Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you’ve just taken delivery of your shiny new Tesla—be it a Model Y, Model 3, or any other model—or you’re about to, you’re probably wondering what the first steps are to keep your investment protected. Having owned seven Teslas myself, I’ve gone through this process multiple times and have narrowed down the top three things I do every single time to ensure my car is safeguarded. Inspired by the recent delivery day video where we checked out a fantastic deal on a Model Y all-wheel drive (shoutout to Dane!), I’m excited to share these tips with all the new Tesla owners out there. Let’s dive in!
Living in California, the first thing I always do is get my Tesla windows tinted. But not just any tint or shop will do. Teslas are packed with sensitive electronics, so you want to ensure you’re working with a reputable shop that has solid reviews and offers insurance in case anything goes wrong. I highly recommend OC Tint Solution, where I always go for 3M Ceramic Tint. With over 929 five-star reviews, their quality speaks for itself. Jason, the owner, has worked on many of my Teslas, including the first Cybertruck in the OC area.
If you’re in the area, be sure to ask for the Dennis Deal by sending them a DM on Instagram, Yelp, or giving them a call. They’ll hook you up with a great offer!
Tinting not only protects your interior from harmful UV rays but also keeps your car cooler and enhances privacy. It’s a must-do right after delivery.
Next up is protecting your Tesla’s gorgeous paint job. I get asked a lot whether to go for Paint Protection Film (PPF) or Ceramic Coating, and honestly, it depends on your budget.
Ceramic Coating: If you’re working with a limited budget, ceramic coating is a fantastic option. It’s essentially a stronger wax that helps protect your paint and keeps your car looking glossy. Expect to pay between $800 to $1,000, as you’ll want to get a proper paint correction done first to remove swirls and imperfections. This step ensures the coating seals in that showroom shine. I’ve done this on most of my Teslas because it also makes the car easier to clean.
Paint Protection Film (PPF): If you want to take it to the next level, PPF is the way to go. It’s a physical barrier that protects against rock chips and scratches. You can opt for a DIY kit from our friends at Tesbros (check the link below for a discount!), or have a professional shop install it. For ultimate protection, you can paint correct, apply PPF, and then top it with a ceramic coating.
If you’re looking for a great mobile ceramic coating service in the OC area, check out 24K Shine. They also offer a Dennis Deal—just DM them on Instagram or Yelp to get set up.
Protecting your paint early on is crucial to maintaining that fresh-off-the-lot look and preserving your Tesla’s resale value.
Lastly, there are two accessories I consider non-negotiable for every Tesla I own:
All-Weather Floor Mats: Spills, dirt, and wear are inevitable, so protecting your interior with high-quality floor mats is a no-brainer. I recommend 3W All-Weather Floor Mats. Use promo code Dennis35 for 35% off (link below) and keep your Tesla’s floors pristine.
MagSafe Phone Mount: If you use Autopilot or Full Self-Driving, a phone mount is a game-changer. I love the Jowua Phone Mount that sits behind the screen and can be adjusted for landscape or portrait mode. It’s sleek, functional, and folds away when not in use. Check it out via the link below!
These accessories might seem small, but they make a huge difference in day-to-day usability and long-term protection.
There you have it—the top three things I do with every new Tesla to ensure it’s protected and ready for the road. From window tinting with a trusted shop like OC Tint Solution, to deciding between ceramic coating or PPF for paint protection, and finally grabbing essential accessories like floor mats and a phone mount, these steps will set you up for success as a Tesla owner.
If you’re picking up your Tesla soon, let me know in the comments what other tips or tricks you’re curious about! And a big thanks to Marius for sparking this topic with his question. If you’ve got more questions or other must-do’s for new Tesla owners, drop them below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Don’t forget to check out the links for exclusive deals on tinting, protection services, and accessories. Stay tuned for more Tesla content, and I’ll see you in the next post!
-DennisCW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.