Getting trolled by coworker about model 3 underbody scooping dirt article

[Richardster]

I got my model 3 last week and since then, my coworkers one by one would laugh at me about model 3 scooping up dirt because of this article
The Tesla Model 3 underbody is scooping up dirt and keeping it

Is this a problem for anyone? How would you react to that?

 

[run-the-joules]

Just do your job better than they do: you get promoted or they get fired (or both) and move on with life.

Or set their cars on fire. Whatever.

 

[Daniel in SD]

The underbody dirt buildup is definitely a thing.
What kind of car does he drive? There is no perfect car

 

[0mpg]

Last time i was in Canada i rented a van to get to see some relatives, I could barely get it back to the rental place without the wheels falling off. Lots of dirt stuck to the underside of the van and whoompy rims caked with mudd messing with the balance.. No I didn't take it 4-wheeling but there are a ton of dirt roads.Ive had my model 3 for 8k miles and its still spotless where he is banging. I'm calling BS that every car has had this.

 

[PoitNarf]

Just tell your coworkers that the excess dirt buildup makes your car go faster. Just like "speed holes":

 

[1375mlm]

When it’s in our cars, they call it “dirt”
When it’s in their cars, then they like to call it “gas”

 

[ewoodrick]

Just accept it and move on.

Also, take some for a spin in the car. (That's the Joe Rogan solution)

The reality is that they are jealous. You comeback joke could be "But it does it faster and cheaper than anything else!"

 

[Scrutmonkey]

Comeback of the day..."How much you pay for gas every month?"

 

[AlanSubie4Life]

I got my model 3 last week and since then, my coworkers one by one would laugh at me about model 3 scooping up dirt because of this article
The Tesla Model 3 underbody is scooping up dirt and keeping it

Is this a problem for anyone? How would you react to that?

As with most things in the media, this issue is sensationalized and overblown. You have a Model 3, and it is very easy to check for dirt build up if you think it could be a problem for you (think sanded snow-covered roads for 3-5 months per year, or frequent dirt-road driving). You can also rinse some of it out by parking your car pointed downhill and washing the rear of the car. Or you can remove the frontmost section of the diffuser (remove 3-5 bolts), and just stick a hose up there. Annoying, but not a huge deal, and also not something most people need to even think about. If you have very muddy/dirty conditions, this is something (washing/flushing the underbody) you might need to do in many vehicles, not just a Model 3.

I would just make absolutely sure you have all your bolts (13 in the rear performance aero shield, 7+ in the rear diffuser), and then not worry about it if you are not in a high risk situation. Check out your car periodically when you wash it, or whatever - just like any car.

There are some separate threads here (search undercarriage, ripped, cover) detailing the potential issues with pictures.

But overall I don’t feel it is a big deal. Ensure all bolts are present, and don’t drive through standing water at speed. Be sane. Any car can be damaged with abuse, and every car has design flaws of one form or another.

 

[yyzbig6]

Co-workers trolling will continue cuz every little thing about Tesla gets picked up by media and social media. Think up more comebacks.

I tend to go with: problems exist in all cars but no one cares about theirs to write some article about it and spread it around.

 

[Uncle Paul]

They may just be wanting to "talk Tesla" with you. Thank them for the information, and tell them you will check into it. Offer them a ride and you all can go together and look under the car

People sometimes seem rude, when all they are trying to do is begin a conversation.

 

[DanH]

No need to make any smart ass response back. Just give them a test drive and educate them when the time is right. The goal is to win them over.

 

[nvx1977]

works as designed. downforce achieved without a rice rocket spoiler wing.

 

[SageBrush]

I imagine that any vehicle with shields underneath to improve aerodynamics is vulnerable to this problem. I consider it a maintenance issue and will happily accept it in return for a low Cd.

 

[Richardster]

They are friendly trolls, I deflect one by saying "i have a release button for whoever tailgating"

 

[mkspeedr]

My response, "yes I saw that article too. Sad so many jealous haters looking for negative Tesla articles but I can see why I would be jealous if I didn't own one. My car rocks."

 

[Akikiki]

So what if the co-worker gives you grief. Deal with it as you would any other ignorant bully.

 

[dww12]

Usually a test ride fixes everything.