Tesla cars are designed for elegance, style, prestige and luxury. This masterpiece is created with no expense spared. Tesla have a clear "soft" coat, which makes them more susceptible to damage and swirl marks.
What are the top 5 ways to protect Tesla paint? Here are 5 top ways to protect the paint on your Tesla:
- Ceramic Coating
- Polymer Sealants
- Carnuba Wax
- Clearcoat
- Garage or Covered Parking
We'll dive into the details of each method, including the costs, benefits, and downsides.
1. Ceramic Coating
Ceramic Coating is preferred by professional detailers for protecting Tesla paint. The ceramic coating is a high-quality liquid based on silica that's applied over your Teslas paint.
It is durable and can be used in all weather conditions. This option is popular because it protects paint from the elements while maintaining that showroom shine.
Professionally applied ceramic coatings will last at least two years. DIY kits or knock-offs, however, usually only last several months.
The ceramic coating repels dirt and water so that your car stays cleaner for longer. The ceramic coating will also help your paint be scratch-resistant, but it's not guaranteed that you won't get scratches in certain situations.
Ceramic coating is expensive and some car owners balk at it. The benefits of a professional ceramic coating on your Tesla are well worth it to maintain it's showroom appearance.
Ceramic coatings professionally applied are a good option for paint protection. The ceramic coating will keep the paint on your car looking like new for two years and, because it repels water and dirt, your car will be cleaner between washes.
Cons
Understanding the limitations of your ceramic coating is one way to minimize its downside. Ceramic coatings do not make paint "scratch proof" or "dent proof," but they offer the best protection compared to other options.
If you wash your car with cheap or off-brand detergents, the chemicals will degrade the ceramic coating faster than normal.
Ceramic coatings are often applied to newer models of vehicles, rather than older vehicles or vehicles with surface damage. Ceramic coatings are used because they not only protect the paint of your car, but also enhance its appearance. The ceramic coating will give you the best results if you use it as soon as your Tesla is delivered.
Ceramic coating can be difficult to do yourself. It's best to leave this job to professionals, as they will have better ceramic coating materials and these will last longer.
Cost is a major factor in car owners' decision to use ceramic coating. Professional ceramic coating a Tesla costs on average $1500. Although it's an expensive investment, you will be able see the difference and it'll last for many years.
2. Polymer Sealants
The next most preferred method of protecting paint is polymer sealants.
My favorite paint protection is Polymer Sealants for my Tesla. They are affordable, they repel dirt and water and make the car look like new. Spray on the sealant with a microfiber cloth and wipe it off with another microfiber cloth.
The sealants are easy to apply, last for up to a year, and very affordable. Sealants come in a variety of forms, including paste, liquid or spray-on. Spray sealants, which are easy to use, are my favorites.
These sealants are an affordable option for anyone looking to protect their paint quickly and easily. They are available in different forms and last for about a year. Amazon sells a good polymer sealant for only $20.
Cons
There are some disadvantages because this is a DIY paint protection solution that's budget-friendly.
They are less expensive than ceramic coatings, but they are also not as durable. Sealants required re-application after 12 months.
A polymer sealant offers limited protection, as they are essentially just waxes that have been boosted. Ceramic coatings offer a more durable and solid finish. The type of protection will be determined by the number of reapplications made, the washing chemicals used and the overall condition of the paint on your car.
3. Carnauba Wax
Since the early 1900s, Carnauba Wax is the go-to product for those who want to protect their cars. Carnauba Wax has always been popular among car enthusiasts. However, it is quickly being replaced by more modern technologies.
You can apply the carnauba wax yourself and it will last for up to three months.
This is a more affordable option but it will cost a little bit more. A good Polymer Sealant will give you better results. Amazon has a good jar carnauba for about $40.
Cons
You can apply carnauba yourself. However, it does take some practice to do it correctly.
You'll often see "swirls" on people's cars. They are the result of waxing jobs which did not go as well.
The wax will become soft if the temperature is high enough. It also loses its protective properties. Extremely high temperatures can melt wax, leaving smears or blotches on the surface of your vehicle. The application is a key factor in the success of your wax.
If you have the budget, a better option would be to use a polymer sealant. It will give better results and cost less.
4. Clear Coat
A clear coat is applied to 95% of all new cars today. Teslas are no exception. Teslas have a clear coating applied to their paint. However, Teslas are also known to come with a "soft' clear coat.
A clear coat is basically a thin, transparent layer of paint that you spray on your car once the colored paint is finished. Imagine it as a transparent paint layer.
The second option is to add a clear coat on your Tesla. However, it is more practical to preserve the factory clear coat.
Clear coats protect against scratches, road debris and dirt. The clear coat is as vulnerable as colored paint beneath it. However, if it scratches it won't show as much as a non-clear painted car.
Clear coats also give your car a glossy and shiny appearance. Your car will look better because the color will be more vibrant. Clear coats will extend the shelf life of paint on your car and reduce the effects of weather.
A clear coat will not provide as much protection as a carnauba, polymer, or ceramic sealant. You should therefore add another layer of protection.
Cons
Teslas have a clear coat that is "soft", meaning it's easier to scratch and damage. It also shows swirl marks.
It is not practical to spray an extra "harder" clear coat on your car. The cost would be prohibitive. Learn how to prolong the life of your clear coat.
If you do not take care of your Tesla, the clear coat will eventually become dull. Use a high-quality soap to wash your car and add an extra layer of protection to protect the clear coat.
5. Garage/ Covered parking
It is important to park your Tesla in a covered or garaged spot. Keep your Tesla in an enclosed garage or area to extend the life of its paint. You can purchase a car cover if you cannot park your vehicle in a covered garage. It is best to protect your Tesla from the harsh elements with a vehicle cover.
Cons
A garage is not enough to protect your car's paint, unless you never plan to drive it or expose to the elements. Even if it is never taken out of the garage over time, it will oxidize and show signs of age on your new car's paint.
Other Factors to Consider
The durability of your protection will be affected by the thickness of the paint. A very thick paint reading could indicate that the vehicle was repainted, or the car needed some sort of repair. Recent tests show that the Tesla paint is comparable to other types of cars and high quality.
Some people may say that the Tesla's paint is thinner than other brands. It may therefore be more prone to scratches and swirls.This issue has received mixed reviews. You can protect the paint of your Tesla with these five methods, depending on what you prefer.
FAQs
Will wrapping a Tesla protect the paint?
Vinyl Wraps are a popular way to protect Tesla paint. You can also choose the color. It's a great way to "change the color" of your Tesla. But does it protect the paint?
The wrapping was not created to protect the surface. Wrapping your car will provide some protection, but it is mainly to keep dirt from the paint underneath.
Wrapped cars require you to wash your car with more care. Even though you can still wash your car with a wrap, car washes are known to ruin the wrap.
Next, a wrap will cost you about $3,000 and is therefore more expensive than the other options we have mentioned.
Does Paint Protection Film (PPF), protect Tesla Paint?
Paint Protection Film is another way to protect the paint of a Tesla. You may have noticed that it didn't make our list of options for paint protection. Here's why.
The most expensive method to protect your Tesla's paint is PPF. Professional PPF installation costs between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on several factors. PPF has several downsides, mainly because of its high cost. And it is not water- and dirt-repellent like the other methods we have discussed. Many installers suggest a ceramic coat on top of PPF.
If you choose a PPF that is cheaper, it may crack or discolor over time. This will give your car a yellowish tint.
Thirdly, even if your paint is protected, you'll have to replace the entire PPF section, not just the damaged area. It's time to get your wallet out again.
Paint protection film can be a good way to protect your Tesla's paint, but it is expensive.
How do I apply ceramic coating to my Tesla?
Experts should apply a ceramic coating to your vehicle. The tedious task is to ensure that your car's exterior surface is free of contaminants, dings or scratches. The ceramic coating will trap any particles under the surface and enhance the defect.
It is costly to apply a ceramic coat, but it's worth the cost because the coating will protect your car for a long time. You cannot guarantee that the coating you apply yourself will offer the best protection.
This process should be left to the professionals. You will be provided with a warranty, ensuring that your vehicle is protected.
