Exiting Tesla's Car Wash Mode is a straightforward process designed to quickly return your car to its normal driving settings. The most reliable method is to simply drive your vehicle forward above 5 mph (8 km/h). Once the car's sensors detect this speed, it will automatically deactivate Car Wash Mode. If you are stationary, you can also manually toggle it off by going to Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode on your main touchscreen and tapping the "Exit" button.
Car Wash Mode is a specific feature that prepares your Tesla for an automatic car wash. It disables features like automatic wipers, closes windows and seals the charge port to prevent water ingress, and folds the mirrors (if equipped). It’s crucial to exit this mode to re-enable essential safety and convenience features for normal driving. A common reason the mode might not exit is if the vehicle is not in Park. Before attempting to exit, always ensure the car is parked. If you've driven over 5 mph and it's still active, a quick two-button scroll wheel restart of the touchscreen can resolve any minor software glitches.
The primary goal of this mode is to prevent damage and malfunctions during a wash. Leaving it on will keep your mirrors folded (limiting visibility) and wipers deactivated, which is unsafe for driving. The system is designed to be intuitive, with the automatic speed-based exit being the most hands-off approach.
| Key Steps & Considerations for Exiting Car Wash Mode |
| :--- | :--- |
| Primary Method | Drive forward above 5 mph (8 km/h). |
| Manual Method | Go to Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode on the touchscreen and tap "Exit". |
| Prerequisite | Ensure the vehicle is in Park before using the manual exit. |
| If Mode Persists | Perform a touchscreen restart by holding down both scroll wheels until the screen turns off and reboots. |
| Why It's Important | Exiting re-enables automatic wipers, unfolds mirrors, and restores normal door and window operation for safe driving. |
