Not getting paint protection film for your Model 3?

[daniel]

I plan to put no paint protection junk on my Model 3 and wash it by using an automatic touchless car wash...because it’s a car. I eagerly await the crazed replies.

I'm like you. It's a car. Maybe my Prius would be worth a couple of hundred dollars more today if I had spent a thousand dollars on paint protection when it was new in 2004.

 

[Twiglett]

One question for the ppf folks.
How long will ppf last for?
I tend to hang on to my cars for a while so I’m curious if it will last 10-15 years or more.

 

[vinnie97]

Well, the applicator I used offers vehicle lifetime warranties. That's great, assuming the business is still in existence after 10-15 years.

 

[Bebop]

I plan to put no paint protection junk on my Model 3 and wash it by using an automatic touchless car wash...because it’s a car. I eagerly await the crazed replies.

Well it’s not a cheap car. I personally don’t understand how some people wouldn’t want to protect at least a portion of the most vulnerable parts of your expensive car. All I know is if I didn’t get the front half wrapped (now 9 months into ownership), it would be so trashed and effed up. I know so because the film itself has so many dings and what not now, luckily not on the paint itself but on the film. Worth every penny for protection and peace of mind!

 

[kengchang]

Well it’s not a cheap car. I personally don’t understand how some people wouldn’t want to protect at least a portion of the most vulnerable parts of your expensive car. All I know is if I didn’t get the front half wrapped (now 9 months into ownership), it would be so trashed and effed up. I know so because the film itself has so many dings and what not now, luckily not on the paint itself but on the film. Worth every penny for protection and peace of mind!

Had PFF on my previous car, got rear-ended after 3 years and the car value took a dump. Doubt I am going to put it on the Model 3 and car value is mostly dependent on the year and mileage.

 

[TheLocNar]

I’m sure you know PPF isn’t meant to protect from accidents... sorry. Had to say something. lol

 

[Thomas Edison]

Would anyone have a link with a decent price for a roll of suntek ultra?

 

[kengchang]

I’m sure you know PPF isn’t meant to protect from accidents... sorry. Had to say something. lol

I know, just saying nothing protects car from being hit by idiot drivers

 

[KFORE]

I was planning on not doing PPF and just filling in chips/scratches with the touchup paint, but I cannot find any for the Pearl White for my Model 3. Has anyone found any Pearl White touchup paint?

 

[TheLocNar]

I know, just saying nothing protects car from being hit by idiot drivers

I figured. lol

 

[Jason Bourne]

I was planning on not doing PPF and just filling in chips/scratches with the touchup paint, but I cannot find any for the Pearl White for my Model 3. Has anyone found any Pearl White touchup paint?

I ordered my blue touchup paint from TouchUpDirect.com and the color matches really well once it dries. Here's their white kit.

This place also lists the white kit for sale, but I don't have any personal experience with them.
2018 Tesla Model 3 Colors of Touch Up Paint

 

[Blue in NC]

I was not intending to do PPF but after a road trip with a minor rock chip near the headlight and tons of bugs planted on the front bumper, I reluctantly changed my mind and put Suntek full hood, front bumper, mirrors and headlights. For now, I am holding off on ceramic coating since I put money into tinting and PPF. Possibly I would do ceramic coating myself or just wait on it.

 

[insaneoctane]

I plan to put no paint protection junk on my Model 3 and wash it by using an automatic touchless car wash...because it’s a car. I eagerly await the crazed replies.

Thank you. If it weren't for cars like yours, mine wouldn't look so good!

 

[insaneoctane]

I will say that I feel so much more carefree when I wash or dry the panels that I have PPF applied to vs the non PPF panels. I know that I won't get swirl marks on the PPF panels and if I do I just have to put it in the sun to heal.

 

[slipnslider]

Well it’s not a cheap car. I personally don’t understand how some people wouldn’t want to protect at least a portion of the most vulnerable parts of your expensive car. All I know is if I didn’t get the front half wrapped (now 9 months into ownership), it would be so trashed and effed up. I know so because the film itself has so many dings and what not now, luckily not on the paint itself but on the film. Worth every penny for protection and peace of mind!

Where has most of the damage occurred? Is it mostly just the front bumper portion?

 

[zoiks66]

The replies to my comment have not disappointed.

 

[vinnie97]

Sorry, I see no "crazed replies" as you anticipated.

 

[Bebop]

Where has most of the damage occurred? Is it mostly just the front bumper portion?

The front half for sure. Front bumper, bottom half of hood. Doors have been fine, rear bumper not too bad at all.

 

[slipnslider]

The front half for sure. Front bumper, bottom half of hood. Doors have been fine, rear bumper not too bad at all.

Sounds like you do a lot of high speed highway driving, right?

 

[saxafruge]

The one advantage to the regular black paint is a big one: Its the easiest and cheapest to repaint. Unlike almost all other paints, straight black doesnt require blending, so you end up using far less paint. I went with the regular black paint, and if necessary ill repaint (or touchup) the front areas in a few years. Until then I will just use liquid detailer.