drying on the surface.
Always wipe in the direction of the grain to maintain the uniform finish of the stainless steel panels.
Rinse and Dry with Microfiber Cloths
Rinse off the soap with clean water. Dry the vehicle using clean microfiber cloths or chamois in circular motions to avoid streaking.
Reason
Regular washing prevents the buildup of contaminants that can damage the stainless steel exterior and cause issues with vehicle sensors. Working in sections will help reduce the chance of water streaks or soap drying onto the bodywork.
Caution
Avoid using detergents, highly alkaline & acidic soaps, or automatic car washes, as they can cause damage not covered by the warranty and lead to suboptimal results on stainless steel. Do not wash your Cybertruck in direct sunlight.
2. Window and Mirror Cleaning
Clean Windows with Automotive Glass Cleaner
Use a high-quality ammonia-free automotive glass cleaner on the windshield, windows, and mirrors to ensure clear visibility.
Apply Hydrophobic Coating
Every few months, apply a hydrophobic coating to the side and rear windows, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Reason
Clean windows are required for safe driving and for sensors to function correctly.
Caution
Do not apply hydrophobic coatings to the front windshield as it can interfere with the Autopilot cameras.
Also Read: Why Ammonia Based Cleaners Should Not Be Used on Car Cleaning
3. Camera and Sensor Maintenance
Wipe Down Exterior Cameras
Every two weeks, wipe all exterior cameras and sensors with a clean microfiber cloth to ensure it is free from dirt, condensation, or obstructions.
Reason
Clean cameras are essential for the proper functioning of Autopilot and other safety features.
Caution
Avoid using harsh chemicals on camera lenses, as they can damage the sensors.
How to Clean and Maintain Cybertruck’s Interior
Tesla uses custom, sustainable, vegan leather in its interior which is softer yet more durable than traditional leather.
Cleaning the Vegan Leather Seats
Use warm water and mild soap on a microfiber cloth and wipe in circular motions.
For deep stains in white seats, use a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and warm water on a soft microfiber cloth and gently wipe the stain in a circular motion. (Do not use this method on black seats)
Caution
- Do not blow dry the car seats.
- Excess use of alcohol can damage the coat of the material.
- Do not use other cleaning agents, conditioners, or disinfectants.
Dashboard and Touchscreen Cleaning
Use a soft, lint-free cloth designed for monitor and screen cleaning. Avoid using glass cleaners or alcohol-based wipes, as they can damage the screen coating.
Tesla recommends enabling the Screen Clean Mode to avoid accidental input while cleaning. [1]
Reason
The display darkens to make it easy to see dust and smudges. [1]
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How To Correctly Spot Clean Your Cybertruck
The official Tesla manual for the Cybertruck states “To prevent damage to the exterior, immediately remove corrosive substances (such as grease, oil, bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Cybertruck is due for a complete wash.”
Inspect for Corrosive Substances
Regularly inspect your Cybertruck for corrosive substances like bird droppings, tree resin, and road salt. These can cause long-term damage if left unattended. If found, clean them immediately with denatured alcohol, then wash the area with mild, non-detergent, pH-neutral soap and water.
Reason
Regular inspection and cleaning can help prevent corrosive damage that could develop before a full wash.
Caution
Don't wait for a full wash to remove these substances, as they can cause permanent damage in a short timeframe. Ensure to wash any denatured alcohol away with mild soap to avoid marks developing.
Check for Mud and Debris Buildup
Inspect and Clean Wheel Wells and Underside
After any off-roading or driving in muddy conditions, check and clean the wheel wells, panel seams, and the underside of the vehicle using a hose or power washer (keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away).
Reason
Mud and debris can accumulate and affect vehicle performance, especially in the wheel wells, potentially causing noise or vibration.
Caution
Avoid using a high-pressure washer too close to the vehicle to prevent damage to the exterior or seals.
How to Remove Fingerprints from Your Cybertruck
The following method is approved by Tesla, within the Cybertruck manual. [1]
- Spray the affected area with automotive glass cleaner.
- Wipe the area down in a zigzag pattern with a microfiber cloth or chamois.
For smaller areas and on-the-go spot cleaning, use isopropyl alcohol wipes that you may use for tasks such as cleaning glasses or screens.
This method can also be applied to other less significant marks and blemishes.
How to Remove Small Rust Spots from Your Cybertruck
This method is not approved by Tesla, but it is recommended by many Tesla owners. Follow this advice at your own risk. [2]
This method is more applicable to fallout and small metal debris from the roads causing rust issues than the bodywork itself. For serious bodywork rust issues, always report this to Tesla.
- Use sprayable Bar Keepers Friend on the affected area.
- Using a Microfiber Towel, completely wipe the Bar Keepers Friend away.
- Using glass cleaner, spray over the area.
- Using a different Microfiber Towel, completely wipe the area clean.
What to Avoid When Washing Your Cybertruck
- Do not wash your Cybertruck in direct sunlight.
- When using a power washer, keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the Cybertruck.
- Do not apply Hydrophobic coatings to the front windshield.
- Avoid using detergents, highly alkaline soaps, or automatic car washes.
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