Tesla Cybertruck Rust Riddle: Is It Rail Dust or a Stainless Steel Snafu?

Tesla Cybertruck Rust Riddle: Is It Rail Dust or a Stainless Steel Snafu?

You’ve seen the headlines. It seems as if brand-new Tesla Cybertrucks, when exposed to a bit of rain, are turning into rust sculptures. But the Cybertruck’s body is made out of stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion! It’s a twist that makes for a compelling read, yet the real culprit may not be what you think. Instead, we might just blame trains.

Stainless steel, known for its resistance to corrosion, isn’t completely immune to it. It’s an alloy with a variety of specific variations, all containing chromium, which prevents further corrosion under normal circumstances. However, strong chemicals or salt exposure can challenge even stainless steel’s resilience.

Business Insider, citing a thread on the Cybertruck Owner’s Club forums, reported that some owners are seeing corrosion on their vehicles after rain exposure. Pictures show small spots of discoloration, but stainless steel should be resistant to normal rain. This suggests there might be another factor at play.

Enter the theory of rail dust. These tiny iron particles, a byproduct of train wheels on tracks, can settle on surfaces and rust under certain conditions. The fact that owners claim to have easily removed the rusty specs with clay bars supports the idea that it’s not the stainless steel pitting but rather rail dust causing the issue.

Tesla’s own manual advises owners to immediately remove potentially corrosive substances like road salt or industrial fallout—akin to rail dust—immediately. This points to the importance of regular maintenance and the challenges of keeping stainless steel looking pristine.

Some early Tesla Cybertruck owners are reporting rust spots on their new stainless steel pickup trucks. The main theory? Environmental contamination, potentially rail dust. Tesla recommends removing corrosive substances immediately, which includes rail dust.

20191121-tesla-cybertruck-shattered-windows-url” by u/Kruzat is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The issue doesn’t seem widespread, but it’s something Cybertruck owners and prospective buyers should be aware of. Stainless steel vehicles are rare, and owners will need to adapt their vehicle care. The rail dust theory is plausible, and the fix is simple: clean your Cybertruck.

For those looking for more robust solutions, ceramic coating options and wraps could provide longer-lasting protection, though these come at a cost.

Tesla’s Cybertruck, with its stainless steel body, has been causing a stir not long after hitting the road. Owners are posting images of rust spots, particularly after driving in the rain. The Cybertruck’s design is rigid and angular, and while Tesla offers protective wraps for the trucks, they come with an additional price tag.

While the Cybertruck’s stainless steel body is an innovative feature, it’s not without its challenges. Owners are encouraged to keep their vehicles clean and consider additional protective measures to ensure the longevity of their Cybertruck’s appearance. As with any vehicle, maintenance is key, and the Cybertruck is no exception.

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