Tesla advised its customers against the popular charging hack which includes wrapping a wet towel on the Supercharger to lessen charging time during summer.
The trick has been known within the Tesla community for years already, allegedly helping drivers to charge faster than usual.
Tesla Disputes Wet Towel Hack on Superchargers
In an X post, Tesla Charging's official account dispelled the hack that placing a wet towel on a Supercharger handle could increase its charging rate. Several users have been promoting the hack due to its alleged ability to act as a cooling agent that tricks the temperature sensors of the handle.
For instance, one Tesla user shared the experience of trying the shack on a V2 Supercharger. The tip increased the charging rate from 60 kilowatts to 95 kilowatts on a summer day. Some users also shared that applying a wet cloth could boost the charging rate up to 119 kilowatts.
Contrary to popular belief, the wet cloth could interfere with the system's temperature monitors, risking a chance of overheating and damage. The company also stated that they are against the hack as it could damage their system's operations.
Tesla Issues Advice Amid Extreme Weather Conditions
Tesla strongly recommends that its users properly use the Superchargers as instructed by the company. Moreover, the V3 and latest Superchargers are now equipped with an active cooling system, which could combat any heat-related problem during summer.
This is not the first time that Tesla drivers experienced charging issues in extreme weather conditions. Last winter, several drivers in Chicago reported a struggle to charge and keep their cars awake.
Tesla advised then that users must maintain at least 20% of the battery charge. It is also advisable to precondition the battery before driving to the station.
Likewise, the extreme heat from the summer also causes a delay to the Superchargers. However, Tesla is keen on keeping the proper operations on its charging stations without relying on any tricks.