Wow
@zackmilo very helpful info, and great pictures too!
$1488.94 was the estimate gave me for labor and parts to replace my window trim with the same chrome it came with, details here:
Tesla Model 3 replacing my 13 year old Honda Civic Hybrid, let's see how that goes. So far, so good! | TinkerTry IT @ Home
so yeah, going with black trim is looking costly, especially since door handles and repeaters and labor aren't included in that $1800.
By the way, something interesting to note.
FYI, the Tesla Manual recommends touch-less car washes, see page 169:
https://www.tesla.com/sites/default/files/model_3_owners_manual_north_america_en.pdf
which has been recently updated to include information about pH levels:
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 3. 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
But back when I got my 2018 Model 3 on Dec 23 2018, the instruction manual didn’t say anything about pH levels, only that I SHOULD use touchless car washes only. See
this pdf version from November 8, 2019 for example, page 163:
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 3. Using any other type of car wash could cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.
This tends to lend some validity to this article:
Will Tesla Fix The Discoloration on Window Trim? | That Tesla Channel
claiming:
Will Tesla fix discoloration on window trim? Yes, Tesla will replace the window trim if you purchased your vehicle before the warranty change in January of 2020. If you purchased your vehicle after the warranty changed, replacement of the trim will be at their discretion.
but I've never been able to reach the author to clarify or provide details.