Teslas aren’t much different from internal combustion engine cars. Granted, they use cutting-edge electrical technology, are kinder to the environment, and perhaps more fun than ICE cars. However, regarding how their wipers and washer fluids work, Teslas and ICE are relatively similar.
Tesla windshield washer fluid goes into a designated slot under the hood. The cap has the wiper and washer icon imprinted, making it rather difficult to miss. Whenever the fluid goes low, that’s the place to refill the washer fluid reservoir.
I’ll look at Tesla washer fluids in greater depth. This piece will educate you on which wiper fluid to use with your Tesla, how to use the fluid, and how to refill it.
Tesla has recommendations on what wiper fluid to use, but rather than tell you what to buy, it tells you what not to purchase. It leaves many Tesla owners confused, but I believe that it’s pretty easy to understand.
The best windshield washer fluid for Tesla is one that doesn’t contain bug wash or water repellent. The best washer fluid for a Tesla to be driven in cold weather is washer fluid with antifreeze.
Tesla doesn’t want you to use washer fluids with bug wash or water repellent because these fluids may damage the washer system. The company claims that such washer fluid leads to noisiness, smearing, or streaking.
Smearing and streaking reduce visibility; therefore, you should stay away from washer fluids that cause further damage to your windshield instead of cleaning it.
If you’re likely to experience temperatures below 40° F (4° C), remember to use wiper fluid with antifreeze qualities.
Also, if you’re traveling, take note of the weather at your destination and on the way there. If you’ll stay or pass through places with 40° F (4° C) or below temperatures, fill up with washer fluid containing antifreeze.
Can you use old-fashioned water? I hear you ask. Well, a good number of Tesla owners seem sold on the idea.
Water mixed with a bit of detergent appears to be a popular option among Tesla owners.
You might get away with using water during the summer, but the water will freeze and cause damage during the winter. There’s no guarantee that you’ll remember to swap water with antifreeze water fluid before the cold comes.
Therefore, you’re better off sticking to washer fluid with antifreeze all year long. It isn’t costly and aligns with Tesla’s recommendations.
If you would like to find out How To Spray Water on a Tesla Model 3 Windshield, check out this helpful article that we wrote!
It’s easy to find out if your Tesla has windshield washer fluid in it or not. An icon on the monitor will come to tell you if you need to fill up with washer fluid.
Teslas typically have windshield wiper fluid. However, the amount varies between different Teslas. If you’ve received your Tesla, but the washer fluid doesn’t work, and there’s no warning on the dash, the chances are that you aren’t depressing the washer button deep enough.
Tesla doesn’t recommend a specific brand of washer fluid. Although, it wouldn’t surprise me if Elon Musk approved the manufacture of Tesla washer fluid.
Tesla recommends that you use windshield washer fluid without bug wash or water repellent. It then suggests that you use antifreeze washer fluid when driving in areas at or under 40° F (4° C).
The company says that wiper fluid with bug wash or water repellent formula can damage the wiper system and reduce visibility.
We wrote a detailed article and compared all the Tesla Windshield Washer Fluid Capacities with some helpful info. Check it out!
In all Teslas, the button that controls the windshield washer fluid is on a lever on the left side of the steering. The wiper symbols on the lever make it impossible to miss. You can simply press the button to get the windshield wiper working. However, it works differently on each Tesla model.
To activate the washer fluid in a model Y or model 3, press and hold the button at the end of the lever.
The wipers will activate automatically and clean your windshield as the washer fluid flows.
Releasing the button will stop the wiper fluid flow. The wipers will wipe three more times before halting.
The washer fluid system in the Model X/S catches some people out, especially previous owners of the model 3/Y because it works a little differently. Some owners even assume that the washer fluid system is broken.
In a model X/S, partial depression of the button at the end of the left lever causes the wiper to wipe once.
To activate the washer fluid, ensure that the button is fully depressed. When fully depressed, the washer fluid will fly out, and the wipers will keep wiping.
After releasing the button, the wiper will wipe thrice before stopping.
| Tesla Model | Washer fluid button |
| Model 3/Y | Depress button once |
| Model X/S | Depress button fully (to the second level) |
As stated above, the windshield fluid system in a Tesla isn’t much different from an ICE car. If you had a car before, you wouldn’t even need to look at the user manual to find and fill the reservoir.
Follow these steps to refill Tesla windshield fluid:
As you can see, it’s a pretty simple process.
Your Tesla will inform you via a message on the touchscreen when the car needs a washer fluid refill.
The message appears when the washer fluid nears completion. It gives you time to refill before you run empty.
This YouTube video by Average Joe Reviews shows how to refill Tesla windshield fluid:
Wiper fluid comes in handy in many situations, so it’s crucial that you have enough at all times. Don’t ignore the warning your car gives you when the washer fluid starts to go low.
To be safe, carry a bottle of washer fluid with you so you can refill as soon as the warning appears.
