Tesla advises against using wet towels to speed up charging, highlighting safety risks. Learn why this "HACK" is dangerous and how to charge your Tesla safely.
Tesla has issued a warning about a popular charging "hack" using wet towels, encouraging owners to avoid the practice owing to safety concerns. According to Business Insider, the unofficial method of wrapping damp towels around Supercharger cables to potentially speed up charging has spread among Tesla owners, prompting the company to address the risks of interfering with temperature monitors and damaging charging equipment.
Wet Towel Hack on Tesla Explained
On hot days, the "wet towel hack" involves tying a moist cloth around the cable handle of a Tesla Supercharger. This approach attempts to chill the handle and deceive the charger's temperature sensors, perhaps allowing for quicker charging speeds. While the wires are temperature resistant, the handles can become quite hot in direct sunshine. The method has proven popular among Tesla owners for years, with interest spiking during the summer months. Some customers have reported large increases in charging rates, with one test indicating a jump from 58 to 119 kW. However, Tesla warns that this approach does not boost charging speeds, but rather poses concerns by interfering with critical temperature monitoring systems.Tesla's Safety Warning
Tesla formally addressed the "wet towel" charging breach on July 25, 2024, via its Tesla Charging account on X (previously Twitter). The firm advised that placing damp towels on Supercharger cable handles not only does not boost charging speeds, but also interferes with temperature monitoring, posing a danger of overheating and damage. Tesla stressed the significance of letting their systems to function properly and identify true charging concerns. This warning was sent in response to an article from InsideEVs.com outlining the potentially dangerous auto charging method, which had been circulated for more than two months prior to Tesla's formal announcement.
Implications of Wet Towel Hack on Tesla
The wet towel charging hack is just one of the numerous experiments that Tesla customers have done, thanks to the company's unique software-driven infrastructure and active community. Other attempts to fool Tesla systems include strapping weights to steering wheels, using fruits or water bottles to deceive sensors, and even sticking tape on speed signs to circumvent speed restrictions. These hacks demonstrate Tesla users' inventive spirit while also raising safety issues and the possible misuse of modern car systems. While some techniques may appear innocent, they might interfere with critical safety systems, possibly leading to disastrous circumstances on the road.Tesla's Communication Challenges
The delay in responding to the wet towel charging hack demonstrates Tesla's unique communication issues. Since dismantling its entire public relations team in 2020, the corporation has depended heavily on social media networks for formal pronouncements. This strategy has resulted in considerable delays in resolving possible safety risks, as illustrated by the two-month period between the hack's viral spread and Tesla's formal warning. Elon Musk has previously indicated his unwillingness to "spend money on advertising & manipulating public opinion," preferring direct contact through platforms such as X. However, this technique might expose Tesla to the quick spread of potentially deadly user-generated "hacks" and disinformation.In conclusion, Tesla's warning against the wet towel charging hack serves as a critical reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols in electric vehicle charging. While the desire for faster charging times is understandable, particularly given the varying speeds of different charging methods, circumventing established safety measures can lead to serious risks, including overheating and damage to charging equipment. Tesla's emphasis on the integrity of its thermal management system underscores the company's commitment to both efficiency and safety. The communication delays surrounding this issue also highlight the challenges Tesla faces in effectively managing public relations and disseminating important safety information. Ultimately, Tesla encourages its community to prioritize safe practices over unverified hacks, reinforcing that the Supercharging process is designed to optimize both speed and safety without the need for shortcuts.
About the Writer
Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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