Paint protection is not a uniquely Tesla issue. Without exception, vehicles benefit from paint protection films and ceramic coatings. Tesla's unique design and engineering create some unique needs for paint protection. This topic came up again on a recent customer's Model Y. We were installing a 'full front' paint protection film package (bumper, headlights, full hood, full fender, and mirrors). The customer was concerned (rightfully) about the area in front of the rear tire. After discussion with our internal team, this part is such a necessity that we are including it with our partial front and full front packages at no extra charge. We will be updating the work on this vehicle with professional video and images here.
This is a piece that Tesla offers as a 'Splash Guard,' but it is optional and is not always pre-installed. The drawing from our cutting software below © 2024 Eastman Performance Films, LLC, used under fair use provisions. This is a screenshot of the popular Core software.
The image directly above is of the same Tesla Model Y; after all paint correction, ceramic coating, and full front, it was complete. The bumper on a Model Y is all but certain to get rock chips in our part of the country due to its unique shape and design. We do always recommend covering the entire bumper, hood, and fenders with film at a minimum. A track package is preferable as it protects the lower part of the doors. It also protects the A-Pillars (the vertical sections on either side of the windshield) and the dog leg on the rear quarter panel - the spot behind the rear tire (shown in the Core diagram above).
The bottom line with Tesla is that it is a very safe bet that without proper protection, the paint will quickly become damaged, and the resale value will be impacted. This customer did the right thing and drove straight from the Gypsum, CO, Tesla to our location in Grand Junction, CO.
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