Ownership

Tesla cleaning and care

A clean Tesla looks better and lasts longer. Here are the good habits for washing, paint and interior — without making it more complicated than it is.

Last verified: 16 June 2026

Washing

Wash the car regularly to protect the paint — especially in winter, when road salt otherwise builds up. Many Tesla owners prefer touchless washing or hand washing to avoid scratches from brushes. If you use an automatic car wash, enable the car's dedicated Car Wash Mode (in the menus), which among other things closes the charge port and disables certain functions.

Paint care

  • Dry gently with clean microfibre cloths to avoid swirl marks.
  • Remove bird droppings and insects quickly — they can etch the paint.
  • Consider protection (wax/coating or film) on exposed areas if you want to preserve the finish.

Screen and interior

  • Screen: use a soft, lightly dampened microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners and never spray directly on the screen. A screen protector reduces fingerprints.
  • Seats: wipe regularly; light synthetic leather may need a little more care.
  • Mats: rubber mats make cleaning easy — just rinse them off.

Winter and road salt

In winter it's a good idea to wash off road salt regularly to protect the paint and underbody. Rubber mats keep the cabin free of slush. See also winter preparation for more cold-weather tips.

In short

Regular, gentle washing, quick removal of dirt that can etch, soft cloths on the screen, and a little extra attention in winter. That keeps your Tesla looking good for many years.

Cleaning is part of the easy maintenance of an EV — after all, there's no oil to change.

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