can you put a model 3 through a car wash

[LaneAnn]

Yes, you can absolutely take a Tesla Model 3 through a car wash, but you need to take a few specific precautions to protect the vehicle. The process is generally safe if you use the correct car wash settings and prepare the car properly. The key is to activate Car Wash Mode, a dedicated feature in the car's touchscreen that disables automatic features like windshield wipers, charging port locking, and walk-away door locking that could be damaged or cause issues during the wash.

For the safest experience, a touchless car wash is highly recommended. These systems use high-pressure water and detergents without physical contact, eliminating the risk of scratches from brushes or cloth strips that might not be well-maintained. If you use a traditional automatic wash with brushes, ensure it is a soft-touch or cloth friction wash. Avoid any facility with stiff, abrasive brushes. Before entering any wash, always manually retract the door handles and ensure all windows and the sunroof are fully closed.

It's also wise to be mindful of the Model 3's paint. Tesla paint can be relatively soft, so frequent automatic washes, even soft-touch ones, may introduce minor swirl marks over time. For optimal paint preservation, hand washing is always the best method.

Car Wash Type	Safety for Model 3	Key Precautions	Risk Level
Touchless Automatic	Excellent	Activate Car Wash Mode.	Low
Soft-Touch/Cloth Friction	Good	Activate Car Wash Mode; inspect brushes if visible.	Medium
Brush (Abrasive) Automatic	Not Recommended	High potential for scratches and paint damage.	High
Hand Wash (Self-Service)	Excellent	Use clean, soft mitts; avoid high-pressure spray on seals.	Low
Hand Wash (Professional)	Excellent	Confirm they use soft towels and proper techniques.	Low

[JessicaAnn]

Sure, just put it in Car Wash Mode first. You find it under 'Service' on the main screen. This stops the wipers from going off and locks the charge port. I always go for the touchless places—no spinning brushes to worry about scratching the paint. It’s a quick and easy way to keep it clean without the hassle of doing it myself every time.

[AubreyMarie]

I was nervous the first time, but it's fine as long as you're careful. The biggest thing is that Car Wash Mode. It prevents the car from accidentally shifting into gear or locking the doors while you're in the wash bay. I stick to a reputable soft-touch tunnel near my house that uses those long cloth strips. I'd avoid any old place with harsh-looking brushes. The peace of mind is worth it.