Do I have to use car wash mode?

I would so the pressure doesn’t accidentally open your charge port door and get it ripped off

I would. Just in case. Those are called touchless washes. Google search that for the Tesla, should have some resources on Youtube and forums.

Car wash mode is basically just an automated checklist. You can do everything manually too if you want to, just try not to miss anything.

Yes, car wash mode does a whole bunch of stuff. Go to the car wash mode screen and read it.

Always use car wash mode. Your charge port door won’t open up or the brakes won’t kick on when ir detects rolling and obstacles

Yes always use car wash mode when washing your car

Yes, always.

Why wouldn't you want to though? I mean technically no you can probably do without it just fine especially with a touchless wash. Years ago they didn't even have a car wash mode and generally Tesla's were fine. Two reasons why you should anyways, even for a touchless wash. \- It disables your charge port from opening after something (like water) pushing on it \- It sets your AC/HEAT to recirculating only so it closes the outer air intake to prevent water getting into the system.

Touchless carwashes constantly discolor trim, it is on this subreddit constantly. Self serve is my go too!

I know it is never not stressful to get into car wash mode. It can’t be in motion to activate, and the little track is always moving. Anyone found a way to make it simple, what am I missing?

It's just residue from the wash chemicals. The iridescent effect on the black trim wipes away with microfiber cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Agreed. It’s unnecessarily stressful.

I own multiple touch free car washes AND I own a Tesla Y. I have never used the car wash mode when I run my car through my car wash. There is no harm in using car wash mode, and I have never experienced anything negative by NOT using it in a touch free wash.

yes. Its recommended

First things first since you might be confused. Car wash mode does not put your car in neutral. Car wash mode does prevent the charge port from opening due to touch, be that touch from a person or water pressure. You want to use car wash mode.

Yes, use it. You can still drive the car. You don't want your charging door open from the water pressure only to get yeeted a shitton of water inside.

I love the look and I was sad when mine wiped away. More iridescence!

how many tesla's come through your carwash that don't know how to put their car in neutral? For the love of God it's the only think about this car I still can't figure out consistently.

Yeah don’t use a feature the manufacturer put on the screen to protect it. Let us know what gets damaged after.

When you get to the end of the carwash, you should tap the brake pedal and shift to Drive, them proceed out of the wash. You can drive in carwash mode but I tick out of it almost immediately as I leave the wash.

That's just addressed by locking the doors and putting the car in neutral... But imo it's easier to just hit car wash mode.

I'd use it. I do when I've done touch-less washes. It will keep all the access doors locked and disable the auto wipers.

I believe car wash mode closes a vent near the cabin filter. Water and cabin filter is a recipe for stink.

FYI only use the touchless car wash. However, if you want shredded tires, get up on the rails. Yes, my wife had shredded tires from the rails. I found out this is a common problem.

Keep water out of the cabin filter. Keep interior smell from occurring.

Yes, use car wash mode, because it does a number of things to protect the car. Putting it in neutral for a car wash that rolls your car is a separate step. In addition, I would fold mirrors - I'm surprised that car wash mode doesn't include that step.

I used to feel the same way. I’ve found the easiest route is to turn on car wash mode as soon as I clear the parking arm after paying. Once the attendant has guided me onto the tracks and given me the thumbs up, I put the car in park and then shift to neutral. It get easier to do the more frequently you go to wash the car

YES

I haven't gone to an automatic carwash since I bought my MY in 2024. It's too... Convoluted.

I never use it at the touchless wash, I only make sure that in climate, recirculate air is on which keeps the filter from getting wet and then I shut climate off. I don’t fold the mirrors or worry about the charge port and my wipers are never on automatic. Never had a problem at the Kwik trip touchless but also, it doesn’t really do a very good job 😕

It takes practice, i run my S through automated csr washes now and I have it down to a science. You gotta be quick thats all

I always use it when I hand wash my car otherwise the charge port will open

It’s easy to put it in car wash mode: it’s just the tap of a button. -But putting it in “free roll” is so frustrating/confusing.

I saw a video a while ago showing car wash mode closing an AC vent to keep water from being drawn into a filter. I can't find it now...

That's not completely correct. Car wash mode has a free roll mode on that screen that will put it in neutral. I noticed it will not work on some machines though. I'm not gonna downvote as you are trying to help.

you can also find a button on your screen to put it into neutral, so you don’t have to struggle with the stalk.

No. I have done this multiple times for the last 3 years, and never set in car wash mode. Never had issues.

I put mines in neutral and in the car wash mode. No issues.

You should, just so you don’t have to think about turning off the automatic features that could go off in a car wash (like wipers, charge flap, climate etc.) But the car should really offer to do this for you. I mean, it knows you’re at a car wash from the gps! It would be so easy to trigger an on screen notification off a geofence or nav destination category.

I never use car wash mode. Never had a problem.

Car wash mode is fiddly and annoying. I just put in N and turn off the wipers manually. Never had change port open or other problems after literally hundreds of washes.

Probably yes. But last 3 car washes I didn’t use it and it’s still fine. (Only because I keep forgetting where the button is)

I have an unlimited membership so I wash my Tesla about twice a week. What I found the easiest way is when I pull up to the gate arms to checkin, that’s when I’ll put my car into car wash mode. Once I’m cleared, I’ll drive to the wash itself (make sure to stay under 10mph to stay in car wash mode). Once I get my car positioned and the car wash attendant gives me the motion to put my car in neutral, that’s when I’ll press the brake and activate free roll mode. Once I’m out, I’ll hit the brake and swipe into drive mode as quickly as I can because I have an irrational fear of someone rear ending me if I’m not fast enough 😂