Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “I Took My Cybertruck To the Car Wash and They Refused to Wash My Truck, They Said It Will Void My Warranty and They Would Be Liable”

Is there a problem with taking a Tesla Cybertruck through an automatic car wash? 

While researching the Tesla Cybertruck "Car Wash Mode," I ran across this post on the Cybertruck Facebook Owners page. Philipp Baumann needed to clean the outside of his truck and went to a local car wash in Westerly, RI. However, they refused to let him enter because they said it would void the electric truck's warranty and they would be liable.

He says,  

"They refused to allow me to get my Cybertruck washed. They said it voids my warranty, and they would be liable. Where do these people get their information?  I've been through car washes previously. I've never had any issues in Car Wash Mode."

I won't mention the name of the carwash, but the large yellow sign out front says they have unlimited car washes for $39.95 per month. Sounds like a reasonable deal. 

But before we proceed I want to put things in a bigger picture for you as Tesla just made a very big move in China with a second Megafactory, aiming to change the game from a different angle. Look also this video report from the Torque News Youtube channel.

Can You Take a Tesla Cybertruck Through an Automatic Car Wash?

Yes. The Cybertruck has a "Car Wash Mode." However, the owner's manual reads, "Failure to put Cybertruck in Car Wash Mode may result in damage. Damage caused by car washes is not covered by the warranty." 

So, the car wash employee who told Philipp they couldn't put his truck through their car wash was partially correct. Tesla says if owners fail to put their vehicle in car wash mode, it may result in damage, which would not be covered under the truck's warranty. 

However, automatic car washes can be liable for damaging your car if they don't follow safety protocols or if their equipment malfunctions. Otherwise, the car owner enters at their own risk. 

What Does the Cybertruck Owners Manual Say?

Tesla says, If taking Cybertruck to an automatic car wash is necessary, Car Wash Mode closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, and walk-away door locking. 

To enable, touch Controls > Car Wash. Your vehicle must be stationary and not actively charging.

If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps your vehicle Neutral and activates free roll for the duration of the wash while preventing Cybertruck from applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver's seat. To enable, press on the brake pedal and touch Enable Free Roll or shift into Neutral.

Car Wash Mode disables if the vehicle's speed exceeds 9 mph (15 km/h) or by touching Exit on the touchscreen.

CAUTION: Failure to put Cybertruck in Car Wash Mode may result in damage (for example, to the charge port or windshield wipers). Damage caused by car washes is not covered by the warranty.

Here Is One Owner's Car Wash Experience

I recently wrote a report on a Cybertruck owner who took his truck through an automatic car wash and had his truck's touchscreen go blank shortly after he got home. The owner was perplexed and wondered if there was water damage from the car wash. 

He says, "So, what did I do differently? Today, I went to the beach, took the dogs, went home, and then took it through the car wash to make sure all the sand was off and vacuum the inside."

"I noticed there was some sand in the truck bed. So I put the tunnel cover up and hosed off the sand in there, and it was in the little slots.  That's the only thing I've done differently. Then I pulled it in the garage, and now there is nothing."

He Resets the Cybertruck's Screen Like the Owner's Manual Says

"You have to hold these two buttons for 30 seconds, and then the screen will reset and display a Tesla logo," he says. 

He is left in a state of confusion, unsure of what to do next. He plugs in his Cybertruck, feeling like he's tried everything. However, his Cybertruck is dead.

There's a Surprise When He Opens Up His Truck the Next Morning

"This morning, I went to the truck to grab stuff like my key card and keys for work, and the truck was working. So I took the truck to work. If it's going to break, let it break; I've got a ticket open." 

When he talks to the Tesla representative, he tells him that the Cybertruck reset takes five hours, not two minutes. 

So, as this owner found out, if you power wash the truck yourself, there may be a glitch in the truck's software if it gets wet. Just know it will take five hours for the touchscreen to reset if it goes dark. 

Note: Tesla says that they fixed this issue with a software update. 

Final Thoughts and Questions for Cybertruck Owners

You can take the Tesla Cybertruck through an automatic car wash; however, you do so at your own risk and make sure it's in "Car Wash Mode." According to Tesla's Cybertruck owner's manual, taking your Cybertruck through an automatic car wash is not recommended, and any damage caused by a car wash is likely not covered by the warranty. 

Using an automatic car wash could void your warranty if damage occurs. 

Key Points To Remember

• Tesla's advice: Tesla recommends not taking your Cybertruck through an automatic car wash. 
• Potential damage: The unique design of the Cybertruck, particularly its stainless steel exoskeleton, could be susceptible to damage from the brushes and movements within a typical car wash. 
• No warranty coverage: Tesla is unlikely to cover the repairs under the warranty if damage occurs while using an automatic car wash. 

What Is Your Experience with an Automatic Car Wash?

Have you had any issues with your Cybertruck after going through a car wash? If so, we encourage you to share your experience by clicking the red Add New Comment link below. Your input is valuable and can help other Cybertruck owners.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck report titled; Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series Owner Says, “Buyers Got Cooked, Prices Have Dropped Like Crazy, and With All The Incentives Now, I Feel Played”

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl