Tesla Cybertruck rusts: Not all stainless steel is the same

Refining steel does not automatically mean making it stainless. Depending on the proportion of chromium, titanium, nickel, nitrogen and other additives, this results in very different properties. These range from better formability and a maximum degree of hardness to permanent rust resistance, even against acids.

The choice of additives and the subsequent shaping of the components with a particular type of steel is, of course, always a question of cost. And Tesla may have made the wrong decision here with the Cybertruck.

The gigantic SUV-pickup-sports car hybrid makes an extraordinary impression with its bare stainless steel body. Most people are likely to immediately associate it with robustness and durability.

A large number of forum posts, including at Cybertruckownersclub give the impression, however, that the desired characteristics of the Cybertruck's outer skin are not true.

It is not only the photos with numerous traces of rust that are remarkable. Tesla's cleaning recommendations for the Cybertruck also confirm the impression that the steel grade is one of the less resistant variants.

In particular, oil and acidic soiling, such as tar or bird droppings, should be cleaned immediately with an alcohol-based solvent. Immediately afterwards, rinsing with clear water or a pH-adjusted soap is recommended. This type of cleaning should be necessary after every longer ride.

Rust-free is possible

Memories of another vehicle with a polished stainless steel body are allowed. The DeLorean DMC-12 was also notable for a few breakdowns and, like the Cybertruck, was really expensive.

What you won't find with the DeLorean, however, are any references or posts about rust problems. However, faulty hinges, the weak engine and fluctuating gap dimensions are not pleasing either. But if you look, for example, at the repair store stainlessrepair (text in German, but lots of pictures) for example, the parts are still rust-free even after 30 to 40 years.

However, there are also suggestions for solutions other than changing the steel grade, which would probably make the Cybertruck even more expensive. It should be possible to seal the entire body for just under 5000 to 6000 dollars. There you go.