Teslas are some of the most popular cars—electric or otherwise—-on the road in recent years, and not without good reasons: Tesla cars are trendy, fun to drive, and efficient.
However, one thing that proud Tesla owners often get anxious about is protecting their car’s paint.
Tesla cars’ paintwork is, unfortunately, known for being rather susceptible to damage compared to other cars. This is partly due to the fact that most Teslas come with water-based paint, which is rather weak against atmospheric elements.
Thus, Tesla owners need to pay extra attention when protecting their car’s paint, not only to maintain its aesthetic appeal and pristine look but also to preserve the car’s resale value. This is why we’ve created this ultimate guide on how to protect Tesla paint to help you.
In this guide, we will cover a number of strategies and techniques that can be done to protect Tesla paint and maintain a flawless exterior. We will discuss simple tips like parking in a shady spot to more advanced strategies like applying a ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF).
By the end of this guide, you’d have a comprehensive understanding of how to protect your Tesla car’s paint. Whether you are a new proud owner of Tesla cars or have been driving a Tesla for some time, this guide will help you get the most out of your Tesla car and protect its value for years to come.Without further ado, let’s embark on this journey of preserving the paint on your Tesla.
Without further ado, let’s embark on this journey of preserving the paint on your Tesla.
Understanding Tesla Paint
Before we dig deeper into how to protect your Tesla car paint, let’s first learn about the unique characteristics of Tesla paint.
Tesla vehicles are renowned for their stylish and sleek designs, and Tesla takes great pride in delivering high-quality paintwork that enhances the aesthetic appearance of the Tesla cars.
However, Tesla paint is known to be more susceptible to scratches and damage in general due to three main reasons:
- The paint is thinner. Tesla is known to have thinner paint than most other cars. It is suspected that Tesla uses a single-stage paint system where the base coat and the clear protective coat are applied in just one step (instead of multiple steps employed by most other brands), which results in a thinner paint layer that is more prone to scratching.
- Softer, water-based paint. Tesla uses water-based paint, which is softer than the traditional solvent-based paints used by the majority of car manufacturers.
- Tesla car’s unique design. Tesla’s sleek and stylish design can be a double-edged sword for its paintwork. Due to a lot of smooth, unbroken surfaces featured in the design, there are fewer areas where the paint can be protected by body trim or other parts of the vehicle.
As a result of these factors, Tesla owners may encounter certain challenges in keeping their vehicle’s paint in pristine condition. Here are some common issues to consider:
- Fine scratches: the thinner Tesla paints are more susceptible to fine scratches from accidental brushes or contact with objects like keys.
- Swirl marks: improper washing techniques, usage of abrasive materials, or harsh chemicals (i.e., automated car wash with harsh brushes) can cause swirl marks, which may diminish the appearance of your Tesla car.
- Bird droppings and tree sap: bird droppings and tree sap can etch into the Tesla paint surface when left unattended and may lead to permanent damage.
- UV ray exposure: prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause fading on the Tesla car’s paint over time, which may result in a reduced resale value.
- Chips and scratches due to everyday driving: stones, gravel, and other road debris can hit the car’s surface while driving, causing paint damage, chips, and dent.
Importance of Proactive Protection of Your Tesla Paint
Due to the unique characteristics of the Tesla paint and the common issues discussed above, it’s crucial for Tesla owners to proactively protect their car’s paint to maintain its pristine look and ensure its long-term value.
Taking proactive measures can minimize the impact of daily wear and tear and environmental factors, which can allow you to:
- Preserve aesthetic appeal: a well-maintained, lustrous paint finish can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the Tesla and highlight the car’s luxurious looks.
- Retaining resale value: a Tesla with well-preserved paint and a pristine look is more likely to retain a high resale value. Potential buyers will be more willing to pay a premium for a Tesla that exhibits excellent exterior condition.
- Cost savings: investing in paint protection solutions (i.e., paint protection film/PPF, ceramic coating, etc.) is often more cost-effective than repainting or repairing extensively damaged paintwork on a Tesla.
In the next sections of this guide, we will explore a range of solutions and techniques to protect your Tesla’s paintwork, from basic preventive steps to more advanced options.
Tesla Paint Protection: Preparing Your Car
Before starting any protective measures and/or investing in a paint protection solution, it’s essential to properly prepare your Tesla car’s surface to ensure the best results.
Consider the following steps:
1. Washing and decontaminating the Tesla
Start by washing the Tesla thoroughly to remove any loose debris, first, and dust from the car’s surface.
It’s important to use high-quality automotive shampoo and non-abrasive cleaning tools (a microfiber sponge or mitt is recommended.) Be gentle, but pay attention to hard-to-reach areas like crevices and wheel wells. Make sure all grime is properly removed from the Tesla.
After the comprehensive wash, it’s recommended to perform a decontamination process to eliminate stubborn contaminants like tar or road grime. You can use a clay bar or a synthetic clay mitt along with a lubricating spray for this purpose.
Gently glide the clay over the car’s surface (after it’s lubricated) to remove these embedded contaminants. Work on small sections at a time to make sure you don’t miss anything.
2. Inspect for existing damage
After comprehensive cleaning of your Tesla, inspect the car’s exterior thoroughly to identify any existing damage (swirl marks, scratches, chips, etc.) Make sure you are under proper lighting conditions, so you can accurately identify these imperfections. Take notes of the damage you’ve identified, so you can repair each of them accordingly.
3. Address any necessary repair or paint correction
Perform the necessary repair or paint correction procedures on the damage or imperfections you’ve identified during the inspection. Depending on the severity of the imperfections, you may choose to perform the repair yourself (using appropriate and safe products) or get a professional car detailing service to do the job.
If the damage is relatively deep or severe, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance from an experienced detailer to get the best results and to prevent further damage to your Tesla paint due to inappropriate treatment.
Basic Steps for Protecting Tesla Paint
In this section, we will explore some basic methods you can use to keep your Tesla paint looking its best and some basic measures to prevent damage. By following these simple steps, you can help prolong your Tesla paint’s pristine condition for years:
1. Park in a shady spot
Minimize exposure to direct sunlight by parking your Tesla in a shaded area whenever possible. This is one of the simplest practices you can do, but it’s surprisingly effective.
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause discoloration, oxidation, and fading of the Tesla paint over time.
If possible, park your Tesla in a covered garage or carport. Even a shaded tree that is large enough can work just as well. Yet, if shade isn’t available, a viable alternative is to use a windshield reflector or a sunshade to shield the Tesla’s exterior.
2. Use a car cover for added protection
Even after you’ve parked the Tesla in a shaded area, it’s recommended to use high-quality car cover for extended periods of parking.
Make sure to get a car cover that is made of breathable material (i.e., cotton or canvas), so you can prevent moisture from building up under the cover, which can lead to other issues like mold and mildew. Also, make sure the cover has UV protection and soft inner linings so it won’t scratch the car’s paint.
Last but not least, make sure that both the car and the cover are adequately clean before applying the car cover to avoid trapping debris that may end up scratching the car during use.
3. Regular washing
Wash your Tesla regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, grime, and other contaminants. When these contaminants and pollutants accumulate on the Tesla’s surface, they can deteriorate the paint and may lead to corrosion in the long run.
Wash your Tesla at least every couple of weeks or whenever the car is driven in dusty, polluted areas and/or exposed to harsh conditions.
When washing the Tesla, make sure to use a mild, pH-balanced automotive shampoo that is non-abrasive. Use a soft microfiber sponge or mitt, and gently scrub the Tesla from top to bottom to prevent swirl marks. Make sure to rinse the car thoroughly after washing to remove all soap residues that may create water spots.
4. Waxing to maintain paint condition
Wax your Tesla’s paint regularly to help protect it from UV rays, minor scratches, and other elements.
Not only will regular waxing help maintain the luster and gloss of your Tesla and preserve its color vibrancy, but it will also make the car easier to clean.
Use a high-quality wax that is designed for automotive use, and apply the wax while following the manufacturer’s instructions.
By implementing these basic practices, you are already taking significant steps in preserving the longevity of your Tesla car. In the next section, we’ll delve into more advanced paint protection methods, including paint protection film (PPF) or clear bra, and ceramic coatings, among others.
Advanced Methods for Protecting Your Tesla Paint
The basic practices we’ve covered in the previous section are already helpful enough in protecting your Tesla’s paint for years to come. However, if you are looking for even more protection, these cutting-edge techniques can provide advanced safeguarding for your paintwork and the car’s resale value:
1. Paint Protection Film (PPF)
Paint Protection Film (PPF), also known as clear bra or invisible shield, is a thin and clear film layer, typically made of durable polyurethane, that is designed to be applied over the car’s exterior to protect it from various external hazards.
PPF offers an unparalleled level of protection against both physical damage (chips, scratches, swirl marks, etc.) and chemical damage (bird droppings, UV rays, tree sap, bug splatters, etc.) Once the PPF is applied, it bonds to the paint, providing a durable protective layer that fits the contours of the car that can even protect against minor dents.
Thus, PPF offers peace of mind for Tesla owners who wish to preserve the vehicle’s pristine look.
However, PPF is not without its drawbacks, as it can be expensive and will most likely require a professional installation.
Below are the pros and cons of PPF over other advanced protection methods.
Pros of PPF:
- Excellent protection: PPF provides a very high level of protection against both physical and chemical damage like chips, UV rays exposure, scratches, and chemical stains.
- Self-healing properties: high–quality PPF comes with self-healing technology that enables it to repair minor swirl marks and scratches on its own when exposed to heat. This means the PPF can protect your car while maintaining its pristine appearance for a longer time.
- Transparent: PPF is completely transparent, so you can show off your Tesla paint’s color. You can also choose between glossy, matte, or other types of finish to enhance your Tesla’s looks.
- Longevity: with professional installations, PPF can last for many years, making it a worthy investment for the prolonged protection of your Tesla paint.
Cons of PPF:
- Expensive: PPF installation can be relatively expensive, especially for full-vehicle PPF coverage. Yet, many Tesla owners consider the PPF a worthwhile investment for the long-term protection it offers.
- Professional installation needed: while it’s possible to install the PPF on your own (DIY), typically, it will require a proper installation done by skilled professionals to ensure a bubble-free and seamless application.
2. Vinyl Wrap
Vinyl wrap is made of thin, flexible vinyl materials that can be trimmed to fit the contours of the car. Unlike the virtually transparent PPF that can highlight the Tesla paint’s original color, the vinyl wrap comes in various colors and finishes. We can also add custom graphics or patterns on the vinyl wrap, allowing us to customize the Tesla’s appearance according to our liking, while also protecting the original paint underneath.
Vinyl wrap is typically more affordable than PPF of the same quality. However, it’s important to note that vinyl wrap is not as durable as PPF, and you may need to replace it more frequently.
Below are the pros and cons of vinyl wrap.
- Customization: without a doubt, the biggest advantage of vinyl wraps over the other Tesla paint protection options is its limitless customization possibilities. You can “change” your Tesla car’s colors and add custom graphics/patterns while protecting the original paint underneath.
- Decent protection: vinyl wrap offers very decent protection against physical damage and also against UV rays.
- Affordability: vinyl wraps are typically less expensive than PPF, making it a good option for those who are looking for a more cost-effective way to protect their Tesla car paint.
- Easily removable: vinyl wraps can be easily and safely removed from your car without causing damage to the original paint. This allows you to revert to the car’s original look when you desire, or change the color/design as you see fit.
Cons of vinyl wrap:
- Durability: while vinyl wraps are more affordable, they are less durable than PPF or ceramic coatings (more on this later) and may need to be replaced after a few years.
- Professional installation: similar to PPF, most likely you’ll need professional help in installing the vinyl wrap to ensure a high-quality and bubble-free application. Improperly installed vinyl wraps may trap moisture or debris, leading to paint damage over time.
3. Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is a liquid product that is applied to the Tesla’s surface, typically made of a combination of ceramic materials and liquid polymers. Once applied, the coating will chemically bond with the Tesla paint to create a protective layer against the elements.
Once bonded, the coating will make a car’s paint more water-resistant (hydrophobic) and easier to clean and will provide durable protection that is very resistant to damage and can last for several years.
Ceramic coatings are typically self-healing, similar to PPF, so they can repair minor swirl marks and scratches automatically over time.
As you can see, ceramic coatings share many similar qualities with PPFs, but there are also differences between the two.
Below are the pros and cons of ceramic coating over other Tesla paint protection options.
Pros of ceramic coating:
- Long-lasting protection: ceramic coatings offer durable protection that generally lasts longer than PPF, depending on the product quality and maintenance.
- Hydrophobic: ceramic coatings offer excellent water resistance, so water (or other liquids) will bead up and roll off the car’s surface along with contaminants like grime and dirt. While PPF also offers hydrophobic qualities, ceramic coating is better in this category.
- Versatility: due to its liquid nature, ceramic coatings can be applied to the entire exterior of the Tesla, including complex contours, plastic surfaces, and glass. This will result in more comprehensive protection for the Tesla car.
- Easier to maintain: ceramic coatings are relatively easy to maintain once they have bonded with the car’s paint. They can be easily washed with regular soap and water.
Cons of ceramic coating:
- Scratch and impact resistance: while ceramic coatings do offer decent protection against physical damage, they don’t offer the same level of protection as PPF does. Overall, ceramic coatings offer more limited protection against environmental damage.
- Difficult application: ceramic coatings are the most challenging to apply on your Tesla car and will require meticulous surface preparation before the application. Experience and precise techniques are needed, or else the ceramic coating may not yield the ideal level of protection. The overall application process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.