Tesla says it makes use of proprietary chrome steel (presumably from Outokumpu of Finland, Europe’s largest producer, which runs a plant in Calvert, Alabama). However, even proprietary stainless steels can stain, particularly if any cheaper metal fittings beneath the Cybertruck’s panels react with the stainless product.

There are five basic families of “stainless steel”: austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation hardened. Some containing chromium amongst different constituents, akin to nickel and molybdenum, are extra corrosion-resistant than others, forming an impervious and protecting molecular-scale floor barrier of chromium oxide.

Stainless metal discoloration normally takes the type of small, darkish brown pits on the metal’s floor. Exposure to sea salt and excessive temperatures may be one reason behind such pitting. Some elements of California, a sizzling state with a 1,264-mile shoreline, may, due to this fact, be worse than others for inflicting the orange flecks reported by Raxar and others.

Once the chromium oxide barrier is breached, corrosion takes maintain. And caveat emptor, as a result of Tesla’s proprietor’s guide advises promptly eradicating corrosive substances, emphasizing to not wait till the Cybertruck is scheduled for a “complete wash,” no matter that’s.

The documentation says: “To prevent damage to the exterior, immediately remove corrosive substances (such as grease, oil, bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Cybertruck is due for a complete wash. If necessary use denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.”

Pigeon poo is a well known corrosive agent—guano isn’t any good friend to the fastidious automotive proprietor—however tree sap and bugs? Maybe that $5,000 Cybertruck wrap ought to ship as commonplace.

Other care directions—highlighted in this YouTube video at 23 minutes in—reveal how delicately Cybertruck homeowners must deal with their chrome steel electrical SUVs. The washing stipulations alone embrace, considerably amazingly, “Do not wash in direct sunlight,” “Some cleaners and car shampoos contain chemicals that can cause damage or discoloration,” and even “Do not use hot water.”

Tesla was requested to touch upon this story however didn’t reply.