Tesla says it uses its own proprietary stainless steel, likely from Finland's Outokumpu, Europe's largest producer, which operates a factory in Calvert, Alabama. However, even proprietary stainless steel can develop stains, especially if the cheaper steel fittings under the Cybertruck's panels react with stainless steel products.
There are five basic types of “stainless steel”: austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation hardened. Those containing chromium, among other ingredients, such as nickel and molybdenum, are more resistant to corrosion than others, forming an impermeable and protective molecular-scale surface barrier to chromium oxide.
Stainless steel discoloration usually appears in the form of small dark brown holes on the surface of the steel. Exposure to sea salt and high temperatures can be one of the causes of this pitting corrosion. Therefore, some regions of California, a hot state with 1,264 miles of coastline, may be worse than others for the orange spots reported by Raxar et al.
Once the chromium oxide barrier is breached, corrosion progresses. Tesla's instruction manual recommends removing any corrosive materials immediately and emphasizes not waiting until the Cybertruck is scheduled for a “full clean,” whatever that may be. ,be careful.
“To prevent damage to the exterior, immediately remove corrosive substances (such as grease, oil, bird droppings, wood tar, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.) .”It has been described as. Don't wait until your Cybertruck is scheduled for a full cleaning. If necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove tar stains or stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and mild soap to remove the alcohol. ”
Pigeon droppings are well known as corrosive substances, guano is no friend to picky car owners, but what about tree sap and bugs? Presumably, the $5,000 Cybertruck wrap should come standard.
Additional care tips highlighted starting at minute 23 of this YouTube video show how carefully Cybertruck owners need to treat their stainless steel electric SUVs. The laundry regulations alone are a little surprising: “Do not wash in direct sunlight,'' “Some cleaners and car shampoos contain chemicals that can cause scratches and discoloration,'' and “Do not use boiling water.'' There are even things you shouldn't do.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment on this matter.
