Electric Vehicles

What Are the Best Floor Mats for a Tesla Model Y

Tesla /

As an owner of a Tesla Model Y, you may be aware of how important it is to keep the interior of your car clean and well-maintained. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by investing in high-quality floor mats that provide excellent protection against dirt, spills, and debris. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best floor mats available for a Tesla Model Y. Tesla all-weather OEM floor mats are actually made for Tesla by WeatherTech, who we have listed at #2 on this list. The only difference on the mats is the logo.The first option for Tesla Model Y owners is to purchase floor mats directly from Tesla. The OEM floor mats are designed specifically for the Model Y and are made of high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting. These mats are available in a variety of colors and feature a sleek, modern design that complements the interior of the car. Additionally, the OEM floor mats are easy to clean and provide excellent protection against spills and debris. Check the prices of Tesla Model Y floor mats at the Tesla shop. WeatherTech is a popular brand of floor mats that are designed to provide maximum protection against dirt, mud, and spills. Their floor mats are made of high-quality materials and feature a deep, contoured design that provides excellent coverage for the Model Y’s interior. WeatherTech mats are available in a variety of colors and are custom-fitted to the exact specifications of the Model Y, ensuring a perfect fit. Additionally, these mats are easy to clean and are backed by a lifetime warranty, making them a great investment for any Model Y owner. Another popular brand of floor mats for the Tesla Model Y is Husky Liners. These mats are made of durable, high-quality materials and feature a deep, contoured design that provides excellent coverage for the entire interior of the car. Husky Liners floor mats are available in a variety of colors and are custom-fitted to the exact specifications of the Model Y. Additionally, these mats are easy to clean and are backed by a lifetime warranty, making them a great investment for any Model Y owner. 3D MAXpider is a premium brand of floor mats that are designed to provide maximum protection against dirt, mud, and spills. Their floor mats are made of high-quality materials and feature a unique, three-dimensional design that provides excellent coverage for the Model Y’s interior. 3D MAXpider mats are available in a variety of colors and are custom-fitted to the exact specifications of the Model Y, ensuring a perfect fit. Additionally, these mats are easy to clean and are backed by a three-year warranty, making them a great investment for any Model Y owner. When it comes to choosing the best floor mats for your Tesla Model Y, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for maximum protection, style, or a combination of both, there are many great options available to choose from. Regardless of which brand or style you choose, investing in high-quality floor mats is a smart decision that will help to keep your Model Y’s interior looking great for years to come. In conclusion, the best floor mats for a Tesla Model Y are the ones that provide maximum protection against dirt, spills, and debris, while also complementing the interior of the car. Whether you opt for OEM mats from Tesla or choose from popular third-party brands like WeatherTech, Husky Liners, 3D MAXpider, or TuxMat, it’s important to ensure that the mats you choose are custom-fitted to the exact specifications of the Model Y. One key consideration when choosing floor mats for a Tesla Model Y is the type of material they are made of. While rubber mats are generally the most popular choice for their durability and ease of cleaning, there are also options available made of carpet, vinyl, or even eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic. When deciding on the best material for your mats, consider your lifestyle, the weather in your area, and your personal preferences. Another important factor to consider is the design and coverage of the mats. Many floor mats on the market today offer a deep, contoured design that provides excellent coverage for the entire interior of the Model Y, including the footrest and the backseat area. This is important for protecting the carpeting and upholstery from spills, dirt, and wear and tear. When it comes to cleaning your floor mats, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. Most mats can be easily removed and cleaned with a hose or a damp cloth, and some may even be machine washable. Additionally, it’s important to regularly vacuum or sweep your floor mats to remove any loose debris or dirt. Investing in high-quality floor mats for your Tesla Model Y is a smart decision that will not only help to protect your car’s interior but also add an extra layer of style and comfort. With so many great options available on the market today, it’s easy to find the perfect mats to suit your needs and preferences. In summary, the best floor mats for a Tesla Model Y are those that offer maximum protection, complement the car’s interior, and are custom-fitted to its exact specifications. By considering factors such as material, design, and coverage, and by choosing from trusted brands like Tesla, WeatherTech, Husky Liners, 3D MAXpider, or TuxMat, you can find the perfect floor mats to keep your Model Y looking great for years to come.

Why Are Tesla Windshields Orange When Wet?

Electric Vehicles, Tesla /

Tesla cars have become known for their sleek designs and cutting-edge technology. One feature of Tesla cars that has garnered attention is the appearance of the windshield when wet. Many people have observed that the windshield of a Tesla car can look orange when it is wet. This phenomenon has puzzled car owners and enthusiasts alike, and has led to questions about what causes this unique effect. To understand why Tesla windshields can look orange when wet, we need to delve into the physics of light and color. When light passes through a prism, it is refracted and separates into its component colors, creating a rainbow. This phenomenon is known as dispersion, and it occurs because each color of light has a different wavelength, and therefore bends at a slightly different angle when it passes through a prism. In the case of Tesla windshields, the orange color that is observed when the windshield is wet is due to a similar phenomenon, but in reverse. Instead of light passing through a prism, it is reflecting off of a surface, in this case, the surface of the water droplets on the windshield. When light reflects off of a surface, it can interfere with other light waves that are also reflecting off of that surface. This interference can cause certain wavelengths of light to be amplified, while others are cancelled out, resulting in a pattern of colors. This pattern of colors is known as thin-film interference, and it is what causes the orange color to appear on a wet Tesla windshield. When water droplets are present on the windshield, they form a thin film of water that is sandwiched between the air and the glass surface. The thickness of this film of water is what determines the color that is observed. As light passes through the thin film of water, some of it is reflected off of the top surface of the water droplets, while some of it passes through the water and is reflected off of the bottom surface. When these two waves of light meet, they can interfere with each other, causing certain wavelengths of light to be amplified, while others are cancelled out. The thickness of the water film determines which wavelengths of light are amplified and cancelled out. When the thickness of the water film is equal to the wavelength of orange light, that color will be amplified and appear more prominent. This is what causes the orange color to be observed on a wet Tesla windshield. It is important to note that this phenomenon is not unique to Tesla windshields, and can be observed on any surface where a thin film of water is present. However, it is more noticeable on Tesla windshields due to the angle of incidence of the light and the specific thickness of the water droplets. In addition to the scientific explanation for why Tesla windshields can look orange when wet, there are also practical implications for car owners. The color of the windshield can impact visibility, which is especially important when driving in adverse weather conditions. When the windshield is wet, it is important to make sure that the windshield wipers are functioning properly and that the windshield is clean. A dirty or damaged windshield can impact visibility, making it difficult to see other vehicles and obstacles on the road. In conclusion, the phenomenon of a Tesla windshield appearing orange when wet is due to a scientific phenomenon known as thin-film interference. When light reflects off of the surface of the water droplets on the windshield, it can interfere with other light waves, causing certain wavelengths of light to be amplified and others to be cancelled out, resulting in the appearance of the orange color. While this phenomenon is not unique to Tesla windshields, it is more noticeable on them due to the specific angle of incidence of the light and the thickness of the water droplets. While the appearance of the windshield may be a fascinating scientific phenomenon, it is important for drivers to remember that it can impact visibility, especially in adverse weather conditions. Therefore, it is important to keep the windshield clean and properly maintained, and to ensure that the windshield wipers are functioning properly. Furthermore, this phenomenon also highlights the importance of understanding the science behind everyday phenomena. While we may take for granted the colors we observe in our everyday lives, understanding the scientific principles that underlie them can enhance our appreciation of the natural world and the technology we interact with. In addition to the scientific principles involved in the appearance of the Tesla windshield when wet, it is worth noting that the design of the windshield itself may also play a role. Tesla windshields are designed to be aerodynamic, with a sleek and streamlined shape that reduces air resistance and improves fuel efficiency. This design may also contribute to the unique appearance of the windshield when wet, as the angle and shape of the glass may impact the way light reflects off of the water droplets. Overall, the appearance of a Tesla windshield when wet is a fascinating scientific phenomenon that highlights the complex interactions between light, water, and the surfaces we interact with in our everyday lives. While the appearance of the orange color may be visually striking, it is important to remember the practical implications for visibility and safety when driving in adverse weather conditions. Understanding the science behind this phenomenon can enhance our appreciation of the natural world and the technology we interact with, and may even inspire us to explore other everyday phenomena with a sense of curiosity and wonder.

Can you Tow a Trailer with a Tesla in the Snow?

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Tesla, Tesla Model X /
Towing a trailer in snow with a Tesla.

With the increasing popularity of electric cars, many people are wondering if it is possible to tow a trailer with a Tesla, and in the snow. My dad and I picked up a couple of used snowmobiles this past summer along with a Sled Bed trailer and recently hit the snowy roads to a Washington State Sno-Park with them. We’ve previously covered Can Tesla Cars Tow Trailers, however, in this article we’ll focus on towing in the snow. The short answer is yes, you can tow a trailer with a Tesla in the snow. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind before you hit the snowy road. Towing a trailer in snow can be challenging and requires extra precautions to ensure safe and smooth driving. The most important thing to remember is to slow down and take your time. Snow and ice can create slippery and unpredictable driving conditions, so it’s essential to drive at a slower speed and leave extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Vehicle Range Towing a trailer with an electric vehicle can drastically reduce its range, so can cold weather. Steep inclines do as well. Combine two or even three of these components, and you’ll find yourself depleting the battery much faster than you’d like. Have the Right Equipment When towing a trailer in snow, it’s also crucial to have the right equipment. Make sure your Tesla and trailer are equipped with appropriate tires, such as snow or winter tires, that are designed to provide better traction and control in snowy conditions. You may also want to consider using tire chains for added traction. Depending on where you’re traveling, chains, or at least traction tires may be required. Additionally, it’s important to use the right type of trailer for snowy conditions. A lightweight trailer may not provide enough traction and stability in the snow, while a heavy trailer may put too much strain on your Tesla. A well-balanced trailer with good weight distribution and appropriate brakes is essential for safe towing in snow. Prepare for your Trip Before setting out on your trip, check the weather forecast and road conditions to ensure that it is safe to travel. It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, warm clothing, and a shovel in case you get stuck in the snow. Firstly, it’s important to know the towing capacity of your Tesla. The Tesla Model X has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, while the Tesla Model Y has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. This means that you need to make sure that the weight of your trailer, plus everything you’re carrying in it, does not exceed the towing capacity of your Tesla. Exceeding the towing capacity can lead to safety issues and damage to your vehicle. Once you have determined that your trailer is within the towing capacity of your Tesla, the next thing to consider is the range. Towing a trailer requires more energy than driving without one, so your range will be reduced. This means you need to plan your trips carefully and make sure you have enough range to get to your destination, as well as any charging stations along the way. You may need to make more frequent stops to recharge your Tesla, which can add time to your journey. Ideally, you want to know the roads you’ll be traveling to before you head out. Are there steep inclines, areas that are prone to closures, Tesla superchargers along the way, third party charging (if needed), etc? Know the Current and Expected Road Conditions It’s crucial to check road conditions in winter weather because snow, ice, and other winter weather conditions can make driving hazardous and increase the risk of accidents. Road conditions can change quickly during winter storms, making it essential to stay informed about the latest updates to ensure that you can travel safely. Checking road conditions can help you plan your route and adjust your travel plans accordingly. For example, if you see that a particular road is closed or experiencing severe weather conditions, you may need to find an alternate route or postpone your trip until conditions improve. We were heading home once and found weather conditions worsened to the point where the highway mountain pass was closed. There’s not a lot of options for detours in this area and many motorists were parked waiting for over 2 hours already when we got to that point. Moreover, road condition reports can help you prepare for the driving conditions you may encounter, such as black ice, slushy roads, or heavy snow. This can help you adjust your driving accordingly, such as driving at slower speeds, leaving extra space between vehicles, and increasing your following distance to reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, checking road conditions can help you prepare your vehicle for the trip. For example, if you know that you’ll be driving in snow and ice, you may want to equip your vehicle with winter tires, chains, or other traction aids to improve your vehicle’s grip on the road. Electric Trailer Brakes Multiple times my dad has asked me if my trailers had electric brakes, none of them do. Trailers with electric brakes can be beneficial in snowy conditions as they can provide improved control and stability when towing in slippery conditions. Electric brakes are designed to provide proportional braking force based on the amount of braking applied to the towing vehicle. This means that they can help prevent the trailer from sliding or swaying on slippery roads, providing better control for the driver. Electric brakes also have the advantage of being more responsive than those without any. They can quickly and easily adjust to changing road conditions, such as sudden stops or turns, providing more precise control over the trailer’s braking. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of electric brakes in the snow also

Tesla Wheel Well Liner Snow Damage – Repair and Prevention

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Tesla, Tesla Model X /
Snow and ice build up in a Tesla wheel well

We’ve driven in snow and ice conditions in a Tesla for over 4 years, but this was the first time we experienced damage to the wheel well liner. Snow, and ice managed to build up inside of our wheel well and caused enough pressure or force to pull the liner out from the retaining push clips. Read on to see how you can repair, or even prevent this from happening to your wheel liner. What Do Wheel Well Liners Do? Wheel well liners are a crucial part of any automobile, providing protection from dirt, debris, and moisture. They are often made from plastic or rubber and fit snugly against the wheel wells, helping to protect them from the elements. However, snow and ice can cause significant damage to these parts over time. As snow accumulates in the wheel well, it can freeze and expand, cause pressure or force, and lead to cracks and tears in the liner. In addition, moisture from melted snow or ice can seep into the interior of the car, damaging sensitive electrical components. How it Happened My wife had been driving our Tesla Model X and mentioned she heard a noise while driving. This was happening primarily after she let off on the accelerator or was turning. At first, I thought it might have had something to do with the regenerative breaking, but after looking inside the wheel well I noticed a section that was bulging downward. Upon a closer look, I saw sections of the wheel liner had pulled loose. Replacement Wheel Well Liner Retaining Clips Since the liner pulled out from the original retaining clips, the holes in the liner had been widened and the OEM clips would now longer work. It would require a clip with a wider head. As much as I’ve had several poor experiences, I was off to one of my local automotive stores. At first I tried going to O’Reilly’s, but their inventory was extremely limited and I ended up at Autozone, who has consistently provided me with really bad customer experiences. Despite my dislike for Autozone, I was able to find some clips that ended up working. The diameter of the “pin” section of the clip appeared to be identically as the OEM Tesla clip and the head was wider. You’ll notice on the picture above, two black air lines for the air suspension and two wire looms for electrical. The Tesla wheel well liner is protecting these components (and others) from road debris. Our liner did have a tear in it, so I’ll need to replace it later. These are the retaining clips I picked up from Autozone. They’re listed as an OEM replacement for Nissan, but had the same diameter as the Tesla’s, but with a wider head that I needed. Autozone allowed me to open up the package before purchasing to verify fit. To remove the existing retaining clip I used a trim remover tool similar to this one on Amazon. Eventual Liner Replacement I actually ran into a mobile Tesla repair technician a couple weeks after this occurred. He had asked if we had any issues with our Tesla and I mentioned the wheel well liner issue. The tech gave me some retaining clips he had and recommended reaching out to him in the spring. I wasn’t interested in having it replaced with a new one right now only to have it get damaged as we’re still in the middle of winter. The technician gave me his business card and said I could contact him later. I’ll update this post when I get an official quote for how much it will cost to replace the wheel well liner. It will be out-of-pocket since we’re out of warranty. Currently, these wheel well liners are around $200 on eBay which I think is absurd. Hopefully Tesla might actually sell them for less. Possible Prevention Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent excessive damage to your wheel well liners during winter months. First, make sure to regularly inspect your wheel wells for any cracks or tears in the liner. If you find any, be sure to repair them immediately. Second, try to keep snow and ice away from the wheel wells as much as possible. You can do this by brushing off excess snow when clearing your driveway or parking lot, or covering the wheel well with plastic sheeting when parking in snow. While the steps above may not always be convenient or even feasible, it’s certainly worth at least inspecting any snow or ice build up when you can. I’ve driven in sub-zero weather before, and the snow and ice can quickly build up, and it doesn’t come off easily. In these cases where it’s extremely hard, you may actually cause more damage trying to remove the build up of snow and ice. I’ve also read where this done happen to several makes and models of vehicles. One post I saw recommended the use of Pam, the spray cooking oil as it’s supposed to prevent snow or ice from building up. I may try this at some point, but similar to tire shine products, I’m sure you’d want to make sure not to get any on the tread of your tires. It would likely cause some traction issues if you have any type of oil on your tire treads. I’ll have to research this one some more and will likely test one side to compare to the other to see how well it works. Wrap-Up I’m still not sure what was different about the snow and ice on the roads when my wife drove on this day. We’ve been through much heavier, thicker snow conditions and ice before. Ideally I’ll replace this one and not have to worry about this issue again. Remember: even small cracks or tears can quickly lead to costly repairs, so it’s important to stay on top of maintenance and repair issues as they arise. Your car

9 Best Tires for Tesla Model 3 (Buyer’s Guide)

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Tesla /
best tires for tesla model 3

If you’ve searched the internet for information on electric vehicles (EVs) tires before, you’ve probably come across blogs that tell you that they need different tires than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Because of that, you may be wondering: which is the best tire for my Tesla Model 3? The best tires for a Tesla Model 3 are designed for performance and comfort. They feature advanced tech that improves traction, reduces the braking distance, lowers rolling resistance, and improves grip, stability, and steering responsiveness. They’re durable, light, and hydroplaning-resistant. Read on for more insights into why a Tesla Model 3 uses different tires, what to consider when buying tires for your Tesla EV, and a review of the best tires on the market. Why Your Tesla Model 3 Needs Different Tires The main difference between EVs and ICE vehicles is the electric battery. These batteries are quite heavy and put extra stress on the car’s tires. Because of that, conventional tires would wear out prematurely if you installed them on your Tesla Model 3. Additional factors that require special tires include wear-and-tear due to faster acceleration and increased braking distance. What To Consider When Buying Tires for Your Tesla Model 3 When buying a tire for your Tesla, think about the following: Load index: Select a tire with a higher load index to accommodate your car’s weight comfortably. Rolling resistance: Choose a tire with low rolling resistance for better speed. Traction: Choosing the tires with the best traction can stop you from losing control while accelerating or braking. Tire noise: Since EVs are quiet, it’s natural to choose notoriously quiet tires. Trade-off: Consider the range and performance of the options and pick tires based on what you consider most important. The range is the distance the tires can cover, while performance refers to sound, traction, acceleration, and braking distance. Let’s review some of the highest-quality tires you can buy for your Tesla Model 3: Michelin CrossClimate Plus Michelin’s CrossClimate Plus comes with a multi-condition-focused tread pattern for superior performance in all weather conditions. The highly directional tread pattern also significantly improves this tire’s traction in snow, perfect for winter driving! The tread’s design has transverse ribs for outstanding cornering, while the tread blocks are bevel-edged for better traction on damp or wet surfaces. The product features different warranties, depending on your preferred rating. H- & V-speed rated models come with a 50,000-mile warranty, while the W- & Y-speed rated models feature a 40,000-mile warranty. In a nutshell, the CrossClimate plus has outstanding braking and handling on dry surfaces, provides excellent feedback, and has stable handling in all conditions. Goodyear Assurance MaxLife The Assurance MaxLife features an advanced rubber compound and a continuous center rib for constant contact with the road and outstanding responsiveness. If you need a tire with exceptional directional stability, we recommend trying the Assurance MaxLife out! The tire has notched intermediate ribs and partially closed shoulders for improved stability and cornering grip. The Assurance MaxLife also features four circumferential grooves and block edges for improved water evacuation and wet traction. You’ll be impressed by how well these tires handle wet and damp conditions. Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Plus The Ecopia EP422 utilizes Bridgestone’s exclusive NanoPro-Tech for reduced rolling resistance. The tire features a symmetric tread pattern, independent center blocks, and a notched shoulder for improved dry traction and handling. Inside, you’ll find two steel belts wrapped with nylon and a polyester casing for increased tire strength, comfort, and durability. The circumferential groove design comes in handy in water evacuation, reducing hydroplane risks. Driving your EV on snow, slush, or ice-covered roads is quick and easy, thanks to the multiple sipes around the Ecopia EP422’s treads. The Continental TrueContact The Continental TrueContact is designed for performance, featuring advanced technology for stable, consistent driving under different conditions. The tire’s Tg-F Polymer and Silane construction delivers exceptional dry and wet traction. Simultaneously, the optimized symmetric tread pattern ensures constant contact with the road for better handling and steering response. The siped tread block and Continental’s patented Traction Grooves deliver superior gripping of the surface, even in the harshest elements. With this tire, you’ll get unique ride comfort and reduced noise and vibrations. If you need a long-lasting tire, look no further than the TrueContact – it features twin steel belts and a polyamide reinforcement for extra strength and durability. Vogue Custom Built Radial VIII Are you looking for a tire that combines performance with aesthetics? If so, the Custom Built Radial VIII is what you need. The well-crafted, beautifully designed tire comes with high-tensile steel belts, a gold puncture control pad, and polyester body plies for added stability, strength, and durability. The tread design is asymmetrical, allowing for driving in any and all weather and road conditions. Additional pros include the best-in-class wet and dry traction and remarkable handling and steering response. Firestone Champion The Firestone Champion, though designed with conventional vehicles in mind, comes in handy for EVs, too. This tire features advanced tech for reduced rolling resistance, limiting your car’s power consumption without hurting the grip, braking, and traction performance. The steel cord also adds strength while keeping the tire lighter. For durability, the Firestone Champion has a two-ply polyester body casing and comes with side steel belts and nylon reinforcement. For easy rotation, this tire has a symmetric tread design. Driving in wet and snowy conditions is also easier since the tread is deep enough, providing excellent traction in all elements. The full-depth tread’s biting edges make it easy to drive on snow-covered surfaces. The tire is also hydroplaning-resistant, thanks to the four circumferential grooves, which are effective in water evacuation. Yokohama Avid Ascend The Avid Ascend is an outstanding tire – its dry traction and steering response beat the competition by a mile. The solid tread pattern allows smooth acceleration and braking, giving you a nice, quiet ride. This tire has excellent steering response and stable cornering. Reviewers have pointed out its very good dry, wet,

17 Best Car Cleaning Products for Your Tesla

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Tesla /
how to clean your tesla

Keeping your Tesla clean will not only make your car look nice, but it can also improve the lifetime of the paint and help prevent scratches. But what are the best cleaning products and methods for cleaning your Tesla? And what are the best ways to clean the exterior and interior of your Tesla? There are several great products for cleaning your Tesla. Many can be purchased at a local automotive shop or through online merchants. Knowing how to use the cleaning products correctly will help you make your Tesla shine and stay shiny for years to come, so keep reading to learn more! The Best Exterior Car Cleaning Products for Your Tesla In your Tesla owner’s manual, you should be able to find where it says to use mild automotive glass cleaner and mild automotive soap to clean the exterior. The manual also recommends using a soft cloth for washing and a chamois cloth for drying the car. If you would like to keep your Tesla sparkly and shiny, you probably want to know all the details and make use of the best cleaning products. Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo Car shampoo is a type of soap that is used to clean the exterior of your Tesla. Utilize the Chemical Guys car shampoo. They are experts on the chemistry needed to protect and shine your Tesla! Their shampoo is also pretty simple to set up. Follow these steps, and you will have no problems: Mix the car shampoo to a specific ratio with clean water in a bucket Use the shampoo/water mixture with a washcloth to wipe down and clean your Tesla Consider using their two-bucket method The two-bucket method is a great idea when using car shampoo. It is a foolproof way to make sure you are not rubbing dirt into your Tesla’s paint and scratching it. Chemical Guys Two-Bucket Wash System  Using a Chemical Guy’s two-bucket wash system will help ensure that you are cleaning your Tesla correctly. They make the best two-bucket system on the market and even include wash mitts and wash clothes. The two-bucket system you choose should include a grit filter that will filter out certain things to prevent them from coming into contact with and scratching the Tesla. This method protects your Tesla from things such as: Dirt Grit Debris The first bucket is the detailing bucket and holds the car shampoo that is mixed with clean water. This bucket is used to apply the shampoo/water mixture to your Tesla with a washcloth. The second bucket holds plain, warm water and is used to rinse off all the dirt that is wiped off with the first bucket. The grit filter traps all the dirt and grime in the bottom of the bucket, preventing it from being wiped back onto the Tesla. Using the two-bucket system is only one great option for cleaning your Tesla. Many Tesla owners use the two-bucket system with additional cleaning products to get their Tesla’s super clean. Sun Joe Pressure Washer The first step to cleaning your Tesla should be getting it wet. The water will help to loosen up any dried dirt or grime that has built up on the paint and wheels. To make things easier, you should use the Sun Joe pressure washer to spray down your Tesla with water. The Sun Joe pressure washer is a 1.8 Gallon, 14.5 Amp electric unit that will pair nicely with your electric Tesla vehicle! The Sun Joe pressure washers also have a receptacle that you can load car shampoo/soap into for easier application too! Be careful using a pressure washer to spray your Tesla. Do not stand or hold the nozzle close to the car: It can damage your paint if you hold it too close Stand at least 3-4 feet away If you do not have a water softener, it is recommended to use distilled water or a water filter – especially for the final rinse. Hard water (water containing a high amount of minerals) will leave ugly marks on your Tesla when it dries. Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine There are types of car washing products that do not have to be rinsed off after application. Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine is made with polymers that bind and catch any dirt on your Tesla and dries clean, leaving no marks. It can be applied with a pressure washer after being mixed with water at the correct ratio. When using Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine, keep these things in mind for a better clean: The Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine should be sprayed evenly onto the part of your Tesla that you are cleaning It should then be wiped away with a microfiber cloth It is best to do one part of your Tesla at a time to avoid the product drying before you could wipe it away You should only need to use light pressure when wiping the cleaner off your Tesla. Since the cleaner traps the dirt, it wipes off very easily. After wiping with a cloth, the remaining moisture will evaporate off your Tesla, leaving a shiny and protected surface. The Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine leaves behind a light, glossy, and smooth protective coating. Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam Snow foam is another type of car shampoo that can be used on your Tesla. The best one is Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam. Their chemistry is superior to any other manufacturer on the market and makes cars spotless. Usually, you would not use both snow foam and Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine during the same cleaning. If you are a serious clean-freak, go for it and use both. However, they provide the same level of cleaning, and it is not necessary to double up. Foam Cannon Snow foam can be applied to your Tesla with a pressure washer as well. You will need a foam cannon, like this one

How to Road Trip with a Tesla

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Tesla /
tesla model x roadtrip

If you have a Tesla, you already know what an economic and low-impact vehicle it is. Long road trips with Teslas are even more convenient. When road tripping with your Tesla, you simply need to plan your route around available charging stations on the way and enjoy the advanced technology designed to assist you in driving. Road trips with Teslas are a convenient and efficient mode of travel.  Read on to discover the perks of traveling in your Tesla and how to make the most of your road trip with their available features and accessories.  Tesla’s Route Planning Tool Each model of Tesla has its own built-in road trip planner! This is an easy and useful tool for anyone trying to plan their road trip. You simply enter your location and destination, and Tesla does the rest of the work. Go Anywhere Tool with Tesla The Go Anywhere Tool is much like Google Maps or other navigation systems. Rather than planning the quickest route, it searches for the fastest routes with the most Tesla superchargers and destination chargers available. It’s important to note that this option does not specifically search for hotels or accommodations along your route; you will be responsible for booking these on your own. This tool will route your trip through the locations with the most destination and superchargers available, so you’ll never have to worry about being stranded without power. You may have to adjust your route if there aren’t any available stations, however, or check into non-Tesla charging options (more details on those options below).  The Go Anywhere Tool  is packed with handy information and provides: Information regarding how long to charge at the station to make it to the destination or next charging station Available on your touch screen display’s Navigation function Customizable routes: you can make adjustments to Tesla’s recommended route Information regarding how many stalls are currently open and what charging rate is available at each For example, entering a starting point of Seattle, Washington, and a destination of San Francisco, California, the Go Anywhere tool provides the following Supercharger station recommendations, assuming a Model 3 Standard Tesla starting with a full charge: 15 min charge in Woodburn, OR 35 min charge in Springfield, OR 30 min charge in Grants Pass, OR 35 min charge in Mount Shasta, CA 20 min charge in Williams, CA You have the option to see available destination chargers at each of these stations as well. The Go Anywhere Tool is designed to be user-friendly and simple, routing you toward Tesla’s own charging stations. Luckily, there are other available options for charging if Tesla stations are not readily available in your desired location. Charging Your Tesla on a Road Trip All Teslas are electric, meaning the usual gas station stops are unnecessary. However, they still require energy, and charging your Tesla will be the most important part of planning your road trip. When planning your route, it’s a good idea to plan your charge stops around your regular meal and bathroom breaks. Some of these chargers will fully charge your Tesla in the amount of time it takes to eat a meal at a restaurant.  By doing this, you virtually eliminate the “charging time” you would wait, by engaging in necessary activities (restroom, meals) during that time, your car charges when it would otherwise be sitting empty anyway. As a benefit, most charging stations are located in convenient places for this reason. There are two in-network, Tesla-based options for charging your Tesla on a road trip: Tesla Destination Chargers Tesla Superchargers With either charger, your Tesla Owners app (available on iOS and Android) will provide real-time updates from your car regarding charge level, and you pay for charges from your Tesla owner’s account with both. Tesla claims that they are opening six new charging stations every week, so accessibility is always increasing. Using Destination Chargers to Charge Your Tesla Destination chargers are the most common charging port for your Tesla. They are housed by Tesla’s “Charging Partners” worldwide and trade a charging location for (hopefully) more business, as their charging station is listed on Tesla’s software. There are over 4,500 destination charging stations, with variations in the number of ports available at each station. Some stations may only have 2 or 3 ports, while others can have dozens. These destination chargers are generally found in places where you’d be spending a moderate amount of time, such as: Restaurants Hotels These chargers are the slower of the two options, with an average of adding about 37.5 miles of range per hour of charge. To maximize your time, try to utilize these chargers when you stop overnight or have the time to leave your car for several hours, like when hiking or exploring a downtown area for the day.  Another perk of these chargers is that they are usually free to use as long as you are a patron of the facility you are charging (hotels, for example). If you’re on your route and need a quick boost to reach your next overnight stop on your road trip, a supercharger station is going to be the best choice.  Supercharging your Tesla on a Road Trip There has been a recent upgrade to charging your Tesla. In addition to the standard Destination Chargers, a Supercharger has been developed. Superchargers have been installed on popular routes and in densely populated areas, such as: Where to Find Tesla SuperChargers Main interstates Parking Garages in urban areas Downtown areas/city centers Grocery stores There are currently over 2,000 Supercharger stations in the US, with over 20,000 individual Supercharging stalls available. This charging station can fully charge any Tesla model under an hour and a half, or roughly 70 minutes. Why Superchargers are Useful With a supercharger, Teslas are designed to charge up to 80% capacity in the first 40 minutes of charging. The rate then slows to protect the battery, but a full charge isn’t necessary. If you find yourself needing a quick

Is the Tesla Autopilot Worth it? Here’s What You Need to Know

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Tesla /

The technology many of us have been waiting for is on the horizon: a fully autonomous self-driving car. Tesla’s Autopilot is the boldest step we have seen a car manufacturer take to making this futuristic accomplishment a reality. However, while Tesla’s Autopilot is a breakthrough, it may not satisfy the expectations many eager consumers want out of a self-driving vehicle. Is it even worth the cost? If you are looking for a vehicle that can ease the hassles that come with driving, the Tesla Autopilot is a great and intuitive feature to utilize. However, if your desire is to be completely disengaged from your vehicle and the road, you may want to hold out until the technology further develops. There is a lot to take in when determining whether the Tesla Autopilot is right for you. Read on to learn about these factors and ensure you make the right decision before committing to this investment. Tesla’s Autopilot is now standard, we’ll cover it’s current features and explain the difference with the optional Full-Self Driving package. Read on! Tesla Autopilot Features Tesla’s innovative technology undergoes constant rapid growth, and we see this with their Autopilot feature. If you are considering investing in a Tesla vehicle for Autopilot, you should know there are two current versions of this technology: Base Level Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Mode. Let’s dive into the specifications of Tesla Autopilot’s two options and what kind of performance and key features you can expect from each one. Base Level Autopilot  While the Base Level Autopilot technology does not quite amount to the expectations one would associate with the traditional concept of an autopilot feature, it proves to be convenient and intuitive, nonetheless.  Tesla promotes two primary features with their standard Autopilot: Auto Steer and a Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.  Auto Steer When driving on the highway, it is easy to become absent-minded and accidentally drift over to the neighboring lane. This generally results in needing to make a quick readjustment in your steering but can become a dangerous hazard that can potentially lead to a traffic accident.  To prevent this common incident from occurring, Tesla has made auto-steering a primary function and highlight of their Autopilot feature. When you have autosteering enabled, your vehicle will ensure that you stay within your appropriate lane when driving.  Traffic-Aware Cruise Control Much like the cruise control system that can be found in almost any modern-day vehicle, the traffic-aware cruise control feature of the Tesla Autopilot will keep your car driving at a consistent speed. However, the technology of Tesla’s Autopilot also ensures that you keep a certain level of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. To give you versatility and control over your traffic-aware cruise control system, Tesla has created the option to manually adjust the speed of your car, as well as the allocated distance you want to maintain between you and other vehicles.  With that being said, you will find the autopilot feature is quite sophisticated and will make logical adjustments in speed and distance without you needing to make manual changes yourself.  Full Self-Driving Mode When Tesla announced their Full Self-Driving Mode, the prospect of having a fully autonomous car available peaked consumers’ interests and stirred quite a bit of hype.  Unfortunately, this title has proved to be somewhat of a misconception. This feature did not deliver on the fully self-driving car that most of us have imagined since drivers are still required to pay attention to the road.   However, the Full Self-Driving Mode has some incredible features that Tesla drivers will swear by, and the package includes the primary functions that come with the Base Level Autopilot.  Navigate on Autopilot This feature made opting for the Full Self-Driving Mode a no-brainer for absent-minded drivers and those who simply want to arrive from Point A to Point B without dealing with the tediousness of driving on the highway while having to check their navigation system continually.  With the Tesla Autopilot, all you need to do is have a destination marked on your vehicle’s navigation system. The auto-navigate feature enables the vehicle to control your trip for your entire time on the highway. That means the car is doing all the driving for you from the moment you hit the on-ramp to your exit point—including all lane changes and adapting to highway interchanges. Street-Level Autopilot Street-Level Autopilot allows Tesla vehicles to recognize and react to traffic lights and stop signs on the road. While this is an entirely new feature in Tesla’s Autopilot technology and is still in a preliminary phase, the potential it will have as it further develops will be paramount to getting us closer to fully autonomous self-driving cars. Drivers who are looking forward to the day of never having to manually drive a car again are sold on the notion of a street-level autopilot. Smart Summon  If you have ever been blocked by a neighboring car due to a driver parking too close to your parking space, the Smart Summon feature may just be the highlight of the Full Self-driving Mode for you.  So, instead of getting frustrated and dealing with the hassle of locating the owner of the vehicle or having to resort to awkwardly sliding in through the passenger or backseat of your car, simply open up your Tesla App and engage your vehicle via your phone to back out of the spot to your location—without ever needing to be behind the wheel.  Of course, for safety reasons, this feature was intentionally designed to be limited to being used within a distance of 200 feet of your car. Smart Summon is also only available to be used within private driveways and parking lots. Auto Park No matter the longevity of your experience on the road, parking can be an absolute nightmare for many drivers. The Auto Park feature with Tesla’s Autopilot has made fitting into tight spots and parallel parking a breeze. As you cruise through a parking lot looking for

How To Change the Name of Your Tesla Car (2022)

Automotive, Tesla /
how to name your tesla

Most of us name personal property and belongings like our cars to make it ours. While that’s a normal thing, you really don’t have a way to officially designate a name to your vehicle, except if you paint that name somewhere on your car or get a personalized license plate. Tesla owners have it good, though, because they can officially name their car without having to pay. To change the name of your Tesla car, you need to find the About Your Tesla page on your touchscreen then tap on the text in blue letters found on the opposite end. After doing so, a window will appear with an onscreen keypad that you can use to key in your car’s new name and save it. Different models, however, have different ways of getting to that About Your Tesla screen. So, depending on the model you own and whether you have kept the software updated, the steps for naming and renaming your Tesla will differ. Learn how to change the name of your Tesla car by reading on. Naming Your Tesla I named my first car Phoenix. It was a beaten-up and rundown Toyota that was ten years past its prime. Phoenix seemed like the perfect name for it, as it was an inside joke between my friends and me when it broke down and then chugged into action after a while. It was also an encouragement to rise from the proverbial ashes.  But as good as that name was, we were the only ones who knew about it. After all, it’s not like they include it in the registration papers.  Tesla owners have it better because they can name their cars and have it reflected on the in-car touch display. Naming or changing your Tesla’s name is easy, but the steps might differ depending on the model you drive. Generally, however, you will need to find the About Your Tesla interface to change your Tesla’s name. Naming or Changing the Name of Your Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y In the Tesla Model 3 or Y, you can name your vehicle by touching the top center part of the Tesla’ T’. It will bring up the About Your Tesla interface, and all you need to do is tap “Model 3” or whatever the current name of your Tesla is. An on-screen keyboard will pop up, allowing you to type in the new name for your Tesla Model 3. This video will demonstrate just how you do this: If you don’t see the Tesla’ T’ on the touchscreen, it means that the system has upgraded to the latest firmware, and the latest software update got rid of the stylized ‘T’ icon at the top. If this is the case, you should find the car icon main menu at the bottom-left part of the screen. After tapping that icon, look for the line called “software” and tap on that as well. From there, you can see the car’s name in blue letters at the right part of the screen. You can touch this to update your Tesla’s name. If you’re changing your Tesla’s name after the software update has rolled out, you can watch this video to see how to set or change your Tesla’s name: Naming or Changing the Name of Your Tesla Model Y and Model X If you have a Tesla Model Y or Model X, you can follow the same steps as those used to change the name of a Tesla Model 3. In other words, start by pressing the ‘T’ or the car icon. Once the About Your Tesla window comes out, tap on the name in blue letters to change the name of your car. Changing the Name of Your Tesla Model S For older models such as the Model S, you can rename your vehicle by first looking at the toolbar found at the bottom of the screen. The bottom toolbar is always present, and the icon you’re interested in is the third one, called the Arrow button, that comes after the Car and Music icons. Tapping the Arrow icon will open a submenu where you can check other functionalities such as opening up a web browser, checking your schedule, finding out the car’s energy consumption, and firing up the camera, entertainment options, and the Toybox. You can change your Model S name by tapping the Name Your Vehicle (or whatever name is there) in blue letters from the About Your Tesla popup window. This video will show you how to do just that: Why Name Your Tesla, Anyway? Naming vehicles is something that has been around for quite some time. According to this article, about 42 percent of car owners name the cars that they drive. People have different reasons for naming their car, including giving it human-like attributes and expressing how valuable it is. It’s a practice that’s so popular that October 2 is now the National Name Your Car Day. Over the years, we have some famous cars that we call by name, including Knight Rider’s KITT, the Batmobile, the Ghostbusters’ Ecto 1, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Stephen King’s Christine, to name (pun not intended) a few. Tesla merely made it official. From September 2014 onwards, Tesla pushed out an update that allowed owners to name their Model S. Whatever you name your car will show up on both the mobile app and the in-car touchscreen. Do You Need to Name Your Tesla? Apart from identifying your Tesla by the name that you chose for it, there are no practical reasons for why you should do this. Not naming your car won’t keep it from running, and it will still function the way it always does. The good thing is that naming and renaming your Tesla is free, and it’s probably the easiest way to personalize your vehicle. By far, there are other customizations that you can do, but these can come with a hefty price. For instance, the

Tesla Lug Nut Removal – Caution, Most Have Caps!

Automotive, Electric Vehicles, Tesla /
tesla lug nut cap cover removal

If you ever plan to swap out the wheels on your Tesla, you’ll want to invest in this inexpensive tool. This could be to remove a wheel with a flat tire or swapping in or out from a set of winter tires. Tesla models that do not have an aero wheel cover (such as certain wheel options on the Model 3 and Model Y) will have these plastic lug nut covers. If you try using a tire iron or socket on them, they will quickly break. I learned this the hard way. They have a very thin walled designed and are not designed to have any torque applied to them whatsoever. To remove these plastic wheel covers, a lug nut cap cover removal tool set will make things much easier. It’s a essentially a plastic pair of tongs. There’s a raised section that will grip onto the lug nut cap covers. This allows you to easily get a grip on the lug nut covers and pull them off. Read on as we provide more information and tips on remove the lug nut covers from your Tesla, as well as options if you get a flat tire. Lug Nut Cap Cover Removal Tool I’ve read other articles where you can try and use a pair of flathead screwdrivers, but this can cause scratching. The first time we got a flat tire, I tried calling Tesla Roadside assistance, only to be informed that I was too far from their service center for them to provide service How To Remove Tesla Lug Nut Cap Covers Step 1: Grab your lug nut cap cover removal tool. Step 2: Insert the removal tool over the lug nut. Step 3: Press inward on the removal tool to apply pressure, ensuring they have gripped onto the cap covers. Step 4: Simply pull outward to remove the cap cover. What If You Get a Flat Tire on Your Tesla? Since Tesla’s and most other electric vehicles don’t have spare tires, you’ll find yourself with fewer options for getting back on the road. Several tire shops likely won’t have replacement tires in stock either. We’ll explore some of those now. Tesla Roadside Assistance While Tesla Roadside Assistance is free, it’s typically for a certain amount of time. Per their website: Tesla Roadside Assistance is a complimentary service offered under a Tesla warranty or some Extended Service Agreements. Please refer to the terms and conditions in your warranty document or service agreement to determine whether you are eligible for roadside assistance. https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/downloads/roadside-assistance-policy-en.pdf Tesla Roadside Assistance is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, however, you may find yourself having to wait a long period of time before someone is able to get to your location. Tow Truck Service In some cases you may find that you need to have your Tesla towed. Tesla strongly recommends that only flatbed trucks are used. If you find yourself having to call a towing service, make sure to specifically request for a flatbed. Also worth noting, you need to make sure to put your Tesla into tow mode in order for a tow truck to transport it. My neighbor works for the state highway patrol, and recently had a tow truck driver come out to tow a Tesla, only to have to leave because the owner was not there to put it into tow mode. We’ll add a new article on having a Tesla towed soon. Summary I’m not sure why certain manufacturers including Tesla opt for lug nut caps. Seems just having an enclosed lug nut would get the job done. However, since most Tesla wheels do have lug nut covers, having one of these tools in your glovebox at all times can certainly come in handy.