In a surprising turn of events, a Tesla Cybertruck owner found his vehicle inoperable following a routine trip to the car wash—a scenario that left the futuristic truck resembling a high-tech “paperweight” for several hours. The owner, known as @captian.ad on TikTok, shared his ordeal which began after a day out at the beach. Intent on removing the remnants of his sandy excursion, he proceeded to clean his truck at a local car wash, only to discover later that his vehicle refused to function.
The Mysterious Malfunction
Upon returning home and parking in his garage, the Cybertruck’s vital touchscreen, which controls nearly all the vehicle’s functions, suddenly went black and became unresponsive. Efforts to revive the truck using the manufacturer’s standard reboot procedure proved futile, leaving the vehicle incapacitated. “Not great,” as @captian.ad succinctly put it.
Later that evening, after contacting Tesla and filing a service ticket, the vehicle owner went to sleep with his truck still unresponsive. By morning, however, the truck had mysteriously returned to a mostly operational state. A conversation with Tesla support confirmed that the truck had undergone a complete system reboot, an unexpected overnight process that lasted more than five hours.
Tesla Cybertruck Brake Malfunction; hit light pole
"Feeling a bit sore. Still love the truck though."$TSLA $TSLAQ pic.twitter.com/CH5QQ2N3vo
— Norman Bates (@Dervisher1) April 4, 2024
Tesla’s Guidance on Car Washes
This incident raises questions about the Cybertruck’s susceptibility to routine cleaning procedures. Notably, Tesla’s owner’s manual advises against washing the vehicle in direct sunlight and mandates switching the vehicle to “Car Wash Mode” to prevent potential damage. This feature presumably safeguards sensitive components from water ingress and other car wash-related hazards.
Caution Advised for Cybertruck Owners
The exact cause of the Cybertruck’s malfunction remains unclear, as the owner did not receive specific feedback from Tesla regarding whether the car wash directly contributed to the system failure. This ambiguity serves as a cautionary tale for other Cybertruck owners, suggesting that extra care may be necessary when cleaning these advanced vehicles.
For enthusiasts and potential buyers, the allure of Tesla’s Cybertruck—with its bold design and advanced technology—remains strong. However, this incident highlights a possible vulnerability that could disrupt the user experience. As Tesla continues to innovate and refine its vehicle lineup, addressing these unexpected issues will be crucial in maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
For now, Cybertruck owners might want to think twice about their vehicle cleaning routines, or at least ensure they’re fully acquainted with the recommended “Car Wash Mode.” After all, no one wants their cutting-edge ride sidelined by a simple scrub.
