A Tesla Cybertruck owner in Truckee, California, recently learned a tough lesson about taking bold promises at face value. Trusting Elon Musk ’s claims that the Cybertruck could briefly act like a boat and cross rivers, the owner activated the truck’s " Wade Mode " and attempted to drive through water. Unfortunately, the adventure didn’t go as planned. The heavy, stainless steel electric truck got stuck, requiring rescue assistance from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). While Musk had earlier said the Cybertruck would be “waterproof enough” to handle rivers and lakes, Tesla’s official warranty warns otherwise, advising caution when dealing with water exposure.
What is Wade Mode in Tesla Cybertruck
"Wade Mode" is a special feature designed for the Tesla Cybertruck to help it handle limited water exposure during off-road adventures . When activated, the system raises the truck’s suspension to its maximum height and pressurises the battery pack, aiming to prevent water from leaking into sensitive components. While it does improve the truck’s ability to wade through shallow water or muddy trails, it is not meant for deep water crossings or floating. Importantly, using Wade Mode does not guarantee the truck’s safety in water and is not covered under Tesla’s warranty for water-related damage.
Elon Musk’s claims about the Tesla Cybertruck
Elon Musk has long made adventurous claims about Tesla vehicles, often describing them as more capable than conventional standards. Ahead of the Cybertruck’s launch, Musk promised that the vehicle would be waterproof enough to "serve briefly as a boat" and cross bodies of water like rivers and lakes. He even suggested it could cross the 360-meter stretch between SpaceX’s Starbase and South Padre Island in Texas.
However, Tesla’s warranty makes it clear that water-related damage, especially while using features like “Wade Mode,” isn’t covered. Despite the hype, Tesla owners have been warned indirectly that using their trucks like boats could lead to serious risks and costly repairs.
Importantly, using Wade Mode does not guarantee the truck’s safety in water and is not covered under Tesla’s warranty for water-related damage.
What went wrong in Truckee
The Cybertruck owner engaged "Wade Mode," which lifts the truck’s height and pressurises the battery pack for better water handling. But once in the water, the truck quickly bogged down. CHP Truckee helped recover the vehicle and humorously reminded the public that “Wade Mode isn’t Submarine Mode.” Without proper knowledge of terrain and vehicle limits, off-roading — or water-crossing — can end in disaster, especially with a 6,600-pound machine like the Cybertruck.
Warining for Cybertruck owners
This incident highlights an important lesson: marketing claims, no matter how exciting, should not override practical caution and understanding of a vehicle’s real-world limits. It’s wise for Cybertruck owners, especially those new to off-roading, to seek guidance before attempting challenging terrain or water crossings. More importantly, sticking to what the vehicle’s warranty outlines.
What is Wade Mode in Tesla Cybertruck
"Wade Mode" is a special feature designed for the Tesla Cybertruck to help it handle limited water exposure during off-road adventures . When activated, the system raises the truck’s suspension to its maximum height and pressurises the battery pack, aiming to prevent water from leaking into sensitive components. While it does improve the truck’s ability to wade through shallow water or muddy trails, it is not meant for deep water crossings or floating. Importantly, using Wade Mode does not guarantee the truck’s safety in water and is not covered under Tesla’s warranty for water-related damage.
Elon Musk’s claims about the Tesla Cybertruck
Elon Musk has long made adventurous claims about Tesla vehicles, often describing them as more capable than conventional standards. Ahead of the Cybertruck’s launch, Musk promised that the vehicle would be waterproof enough to "serve briefly as a boat" and cross bodies of water like rivers and lakes. He even suggested it could cross the 360-meter stretch between SpaceX’s Starbase and South Padre Island in Texas.
However, Tesla’s warranty makes it clear that water-related damage, especially while using features like “Wade Mode,” isn’t covered. Despite the hype, Tesla owners have been warned indirectly that using their trucks like boats could lead to serious risks and costly repairs.
Importantly, using Wade Mode does not guarantee the truck’s safety in water and is not covered under Tesla’s warranty for water-related damage.
What went wrong in Truckee
The Cybertruck owner engaged "Wade Mode," which lifts the truck’s height and pressurises the battery pack for better water handling. But once in the water, the truck quickly bogged down. CHP Truckee helped recover the vehicle and humorously reminded the public that “Wade Mode isn’t Submarine Mode.” Without proper knowledge of terrain and vehicle limits, off-roading — or water-crossing — can end in disaster, especially with a 6,600-pound machine like the Cybertruck.
Warining for Cybertruck owners
This incident highlights an important lesson: marketing claims, no matter how exciting, should not override practical caution and understanding of a vehicle’s real-world limits. It’s wise for Cybertruck owners, especially those new to off-roading, to seek guidance before attempting challenging terrain or water crossings. More importantly, sticking to what the vehicle’s warranty outlines.
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