Tesla Paint Q&A: Expert Answers to Your Top Questions

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in December 2021 based on a presentation to the Tesla Owners Club of Pennsylvania. It has been updated in June 2025 to reflect the latest information, techniques, and answers to your top Tesla paint protection questions.

There's no question that Tesla has revolutionized the automotive world, establishing itself as a dominant leader in the electric vehicle market. With models like the Model 3 and Model Y consistently ranking among the best-selling EVs globally, Tesla has advanced the mission of sustainable energy unlike any other brand.

Why do Teslas require extra care for their paint?

Tesla does many things right—but their paint isn’t at the top of that list. From my personal experience, I’ve known Tesla owners who report that the paint chips and pits easily and that micro-scratches, especially on dark-colored cars, can cause the paint to look grayish or milky. I’ve seen these issues on Teslas with only a few hundred miles on them.

I’ve also seen that the paint on Teslas chips on obvious areas such as the bumper and the hood, but also in front of the rear wheels. Tesla has addressed this with a cold weather kit, which is essentially mud flaps. Tesla owners who drive in places with tough winters where they use salt and sand on the road (Pennsylvania and New Jersey, anyone?) report that the paint on the bottom of their Teslas degrades heartbreakingly fast.

There are a few key reasons for this:

• Manufacturing & Paint Thickness: Like many new cars, the paint on new Teslas can be thin. Thinner paints look better when new, and they’re also quicker and cheaper for manufacturers to apply. As an industrial engineer who’s coming from the automotive industry, I know that the paint application step is always the limiting factor in building cars. So, the more vehicles you can paint per day, the more vehicles you can build per day. If you can hasten the paint application, you can get that assembly line moving faster!

• Vehicle Geometry & Airflow: Another factor contributing to poor wear of Tesla paint is the geometry of the vehicle. They have a flat plane that pushes the air up and over the car, grabbing rocks and debris, dragging them over the plane, and creating unsightly paint chips. With today’s patience-challenged drivers all around you, careening past you on road shoulders and kicking stones up onto your Tesla, your vehicle is at greater risk for paint chips now more than ever.

• The Solution is Protection: Fortunately, you can protect your Tesla’s paint effectively and efficiently—with paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coating, and proper Tesla car-washing procedures. The professional-grade tools and supplies for these procedures are available in our online shop.

Now that you understand the unique challenges of Tesla paint, the next logical question is, "What's the solution?" In the video below, I give a quick overview of the three levels of protection we use to solve these exact problems: Paint Protection Film (PPF) for physical impacts, Ceramic Coatings for shine and environmental protection, and our engineered wash process to maintain it all. It’s the perfect introduction to how we keep your Tesla looking immaculate.

Before you dive into the details, watch this quick overview where Bill breaks down the three core solutions for Tesla paint issues: Paint Protection Film (PPF) for physical impacts, Ceramic Coatings for chemical resistance and shine, and our Immaculate Wash Process to maintain it all. This video is the perfect introduction to the solutions covered in this guide.

Why should I apply PPF to my Tesla?

PPF makes sense on any new vehicle. Tesla owners are smarter and investing more money than the average car buyer. PPF will protect your Tesla’s paint—and protect your investment.

Teslas might go from 0 to 60 in 2 seconds, but you’re not outrunning stones being kicked at you by other vehicles.

With today’s erratic drivers all around you, there’s a good chance that stones will be kicked up onto your Tesla, putting it at risk for paint chips and other damage.

PPF saves you from future repaintings, which cost money and time and diminish your Tesla’s value.

What is PPF?

Do you protect your smartphone’s glass with a screen protector? Paint Protection Film is like a screen protector for your Tesla.

The film itself is a clear polyurethane film that is applied to your vehicle's painted surfaces; when installed correctly, it’s virtually invisible. More importantly, PPF is engineered to be removable years after application—revealing the brand-new, factory-finish paint that’s been protected below.

A Pro-Tip on Resale Value: I don’t recommend removing PPF before selling or trading in your vehicle. If you do so, the dealership is likely to think your vehicle was in an accident and repainted, which tanks the value. Let the new buyer remove the PPF to enjoy the brand-new paint.

How Does PPF Actually Work?

Think of PPF as a sacrificial shield for your Tesla. A high-quality film is composed of several advanced layers designed to work together:

• A release liner (removed during installation).

• A layer of strong, yet removable, adhesive.

• A thermal plastic impact layer that absorbs the force of stones.

• A layer of clear coat that offers UV protection.

• A hydrophobic top coat to repel water and grime.

• A final gloss enhancer.

The top clear coat layer is also self-healing, which means minor swirl marks and scratches will disappear when the vehicle is exposed to the sun, always keeping it looking freshly polished!

This diagram reveals the advanced engineering inside modern Paint Protection Film (PPF). When considering PPF cost, it's crucial to understand that you're investing in this multi-layer technology. Each component, from the impact-absorbing core to the self-healing, hydrophobic top coat, plays a vital role. This sacrificial shield is what provides true, long-term protection for your Tesla's factory paint.

The Smart Investment: PPF Now vs. Repainting Later

If you don’t invest in PPF, in no time at all, your Tesla’s paint will be chipped and damaged. To have it properly fixed will cost thousands of dollars and days at a body shop. Investing in PPF now is far more economical than repainting your Tesla later.

Imagine driving your Tesla in one year, two years, five, or even ten years and still having your paint look brand new. With PPF, people will constantly be asking you, "Is that a brand-new car?"

Now that you know the basics of PPF, the video below provides a perfect overview of how it protects your Tesla and the transparent, win-win approach we take at Immaculate Paint Protection.

Is the cost of Paint Protection Film worth it? This video provides the definitive answer. See how PPF acts as an invisible barrier against the rock chips and debris that lead to costly body shop repairs. We demonstrate how this film is a smart, one-time investment to preserve your Tesla's value and avoid the high price of repainting down the road.

What about Matte or Satin PPF for Teslas? Is that a popular option?

Absolutely. Giving a Tesla a satin finish is one of the most popular requests we get. This is done with a high-quality satin or "stealth" Paint Protection Film.

While XPEL Stealth™ is a well-known brand name for this, other top-tier manufacturers like SunTek offer their own fantastic matte and satin films that provide the same stunning look and durable protection.

Whichever brand you choose, the film serves two amazing purposes: first, it provides the same best-in-class rock chip protection as clear PPF. Second, it instantly transforms the look of your vehicle, giving any glossy paint color a custom, high-end satin finish that turns heads everywhere. It's a fantastic way to both protect your investment and personalize your vehicle in one step

Choosing a specialty finish like satin is an exciting decision. The next step is understanding how that film fundamentally differs from a ceramic coating. In the video below, we use two new Tesla Model Ys—one with full matte PPF and one with just a ceramic coating—to visually demonstrate the unique benefits of each, helping you decide which type of protection is the right fit for your goals.

A satin finish is one of the most popular ways to transform a Tesla. While many clients know this look by the XPEL Stealth™ brand name, other leading brands like SunTek offer their own high-quality matte and satin films that provide the same stunning look and durable protection. In this side-by-side comparison, we use two Tesla Model Ys to visually demonstrate the difference between a full satin PPF finish and a traditional glossy ceramic coating, helping you choose the right aesthetic for your car.

How does the paint on newer models like the Cybertruck or the updated Model 3 compare?

 The updated Model 3 and Model Y Juniper follows the same core principles as other Teslas—the paint is applied for manufacturing efficiency and benefits greatly from the protection of PPF and Ceramic Coatings.

The Cybertruck, however, is a completely different challenge that requires a unique approach.

Its stainless steel body panels are not painted, which means you don't worry about "paint chips" in the traditional sense. Instead, you face a new set of issues inherent to a large, raw metal surface:

• It is highly susceptible to fingerprints and smudges that can be difficult to clean.

• The stainless steel can get scratches that cannot be simply polished away like clear coat.

• It is vulnerable to staining from environmental factors like bird droppings or hard water spots.

For these reasons, Paint Protection Film (PPF) is an essential investment for any Cybertruck owner. You have two fantastic options:

1. Clear PPF: For owners who love the iconic stainless steel look, a high-quality clear PPF will preserve that aesthetic while protecting against scratches and dramatically reducing fingerprints, making the entire vehicle much easier to maintain.

2. A Full Color or Satin Wrap: This is the most popular choice. Using a colored or satin-finish PPF (like the 'Stealth' look), you can give your Cybertruck a custom, less industrial appearance while getting the same best-in-class physical protection.

   
   

While a specialized ceramic coating can be applied over the steel or PPF to add some gloss and make cleaning easier, it does not provide the necessary scratch resistance that the raw stainless steel body requires. PPF is truly the definitive solution for the Cybertruck.

When should I apply PPF to my Tesla?

PPF is applied when a car is brand new.

Best-case scenario: Drive your brand-new Tesla straight from the dealership to our shop!

However, you can apply it to a car you’ve been driving awhile. I help customers make this decision on a case-by-case basis. I’ve seen some vehicles with 8,000 miles that are still a great candidate for PPF.

But you can only protect a new-car finish if you have a new-car finish.

We speak with many owners who, after a year or two of driving, regret not protecting their vehicle from the start. They see the front end becoming "peppered" with small but noticeable paint chips that could have been easily and permanently prevented.

Our client Steve, owner of a 2015 Model S, is the perfect real-world example. After putting over 100,000 miles on his car, he learned this lesson the hard way. While a deer hit was the event that brought his car to our shop, he saw it as a "blessing in disguise"—an opportunity to finally get the protection he always wished he had from day one.

His story is a powerful testament for any new owner weighing this decision. Don't wait for regret; learn from the experience of others.

This 2015 Tesla Model S, owned by our client Steve, is a real-world example of the cost of waiting. After 100,000 miles, the front end was "peppered" with paint chips that could have been prevented. A deer hit brought the car to our shop for repairs, which he called a "blessing in disguise"—an opportunity to finally get the PPF he wished he'd had from day one. His story is a powerful lesson for any new owner.

What brand of PPF should I use?

Instead of focusing on a single brand, I recommend clients use this simple but powerful quality test when evaluating any installer:

The installer’s name should be listed on the manufacturer’s website. High-quality manufacturers protect their reputation by allowing only the most qualified installers to install their film.

If an installer is not officially certified and listed by the very brand they are selling, it's a significant red flag. This is the most reliable way to ensure you are working with a true professional who is backed by the manufacturer.

To show you what this looks like in practice, here is a deep dive into SunTek Reaction, one of the primary films we trust and install in our studio. In the video, Bill explains why we've chosen this film over other options—from its impressive 12-year warranty to its infused ceramic topcoat that delivers incredible gloss and makes cleaning easier.

The quality of the film matters. This video explains why we trust and install SunTek Reaction PPF. We break down the specifics, from its infused ceramic topcoat that enhances gloss to its impressive 12-year warranty. Understanding the materials used is key to understanding the long-term value of your paint protection film cost.

Can’t I buy a PPF kit and apply it myself?

Sure, you can YouTube it, but it’s not a DIY project.

Much like you can YouTube “cardiac surgery,” but you shouldn’t perform it, and you can YouTube 737 piloting, but you shouldn’t try to land a jet, PPF installation is a job best left to the professionals.

More personally, I could YouTube “hair coloring,” but I’d never suggest to my wife that I could save her money by dyeing her hair.

Consider this: Only 1 percent of trained PPF installers work in the profession after a year or two. It’s that hard to get it right and do it well.

I can buy PPF from my dealer; why should I buy from Immaculate Paint Protection instead?

This question has become more complex recently, so let's break down the two common scenarios: the traditional dealership and Tesla's direct offerings.

At a traditional dealership, the "paint protection" sold in the finance office is often not true PPF. It's typically a simple spray sealant backed by a complex third-party insurance warranty, not the durable, physical protection your paint actually needs.

More recently, Tesla has begun offering its own PPF and colored wrap options at select service centers. We view this as a major positive for the entire industry. It helps educate the mass market on the value of Paint Protection Film and validates the technology. While this is a welcome development, it simply means that as a consumer, you should apply the same level of scrutiny you would anywhere else.

This presents a new set of questions every owner should ask:

• Who is actually performing the work? Is it a dedicated, Tesla-employed team specializing in PPF, or is the installation subcontracted to a local third-party vendor? You deserve to know exactly whose hands are on your vehicle.

• What specific brand and material are you using? Ask for the exact brand name of the PPF or wrap film. What is its warranty against yellowing and failure? Is it known for its quality and durability?

• What is your installation process? Will any parts of your vehicle be disassembled? Is the film computer-cut for precision, or is it being hand-trimmed on your paint?

Ultimately, our philosophy is this: your investment deserves a transparent process and a guaranteed result. A true specialist will welcome these questions and have confident, clear answers.

This is the moment where professional craftsmanship makes all the difference. While a DIY kit might seem to save on PPF cost, it cannot replicate this level of precision. Here, a large, computer-cut hood piece of film is expertly transferred onto a Tesla Model Y. This fluid motion is the result of years of experience and is essential for a flawless, bubble-free installation—a result that justifies a professional investment.

Does PPF affect your Tesla’s lease?

This is an excellent and very common question. The honest answer is: it depends entirely on how you plan to use the car and what your long-term intentions are. For some leaseholders, PPF is a brilliant investment. For others, it may not be the right financial move, because the increase in resale value doesn't directly benefit you when you turn the car in.

From our experience, we've seen PPF make perfect sense for our clients with leased Teslas in two specific situations:

1. You are an enthusiast who will truly use the car. If you plan on attending track days, road rallies, or driving in conditions that will subject the car to heavy wear, PPF is a smart way to avoid potentially costly "excessive wear and tear" penalties at the end of your lease. In this case, the film is an insurance policy against future costs.

2. You are already planning to buy out the lease. If you know you love the car and intend to purchase it when the lease is up, then you are essentially its first long-term owner. Applying PPF from day one is the best way to protect your future investment, ensuring the factory paint remains flawless for the many years you'll own it after the lease term ends.

If you don't fall into one of these two categories, the financial argument for PPF on a leased vehicle is much less clear. Our goal is to be your trusted partner. We would rather have you tell a friend, "Go talk to Bill, he's super honest," than sell you a service that doesn't truly fit your needs. We are always happy to discuss your specific situation, pressure-free.

How does road salt affect PPF?

You’d far rather have your PPF getting road salt on it than your Tesla’s paint and metal surfaces. Modern, high-quality PPF is chemically unaffected by road salt, and it will fully protect your paint from corrosion. The films we use are guaranteed not to yellow from chemical exposure.

The more significant concern isn't the dissolved salt, but the physical rocks themselves.

A Note on Winter Driving: The real danger is driving your Tesla behind a rock salt truck! All of those undissolved pieces of rock salt are coarse, with jagged, sharp edges. It’s like driving behind a dump truck that’s throwing rocks at your Tesla at highway speeds. Avoid this scenario if at all possible!

While modern PPF can handle dissolved salt, the real winter danger is the rock salt itself, as shown here. Think of a salt truck as a machine perfectly designed to chip paint; it throws thousands of small, sharp-edged rocks directly into the path of your car. For a Tesla, with its flat front bumper and softer paint, following one of these trucks at highway speeds is a guaranteed way to "pepper" the hood and fenders with damage. This is why a physical barrier like PPF is essential protection against the physical assault of winter driving.

When should I remove the PPF?

The right time for removal depends on the specific film you choose to have installed. At our studio, we offer a range of professional films to fit different ownership timelines and budgets, from our 5-year warranty films to our top-tier films with an incredible 12-year manufacturer's warranty.

While the films are durable, my professional recommendation follows a simple rule:

Plan to remove the film toward the end of its warranty period.

A film’s warranty period is the best benchmark for its expected high-performance lifespan. When properly maintained, the film will protect your vehicle beautifully throughout these years. It is engineered to be removed cleanly at the end of this life cycle—revealing the brand-new, factory-finish paint that was protected below, just as intended.

A Pro-Tip on Resale Value: I don’t recommend removing PPF before selling or trading in your vehicle. If you do so, the dealership is likely to think your vehicle was in an accident and repainted, which tanks the value. Let the new buyer remove the PPF to enjoy the brand-new paint.

How much does PPF cost?

We believe in a transparent, educational, and pressure-free process. Our hassle-free, haggle-free pricing is posted online for you to review at your convenience.

Select the best paint protection solution for you. It’s that simple. We won’t harass you with calls, emails, and texts, but we are always happy to answer your questions.

View Our Tesla PPF Pricing & Packages

What is ceramic coating?

A ceramic coating, sometimes called quartz, is a liquid polymer that is professionally applied to your vehicle's exterior. It creates a semi-permanent, protective layer that provides several key benefits:

• Amazing Shine: It gives your car a deep, "wet-look" gloss that provides an amazing, better-than-new shine.

• Easier to Wash: The super-hydrophobic surface makes your car dramatically easier to wash, saving you both time and money. Because dirt and grime have a harder time sticking, you won’t have to wash your Tesla as often, and when you do, it’ll be easier to clean.

• UV Protection: The coating also acts as a hard-wearing barrier that protects your Tesla’s paint against UV damage, which can cause fading and oxidation over time.

Professionally applied ceramic coatings last for years. At Immaculate Paint Protection, we offer ceramic coatings with multiple-year warranties, with no special maintenance or servicing required. Compare that with a wax or sealant that might protect your Tesla for only a few months.

The coating is a silica dioxide (SiO2)–based material that’s carried in solvent and applied onto the vehicle. The coating cross-links, or chemically bonds, to the porous clear coat, filling in the microscopic pores.

A Note for Tesla Drivers: Ceramic coatings are especially beneficial for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system. With a hydrophobic coating applied, the sensors and cameras stay cleaner, longer, which can lead to more reliable performance in messy road conditions.

We believe in showing, not just telling. In the video below, you'll see our entire meticulous process for a Tesla, from the full decontamination wash and the critical paint correction step, to the final, flawless ceramic coating application. I also break down the details that determine the final ceramic coating cost.

Many people ask, "How much does ceramic coating cost?" The answer lies in the meticulous process. This video shows our entire method on a Tesla, from the multi-stage decontamination wash and critical paint correction to the flawless final application. Watch this to understand the labor, skill, and value packed into a professional ceramic coating service.

How is ceramic coating applied?

Our application process is meticulous and methodical, designed to ensure a perfect, permanent chemical bond. We have broken it down into a few key stages:

1. Multi-Stage Decontamination First, we thoroughly wash your Tesla—often twice. After washing, our experts physically and visually inspect the paint. If we determine it's necessary to achieve a perfectly smooth surface, we then perform a mechanical decontamination (clay bar). This is done to meet our standard of quality, not as a surprise upcharge. Finally, we complete this stage with a chemical decontamination to dissolve any embedded iron particles

2. Final Prep & Paint Correction Next, we buff and polish the paint to a mirror-like gleam. My team wears gloves throughout this process to prevent any skin oils from touching the paint. If necessary during this stage, we can also perform deeper color correcting for more serious imperfections. The final step before application is a wipe-down with a special degreasing agent to get the surface “surgically” clean.

The "milky haze" we found on the new Tesla in this video is a perfect real-world example of why this step is so crucial. Here, I show you what these factory flaws look like up close and explain our honest, "needs-based" philosophy on paint correction.

Why is professional paint correction necessary, even on a new Tesla? This video shows a perfect example of the "milky haze" and factory flaws we often find. We explain our honest, "needs-based" approach to paint correction—a crucial step for ensuring a perfect finish that many low-cost installers skip, which directly impacts the final ceramic coating cost and quality.

3. Professional Coating Application Only when the surface is perfect do we apply the ceramic coating. The number of coats we apply is based on the manufacturer's exact specifications for optimal performance.

A Note on "Extra Coats": Be wary of installers who use "more coats" as a sales tactic. For most professional-grade coatings, additional, unneeded layers do not provide more protection and are simply an upsell.

4. Curing: In-Shop and At-Home After applying the coating, we keep your Tesla dry and in our shop for at least 24 hours before you pick it up. To allow the coating to fully harden, we then advise you to keep your Tesla dry for the next 14 to 21 days, ideally in a garage. A little sunlight during this period also helps the final cure.

This photo illustrates the fundamental difference between a physical film and a liquid-applied ceramic coating. Here, the coating is precisely dispensed onto a specialized applicator before being wiped onto the paint. True skill is critical here; the liquid must be applied perfectly to avoid permanent streaks. This methodical process is a key part of the cost of a professional ceramic coating.

How much does ceramic coating cost?

We love educating our customers. Our hassle-free, haggle-free pricing is posted online for you to review at your convenience.

Select the best ceramic coating solution for you. It’s that simple. We won’t harass you with calls, emails, and texts, but we are always happy to answer your questions and help you protect your vehicle.

View Our Tesla Ceramic Coating Pricing & Packages

Can’t I buy a ceramic coating kit and apply it myself?

This is a question I love because, honestly, some of our best clients are those who have tried DIY projects first. Once you experience firsthand how challenging this work is, you truly appreciate the skill, specialized equipment, and efficiency a professional brings.

While you can certainly buy a kit, I generally don’t recommend it. A DIY ceramic coating might last for a few months, compared with years for a professionally applied coating. It simply won't have the same durability or protective properties.

The Pro-Grade Difference It’s important to understand that the professional-grade coatings we use are fundamentally different from consumer DIY kits and are often unavailable to the public. If a mistake is made with one of these pro-grade products, the only way to fix it is to machine polish the entire panel off and start the whole process over again.

We are so committed to our tested systems that we only work with the products we trust. I’ve even had clients bring me a coating they purchased themselves, and I’ve had to politely decline. Using a proven, professional system from start to finish is the only way to guarantee an immaculate result.

It's one thing to talk about the risks, but it's another to see them firsthand. The video below is a powerful, real-world cautionary tale. We helped a wonderful Tesla owner, Leslie, who mistakenly used an exterior trim coating on her interior after watching DIY videos online. Her story is a perfect example of why some jobs are best left to the professionals.

Thinking of trying a DIY kit to save on ceramic coating costs? Watch this first. This powerful, real-world cautionary tale features a wonderful Tesla owner, Leslie, who mistakenly used the wrong product on her vehicle's interior after watching DIY videos. Her story is a perfect example of why some jobs are best left to trusted professionals.

So, is a ceramic coating a good idea for a leased Tesla?

Absolutely. In fact, for many leaseholders who don't require the intense physical protection of PPF, a ceramic coating is often the perfect choice.

The value here isn't about protecting your financial investment for resale; it's about improving your quality of life and enjoyment of the car for the entire time you have it.

We have clients who lease their Teslas and simply love having a perpetually clean car. A professional ceramic coating makes washing the vehicle dramatically faster and easier, and provides a deep, "wet" gloss that factory paint can't match. You're investing in two or three years of less time spent washing and more time enjoying a stunningly clean vehicle.

Think of it as a "convenience and enjoyment" upgrade for your lease term.

How should I wash my Tesla?

How do you wash your Tesla? Very carefully!

Even if you protect your vehicle with PPF and a ceramic coating, it can still be scratched by dirty sponges, snow brushes, and other common paint hazards. The best rule of thumb to keep in mind is a simple one: Anything that touches your Tesla could scratch it.

What to Avoid

• ❌ Kitchen Supplies: Most importantly, never use anything from your kitchen sink on your Tesla—no scrub pads or scratchy rags, ever.

• ❌ Automatic Car Washes: Do not take your car to an automatic car wash with brushes or spinning cloths. You may consider a "touchless" wash, but be mindful of their harsh chemicals and recycled water.

• ❌ Unapproved Washes: Never allow your service center to wash your vehicle. The risk of damage from improper methods is too high.

Our "Do Not Wash" Policy We are so serious about protecting our clients' vehicles that we provide a card to hang on their rearview mirror when their Teslas are at the service center. It clearly states: “Do not wash! You will be liable for repairs.”

The Recommended Method & Supplies

The universally accepted best method to safely wash your vehicle is the two-bucket method. If you use a touchless car wash, be sure to avoid applying their sealants, as these products will mask the benefits of your professional ceramic coating.

To do the job right, invest in the correct supplies:

• Two Buckets with Grit Guards:

  • One bucket for your high-quality car wash soap solution.

  • One bucket with clean water to rinse the wash mitt.

  • Grit guards go in the bottom of each to trap dirt and prevent it from getting back on your mitt.

• Multiple Wash Mitts:

  • One for the upper body panels.

  • A separate one for the dirtier lower sections (rocker panels, etc.).

• High-Quality Microfiber Towels (with a color code system):

  • Black towels for rims and door jams

  • White or purple large towels for drying

  • Red for interior

  • Purple for vegan leather

  • Blue for glass

• Professional Car Wash Soap: Use a quality, pH-neutral soap. Avoid "wash/wax" combination products.

• Drying Aid / Detailing Spray: Products like Gyeon Ceramic Detailer add lubrication during the drying stage.

• Specialized Cleaners: For tough contaminants like bugs or tar, use a dedicated chemical cleaner (like Gyeon Bug and Grime or Tar) instead of scrubbing.

Professional Techniques to Remember

• Use the least amount of pressure possible when washing and drying. Let the weight of the wash mitt and towel do the work.

• If you find yourself rubbing to get something off, STOP! You are scratching the paint. You need a dedicated chemical cleaner.

• If you ever drop a wash mitt or towel on the ground, it is finished for this wash. Set it aside immediately and get a clean one to avoid dragging grit across your paint.

The Simple, Turn-Key Solution

We know sourcing all these individual professional-grade items can be a challenge. To solve this problem, we've curated our Immaculate Wash Kits to include the exact system of tools and supplies we recommend for a safe, swirl-free wash on your Tesla.

Shop Our Tesla Maintenance Kits

Our Commitment to Your Car's Care

As part of the Immaculate experience, our commitment to you extends beyond the initial installation. That’s why every one of our clients receives an exclusive, one-on-one training session where we personally teach you our signature, swirl-free wash process from start to finish—a $250 value, absolutely free.

For our national customers and DIY enthusiasts who can't make it to our studio for this hands-on training, our online shop provides the complete, proven system of tools and products we use every day. Equip yourself with the right gear to get it right.

You now have the list of professional-grade supplies and techniques. The final step is seeing them all come together in the correct sequence. To ensure you aren't accidentally damaging your paint every time you wash it, the video below provides a complete, step-by-step visual guide to our swirl-free, Immaculate wash method on a Tesla Model Y.

Protecting your investment continues long after you leave our studio. To help you, this video provides a complete, step-by-step visual guide to our signature swirl-free wash method on a Tesla Model Y. These are the same techniques and professional-grade products included in our Immaculate Wash Kits, available in our online shop.

About the author: Bill Fetter’s passion for cars started at an early age, as he loved anything with wheels. Through his childhood, Bill observed his dad’s work as a mechanical engineer turned marketing manager and proud lifelong employee of General Motors. During high school, Bill honed his passion for cars by hand-washing and detailing his neighbors’ vehicles. Knowing he wanted to be in the automotive industry, Bill earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. He’s worked as an engineer in the automotive manufacturing, medical device, steel industry, and pharmaceutical manufacturing fields.

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