New Tesla Cybertruck owners might want to wash winter road grime off their pickup as soon as possible.
Tesla has not yet shared the Cybertruck’s owner’s manual publicly, but in two videos posted online, the apparent guide says that the Cybertruck’s stainless-steel exterior lacks “a clear coat on the surface of the exterior body panels, meaning scratches that appear are in the stainless steel panels themselves.”
The guide shown in the videos also says: “To prevent damage to the exterior, immediately remove corrosive substances (such as grease, oil, bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.)”
Manuals for other Tesla models also advise immediate removal of corrosive substances — but “to prevent damage to the paint,” rather than the exterior metal itself.
One thing I’ve learned about stainless steel is it’s stain less, not stain proof. It will rust in humid environments, it’ll just do it slower than carbon steel.
Stainless is a class of steels with properties that vary depending on alloy. Some are very corrosion resistant, orhers aren’t. Tesla probably chose a cheaper grade than they should have.
Stain less, not rust proof. The steel still erodes away, albeit slower and without rust deposits.