The use of touch screens to control the secondary features in electric vehicles instead of traditional buttons has been a hot topic recently. However, the touch screen in your Tesla is sensitive to dust, fingerprints, and moisture. So, you need to clean it regularly.
So, how to clean Tesla’s touch screen? The cleaning procedure is pretty simple and quick. Just grab a clean microfiber towel, spray a small amount of cold water on it, and wipe the entire screen.
In this article, we will provide you clear instructions on how to properly clean the touch screen in your Tesla. So, let’s get started!
How To Clean Tesla Touch Screen?
If you need to clean the center display screen in your Tesla, you can follow the step-by-step guide we have provided below.
- Step 1: You should click on the car icon located at the bottom left-hand corner of the touch screen. This will take you to the “Menu” section.
- Step 2: Next, you should choose the “Display” option.
- Step 3: Turn on the “Screen Clean Mode.” Once it is activated, you will see the screen go black. Thus, you will be able to clean the screen without altering any settings.
- Step 4: Take a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel to remove any loose dirt from the surface of the touch screen. You should make sure the towel is not freshly out of the washer to prevent a buildup of static charge.
- Step 5: Spray some water onto the microfiber towel and squeeze out the excess water.
- Step 6: Clean the screen gently with the damp towel.
- Step 7: Now, take a dry microfiber towel and wipe the screen to dry it off.
- Step 8: Lastly, press on the “Exit” option for two to three seconds to exit the screen clean mode. This will allow you to use the touch screen normally.
For a visual representation of this process, you can watch this YouTube video.
Can You Clean The Tesla Touch Screen Using Chemical-Based Glass Cleaners?
According to Tesla’s cleaning guide, you should not use the following things to clean the touch screen in your car:
- Hand sanitizers.
- Cleaners with strong fragrances, citric acid and ammonia.
- Cleaners with a gel-like consistency.
- Cleaners used to clean household mirrors or windows.
This is because these cleaners contain harmful chemicals that can affect the touch screen in your car in the following ways:
- Damage the sensitive sensors in the touch screen.
- Destroy the protective coating on the glass of the touch screen.
- Leave behind residue that causes your touch screen to not respond to your touch.
- Make the touch screen more prone to scratches and dust particles.
However, if you need to disinfect the touch screen or remove stubborn marks, you can put a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber towel and use it to clean the screen.
According to a Tesla user, they have cleaned the touch screen with isopropyl alcohol for 5 years and haven’t faced any issues.
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How Can You Install A Screen Protector On The Touch Screen In Your Tesla?
To protect your car’s touch screen from physical damage, water, and accumulation of dirt, you can put a screen protector on it. Below, we have listed the steps you can follow to install it correctly.
- Step 1: Purchase a glass protector that gives either a matte or gloss look according to your preference and budget.
- Step 2: Activate the “Screen Clean Mode” on your car’s touch screen so you can work on it without changing its settings.
- Step 3: Clean the screen with a soft microfiber towel to remove any loose dirt from it.
- Step 4: Take the small aligners that come with the screen protector and remove the sticker from their back.
- Step 5: Stick the aligners on the four sides of the touch screen in your car.
- Step 6: Now, take the blue sticker that came with the screen protector and gently tap it on the screen to remove any fine dust from the surface of the glass.
- Step 7: Take the screen protector and peel off the plastic cover attached to its back.
- Step 8: Place the screen protector correctly on top of the aligners and make sure it is aligned with all corners of the touch screen.
- Step 9: Use your finger to gently press the middle of the screen protector so that it sticks to the touch screen.
- Step 10: Use a screen protector applicator to install the screen protector perfectly in place and smooth out any air bubbles.
- Step 11: Take out the aligners from the side of the touch screen in your car.
- Step 12: Lastly, use a microfiber towel to wipe the surface of the touch screen, and then exit the screen cleaning mode.
For a visual representation of this process, you can watch this YouTube video.
Common Issues Tesla Users Face While Using The Touch Screen
Below, we have talked about the common issues that users have observed while using Tesla’s touch screen.
- When drivers operate the touch screen, they have to look away from the road. As per researchers, this has led to a 24% increase in road accidents.
- New drivers get confused while using the touch screen because its interface and controls aren’t consistent. For example, if you want to exit a page, you need to press on the cross sign on the screen. However, if you want to exit the car manual, you have to swipe down.
- The media-control unit in Tesla cars has a tendency to malfunction completely in a short period. When this occurs, Tesla users cannot use the touch screen to adjust the secondary features of their vehicles.
FAQs
For more information on how to clean the touch screen in your Tesla, you can read these FAQs.
If the touch screen in your car does not respond after cleaning, remove the screen protector and reboot the system. If that does not fix the issue, you should take your car to a Tesla showroom or a mechanic.
You should not be using excess water or liquid cleaners to clean the touch screen that you need to use a hair dryer to dry it in the first place. Plus, don’t apply direct heat to the touch screen. It is an electronic device, and exposure to heat can cause it to malfunction quickly.
You can use a soft-bristled brush to dust off excess dirt from the corners of the screen. Then, take a Q-tip, dip it in water, shake off the excess water, and swipe it along the edges of the touch screen to remove any stuck dirt.
You can install a screen protector over the touch screen. Plus, you can wear finger gloves while operating it to keep the screen scratch-free. You must not use your fingernails or any sharp objects while using it.
Final Words
Overall, the 17-inch touch screen in Tesla cars has made it convenient for users to control all the important features of their vehicles. However, advanced technology requires frequent and meticulous maintenance.
You need to keep your Tesla’s touch screen clean to prevent the buildup of dust, formation of scratches, and ensure it stays functional for a long time. So, use a microfiber towel or touch screen cleaners to clean it.
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