How To Wash Tesla With A Pressure Washer? (Explained)

Last updated on September 12th, 2023 at 03:03 am

Proper maintenance is crucial in preserving a car’s excellent condition. However, when it comes to Tesla cars, it pays to be careful when choosing washing techniques. 

For Tesla, hand washing is often preferred to automatic ones as they’re safer. 

Although pressure washers are considered a manual method, you should be conversant with them before using them to prevent damage. 

Hence, it is vital to understand how to use it on a pressure washer on your Tesla.

Avoid aiming at a particular point for long or sensitive parts like sensors and cameras when washing a Tesla with a pressure washer. Instead, move it around while washing, use the proper Nozzle, and set the washer to the appropriate Psi. Furthermore, maintain the correct distance and avoid aiming directly at vulnerable wires, seals, windows, and doors. 

In this article, I’ll walk you through the correct methods for washing a Tesla with a pressure washer. In addition, you’ll learn the dos and don’ts of using pressure washers on Teslas.

How Do You Wash Tesla With a Pressure Washer?

Pressure washing a Tesla requires a great deal of caution. Although it has many advantages, many things could also go wrong if not done well. 

Hence, below is a table highlighting the dos and don’ts of using pressure washers on your Tesla, guiding you on the proper steps.

Dos	Don’ts
Stay reasonably distant to avoid direct contact from the hose to the Tesla’s body and move around.	Don’t use high settings that go above the recommended Psi.
Turn on the Tesla Car wash mode. It helps you lock all windows, doors & trunks and prevent water leaks.	Avoid pressure washing your Tesla engines and other parts under the hood.
Use a pressure washer suitable for detergent and water distribution to simplify the cleaning work.	Avoid pressure washing your Tesla on gravel/ rough areas isn’t wise, as stones can fly up and hit sensors.
Wash the brushes you regularly use to avoid dragging dirt from old work and paint to the newly washed Tesla.	Don’t aim your Nozzle at a particular spot for too long. Move around with it.

Tesla Pressure Washing Tips

Here are a few things to remember when pressure washing a Tesla.

• Avoid direct sunlight
• Don’t use just any detergent because it lathers well. In contrast, avoid dishwashing liquids and detergents containing hydroxide.
• Refrain from using coarse fabrics when cleaning. Instead, it’s best to use micro-fiber clothing.
• Refrain from spraying directly on your charging cable or even when the Tesla is charging.
• A specific distance of 30 cm from the car is best. Any closer and you risk damaging your paint job.

What Is Psi Safe for Pressure Washing Your Tesla? 

The recommended Psi range for pressure washing a Tesla is between 1200 to 1900 Psi. So any above that is a risk you shouldn’t take. 

Using safe pressure when washing your cars is vital as it influences the force with which the water will leave the Nozzle. 

If the exertion is high, chances are the water will damage your Tesla. However, even Tesla has a guide on washing its exterior and mentions avoiding high Psi. 

Regarding pressure washers, it’s best to stick with the one best for car washing: the electric pressure washer.

Electric and gas pressure washers are popular, but you should use the electric ones because their Psi is lower. 

It ranges from 1300 upward while electric ones range from 2000 upwards and such high water force isn’t dangerous to cars.

But aside from following the recommended Psi, the Nozzle you use matters. 

Pressure washers have four different nozzle types, which you can remove to replace with another best for the area you wish to clean. 

But amongst the four, you should only use a Nozzle of 25 and 40 degrees.

#1. 25-Degree Nozzle

A 25-degree nozzle is green in color and the safest type for washing your Tesla. This degree is safe because it’s broad. 

Narrower nozzles narrow the water when sprayed, increasing its pressure, which can be risky. 

This nozzle type is okay for washing tire rims or pre-rinsing to remove mud and dirt but don’t use it to wash your entire car.

#2. 40-Degree Nozzle

The 40-degree Nozzle is white and is suitable for spraying water all over your Tesla with no risk of damage. 

And you can also use it to spray your car engine; although you should exercise caution but doesn’t threaten your car’s paintwork.

Can You Pressure Wash Your Tesla With Just Water? 

You can use a pressure washer on your Tesla with water, but that won’t classify as washing. 

Washing requires using soap/detergent to break down particles of dirt and grime on your Tesla and maintain it. Using only water won’t do the job perfectly. 

And when using water on Tesla, it’s advisable to avoid hot water. Cold or tepid water is fine. But if you use only water with a pressure washer, it’s best to do it right. 

That means spraying water over the car to remove dirt and avoiding using a towel to dry it. Also, don’t allow the vehicle to air dry, as that will leave water spots behind. 

Instead, it’s best to use a car dryer or leaf blower. While this method suffices, it’s not always efficient, so most pressure washers come with specific compartments for detergents. 

You can buy pressure washers with detergent compartments to make washing your car more convenient. Use only cleaning detergents made for pressure washers. 

Moreover, the detergents are concentrated, so diluting them with water makes it easy to spray on your car. 

You only fill the detergent area with diluted soap and jet it over your car. 

Allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off, and you’ll see the difference between a car washed with soap and one that wasn’t.

Is It Okay to Wash Your Tesla With a Pressure Washer? 

Feel free to use a pressure washer while washing your Tesla. It’s efficient and relieves you of the stress of doing it manually. 

However, it would help if you also were cautious to avoid standing too close to the car or using the wrong pressure washer with a high Psi. 

Also, use the appropriate nozzle type for each area you clean and the suitable detergent.

Lastly, instructions come with a Tesla manual on cleaning its exterior, so you can always refer to it. 

FAQs

Will a pressure washer scratch a Tesla’s paint?

A pressure washer won’t scratch a Tesla’s paint but using an inappropriate Psi setting will. Its force will damage your paintwork or even fly pebbles from the ground to scratch your car. 

What will PSI damage car paint?

Excessive pressure from a pressure washer will damage car paint—generally, anything above 1900 Psi. Using the wrong Nozzle will also do the same.

How to dry a Tesla after pressure washing?

It’s best to use a microfiber towel or car dryer. Both methods eliminate the chances of having water spots on your Tesla due to air drying.

Why does distance matter when washing with pressure washers?

Distance matters because staying too close can cause dents damaging the paintwork and even some sensors on its exterior. Also, being too far might result in an improperly washed car.