Tesla
How to clean the cameras on your Tesla Model S
Your Tesla Model S runs on Tesla Vision, cameras do the job sensors handle on other cars. There's one above the windshield, one in the front bumper, one in each front fender, one in each B-pillar, and one above the rear plate. Dirty lenses can limit what the car can do.
Where are the cameras on the Tesla Model S?
- Windscreen, outside in front of the camera
- Grille or front bumper
- Side cameras in the front fenders
- B-pillars, left and right
- Reversing camera
Camera equipment varies by trim and model year. Check your owner's manual.
Where dirt builds up
The rear camera above the licence plate gets the most dirt, same as on other Teslas. Rain, road spray and grime build up fast there. On 2025-update cars only the front bumper camera has a washer. The other cameras have no built-in cleaning, you need to wipe them yourself.
With the reliance of your Model S on the use of cameras due to Tesla's elimination of the use of ultrasonic sensors for its vision system; and because all HW4 vehicles include a front radar; a dirty or obstructed camera may cause some driver assistance features to either be limited or completely disabled.
How to clean the cameras on your Model S
- 1
Tear open
Each wet wipe is separately packaged to remain damp for months when left in a vehicle.
- 2
Wipe the lens
A wet wipe can be used to remove dirt, road grime (film) and finger prints. Use the minimum amount of pressure to clean your lenses.
- 3
Bin it
Do NOT use an individual wipe twice. After you have cleaned one surface, you will need to dispose of the wet wipe as the dirt has been transferred into the wipe. If you reuse a wet wipe, it may scratch the coating on your lens.
Tesla Model S questions
Does the front camera on my Model S have a washer?
Only vehicles that were equipped with the 2025 hardware update will have a washer on the front bumper mounted camera. Vehicles (and their owners) who purchased older versions of the HW4 may find either no washer in this location at all; or a dummy / placeholder for one. All other cameras require manual cleaning.
Why does a clean camera matter so much on the Model S?
Tesla dropped ultrasonic sensors, so the car relies on cameras and, on HW4, a front radar. A dirty lens can limit or disable driver assist features.
Can a wipe fix haze on the inside of my windshield?
No, that's moisture on the inside, not dirt on a camera. A wipe only cleans the outside of the cameras, not software faults or inside haze.
Other Tesla models
Other brands
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