Polishing and detailing products for cars have evolved over many years to a point where today detailers and car enthusiasts can choose from a wide range of advanced formula products to produce great results. Of course up to now, the substrate has been predominantly paint. 

In the US the advent of the Tesla Cybertruck is presenting a new kind of cleaning problem. The electric pick-up has body panels made from stainless steel, something that has not really been used on a vehicle since the DeLorean.   

As owners and detailers have been finding, stainless steel has very different properties to normal paintwork and for effective results people have been turning to products which might normally be found under the kitchen sink. 

In one of its popular YouTube videos, US specialist, Out Of Spec Detailing, shows how the Cybertruck needs to be cleaned and polished.  As everyone will know from their kitchens and bathrooms, stainless steel will tarnish over time, so imagine the effect harsh road conditions will have on the body. 

After much research and experimentation, Coleton, from Out Of Spec Detailing found that two US household products provide the best route to a great finish, Barkeeper’s Friend and Windex. Translated into Irish brands, we are talking about the likes of Brasso and Windowlene. The first product apparently removes the tarnish while the second adds gloss and protection. 

The results are impressive, but because they create such a contrast, the whole of the monster truck body needs to be done at once, something that can easily consume a whole day. Also the finished surface is prone to finger marks, so ongoing cleaning is always required. 

This is not an issue that Irish detailers will have to worry about in the near future as Tesla is unlikely to introduce the Cybertruck officially in Europe any time soon, as it cannot currently meet European regulations on pedestrian safety.