Since you mentioned auto carwashes, I thought I’d post a link from a fellow MS owner who’s carwash place used a power spray on his bumper. I’ve seen places that say they do a hand wash but pull out the power wash for the tire area. I’m guessing this guy’s place got over zealous on the wheels and hit the bumper close up.
Paint pressure washer damage
—If it were me I would prioritize all weather tires as top purchase this winter in NJ. I use to live back east in snowy weather and snow tires really help with the traction.
—Some type of all weather mats even if from a local Costco to minimize the snow/ice dirt damage to your flooring to start off with. You can always add nicer mats at a later date. Also a fan of the 3D Maxpider kagu mats BTW.
—As someone who has clearbra on both of our cars, can’t say enough about it protecting the paint from the rock chips, door dings, etc. saved us a number of times already on our not-2-yr-old MS. I’d say if you can invest in a full custom wrap (edges covered), you can’t go wrong with it. This is assuming you plan to keep the car for a while. At the least have the detailer fully wrap edges on what panels he does so you don’t get dirt lines that might drive you crazy. You do want to find a highly recommended installer who has done a lot of Teslas. Go to the shop to see their work and have them explain what you will be paying for. I do see this as an investment in your car and it’s a nice chunk right up front.
—Don’t forget to have windshield washer de-icer handy. If you pick up a lower trunk compartment organizer you should be able to store a jug upright safely in your car and always have on hand.
You’re in NJ not Florida so I would not put tint high on my list. See how you feel once you’ve gone through a summer there. You can also buy the roof sunshades from Tesla to cut down on glare inside the car. We have a set on our MS and like it; however i’m holding off on my Model 3 until I see if I need it with my factory tinted roof. We don’t walk out of the house without UVA/UVB sunglasses on. The Model 3 can be climate preconditioned before you get in and the fan works very quickly and efficiently so heating or cooling the car shouldn’t be a big concern. You also can set Cabin Overheat Protection to be on to keep it around 104F. You’ll loose some battery range, amount will depend on the conditions—think 10 miles on really hot days for us was around the most—but we consider it worth it. And if you charge at home or at work each day it shouldn’t be a worry. Also on the tint, be aware that it could affect your being able to see your auto dimming side and rear mirrors well if too dark...posts on this.
The Console wrap and door sill plate wraps are nice to do. The console wrap will likely be a vinyl and so even if you do later and have scratches that will cover it up. I think the door sill plates are a higher priority (if you go for clearbra they can do for you at the same time) as these would be done in clear and harder to mask scratches from your shoes.
I’d say the above would cover the basics.
Things like a frunk and trunk mat, cargo organizer for your trunk are all nice additions. I bought a few console “helpers” recently that I really love and feel are almost essentials—a 3/4 sunglass tray so I can store kleenex below and access the box while giving me a place for sunglasses and change, coffee cup/water bottle insert rings to secure my liquids in place.
