Have you ever noticed the paint on your Tesla? Tesla is superior in a lot of things when it comes to electric cars. However, there is one thing that the drivers of Tesla are finding out are not so superior.
That is the paint Tesla uses for their electric vehicles. So why is the Tesla paint so bad? Is there anything you can do about this? In this guide, I will be going over the most common reasons why the paint on Tesla is so bad. I will also be going over what you can do about issues you may be having with the paint on your Tesla.
Why is Tesla Paint so Bad?
Obviously, the most common reason why the Tesla paint is so bad is how Tesla does their paint process. As well as the paint color you choose for your Tesla and the fact that Tesla uses a soft paint. Another reason why Tesla paint is the way it is is due to strict California EPA laws and regulations.
Another thing to consider is why you may be experiencing issues with the Tesla paint could be the environment you live in. You might even be wondering if Tesla has non-stick paint, which I can help with. If your Tesla is exposed to harsh weather conditions this can cause the paint on your Tesla to deteriorate faster.
1. The Painting Process
Since Tesla uses corrosive chemical treatment during the painting process. This means the chemicals that are used can break down the Tesla paints clear coat, which exposes the underlying metal to the elements.
So over time, this exposure can lead to all sorts of paint damage. Tesla has even been under some lawsuits due to the paint on some Models of Tesla. One of the most common ones was at the Fremont factory. A lot of Tesla Models that were manufactured at this Fremont factory have experienced paint problems with the paint process.
This was an outdated paint process that this factory was doing and has been fixed since it came to Tesla’s attention. Where your Tesla was manufactured has a lot to do with the paint as well. Since there are strict regulations in the US the paint is softer than if the Tesla was made outside of the US.
Fix – Check Your Tesla Warranty
The best thing that you can do when you are experiencing paint issues with your Tesla is check your Tesla warranty to see if you can get your paint repaired for free. Your warranty will cover the paint repair especially if the issue is due to a manufacturer problem. Even if the issue is not a manufacturer problem, check your warranty and contact your nearest Tesla Service Center to see if your warranty will cover the repair for the paint on your Tesla.
2. Soft Paint
It is true that Tesla uses a soft paint for their electric vehicles. It is widely known that the paint on Tesla has a lot of issues. The paint is easy to chip and flake, especially around the wheels and fender.
This is mainly due to the paint process, and the strict guidelines that are set in certain states of the US, like California. And of course, the chipping and flaking could also be due to basic wear and tear on your electric vehicle. On top of that if your Tesla is exposed to harsh elements this can affect the paint on your Tesla as well.
Fix – Add Paint Protection on Your Tesla
There is a way that you can better protect your Tesla’s paint, there are options to add a paint protection on your Tesla. There is a Ceramic Coating you can try, or even PPF (Paint Protection Film).
Both can add extra protection for damage and basic wear and tear for your Tesla’s paint. You should also consider a car cover for your Tesla as well, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of weather or even a hot climate. This can better protect your Tesla from fading or damage from the elements.
3. Strict Emission Regulations
As I stated above there are strict emission regulations for car companies, especially for states like California. The strict EPA laws severely restrict the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) allowed on vehicle paint. This is why the paint is softer than in other states and even other countries. There is nothing you can really do about the softness of the paint on your Tesla. However, there are things you can do to better protect the paint on your Tesla.
Fix – Add Paint Protection on Your Tesla
You can add paint protection on your Tesla to protect the paint from damage and basic wear and tear. There are options like Paint Protection Film (PPF), or Ceramic Coating, both can add better protection for the soft paint on your Tesla.
You will have to pay out of pocket to get both of these done, however, it may save you more money in the long run if you keep having to pay for damaged paint repairs. Also, make sure that you keep your Tesla clean and out of the elements when there is severe weather in your area.
Consider getting yourself a car cover if you do not have a garage to park your Tesla in, or when you are away from home. Making sure that the paint on your Tesla has the best protection possible keeps the paint in a better condition.
4. Paint Exposed to Harsh Elements
As I have previously mentioned if your Tesla is exposed to harsh elements like snow, rain, and extreme heat, this can affect the soft paint on your Tesla. When your Tesla is exposed to a lot of water this can cause the paint to flake and chip away.
Also, consider the salt they put on the road during the winter this can have a huge effect on your Tesla paint. And if your Tesla is exposed to extreme heat and constant sun, this can cause damage to your Tesla like fading and chipping.
Fix – Protect Your Tesla’s Paint
I can not say this enough when it comes to this issue, you should add extra paint protection on your Tesla. Of course, if there is already damage to your Tesla’s paint check to see if the repair is covered under your Tesla warranty.
After your damages are repaired and you have a fresh new coat of paint, consider adding Paint Protection Film (PPF), or Ceramic Coating on your Tesla to better protect the paint from any future damages.
Most Tesla drivers prefer to get this to keep the paint looking like new and better protect the Tesla’s paint. Also, consider getting your Tesla a car cover especially if you do not have a garage to park your Tesla. A car cover is great to have anyway, you never know when you are on a road trip and need to keep your Tesl protected from the elements.
5. Tesla Paint Color
The color of paint you choose for your Tesla can also have an effect on the paint being bad. Of course, the color of your Tesla does not make the paint stronger, but some colors are better at hiding the damage than other colors.
White Pearl will hide scratches, and be less prone to fading since it does not absorb the heat like the Black option. This is one thing to consider when you are purchasing your Tesla if you want a paint option that will not show scratches or mud as much as the Pearl White or the Silver.
With that being said this is a personal option, and if you want to go for the Black, Blue, or Red option you can, you may have to clean it more often.
Fix – Choose the Paint Color on Your Tesla Wisely
Consider the color of paint that you choose when you are purchasing your Tesla. In some colors, you can see damages like scratches and fading than in other colors. If you live in a hotter climate you may want to consider a lighter color like the Silver or Pearl White, these colors will not absorb the heat like the darker colors.
Which can be less prone to the color fading or chipping due to the heat. However, the paint you choose on your Tesla does not make it stronger, it is just easier to maintain. The best way to protect the paint on your Tesla is to either add Creamatic Coating or even put a cover on your Tesla to protect it from the elements.
My Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the reasons why the Tesla’s paint is bad are due to a few things. The paint process is one of the most common reasons as well as the strict regulations when it comes to the paint on the Tesla leaving the paint on the Tesla to be soft.
If you are experiencing issues with your paint chipping on your Tesla check to see if the paint repairs are covered under your warranty. Also if you want to better protect the paint on your Tesla consider getting extra paint protection for your electric vehicle.