The Tesla Cybertruck hasn’t even been available to customers for more than a few months and it’s already facing big scrutiny. One of the most recent and glaring concerns is that of surface rust (or spots) popping up on the slab-sided pickup. Now, the lead engineer on the Cybertruck has piped up to put the rust debate to bed.
On Valentine’s Day, we told you about how several owners were complaining about apparent rust on the surface of their six-figure Cybertrucks. Photos from those owners appeared to show countless specs of rust forming on various panels. Understandably, some are alarmed at this type of issue, especially when it comes to a truck that’s supposed to hang its hat on being tough.
Wes Morrill, the Cybertruck’s lead engineer, spoke up on X to praise the work of one YouTuber working to tackle the problem. That YouTuber found that the issue is actually contaminants that fall from the environment onto the body panels and then make the panel appear as though it’s rusting. In reality, it’s the particulates that are rusting, not the panel, and the use of simple kitchen products like Barkeeper’s Friend or Windex can remove them.
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Morrill also said that another product, Citrisurf 77, works well for the same issue and that a non-scratch Scotch Brite pad can help too. While all of that might do the job, there’s still a problem. If these spots develop after only a day or two of exposure to the natural environment then this same type of cleaning is going to have to be a weekly part of surface maintenance on the Cybertruck for most owners.
On top of that, those who use cutting agents are actually taking a microscopic bit of the stainless off every time they use such agents. Will that be enough to be harmful over time? Will cleaning some panels that get contaminated more often leave different shades on different panels over time? Only time will tell, but we wouldn’t be shocked if the answer is yes to either or perhaps even both questions.
It might turn out that cleaning a Cybertruck and then almost immediately wrapping it is the only way to own it and care for the exterior as one would with a normal car.