Did you PPF your new Tesla?

I didnt bother, ppf seems almost as pricey as just a repaint...

 

Yeah man, you will have chips for sure. At least get the leading edges PPF’d. That’s what I did.

 

Personally I didn't get PPF. I just didn't understand the point of paying $5-7K to protect $2K of paint on a $50K car (and this from someone who never really had a nice car before my Model 3)

However, if you are going to spend the money on PPF, it seems that most recommend getting it done as soon as possible. While the odds of something happening are low, think of how terrible you would feel to get a chip in the paint before getting the PPF installed.

 

I did not. I think it makes more sense to save that money for the down payment when I buy another Tesla in 8 years.

 

wow...mine was $1800 CDN including ceramic coat. I don’t think he necessarily means a full body wrap.

 

Oh I see. I think PPF on the hood and fenders is a good compromise.

 

There is no one right answer. Some people see PPF as a waste of money. Others believe a partial PPF on a Model 3 is a must. I personally chose to do a full car PPF, as I plan to keep my P3D 8-10 years and park it outside 24/7. And I was truly blown away by the self healing properties of PPF. No wax, sealant, or ceramic coating on the market has the self-healing capabilities of PPF.

If you don't have time to have your PPF installed before your road trip, there is a temporary option. Xpel makes a temporary film called Tracwrap. As the name suggests, it is designed to be applied before a visit to the track and then removed. I don't know if it can be used for an extended road trip, but you can check it out:

XPEL | Paint Protection Film | TRACWRAP | DIY Temporary Abrasion Protection

 

I picked up the same day as you, and I'm going to DIY it, after Tesla fixes some issues found at delivery (in the mean time, it's garaged). I have done some film on other surfaces in my home (window and mirrors), so I feel like it's worth trying (worst case I take it off). If I had to get it professionally done (especially full car), I would have rather spent the money on a color change vinyl wrap (and instead order the free included white color instead of Midnight Silver).

As others point out, the front bumper and hood will take a bulk of the rock damage (also the case in my old non-Tesla car). You can save money by doing those only. The link above with a temporary film might be a good idea.

I did do a short drive with my car and noticed that it already got road grime (which I washed off quickly) all along the rocker panel and also onto the rear bumper near the wheel wells. Looks like some mud flaps may be a good idea also (or doing PPF in those areas). I believe Tesla sells some that don't need drilling (attaches at points already on car) and some third party options are the same. I did read warnings about the molded third party flaps which may scratch the paint given the molded portions touch the paint.

 

seems a waste for what is meant to be a daily driven car. much better ways to utilize that money. just because "everyone" seems to be doing it doesn't mean it makes sense. save your money for a real rainy day. or buy some TSLA. i'm sure you'll get better bang for your buck.

 

PPF the day after delivery of all cars. BTP method applied before I left the dealer.

IMG_2025 by XLR82XS posted Aug 21, 2019 at 9:22 AM

 

nah, too expensive. a few nicks don't bother me. I would rather take another vacation haha.

 

Did XPEL PPF on the front bumper, headlights, and side mirrors. Was roughly $600. Not only does it protect and give me peace of mind, but it also makes wiping off bugs or road rash easy. And without fear of damaging the paint in doing so. Its self-healing in the sunlight. Pretty awesome stuff and glad I did it.

 

Likewise. It cost me $450 for the leading edges, front bumper and headlights.

 

Nope. i LiKe rOcK cHiPs

 

I did a DIY partial, 2/3rd hood, front fender, front bumper, mirror cups, doors and rockers for about $900. It was worth it, but the front bumper was so so hard to do.

 

I feel the exact same way. I've never coated any car in my entire life, and a few nicks have never bothered me. Rather just put that money towards my next Tesla.

 

I got a white car and knew it would be very hard to match the paint for touch up so I did the full front including fenders and mirrors along with the side rockers and up in front of the rear wheels, small piece behind the rear wheels as well. I'm happy I did it. got a small tear in the front already which would have probably been a nice chip had I not had it.

 

I have XPEL for the entire front and rocker panels. Nicks in the pain on red looks bad. There is a red Model 3 in my neighborhood that doesn't have the PPF and its looks horrible...like someone blasted it with a shotgun. PPF is worth every penny.