The Tesla Cybertruck, a symbol of innovation in the electric vehicle market, has encountered an unexpected challenge mere months after its release. Despite its reputation for toughness and durability, some owners have reported the appearance of surface rust on their vehicles, sparking concern among enthusiasts and critics alike.
The issue gained traction when several Cybertruck owners shared photos highlighting what appeared to be rust spots on various panels of their six-figure trucks. This raised questions about the vehicle’s durability and resistance to environmental factors, especially considering its emphasis on rugged performance.
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In response to these concerns, Wes Morrill, the lead engineer on the Cybertruck project, stepped forward to address the matter. According to Morrill, the perceived rusting is not actually a result of the stainless steel panels themselves corroding, but rather a consequence of environmental contaminants settling on the surface of the truck.
Good myth busting. Stainless is reactive and free iron that sits on it will rust. It's surface contamination only and can be cleaned off easily. Bar Keeper's Friend used here works well, citrisurf77 can also loosen the deposit and simply wipe it off. If anything stubborn use a… https://t.co/HD3Xeo0inH
— Wes (@wmorrill3) February 16, 2024
To combat this issue, Morrill recommended using household products such as Barkeeper’s Friend or Windex to remove the spots. He also suggested Citrisurf 77 as an effective cleaning agent and a non-scratch Scotch Brite pad for application. While these solutions can help alleviate the problem, they may require regular maintenance, as the spots can reappear shortly after cleaning.
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However, concerns remain about the long-term implications of using cleaning agents on the Cybertruck’s stainless steel panels. There are worries that repeated use of such agents could potentially damage the panels or lead to uneven coloration over time.
As Cybertruck owners grapple with these challenges, some are considering alternative approaches to maintaining the vehicle’s exterior, such as regular cleaning followed by immediate wrapping to protect the surface.
