Tesla Car Cover, Snow and Ice: Winter Parking Tips From Tesla's Manual

This guide covers parking a Tesla outside in snow and frost. It follows the Cold Weather Best Practices and Cleaning pages of Tesla's Model Y owner's manual; the Model 3 manual has matching pages. For snow chains, winter tires and range, see our winter driving guide.

Should you use a car cover on a Tesla?

Tesla's manual says to use a genuine Tesla car cover when the car is not in use. It adds a rule that matters for anyone who charges at home: when the car is plugged in, use only a Tesla-approved car cover, because non-Tesla covers can prevent adequate battery cooling during charging.

So if you use a universal cover, including the one we list, take it off before you plug in, or don't charge with it on. And keep in mind that Tesla recommends leaving the car plugged in when you are not using it in cold weather, because the charging system keeps the battery warm.

How to clear snow and ice the way Tesla suggests

1. Precondition. Set a departure time under Controls > Schedule, or start the climate from the app. Tesla recommends starting at least 30 to 45 minutes before you leave, and pairing it with a scheduled charge.
2. Turn on Defrost Car in the app (Climate > Defrost Car). Tesla says it melts snow, ice and frost on the windshield, windows, mirrors and charge port, and warms the battery as needed.
3. Brush off the loose snow and let the heat do the rest. Tesla's Cleaning page says not to scrape the glass or use abrasive cleaning fluids.
4. Clear the cameras. Tesla says to keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation and obstructions, so check them before you drive.

Wipers, mirrors and windows in ice

• Wipers: before you park somewhere snow or ice will build up, touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. Tesla says this raises the wipers against the windshield so they defrost with it. Some cars also have wiper defrosters.
• Mirrors: if ice is expected, turn off Auto-Fold (Controls > Auto-Fold), because ice can stop the mirrors from folding or unfolding. The side mirrors heat automatically during preconditioning or when the rear defroster is on.
• Windows: in cold temperatures, Tesla says the windows stop slightly below the trim when fully raised, to keep them from freezing and make the doors easier to open.

Frozen door handles

If ice keeps the driver's door shut, Tesla suggests adding Unlatch Door as a quick control in the app: next to the car, touch it and the driver's door pops open. To free an iced handle, press hard on the front of the handle so it rocks in and breaks the ice, then press the back to open it as usual, and open and close it a few times. Tesla says not to use tools or excessive force, and notes that WD-40 on the handle pivot pins, applied in advance, can help prevent ice.

A frozen charge port

If the charge port latch freezes and the cable is stuck, Tesla points to Controls > Service > Inlet Heater (in Korea, Japan and North America only), then the manual release if that doesn't work after several minutes. In extreme cold, Defrost Car thaws the latch. Tesla also says that a frozen latch may not lock the cable, but the car can still charge at a slow AC rate.

Windshield snow covers and snow brushes

Tesla's manual doesn't mention windshield covers or snow brushes. A windshield cover keeps snow and frost off the glass overnight, so there is less to clear in the morning. A brush pushes the loose snow off. Neither replaces Defrost Car for ice, and Tesla's rule about not scraping the glass still applies.

What we list

All of these are from third-party sellers, not made by Tesla.

• Windshield snow cover with door flaps and mirror covers, 110 × 160 cm.
• Extendable snow brush with an aluminum handle, for the roof and windshield.
• Waterproof car cover in sedan and SUV sizes. This is not a Tesla cover: per Tesla's manual, don't use it while the car is plugged in.
• Edgeless microfiber towels, for drying the camera lenses.

Browse the full Tesla Winter Accessories collection.

Frequently asked questions

Should I put a cover on my Tesla in winter?

Tesla recommends a genuine Tesla car cover when the car is not in use. When it is plugged in, use only a Tesla-approved cover.

Can I charge my Tesla with a car cover on?

Only with a Tesla-approved cover, according to Tesla's manual. Non-Tesla covers can prevent adequate battery cooling during charging.

How do I defrost a Tesla windshield?

Turn on Defrost Car in the app (Climate > Defrost Car), ideally 30 to 45 minutes before you leave. It melts snow, ice and frost on the windshield, windows, mirrors and charge port.

Should I lift the wipers when it snows?

Tesla suggests Wiper Service Mode (Controls > Service) before you park where snow or ice will build up. It raises the wipers against the windshield so they defrost with it.

Can I use an ice scraper on a Tesla?

Tesla's manual says not to scrape the glass. Use Defrost Car to melt the ice and a brush for loose snow.

Why won't my Tesla mirrors fold in winter?

Ice can stop them from folding or unfolding. Tesla suggests turning off Auto-Fold when ice is expected.

What do I do if the charge cable is stuck in the cold?

Try Controls > Service > Inlet Heater where available, or Defrost Car in the app. If that doesn't work after several minutes, use the manual release described in your manual.

Next steps

Before the first frost, set a departure schedule in the car and add Unlatch Door to the app's quick controls. For chains, winter tires and winter range, read our winter driving guide, and see the winter accessories collection.