Salt damage to 2021 Model 3 in winter?

[KenC]

I feel that mudflaps and PPF at least on the rocker panels and doors are essential. I wish I would have researched this ahead of time and applied these to my new M3 (Sept 2021). After the salt and sand damage from just one winter (I live in Southern Ontario, which has shorter and less vicious winters) I am very upset. I can't imagine how terrible the car will look after just a couple of more winters! The paint on this car is extremely crappy. How can Tesla sell cars with paint that isn't durable? Now I have to spend time and energy begging for them to repair it, taking it out of town to the Service Centre that has a very long wait list to get in, and I'm preparing myself for disappointment (poor service or response delays, or if they don't honour my problem). Got a new car? Assume the worst will happen to the paint in winter and take measures before it happens, that's my advice.

Good luck. They won't fix it. I thought Canadian buyers got a mudflap kit included, or is that only certain provinces?

The problem is the rockers are aerodynamically undercut. The paint may or may not be any softer than other mfrs, but the problem is mostly one of design. Most mfrs have a vertical side, to prevent dirt and debris from being thrown up by the tires hitting the paint on the lower part of the car. Tesla doesn't do that, but makes the underside as aero as possible. That exposes the rockers to an insane pelting. No mfrs' paint would survive that. You need mudflaps and/or PPF to protect the rockers. Flaps are a cheap fix, some people have bought generics, that they cut to fit for under $40. PPF can be bought to protect the rockers, and the dogleg and the lower part of the doors for $200.

 

[GtiMart]

Mudflaps are now included. When I got mine they just threw them in the trunk but I guess they probably install them now. Unfortunately, in the name of aero or looks they are not sufficient to prevent the spray onto that rocker.

 

[Ther0ck]

Tesla mudflaps are useless and causes more wear & tear than having none. You need EVmudflaps that will protect your paint and not damage anything while installed.

 

[ejdub]

I always have used fluid film on my prior ICE vehicles. I had it professionally installed on my nice cars ($180 first year, $70 touch-ups every other year) and installed myself in our beaters (2-3 $12 aerosol cans (muh ozone layer!)).

Fluid film is fantastic. Nothing rusted at all. Existing rust would halt.

I’m hesitating on my new model 3 for a number of reasons. Primarily because this thing is mostly aluminum. I’m not even sure where to squirt the stuff on this car.

I should call my installer and get their thoughts. Has anyone applied fluid film to a 3/Y?

Did you ever end up applying Fluid Film? I'm debating whether to do this on my MYLR before Vermont Winter gets any heavier.

 

[Volleyballmom]

Many car makes will state that such winter treatments invalidate the rust warranty of the car, yet I see a lot of people that do it anyway. I don't have an official position on that, I have never done it personally but then again I have not kept cars for 10+ years.
I have generally relied on partial ppf for projections, and cleaning the car from time to time for salt. I try to spray the wheel wells and somewhat the underside when I clean my car. I have the luxury of an interior heated garage so I can clean it more often than others.

Hey there, hope you're doing good over there in Quebec City. I've looked through the owner's manual and can't see anything about rustproofing. But driving in QC winters and NOT rustproofing my vehicle is causing me serious corrosion anxiety. Are you saying that my MY doesn't need rustproofing?

 

[GtiMart]

It's written straight in the quote: "I don't have an official position on that". Do as you believe you need. I'm not against it . I have personally not done any but that doesn't mean it's not useful. I've also not kept my cars for extremely long periods. You shouldn't believe a single opinion anyway...

 

[Ther0ck]

Hey there, hope you're doing good over there in Quebec City. I've looked through the owner's manual and can't see anything about rustproofing. But driving in QC winters and NOT rustproofing my vehicle is causing me serious corrosion anxiety. Are you saying that my MY doesn't need rustproofing?

Go see Eric Bolduc at Antirouille Bolduc in St-Appolinaire. He's rustproofing, design the EVmudflaps and tweaking the car which Tesla should of done at the factory by now. He works on Tesla cars exclusively for several years now.

He'll convince you in rustproofing the car.

Antirouille Bolduc
(418) 881-3410

Antirouille Bolduc - Google Search

 

[GtiMart]

Eric Bolduc is "the guy" indeed for a Tesla. Unfortunately he has a long backlog of people wanting his services, you might have to wait a bit. I have his mudflaps on my car, and a good ppf