By far, I consider cleaning the inside of its windshield to be the most onerous maintenance task on the i-MiEV. I never appreciated how wonderfully tiny and accessible is the windshield of my venerable '67 Saab. When I got the Tesla with its even-more sloping windshield, I groaned, but at least it's smaller than the i-MiEVs. I figured that perhaps Tesla owners are a bit more cosmetically-obsessed than I am, so I attacked their monster website where, sure enough, found a bunch of threads on the subject with a brilliant solution - I tried it, it works!, and simply must share...
The tool that does the trick is this thing, as it allows one to reach everywhere without too much contorting:
http://www.invisibleglass.com/Products/automotive/tool
Some evidently have two of these tools: one for application and one for buffing the windshield.
The spray liquid those guys swear by is this (comes in spray can or bottle), with evidently the same product in different packages also marketed for home and commercial use:
http://www.invisibleglass.com/Products/automotive/trigger
Brand name is Stoner. Both the tool and cleaner are available online or Walmart or auto stores (I never paid attention).
I lay an old towel over the dashboard before I spray the windshield. Although there are some instructions in the box with the tool and even if you're not compulsive, the Tesla people have some procedures outlined on the Tesla Owners Club forum, with the only caveat being to apply the stuff when it's cool and not out in the warm sun. Those guys are even worse than us at starting new threads, with this one being perhaps the best:
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/windshield-so-difficult-to-clean.66655/#post-1440030
For cleaning the outside of the windshield or rear window, I've never had any problem with this quick and simple technique: wash the window with a wet soapy towel and squeegee off with a Silicone T-bar Water Blade (used to be called a California Squeegee), with a dry cleanup towel to catch the residue and a microfibre cloth for touch-up. I had used this squeegee for years while cruising on my catamaran and its expansive windows. This squeegee is also great if you leave the car outside and need to clear off the dew in the morning. For the car, I got the one with a short handle.
http://originalwaterblade.com/us/product-category/waterblades/
Disclaimer: I have no financial stake in any of these products.
At least, this maintenance task is now less-onerous. Never thought I'd open a thread on this simplistic topic...
The tool that does the trick is this thing, as it allows one to reach everywhere without too much contorting:
http://www.invisibleglass.com/Products/automotive/tool
Some evidently have two of these tools: one for application and one for buffing the windshield.
The spray liquid those guys swear by is this (comes in spray can or bottle), with evidently the same product in different packages also marketed for home and commercial use:
http://www.invisibleglass.com/Products/automotive/trigger
Brand name is Stoner. Both the tool and cleaner are available online or Walmart or auto stores (I never paid attention).
I lay an old towel over the dashboard before I spray the windshield. Although there are some instructions in the box with the tool and even if you're not compulsive, the Tesla people have some procedures outlined on the Tesla Owners Club forum, with the only caveat being to apply the stuff when it's cool and not out in the warm sun. Those guys are even worse than us at starting new threads, with this one being perhaps the best:
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/windshield-so-difficult-to-clean.66655/#post-1440030
For cleaning the outside of the windshield or rear window, I've never had any problem with this quick and simple technique: wash the window with a wet soapy towel and squeegee off with a Silicone T-bar Water Blade (used to be called a California Squeegee), with a dry cleanup towel to catch the residue and a microfibre cloth for touch-up. I had used this squeegee for years while cruising on my catamaran and its expansive windows. This squeegee is also great if you leave the car outside and need to clear off the dew in the morning. For the car, I got the one with a short handle.
http://originalwaterblade.com/us/product-category/waterblades/
Disclaimer: I have no financial stake in any of these products.
At least, this maintenance task is now less-onerous. Never thought I'd open a thread on this simplistic topic...