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 S. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly at parking sensors (if
equipped). 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 S. 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: If washing in an automatic car wash,
make sure the vehicle is locked. In addition, avoid
using controls on the touchscreen that can result
in accidentally opening doors or trunks while the
vehicle is being washed. Any damage caused is
not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model S 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 S is charging. Failure
to follow these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning the Interior
Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its
appearance and to prevent premature wear. If possible,
immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For
general cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft cloth (such as
microfiber) dampened with a mixture of warm
water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a concealed area before use). To avoid streaks, dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on
glass or mirrored surfaces. This can damage the
reflective surface of the mirror and the heating elements
in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag cover. This could
affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the dashboard. Polished surfaces are
reflective and could interfere with
your driving view.
Seats
Wipe spills and chemical residues from interior surfaces as soon as possible using a soft cloth moistened with warm water and non-detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free cloth.
Although seating surfaces are designed to repel stains, Tesla recommends regular cleaning to maintain
performance and an as-new appearance. Promptly treat
dye transfer from clothing, such as indigo-dyed denim.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including certain cosmetics. Never use cleaners containing alcohol or bleach. Spot-test cleaners on an inconspicuous area
before applying to visible surfaces.
If equipped with leather seats, note that leather is prone to dye-transfer which can cause discoloration, particularly on light colored leather. White and tan
leather is coated with an anti-soiling treatment. Using detergents or commercially available leather cleaners and conditioners is not recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat
CAUTION: The front seats are equipped with
microphones (see Active Road Noise Reduction on
page 27) that must not be exposed to liquids. To
prevent damage to these microphones when
cleaning, do not over-saturate the area of the seats
where these microphones are located.
Carpets
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled areas, use
a diluted upholstery cleaner.
Seat Belts
Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type of
detergent or chemical cleaning agent. Allow the belts to dry naturally while extended, preferably away from direct sunlight.
Door Seals
Wipe door seals with a damp cloth to remove any debris. Excessive debris on the door seals can cause
paint damage when contacting surrounding surfaces. Avoid using alcohol wipes or any chemical products that can potentially deteriorate the coating on the door seals.
Touchscreen, Rear Touchscreen, and
Instrument Panel
Clean the touchscreen and instrument panel using a soft
lint-free cloth
specifically designed to clean monitors
and displays. Do not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) or alcohol-based gel products (such as hand
sanitizer) and do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically- charged cloth (such as a recently washed
microfiber). To
wipe the touchscreen without activating buttons and
changing settings, you can enable Screen Clean Mode. Touch
Controls > Display > Screen Clean Mode. The
display darkens to make it easy to see dust and smudges. To exit Screen Clean Mode, press and hold
HOLD TO EXIT.
Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners, alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer), and hard cloths can damage the
finish on chrome and metal surfaces.
Cautions for Interior Cleaning
CAUTION: Using solvents (including alcohol),
alcohol-based gel products (such as hand
sanitizer), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based
products or additives on interior components can
cause damage.
CAUTION: Statically-charged materials can cause
damage to the touchscreen or instrument panel.
WARNING: If you notice any damage on an airbag
or seat belt, contact Tesla immediately.
WARNING: Do not allow any water, cleaners, or
fabric to enter a seat belt mechanism.
WARNING: Exposure to chemical cleaners can be
hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin. Read and
observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the chemical cleaner.
Polishing, Touch Up, and Body
Repair
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body, you
can occasionally treat the paint surfaces with an approved polish containing: