Cleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately remove
corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until
Model Y is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation, or obstructions. Occasionally remove any buildup of dirt by
wiping the components with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. These substances can cause autopilot and safety features to stop working (see
Cleaning Cameras
and Sensors on page 82).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model
Y:
1.
Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle
using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during winter months), thoroughly
rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of the
vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
2.
Hand Wash
Hand wash Model Y using a clean soft cloth and cold
or lukewarm water containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
CAUTION: Some cleaners and car shampoos
contain chemicals that can cause damage or
discoloration, especially to plastic trim pieces,
lamps, or camera lenses. For example, some car
cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other
highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can
damage exterior components. Damage or
discoloration resulting from cleaning products
is not covered by the warranty.
3.
Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4.
Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly with a chamois. If necessary, dry the brakes by going on a
short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces.
Cautions for Exterior CleaningCAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight.CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids.
Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and
cause a chattering sound.
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a
distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the
nozzle and the surface of Model Y. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly on the camera(s) or parking
sensors (if equipped). Also do not clean a sensor
or camera lens with a sharp or abrasive object that
can scratch or damage its surface. Keep the nozzle
moving and do not concentrate the water jet on
any one area.
CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses directly at
windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic
modules or exposed cabling.
CAUTION: To avoid corrosive damage that may
not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any
road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel
wells, and brakes. After cleaning the vehicle, dry
the brakes by going on a short drive and applying
the brakes multiple times.
CAUTION: Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality
microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash, use
touchless car washes only. These car washes have
no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of
Model Y. Some touchless car washes use caustic
solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration
of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to
soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check
the product label or ask the staff at the car wash.
Damage caused by improper washing is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model Y to avoid the risk of damaging the
wipers.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical based wheel
cleaners or pre-wash products. These can damage
the finish on the wheels.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity
(for example, if using a pressure washer) towards
the charge port while Model Y is charging. Failure
to follow these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning
170MODEL Y OWNER
Checking and Cleaning Wiper
Blades
Periodically clean the edge of the wiper blades and
check the rubber for cracks, splits, and roughness. If
damaged, replace the blade immediately to prevent damage to the glass and improve visibility.
Contaminants on the windshield, or on the wiper blades, can reduce the
effectiveness of the wipers.
Contaminants include ice, wax spray from car washes,
washer
fluid with bug and/or water repellent, bird
droppings, tree sap, and other organic substances.
Follow these guidelines for cleaning:
3. Open the filler cap.4.
While avoiding spilling, fill the reservoir until the fluid
level is visible just below the filler neck. The reservoir
has a capacity of 4.5 liters.
5.
Wipe up any spills immediately and wash the
affected area with water.
6.
Replace the filler cap.
NOTE: Some national or local regulations restrict the use
of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are commonly used as antifreeze in washer
fluid. Use a
washer
fluid with limited VOC content only if it provides
adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which you drive
Model Y.
CAUTION: Do not add formulated washer fluids
that contain water repellent or bug wash. These
fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and
squeaking or other noises.
WARNING: In temperatures below 40
liftgate: 16
adjust opening height: 16
opening: 16
lifting: 176
lights: 53, 54, 55
hazard warning: 55
headlights after exit: 54
turn signals: 55
load limits: 179
location tracking: 130
locking: 13
lug nut covers: 166
lumbar adjustment: 25
M
maintenance: 162, 164, 170, 173, 174
brake fluid, checking: 174
cleaning: 170
daily checks: 162
fluid replacement intervals: 162
monthly checks: 162
panel, removing: 174
replacing wiper blades: 173
service intervals: 162
tires: 164
washer fluid, topping up: 174
washer jets, cleaning: 173
map orientation: 130
map updates: 134
mats: 172
media: 135
mileage upon delivery: 200
mirrors: 48
mobile app: 151
mobile app access: 151
Mobile Connector: 155, 157
description: 155
using: 157
modifications: 177
motor specifications: 183
my car does what?: 198
N
naming: 123
Navigate on Autopilot: 93
navigating: 130, 131
NCC certifications: 202
Neutral gear: 51
NHTSA, contacting: 202
O
Obstacle-Aware Acceleration: 114
occupancy sensor: 39
occupant classification: 41
odometer: 7
off-road assist: 63
offset from speed limit: 117
Online Routing: 133
opening hood without power: 195
overhang dimensions: 181
overtake acceleration: 84
Owner Information, about: 198
P
Park Assist: 64
Park gear: 51
parking brake: 62
parking, using Autopark: 103
parking, using Summon: 105
parts replacement: 177
passenger detection: 39
passenger front airbag: 39
personal data, erasing: 124
phone: 8, 11, 138
adding as a key: 11
authenticating as a key: 8
removing as a key: 11
using: 138
phone app: 139
phone key: 8
PIN: 44
PIN to Drive: 142
power cycling: 49
power socket: 23
power windows: 15
powering on and off: 49
Proposition 65: 200
public charging stations: 155
R
radar: 81
radio: 135
Radio Frequency information: 202
range: 61, 67
driving tips to maximize: 67
regenerative braking: 61
range assurance: 68
Re-route: 133
Index
lug nut covers, removing and installing: 166
replacing: 165
specifications: 185
torque: 185
Wi-Fi, connecting to: 148
windows, calibrating: 15
windshield washer fluid, topping up: 174
winter tires: 168
wiper blades, replacing: 173
wipers, using: 59
Work location: 133
Index