Tesla car owners have come up with a unique hack known as the “wet towel” trick to supposedly speed up charging their vehicles at Supercharger stations. However, Tesla has warned against this practice as it can interfere with the temperature monitors and potentially lead to overheating or damage. Despite the risks, it took Tesla over two months to publicly address this issue, highlighting a breakdown in communication due to the company’s lack of a public relations department.
The “Wet Towel” Trick Explained
The “wet towel” trick involves wrapping a damp cloth around the handle of a Supercharger cable to cool it down and supposedly expedite the charging process. Some Tesla owners believed that by tricking the temperature monitor into thinking the handle was colder, their vehicles would charge faster. However, Tesla has refuted this claim, stating that it does not actually increase the charging rates and poses potential risks to the charging systems.
Tesla’s Response and Warning
After the “wet towel” trick gained popularity on auto news websites and forums, Tesla finally addressed the issue through its official Tesla Charging account on X by warning customers against using this method. The company emphasized the importance of allowing the systems to run correctly and detecting any true charging issues. Despite the warning, some Tesla owners may still attempt to use the hack, highlighting the challenges of managing a dedicated fan base.
Communication Breakdown and Lack of Public Relations
The delayed response from Tesla regarding the “wet towel” trick can be attributed to the company’s decision to dissolve its entire PR team in 2020. Additionally, CEO Elon Musk’s reluctance to hire a new PR department has left Tesla without a formal communication strategy when addressing such issues. This has led to confusion among customers and highlights the importance of having a dedicated team to manage public relations for large corporations.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The incident with the “wet towel” trick serves as a learning opportunity for Tesla to improve communication with its customers and address potential safety concerns more promptly. By reevaluating its approach to public relations and establishing clear communication channels, Tesla can better educate its fan base on safe charging practices and prevent future misunderstandings. Ultimately, prioritizing transparency and safety in its interactions with customers is crucial for Tesla to maintain its reputation as a leader in the electric vehicle industry.
Conclusion
While the “wet towel” trick may have initially seemed like a harmless shortcut for Tesla owners, the company’s warning against this practice reinforces the importance of following proper charging procedures. The incident also highlights the challenges that Tesla faces without a dedicated public relations department, underscoring the need for clear communication strategies to address potential safety risks. Moving forward, Tesla can use this experience as an opportunity to improve customer education and ensure that its charging systems remain safe and efficient for all users.