Cleaning Cleaning the Exterior Cautions for Exterior Cleaning To prevent damage to the paint, immediately Caution: Do not use windshield treatment remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, fluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, friction and cause a chattering sound. industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Model Caution: Do not use hot water or 3 is due for a complete wash. If necessary, use detergents. denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and Caution: Do not wash in direct sunlight. stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non- Caution: If using a pressure washer, detergent soap to remove the alcohol. maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm) Follow these steps when washing the exterior between the nozzle and the surface of of Model 3: Model 3. Keep the nozzle moving and do 1. Rinse Thoroughly not concentrate the water jet on any one area. Before washing, flush grime and grit from Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly the bodywork using a hose. Flush away at window, door or hood seals, or through accumulations of mud in areas where wheel apertures onto brake components. debris easily collects (such as wheel arches and panel seams). If salt has been Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or used on the highways (such as during rough cloths, such as washing mitts. winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces Caution: If washing in an automatic car of road salt from the underside of the wash, use Touchless car washes only. vehicle. These car washes have no parts (brushes, 2. Hand Wash etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model 3. Hand wash Model 3 using a clean soft Using any other type of car wash could cloth and cold or lukewarm water cause damage that is not covered by the containing a mild, high-quality car warranty. shampoo. Caution: Do not use chemical based 3. Rinse with Clean Water wheel cleaners. These can damage the After washing, rinse with clean water to finish on the wheels. prevent soap from drying on the surfaces. Caution: Avoid using a high pressure 4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass power washer on the camera(s) or After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly parking sensors (if equipped) and do not with a chamois. clean a sensor or camera lens with a sharp or abrasive object that can scratch Clean windows and mirrors using an or damage its surface. automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape, Warning: Never spray liquid at a high or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass velocity (for example, if using a pressure or mirrored surfaces. washer) towards the charge port while Model 3 is charging. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or damage to the vehicle, charging equipment, or property. 122 Model 3 Owner's Manual