The aerodynamics are weird

[XLR82XS]

Worst area in the state for those guys. I coated the front end of a '70 Plymouth many years ago in that area. I was slow to clean them off. Stripped the black out paint on my grille as clean as a whistle. For years I used vaseline on front end and painted mirrors when they were flying. Automotive finishes seem much more resistant to them now.

Love bugs are no joke when it comes to destroying automotive clear-coat. Thankfully during their season is during the time of year we get afternoon rain which certainly assists in cleaning those ****ers off paint. With Tesla paint I take no chances and so my entire front end and mirrors are PPF'd.

 

[Gondi63]

Worst area in the state for those guys. I coated the front end of a '70 Plymouth many years ago in that area. I was slow to clean them off. Stripped the black out paint on my grille as clean as a whistle. For years I used vaseline on front end and painted mirrors when they were flying. Automotive finishes seem much more resistant to them now.

Yeah, I've got PPF on the front and also will do a wipe down with this while I charge.

 

[M3FNATIK]

If you have PPF, make sure you wipe off those bugs sooner than later. Their guts can stain or etch the PPF if you let it sit and bake on there too long. This goes for bird poop too.

 

[X-pilot]

What I want to know is how to reduce the amount of dirt that accumulates so quickly on the rear of the car.

Try driving in reverse. That way the dead bugs will cover the grime!

 

[LACALawyer]

My biggest gripe with the aerodynamics is windshield wiper fluid streaming across the side windows. I guess my previous cars had some sort of channel around the windshield to catch most of that, but I’m guessing that also caused a hit to efficiency.

I had that too and finally they adjusted them to fix the problem. Took 3 service visits and a bunch of yelling, however.

 

[camalaio]

The back getting so dirty is typical of any car with a higher and more vertical back. Y'all driven a hatchback before? A crossover? A station wagon? The Model 3 isn't any of those, but if you look at it that rear area is actually quite tall. Sedans in general are getting these taller back ends and are experiencing the same.

The front bumper cover and windshield are certainly capable of catching bugs, road grime, snow, rain, etc. What's more resilient to that is the hood (err, frunk cover?) since it's nearly horizontal, but this is typical of most sedans

I had that too and finally they adjusted them to fix the problem. Took 3 service visits and a bunch of yelling, however.

Do you know how they did this? I don't know how they could without adding or removing parts.

 

[derekmw]

Bugs aren't a huge problem for me, but it feels like with the aerodynamics, rocks tend to be very attracted to the windshield.

 

[XLR82XS]

Bugs aren't a huge problem for me, but it feels like with the aerodynamics, rocks tend to be very attracted to the windshield.

Amen. I have several VERY SMALL dots/chips in the windshield and a larger chip in the roof glass near the left edge. (~6K miles) If gorilla glass windshield was available for Teslas I get one NOW.

 

[Gondi63]

Amen. I have several VERY SMALL dots/chips in the windshield and a larger chip in the roof glass near the left edge. (~6K miles) If gorilla glass windshield was available for Teslas I get one NOW.

I have seen some screen-protector-ish products for windshields around.

 

[Dan203]

My trunk lid (top) is a completely different color (so clean!) compared to the actual trunk rear (license plate area etc). The amount of dirt that accumulates there is nuts.

Yeah that seems to be the worst. No break dust though. My wheels still look brand new. On my BMW they'd be black again after a few days the brake dust was so bad.

 

[Uncle Paul]

ICE performance vehicles often get dirty wheels (expecially the fronts) as they use performance brake pads that tend to dust badly. This black dust collects on the spokes and rims.

Tesla does not exhibit this much, as most of their braking is done by regeneration. Very little dust on our wheels.

Dust on the rear is caused by most any car with a spoiler and good aerodynamics. They will create a turbulence at the rear that will cause dust and dirt to accumulate. Usually easy to clean off with a wet soapy cloth.

 

[Dan203]

ICE performance vehicles often get dirty wheels (expecially the fronts) as they use performance brake pads that tend to dust badly. This black dust collects on the spokes and rims.

Tesla does not exhibit this much, as most of their braking is done by regeneration. Very little dust on our wheels.

Dust on the rear is caused by most any car with a spoiler and good aerodynamics. They will create a turbulence at the rear that will cause dust and dirt to accumulate. Usually easy to clean off with a wet soapy cloth.

I just took mine to one of those coin-op places and spent $2 to hose it off with high pressure soapy water. It's not perfect but it looks way better than it did. It'll likely be dirty again in a week so I didn’t want to put a lot of effort into washing it properly.

Once winter is over I'll give it a good wash and it'll look pretty good all summer.

 

[XLR82XS]

I have seen some screen-protector-ish products for windshields around.

Me too - Clearplex and STEK make it. STEK is the PPF I have on the Tesla.
https://www.stekautomotive.com/windshieldprotectionfilm

 

[mreynolds767]

Have similarly a shockingly clean and clear windshield and an embarrassingly dirty backside.

 

[WilliamG]

Yeah that seems to be the worst. No break dust though. My wheels still look brand new. On my BMW they'd be black again after a few days the brake dust was so bad.

Yep. On my STI or Golf R it was a couple of days and my wheels were filthy from brake dust (and a pain to clean). It’s a joy how our wheels stay so clean.

 

[Mrcarcrazy]

I have 1.5 bottles of cquartz waiting to go on the car. I just need a week off so I can apply it and let it cure. I’m hoping that will fix my bug problem.

 

[Xenoilphobe]

Mine must be broken. Bugs cover the front end.

you aren't driving 90 MPH on Nevada roads.

 

[Mrcarcrazy]

you aren't driving 90 MPH on Nevada roads.

True. I don’t break the law and I drive next to waterways. 75 is the fastest my car has ever been. Because that’s the law, and I obey the law. (I have a court date in March).

I didn’t know aerodynamics changed if you were in Nevada though. That’s new science.

 

[Mrcarcrazy]

Bugs aren't a huge problem for me, but it feels like with the aerodynamics, rocks tend to be very attracted to the windshield.

Drive a Jeep then come talk to me.

 

[Mr X]

Say what?


My front bumper is covered with dead bugs and rock chips