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Model 3 window trim 'damage' from 'car wash' or high PH...

Discussion in 'Model 3: Interior & Exterior' started by SabrToothSqrl, Apr 15, 2020.

  1. SabrToothSqrl

    SabrToothSqrl Active Member

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    Cloudy Chrome Advice? | Tesla

    this has hit our 2019 Model 3. But never either of our 2 2018 Model 3s.

    Tesla won't warranty it. A car that can't use a car wash... good job guys. Real. good job here.

    Suggestions? I see a lot of people have had this issue. It's not shown on any of the other 4 Tesla's we have had, and washed all the same.

    Ideas? Cars existing the in the real world. It's not like we drove it through a sand storm. There is clearly a pattern to these low quality parts.
     
    • Funny x 2
  2. ilyak

    ilyak Member

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    The manual only specifically calls out car washes that are not touch-less:

    Screenshot_27.png

    If you only used touch-free car washes, I'd say you'll have a decent case in arbitration.
     
  3. SabrToothSqrl

    SabrToothSqrl Active Member

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    That's the plan. If anything it will be a fun trip. Hopefully for the $700 cost Tesla just fixes it. I know they are a 'new' car company, but c'mon... the parts need to hold up. the car isn't even 9 months old.
     
  4. jelloslug

    jelloslug Active Member

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    The "chrome" is aluminum and it looks like a very aggressive cleaner was used on the surface. It can be polished back to a shine but that part is not very expensive.
     
  5. SabrToothSqrl

    SabrToothSqrl Active Member

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    #5 SabrToothSqrl, Apr 17, 2020
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2020
    Tesla said its $700 to replace both rear triangle windows. No aggressive cleaner was used. No issues with this type of thing anywhere else on any trim or body parts. Just the rear triangle.
     
  6. gcmak

    gcmak Member

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    Sadly it's expensive since those trim pieces, unlike the rest of the chrome pieces, are actually part of the small quarter glass as one entire assembly. Also means if you tinted that little piece you'll need to re-tint it.

    I've used some pretty darn aggressive chemicals on my car such as overly concentrated all-purpose cleaner, degreasers, bug/tar, iron removers etc....and I haven't had any issues like that. Recently I decided to do a Chrome Delete so I guess we'll see how well the vinyl holds up...

    Good luck on your case with Tesla - I do think if the rest of the chrome failed, the customer should be to blame, but since it's that piece which is manufactured separately, I'd call it suspect.
     
  7. SlimJim

    SlimJim Member

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    I use touched car wash. I have not noticed charged in the trim.
     

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