The Cybertruck, Tesla’s electric pickup truck, is already on the market. In November 2023, the automotive company that leads the world’s sale of zero-emission vehicles, ahead of the Chinese BYD, which is strong in the electric market, delivered the first units of its iconic pickup in an event celebrated by everyone. high in its Texas factory.
During the ceremony, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, did not spare his praise for the unique characteristics of the Cybertruck, a vehicle that leaves no one indifferent thanks to its avant-garde shapes. Beyond its striking futuristic design, what truly distinguishes this electric vehicle is the use of a body made of “bulletproof” stainless steel, as the business magnate has boasted on more than one occasion.
The outer packaging of the vehicle stands out not only for its aesthetics, but also for its exceptional resistance which, according to Musk’s claims, has passed ballistic tests with two types of guns. The Cybertruck’s body has also proven its robustness by resisting the impact of an arrow fired at a speed of 300 km/h. by the American comedian Joe Rohan in front of Elon Musk himself.
On the other hand, when on a previous occasion the CEO of Tesla wanted to demonstrate the indestructibility of the van’s glass, the window glass was shattered.
The beauty and resistance of the Cybertruck’s sheet metal contrast with the great inconvenience it is for its owners to keep the surface clean. Stainless steel is a material that requires constant maintenance to preserve its impeccable appearance, so its users are faced with the need to regularly dedicate time and effort to make the car shine like the first day.
X (formerly known as Twitter) user Nash, Now With Flavor Crystals highlights and warns about this setback faced by Cybertruck owners. Through a tweet illustrated with a photograph of the pickup’s instruction manual, he indicates that caring for the vehicle’s body requires such dedication that it borders on obsessive-compulsive.
The text that appears in the section on cleaning the Cybertruck, which Tesla wrote, invites its owners to wash and dry the body of the truck daily.
To keep the vehicle’s exterior in optimal condition, Tesla recommends “immediately” removing any corrosive substances, such as “grease, oil, bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar stains, road salt and industrial waste.”
“Do not wait until the Cybertruck needs to be washed completely,” adds the manufacturer. To avoid damaging the bodywork, it is recommended to use denatured alcohol to remove stubborn tar stains and grease stains using mild soap and water.”
That is to say, while on the one hand the body of the Cybertruck is an engineering prodigy that guarantees its occupants “bulletproof” safety, on the other hand, it presents its owners as a constant headache in terms of maintenance. .
The manual also notes that while the Cybertruck’s stainless steel exterior is more resistant to dents and dings than most vehicles, the body is not covered by a clear coat. For this reason – adds Tesla – the truck’s body is “more prone to scratches.”
In order to preserve the integrity of the surface, it is imperative to refrain from using “chemical, corrosive or non-pH neutral products,” according to Tesla’s instructions. When cleaning stainless steel, it is recommended to use a microfiber cloth. To tackle more stubborn stains you can use a sponge, but it is essential to avoid using scouring pads, bleach or strong powder cleaners, as these could cause damage to the surface of the material.