You just got your Model Y ready to give it a good wash. But wait! You need to know some things before you start. Below are 14 tips that will help you wash your Model Y correctly. Follow these tips, and your car will look and feel great in no time!
Prepare the Tools for Washing Your Model Y
Before you even wash your Model Y, you’ll need to gather the proper tools. This includes a car wash, bucket, mitt, hose, and nozzle. Make sure you have a place to rinse off your car wash and mitt when you’re done.
Also, read the manufacturer’s instructions for using your car wash. Some products are safe for use on paint, while others are designed specifically for the body of the Model Y. If you’re unsure which product to use, ask the experts at your local car wash.
What Kind of Cleaning Supplies Should You Use?
All you need to get started is simple supplies: a gentle car wash soap, bucket, hose, and soft clothes.
Car wash soap is formulated to be safe for delicate surfaces and won’t strip wax or polish. You can find this type of soap at most auto stores or online.
A bucket helps catch rinse water and for storing your supplies.
Hose water can be very hot, so use caution when rinsing the car. Use the low-pressure setting if you have a garden hose with a variable spray nozzle.
Start by washing the roof, then work your way down to the body, wheels, and finally, the underbody.
Washing the Exterior of Your Model Y
Start by spraying the entire car with a garden hose until it’s wet. Do not use a power washer, as this could damage the paint.
Next, mix 2 ounces of gentle car wash soap with 2 gallons of water. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and wash the car using circular motions. Rinse the car with a hose after you finish washing it.
Preparing the Interior of Your Model Y
Now that the exterior of your Model Y is prepped and ready to shine, it’s time to move inside. Preparing your car’s interior is essential for a proper wash—not doing so can create bigger problems down the line.
Start by vacuuming up any dirt and debris that may have accumulated on your seats, floor, and console. Take care when vacuuming delicate items such as lighters or USB cords. If you have deep-set stains or other heavy-duty messes, you might need a spot cleaner or stain remover. Be sure to read the label before using any chemical cleaners.
Once you’ve cleaned up any big messes, wipe down all surfaces with a cloth dampened in warm soapy water. Take time to get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure everything is wiped clean—you don’t want gunk building up in those spots later on. Durable surfaces like leather seats may need special attention—a leather conditioner or lubricant can help protect them from cracking over time.
How to Clean the Windows, Mirrors, and Lights
Now that we have the outside of the Model Y all cleaned up, it’s time to focus on the inside. Make sure you get the windows, mirrors, and lights looking their best—it’ll make a huge difference in your car’s appearance.
To clean windows and mirrors, squirt some glass cleaner onto a damp microfiber towel and wipe in an “S” pattern. This will ensure that you don’t leave streaks behind. You’ll want to wet the headlights with water, apply a headlight restorer, and then buff off the excess with a soft cloth. Be careful to scrub only a little, as this can scratch your lights.
If you’re going for a show-car level of detailing, clean any chrome parts on your vehicle with chrome polish and cover them with a sealant afterward. That way, they’ll stay shiny longer!
Vacuuming and Shampooing the Interior of Your Model Y
Once all exterior surfaces have been washed, it’s time to move on to the interior. While vacuuming is not an exciting task, it’s essential for a top-notch clean. Vacuum with care around each seat and every crevice, including the area between the window and the roof.
Afterward, use a shampoo designated for cars to clean each surface. For areas with leather seats and carpets, make sure you use a product designed for those materials. Start with larger surface areas like the carpet floors and seats before moving on to smaller surfaces such as floor mats and cupholders. Once finished, allow ample time to dry before moving on to the next step!
Cleaning the Wheels, Rims, and Tires
Once you’ve finished washing your Model Y, it’s time to move on to the wheel wells and the wheels. Lucky for you, this part of the process is pretty simple.
Start by cleaning the wheel wells with a specialty wheel cleaner, ensuring to get into all the nooks and crannies. Once that’s done, it’s time to move on to the tires and rims. You’ll want to use a degreaser specifically designed for cleaning tires and rims since they tend to be pretty dirty. Make sure to use a scrub brush or a brush specifically designed for wheel cleaning, as regular brushes won’t be able to get into the crevices in your wheels or tires. Finally, rinse everything off with a hose or pressure washer, and you’re all set!
Protecting the Exterior After Washing Your Model Y
After you’ve washed your Model Y, you’ll want to protect your exterior with a wax or sealant. Waxing and sealing help protect the paint from UV rays and can fill any small scratches or swirls.
For ease of use, I recommend a spray wax like Chemical Guys JetSeal, designed to last up to 8 months with just one application. If you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution, opt for a liquid sealant like Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax, which can last up to 12 months.
Both of these products work best when applied after washing your vehicle and should be followed up with a coat of wax. This helps maintain shine and protection from the elements. Be sure to apply the wax in the shade and move back and forth in straight lines rather than circles for the best results.
Prevent Water Spots on Glass and Metal Parts
When you’ve finished washing your Model Y, it’s important to take extra steps to avoid water spots. These spots can be annoying on glass and metal parts like the body panels, wheels, windows, door handles, and mirrors.
To prevent them, start using a good quality microfiber cloth on glass surfaces to buff off any remaining soap and rinse residue as soon as possible. This will also help reduce drying time and water marks caused by overspray.
For metal surfaces, you should use a sealant to add protection against oxidation caused by sun exposure or the elements. Also, leave your Model Y in direct sunlight for a short time, which can worsen water spots.
Finally, once you’ve finished rinsing off your Model Y and drying it off with a clean microfiber cloth or chamois towel, make sure that all glass surfaces are completely dry—use a terry cloth towel or squeegee for glass if needed—and apply a wax or sealant for extra protection before driving off!
Cleaning Plastic Components on the Exterior
Plastic components on a Tesla Model Y can be notoriously tough to clean. All kinds of dirt and grime tend to cling to it. But fear not—with the right technique, you can make your car look better than new. Here’s what you need to do:
First, give the plastic components a good spraying with a hose and use a soft-bristled brush, like a long-handled car wash brush, to gently scrub away any stubborn dirt and grime. Alternatively, you can try using a pressure washer but make sure that it’s set on low pressure, so it doesn’t damage your Model Y’s paint job.
After that, use an automotive soap or another specialized plastic cleaner specifically made for cleaning the exterior of cars. Work in circles and rinse away any residue with the hose or pressure washer for best results. Also, protect the black plastic trim with a UV protectant if needed. And voila! Your plastic should now be gleaming and ready for a fresh coat of wax.
Wiping Off Excess Water on the Exterior of Your Model Y
Once you’re done washing your beloved Model Y, it’s time to dry it off! Wiping off excess water is crucial to avoid water spots and stains forming on the paint.
To do this:
- Start by taking an absorbent cloth, such as a microfiber cloth. If you want to be extra careful, you can use two different cloths for the two steps: one for wiping away the excess water and one for drying.
- Once you have your tools handy, begin wiping away all moisture on the exterior of your car.
- Get into all those nooks and crannies that can easily be forgotten!
Use a separate clean and dry cloth to avoid scratching if your Model Y has any glass surfaces, such as windows or head and tail lights. Be sure to move in straight lines to tell if you missed any spots easily. This will also help prevent any streaks from forming on surfaces like windows.
Conclusion
Now that you know the ins and outs of washing your Model Y, there’s no excuse not to keep it clean. Not only will it look better, but it will also help to protect the paint and keep it looking new for longer.
Of course, if you still need convincing, you can take it to a tesla detailer. But, if you do decide to go that route, make sure you find one that uses high-quality, environmentally friendly products. Otherwise, you might as well wash it yourself.