By: Otaiba Ahsan
The Tesla Cybertruck design has consistently been a polarizing topic and point of discussion since it was first revealed. I’ve heard some people call it a “garbage truck from the future” while others absolutely adore the look. A particularly interesting part of the debate is that Tesla used stainless steel for the body of the truck, which is then exposed to all the elements as you drive. There are pros and cons to this design, but a common concern for many is how they will protect it from wear and tear like rust. Continue reading for steps on how to protect the stainless steel on your Tesla Cybertruck.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
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.
A correctly installed PPF can protect the Cybertruck’s exterior from stone chips or scratches, bug splatters, rust, and minor abrasions such as scratches and swirls. It will also provide safety against damage from weathering like salt and harsh UV rays.
Depending on where you’re located, Tesla offers paint protection film services for the car. Alternatively, you can look for local auto body centers that do PPF, but prices will vary greatly so be sure to shop around. Installation packages typically follow three different tiers:
- 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.
Ceramic Coating
Ceramic Coating can be a permanent or semi-permanent coating, depending on the type that you get. It’s applied to the exterior of your car and is considered one of the best paint treatments available for protection, or in this case, steel. It’s layered onto your vehicle in liquid form, but eventually forms a hard layer over the Cybertruck’s stainless steel.
A correctly installed Ceramic Coat will protect the vehicle’s paint from road salt, insect acid, rust, and bird droppings. It will also provide safety against damage from weathering and harsh UV rays as well. Additionally, Ceramic Coats create a hydrophobic layer on your vehicle that repels water, dirt, and oils. This will reduce the need for car washes over time and is an underrated benefit of this service.
Installation services can take up to 48 hours, and most providers allow you to choose between three packages which include either a 2-year, 4-year, or 5-year coat. Look to see if IGL Coatings are used, which is an extremely trusted, high-quality and best-in-class product for Ceramic Coating.
The Bottom Line
The steps on how to protect the stainless steel on your Tesla Cybertruck are straightforward. The two primary methods include getting either Paint Protection Film (PPF) or Ceramic Coating installed on the vehicle. Both options provide excellent coverage for the Cybertruck, however PPF is preferred for better long-term protection. Due to the unique shape of the car, shops may charge a premium for installation which is something to be cognisant of.