YouTubers test if Tesla Cybertruck's stainless steel wrap will rust or corrode

The Tesla Cybertruck is once again facing controversy, with early owners questioning its rust resistance, stainless steel durability, and how a Cybertruck wrap might be making things worse.

Owners have posted images online of small orange spots forming after light rain and road use.

These early reports are drawing attention to how the truck handles wear, moisture, and dirt in real-world conditions.

With YouTubers now putting the truck through corrosion tests of their own, the Cybertruck’s promise of rust resistance is under pressure.

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Cybertruck wraps might be making it worse

Rust concerns began surfacing on Cybertruck forums just weeks after the first deliveries.

Several owners shared close-up photos of surface rust appearing on panels of the truck’s unpainted stainless steel finish.

While stainless steel offers some rust resistance, it is not immune.

The material relies on a thin protective layer that forms when it reacts with oxygen, and that layer can be disrupted by scratches or contaminants.

Content creators like Dirty Tesla did informal scratch and exposure research to see how the material would hold up.

“You probably know stainless steel scratches… it scratches pretty easily actually,” he said, pointing to household appliances as examples.

His observations found that even minor abrasions could affect the Tesla Cybertruck’s ability to resist corrosion.

“I think I was wrong, and Cybertruck is going to take just a little bit of love and care,” he admitted, noting the need for more upkeep than originally expected.

This has led to a wider discussion about whether the optional Cybertruck wrap makes things better or worse by reducing oxygen exposure to the metal underneath.

Tesla currently sells a clear wrap and two colored wrap options, which are meant to shield the vehicle from cosmetic damage.

However, some users worry that a Cybertruck wrap could trap moisture against the body, especially in areas where water or salt build up.

In colder climates, this could affect the stainless steel’s long-term performance.

How the Tesla Cybertruck holds up over time

Tesla has not officially commented on the rust concerns, but Elon Musk has mentioned that a scratch-resistant tungsten carbide coating may be offered in the future.

No timeline has been confirmed, and details are limited.

In the meantime, some owners are turning to aftermarket products to clean and protect their stainless steel panels.

The Tesla Cybertruck’s stainless steel body requires occasional maintenance, particularly in areas where road salt or humidity are factors.

Several owners have started using cleaners like Citrus Surf or Rust Rescue to remove early corrosion and reinforce the surface.

As production of the Tesla Cybertruck continues at Giga Texas, long-term durability is becoming a key topic among early adopters and prospective buyers.

The vehicle’s distinctive design and use of stainless steel make it stand out, but they also introduce variables that owners may not have expected.

Whether Tesla adjusts its materials, offers new coatings, or updates its care recommendations, rust resistance is now part of the broader conversation about what owning a Cybertruck really involves.

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