New Owner of a Black Model Y, and researching the options to clean my car, and it seems it's not a simple choice.
I'm not looking to keep my car in a pristine, shiny, showroom-like condition for its entire life, I just want it to use the car normally and for it to look decent and not uncared for.
Where I live, I could wash my previous, much cheaper lighter colored car, once every 4-8 weeks and it didn't look unclean most of the time unless you were to get up close and pull up your magnifying glass.
Now I read that the Tesla Owner's Manual states you should only use a touchless car wash if you use an automatic car wash, while not saying if it's referring to plastic or cloth bristles auto car washes.
The problem with a touch-less car wash from what I've read is they use more aggressive chemicals and, especially with black cars, some have reported some surfaces can became discolored.
Researching PPF, a full PPF where I live costs the same or very close to a full body respray, but IIRC you then you void your 5 years warranty of your paint from Tesla.
So unless I'm missing something, I'd rather do a full car polish once every 2-3 years if the paint's state ends up bothering me that much (up to 1000 EUR)
So looking to hear from black car owners that didn't baby their car but at the same time didn't want it to look uncared for, is PPF the only way?
Is Ceramic an option? How long did it typically last for you?
Or can you use automatic car washes once 1-2 months and not worry all the time?
I'm not looking to keep my car in a pristine, shiny, showroom-like condition for its entire life, I just want it to use the car normally and for it to look decent and not uncared for.
Where I live, I could wash my previous, much cheaper lighter colored car, once every 4-8 weeks and it didn't look unclean most of the time unless you were to get up close and pull up your magnifying glass.
Now I read that the Tesla Owner's Manual states you should only use a touchless car wash if you use an automatic car wash, while not saying if it's referring to plastic or cloth bristles auto car washes.
CAUTION
If washing in an automatic car wash, use touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model Y. Some touchless car washes use caustic solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check the product label or ask the staff at the car wash. Damage caused by improper washing is not covered by the warranty.
The problem with a touch-less car wash from what I've read is they use more aggressive chemicals and, especially with black cars, some have reported some surfaces can became discolored.
Researching PPF, a full PPF where I live costs the same or very close to a full body respray, but IIRC you then you void your 5 years warranty of your paint from Tesla.
So unless I'm missing something, I'd rather do a full car polish once every 2-3 years if the paint's state ends up bothering me that much (up to 1000 EUR)
So looking to hear from black car owners that didn't baby their car but at the same time didn't want it to look uncared for, is PPF the only way?
Is Ceramic an option? How long did it typically last for you?
Or can you use automatic car washes once 1-2 months and not worry all the time?