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Does Model 3 scrape on steep driveways?
- Thread starter SD_MDL3
- Start date
StealthP3D
Well-Known Member
The Model 3 has the wheels near each end of the vehicle which makes it not all that susceptible to nose and tail scrapes. Certainly, like any car, it can scrape if the situation is extreme enough but I've had it on back-country Forest Service roads and it does surprisingly well. It's most susceptible to center scrapes (in the middle of the vehicle) if you try to drive over tall curbs or drainage swales on roads meant for trucks and high clearance vehicles. But the nose and rear end are not all that susceptible to scraping given it's relatively low 5.5" of ground clearance. The P3D+ model is reportedly 1/2" lower which is why I stuck with the stealth P3D (it has the same ground clearance as the LR and MR Model 3).
I will point out that some cheaper cars are designed with larger front and rear overhangs. That's a cheaper way to get the same sized car because the chassis doesn't have to be as strong/rigid for the overall length of car but it makes the front and back more prone to scraping.
Glamisduner
Active Member
StealthP3D
Well-Known Member
Well, 1/2" is 12.6 mm so I guess it would depend upon who was measuring it. In any case, even 10 mm is a lot if you are trying to drive over something that is 10mm too tall! That's why I went with the Stealth version of the P3D.
My model 3 will scrape on my drive if I have someone in the back seat. It scrapes in the middle not at the rear or front. Essentially when pulling out (I back in) my front wheels go down the hill while my back wheels are on the level surface. It will clear without issue if the back seat is empty, but it is that close.
jasonh4451
Member
Same here. Our Prius, LEAF, and Model S all scraped when straight-line entering/exiting the left side of our driveway, but the Model 3 never scrapes. This was a truly pleasant surprise for our family!
I was going to wait for SAS because we have a driveway on an incline from the street as well as the other speed bumps the city has put up downtown and those we have in parking lots. I don't know what our driveway angle is but have not had a problem with my Model 3. My old Toyota Avalon use to scape if driven too fast from street to house and I guess depending on the angle of approach.
I have also backed my car up the driveway to charge outside on the driveway and not experienced any issues.
I have also backed my car up the driveway to charge outside on the driveway and not experienced any issues.
RedModel3
Member
My Volt scraped once or twice if I was too fast, but my Model 3 has never scraped, and I also have a Torklift Ecohitch on it.
UngaBunga1989
Member
I have had both a 2012 and 2016 Volt that both scraped EVERY time in and out of my very steep driveway with just me in the cars. I have the M3P and it does not scrape at all -- even with 5 people in it.
Hi all, I've ordered an M3. My driveway as a bit of a lip before a slope down to garage. I was worried about the low breakover angle of M3 grounding between the front and rear. I made up an M3 'simulator' using the unladen ground clearance value of 5.5 inches. According to my measurements clearance goes as low as 3cm (a smidgen over 1 inch). So it seems OK, but will I have issues with passengers causing a loss of clearance more than 1 inch?
Thinking I should switch to a model y or take a chance?
Thinking I should switch to a model y or take a chance?
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