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Waxing brand new Tesla 3
- Thread starter pch_Tessie
- Start date
Look at build date, then after 1-2 months should be fine. I’d get it on sooner than later. I found that both our 3 clearcoat holds more dirt/grime than other cars. I had to clay a 3 month from build date car. For comparison, I just washed my 3 year old Lexus and the paint was still smooth even though I’ve never clayed or waxed it.
8 years.
12 years old, 230,000 miles never waxed once. It would look like *sugar* if I did because it's hard to not get wax on black plastic parts or around certain parts like lettering etc. Wax LOL. In fact I demand dealers to NOT wax my car on delivery or I'll refuse it.
BOBEDIGITL
Member
burnside
Member
My 3 is about 8 months old now. Thought I would give it a wax. Any wax products you guys recommend?
groovidad
Living the Dream!
I agree with gaswalla: Paint correction and ceramic. With the ceramic coating, the paint appears "glossier", the car is a breeze to wash and it appears to stay cleaner longer, due to less adherence of dirt.
+1
Full paint curing takes about a month.
If you apply wax too early, you might see clearcoat dieback that makes the paint looks dull.
Leafdriver333
Somewhat Active Member
I was my z3 twice a week for 3 years. After 5 years it looked better than new. I don't do that any more...
Brand new paint needs time to cure before you subject it to automatic (scratch inducing) car washes and waxing.
30-60 days usually does it, starting from the date of manufacturing (not when you take delivery).
More info here:
5 things you should never do to a newly painted car
How Soon Can I Wash or Wax My New Paint After Auto Body Work in Arizona? - O'Rielly Collision Centers
That sounds great, until you price out the services.
Full paint correction and FFP application will run you $4-6K, depending on the part of the country and materials.
Frankly, Tesla paints colors are pretty bland, and you not very sophisticated.
It's hard to screw them up, or to enhance them with excessive protection.
I am keeping my paint naked. 60 days post manufacturing (6 weeks after I got the car) I fully waxed it, saturated exterior glass surfaces with RainX, cleaned interior glass cleaned alcohol and Windex (to remove new plastic out-gassing). Done.
a
https://www.amazon.com/CarGuys-Liquid-Wax-Ultimate-Protection/dp/B01E4MC066
It is the best sealant I've ever used. Only need to use it every 6 month or so.
It is the best sealant I've ever used. Only need to use it every 6 month or so.
I've been using Optimum Spray Wax. Simply spray it on a clean panel and wipe off with a microfiber towel. No buffing needed and it doesn't ruin black plastic like old school paste waxes do. There are many other modern spray waxes like this. Waxing used to take me hours with a random orbital polisher and now it takes me maybe 15 minutes.
It's the same company that makes Optimum No Rinse (aka ONR) which is also excellent and highly recommended just about everywhere on all car forums.
It's the same company that makes Optimum No Rinse (aka ONR) which is also excellent and highly recommended just about everywhere on all car forums.
groovidad
Living the Dream!
Thanks for the intel! I just ordered a bottle. I've been using Meguires Speed Shine but, I'm not overly impressed.
I just used Soft99 Fusso wax/sealant over the past 2 days (did 2 thin coats to protect the car before winter). Was really great to apply and buffed off pretty easily. Just don't let it sit for too long. I watched a few random youtube videos first and was pretty painless.
mal_tsla
Member
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