Why You Should Never Put Magnets on Your Tesla Cybertruck

For decades, people have been personalizing their vehicles via bumper stickers and magnets. Considering the resemblance between a Tesla Cybertruck and a stainless steel refrigerator, it’s not surprising that some Cybertruck owners have asked the question: Are Cybertrucks magnetic?

As one would expect from a car with a steel exterior, Cybertrucks certainly are magnetic… but don’t rush out and start testing that. Turns out, sticking a magnet to the side of a Cybertruck definitely looks cool in the moment, but can damage the surface of the vehicle over time. Here’s a look at why.

Why Magnets Damage Cybertrucks

A user known as Nick recently posted on Cybertruck fan forum, Cybertruck Owners Club, detailing his experience with magnets and his truck’s exterior. After leaving the magnets on the truck for a few months, Nick removed them to clean the truck and made a heart-sinking discovery.

The material under the magnets had rusted and corroded, leaving the surface marred and disfigured. After applying a surface cleaner to the corroded spots, Nick was able to reduce the damage, but the metal was still pitted and white marks remained across the silver surface.

Most likely, the magnets themselves did not cause the damage. Rather, they created an environment where salt, moisture and other debris could get stuck and trapped close to the metal surface, leading to corrosion of the stainless steel.

What To Do If Your Cybertruck Rusts

Cybertrucks are large, shiny vehicles, and the last thing you want is to ruin that shine with rust. If you see any spots of rust on the stainless steel, it’s best to address the issue right away. Tesla recommends that Cybertruck drivers treat any contaminated surfaces with a mild citric acid cleaner and a non-scratch scouring pad. Once the surface has been cleaned, dry the cleaned area with a microfiber cloth.

Sources

• Cybertruck Owners Club, “Don’t put magnets on your CT! Corrosion?” (2024)
• Tesla, “Removing Surface Contamination” (2024)