By: Otaiba Ahsan

If you get a new phone and care about keeping well maintained for a long time, then you’ll want to protect it from getting damaged. One of the best ways to do this is by installing a screen protector and putting a case on the device. Similarly, many Tesla owners care deeply about maintaining their car as they plan to keep it for several years. A common first step is to get Paint Protection Film (PPF) installed on the vehicle. So, should you get Paint Protection Film for your Tesla? Continue reading for more.

What is Paint Protection Film?

PPF, sometimes referred to as a Clear Bra or Clear Film, is a high-quality thin plastic film that’s applied to painted surfaces of a car. The film is often self-healing, and one of the most popular brands for commercial use is Xpel.

DID YOU KNOW: Paint protection film was first developed and used by the United States military during the Vietnam War on helicopter rotor blades and other sensitive parts of military transports. However, it was later adopted by the automotive industry to help keep the cars safer and better maintained for longer.

Benefits of Paint Protection Film

A correctly installed PPF will protect the vehicle’s paint from stone chips, bug splatters, and minor abrasions such as scratches and swirls. It will also provide safety against damage from weathering like salt and harsh UV rays.

Due to the design of Tesla’s front bumper, it’s prone to stone chips as it has such a large surface area. Also, the paint used for these vehicles is typically water-based, which is more susceptible to chips than oil-based.

NOTE: An underrated benefit of PPF is making bug splatters and other debris easier to clean off the surface of the car. For example, I came back from a road trip with a lot of nighttime driving, and my Tesla was filled with dead insects along the front. However, when I used a rag to wipe them off, it was much easier thanks to the film.

IMPORTANT: Most PPFs have self-healing properties. For example, if there’s a large stone that hits the vehicle which leaves a mark on the film itself, it should heal and go back to normal shortly after.

What to Look for in a Paint Protection Film Service

Now that you know the major benefits of PPF for Tesla owners, it’s time to choose a provider whom you can trust for installation. Here’s some important information you should look out for.

Installation services typically take up to 48 hours, and most providers allow you to choose between three packages which include either the Partial Front, Full Front, or Whole Vehicle:

• Partial Front End: This will cover the full bumper, partial hood, partial fenders, and headlights. See our visual for reference.
• Full Front End: Includes the full bumper, full hood, full fenders, and the headlights plus mirrors. See our visual for reference.
• Whole Body: This covers the full front end, 4 door panels, rocker panels, quarter panels, trunk lid, tail lights, and rear bumper.

Ensure that the service you’re booking has a 10-year guarantee for the film and comes with a 10-year warranty as well. There shouldn’t be any yellowing or staining.

The Bottom Line

So, should you get paint protection film for your Tesla? While it can be pricey, it’s definitely worth considering if you’d like to keep your car for the long term. PPF will keep your car safe from normal wear and tear, and the partial front-end service is a great entry for many.