Tesla Cybertruck Owners Face Unexpected Challenges with Stainless Steel Exterior
Tesla’s Cybertruck, known for its distinctive stainless steel “exoskeleton,” is facing scrutiny as owners report unexpected maintenance issues. The vehicle’s unique exterior, while visually striking, has proven challenging to maintain, particularly when it comes to the removal of vinyl adhesives.
Aaron Cash, a Cybertruck owner, recently shared his experience after attempting to remove vinyl letters from his vehicle. After eight months, the letters left an “etched” appearance on the stainless steel surface. Cash’s initial cleaning efforts using Windex and a microfiber cloth proved unsuccessful in removing the markings.
In a bid to address the issue, Cash turned to more abrasive methods, including a Scotch-Brite sponge and Bar Keepers Friend cleaning product. The outcome of these attempts remains unclear, raising concerns about the long-term care and maintenance of the Cybertruck’s exterior.
This incident has prompted warnings from other Cybertruck owners and industry experts about the risks associated with vinyl coatings on the vehicle’s stainless steel surface. Sticker City, an automotive coating company, has highlighted potential issues that can arise from the use of vinyl wraps on the Cybertruck.
Environmental factors and improper maintenance can lead to vinyl oxidation and subsequent damage to the underlying stainless steel surface. UV exposure, in particular, can cause vinyl to oxidize, leaving a residue that proves difficult to remove. Additionally, moisture and temperature fluctuations may result in cracking and increased oxidation of the stainless steel.
The emergence of these maintenance challenges is particularly noteworthy given the Cybertruck’s premium price point. Traditionally, automotive paint has been effective in preventing such issues, making the Cybertruck’s unique exterior a point of both innovation and concern.
As more Cybertruck owners share their experiences, the automotive industry watches closely to see how Tesla will address these maintenance challenges and what implications they may have for future vehicle designs utilizing unconventional materials.
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