You’ve purchased a brand new Tesla. Maybe it’s brand new, or maybe it’s just new to you. Perhaps you’re still a prospective buyer. Either way, preserving the pristine condition of your vehicle is very important, afterall, the cars can last for over a decade, we don’t yet know how long they can last, so maintaining the outside is crucial for the long term value of the vehicle. This is where Paint Protection Film (PPF) comes in. Below we’ll go into detail about the advantages of PPF for Tesla vehicles and why you probably want it.

Understanding PPF: A Primer

Paint Protection Film, commonly known as PPF, is a thermoplastic urethane film applied to painted surfaces of a vehicle. It was originally developed for military use to protect helicopter blades from debris However, PPF’s benefits have since been recognized and embraced by the automotive world as an easy solution to protecting the car from road debris.

As Tesla has continued ramping production over the years, more owners are realizing the need for protecting their vehicles. PPF is a simple protective measure, especially when it comes to preserving the unique finishes of vehicles like Tesla. Specifically, Tesla uses one of the softest paints in the automotive industry which makes them more susceptible to scratches, rock chips, and paint swirls.

Top Tesla PPF Advantages

Preservation of Original Paint:

Minor accidents like scratches from bushes, scuffs from shopping carts, or rock chips from highways can affect any vehicle’s paint. As mentioned, Tesla paint is softer and more prone to these attacks. PPF acts like a shield, ensuring that Tesla’s original paint remains untouched and as vibrant as the day it was purchased. Instead of the paint taking the damage from the debris, the PPF takes the damage. Because it is clear (and self-healing) you can’t see the damage in the film.

UV Ray Protection:

Direct sunlight, especially in hot climates, can cause a car’s paint to fade over time. PPF, with its UV inhibitors, ensures that your Tesla’s paint remains vibrant, safeguarding it from harmful ultraviolet rays that can lead to paint oxidation. Basically, what this means is that while your car is parked in the sun, invisible UV light is slowly and constantly causing damage to your vehicle’s paint. Typically, a home needs to be painted every decade because the paint starts to fade from the sun’s UV rays. This same thing happens with cars. And since Teslas can be on the road for over a decade it’s important to have protection from the UV rays to keep the car looking fresh over the long term.

Chemical Stain and Etching Resistance:

Bird droppings, acid rains, or tree sap can be harmful to a car’s paint. Again, because Teslas can be on the road for so long it’s important to limit the exposure to these agents to prevent spotting. PPF resists these chemical stains and etchings, making cleaning and general maintenance easier and more effective. So if you frequently park under a tree at home, work, or elsewhere you don’t have to worry about the agents getting on your car because they are not reacting with the paint. PPF creates a barrier and that gross stuff can simply be washed away during your next wash without any worries.

Enhanced Resale Value:

A well-maintained exterior can significantly increase a vehicle’s resale value. Future potential buyers tend to favor vehicles that retain their original luster. By protecting your Tesla with PPF, you’re not only preserving its beauty but also ensuring a higher return on investment. In some events PPF can also be added to the CarFax as a specific line item that can increase the car’s value. Some professional installs also come with up to a lifetime warranty.

Cost-Effective Long-Term Investment:

While there’s an upfront cost to PPF installation, it’s an investment in the long run. Considering the high costs associated with paint repairs and touch-ups, PPF can save Tesla owners substantial amounts in potential future repairs. When you add in the time cost of booking a paint repair appointment, driving the car in, waiting hours or days for the work to be done, and then picking up the car the value can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you live in an area with lots of road work or debris it could be even more.

Invisibility and Aesthetics:

One of PPF’s most impressive features is its near invisibility. Once applied, it’s hard to tell it’s even there, allowing the Tesla’s original design to shine through. Furthermore, some premium PPFs can enhance the car’s natural shine, giving it a consistent glossy finish. The only place PPF is typically visible is on the edge where it ends. That’s because there is a physical thickness to the film. If you’re installing the PPF yourself this could be more obvious than if you have a professional do it and they tuck or hide the edges. With a really good installer you would never even be able to tell that it’s on your car at all, you’ll just have perfect looking color.

Self-Healing Properties:

Depending on the type of film it may come with self-healing properties. Urethane film, mentioned earlier, is one such type of film that has these healing properties. This means that minor scratches on the film can vanish when exposed to heat, ensuring that the Tesla remains in pristine condition. To activate the healing effects you don’t need a heat gun, simply park it outside in the sun and let it work its magic.

Tesla-Specific Considerations

Teslas have a distinctive design and premium price, but the paint does not have a premium hardness meaning there are significant benefits from adding PPF to the vehicle. It’s unknown why the paint is so soft on Teslas compared to other automotive brands. This could be an explicit trade-off to ensure they look stunning when freshly painted, but it has negative long-term consequences. So if you’re planning on, or have already invested in a Tesla PPF can act as a visual insurance for the vehicle’s exterior. PPF is like custom-fitted armor for the car without compromising aesthetics.

Choosing the Right PPF for Your Tesla

Like every protective measure, the efficacy of PPF depends largely on its quality and installation. When considering PPF for your Tesla:

1. Opt for a reputable brand known for material quality.
2. Check for warranty offerings; a longer warranty often indicates trust in product longevity.
3. Go with professional installation. While DIY kits are available, a professional installation guarantees no bubbles, wrinkles, or missed spots. It also will look better without lifting at the edges.
4. Evaluate the cost against the potential long-term savings.
5. Factor in the age of the car when adding PPF – new cars don’t need touch ups before installing PPF but cars with chips and scratches will need to be fixed before installing. You don’t want to immortalize a chip or scratch.

Conclusion

To preserve the beauty and appearance of your Tesla, PPF is an invaluable and obvious choice. With its protection against daily wear and tear, UV protection, chemical and stain protection, enhanced resale value, and self healing properties the Tesla PPF advantages are obvious. We strongly advise that new Teslas get PPF installed to maintain its luxurious exterior. If your car is older or has scratches or damages then you may want to weigh the benefits vs the cost. Or, you may want to consider getting a complete color change and PPF so that you can cover the paint issues, get the color you really want, and protect your car. This may even cost less than having the paint touched up or the vehicle repainted.