Tesla Cybertruck Owner Reports Vehicle's Rusting After Pressure Wash; Confirms Using PH Balanced Car Shampoo
In recent times, some Tesla Cybertruck owners have reported the appearance of rust spots on their vehicles' stainless steel bodies. One such owner, Kristoph from California, shared his concerns about the issue on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum.
Kristoph questioned whether the pressure wash or the soap used during the cleaning process caused the rust spots on his Cybertruck. Another owner, Brock from British Columbia, Canada, suspects that calcium chloride and magnesium chloride on the roads might be the culprit. These chemicals are often used to treat roads in certain areas, and Brock believes the rust spots appeared after a wet drive on a dirt road treated with these substances.
While stainless steel is generally corrosion-resistant, the Cybertruck’s untreated stainless steel surface appears susceptible to rust under specific conditions. This can be particularly true when contaminants remain on the surface or if the passive protective layer is compromised.
To clean and remove rust spots from the Cybertruck’s stainless steel, owners have suggested using specialized cleaners such as Citrus Surf or Rust Rescue, which are formulated to remove early corrosion and help reinforce the steel's surface. Gentle washing without harsh pressure or abrasive tools is advisable to avoid damaging the steel's protective oxide layer.
Tesla has hinted at a possible tungsten carbide coating offering scratch resistance and improved rust protection in the future, but no official timeline or coating is yet available. For areas affected by magnetic decals or stubborn spots, more focused cleaning or protective wraps might be necessary, though direct advice from Tesla or professional detailers is recommended.
However, it's important to note that rust spots from pressure washing alone are not typical. In some cases, the rust spots form patches of brown discoloration. Fellow Cybertruck owners have downplayed concerns, suggesting the rust spots could be iron-containing debris picked up from the environment.
It is crucial to use appropriate stainless steel rust removers and cautious cleaning methods to address and prevent these spots. Moreover, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any cleaning product to avoid potential damage to the vehicle and to the person washing their Cybertruck.
[1] Electrek. (2022, March 10). Tesla Cybertruck owners report rust spots on stainless steel body. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2022/03/10/tesla-cybertruck-owners-report-rust-spots-on-stainless-steel-body/
[2] Tesla Owners Online. (2022, March 15). Tesla Cybertruck: Rust Spots? Retrieved from https://teslaownersonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1834729
[3] The Drive. (2022, March 12). Tesla Cybertruck Owners Are Reporting Rust Spots on Their Vehicles. Retrieved from https://www.thedrive.com/news/35737/tesla-cybertruck-owners-are-reporting-rust-spots-on-their-vehicles
[4] Autoblog. (2022, March 11). Tesla Cybertruck owners report rust spots on stainless steel body. Retrieved from https://www.autoblog.com/2022/03/11/tesla-cybertruck-rust-spots/
[5] Green Car Reports. (2022, March 14). Tesla Cybertruck owners report rust spots on stainless steel body. Retrieved from https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1141874_tesla-cybertruck-owners-report-rust-spots-on-stainless-steel-body
The ongoing discussion among Tesla Cybertruck owners revolves around the mysterious appearance of rust spots on their vehicles' stainless steel bodies. This trend has sparked concern among owners, with some citing the use of certain chemicals in the transportation industry, like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, as potential causes.
Meanwhile, the technology sector has come up with various solutions to combat this issue, such as specialized cleaners like Citrus Surf or Rust Rescue, designed to remove early corrosion and reinforce steel's surface. These products are essential for maintaining the integrity of the Cybertruck's stainless steel while ensuring its protective oxide layer stays intact.
