Why Your Tesla Gets Rock Chips (And How PPF Saves You Thousands)

Get Started

Every week at our Coral Springs location we meet Tesla owners who have the same problem - they find their first rock chips on their brand new paint. The growing Tesla community in Florida has brought this to the forefront, because these amazing vehicles need special paint protection.

Why Tesla Paint Is Different

Tesla paint is not like other car paint. Through our many years of working with various Tesla models we have seen that their paint layers are thinner than other luxury vehicles. This is because of Tesla’s commitment to the environment and their streamlined manufacturing process.

While this is in line with Tesla’s eco-friendly mission, it creates a vulnerability. Our measurements show Tesla’s clear coat and paint layers can be up to 30% thinner than other luxury vehicles. This isn’t a defect, it’s just a characteristic that needs to be protected.

High Impact Areas on Teslas

The aerodynamic design of Teslas, while great for efficiency, creates specific impact zones that attract road debris. Our installs show consistent patterns:

Front bumper and hood: The low profile front end is a magnet for road debris Lower panels: Instant torque kicks up more rocks than other vehicles Behind wheels: The regenerative braking unique to EVs changes how debris flies up Autopilot camera areas: Critical zones that must remain scratch free for safety features

The Science of Rock Chips

Florida’s roads are tough on Tesla’s paint. Our state’s road construction methods, combined with frequent rain and construction zones, creates a perfect storm for paint damage. The instant torque of electric motors kicks up more stones at higher speeds than other cars.

Common Damage We See

We have seen patterns on hundreds of Teslas: Model 3: Most damage in the lower front fascia Model Y: Concentrated impact points on the hood’s leading edge Model S/X: Broader impact distribution due to their larger surface area.

The Real Cost of Tesla Paint Repairs

Paint correction on a Tesla isn’t just expensive - it’s complicated. A single painted panel can cost between $900 to $1,500 at a Tesla certified facility. Complex repairs involving multiple panels can be over $3,000. And these repairs require Tesla approved materials and techniques.

PPF as a Preventative Solution

Paint Protection Film is a preventative solution that prevents damage before it happens. Our premium PPF installs include:

Self healing technology that eliminates minor scratches Optical clarity that maintains Tesla’s paint finish UV protection that prevents fading in the Florida sun Custom cut patterns for each Tesla model

ROI Analysis

The numbers don’t lie. A full front PPF install is less than a single paint repair. Consider:

Average paint repair: $900-1,500 per panel PPF Install: One time investment that prevents multiple repairs Resale Value: Protected Teslas sell for more Peace of mind: No more rock chips or road debris

We have been protecting Florida’s Tesla fleet for years and have seen PPF is not just an accessory, it’s essential protection for these special vehicles. The combination of Tesla’s paint and Florida’s roads makes PPF the smart choice for your Tesla’s appearance and value.

We have seen many cases where early PPF install has saved Tesla owners thousands in repair costs and kept their vehicle looking new. In Florida, protecting your Tesla’s paint isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity to preserve your investment.

Want to see PPF in action? Visit our Coral Springs location to see it on real cars.

Packages

Silver Exterior

Offers a warm gloss look, slick finish, and unsurpassed water repellency

Provides paint protection with previously unachievable levels of gloss

Great scratch and chemical resistance

Bonded contaminants such as tree sap, tar, and hard water spots, are easy to remove

Get A Quote Now
Premium Interior

It provides increased anti-water spotting and hydrophobic properties to maintain the perfect finish

Superior resistance to scratching and swirl-marks with a resistance of 9H

Forms an extra layer of clear coat over painted surfaces

Surface protection from chemical etching due to environmental impacts

Is resistant to chemical etching from bird-droppings and bug splatters

Get A Quote Now

What Causes Swirl Marks, Fine Scratches, & Stains?

Swirl marks, scratches and other surface imperfections can come to life in many different ways. Some of these are unavoidable, such as road grit and grime. Dallas / Fort Worth roads aren't free of environmental and industrial contaminants that will always inflict microscopic scratch on your car.

Contaminants

Bugs splatter, brake dust, bird droppings, water-spots, and tar are probably the most common causes of staining or etching on your clear-coat. They can easily leave behind permanent imperfections on your paint that will require paint correction. By removing them quickly instead of leaving them to bake on your clear-coat you can avoid permanent damages but how you remove them can then leave behind marring or scratches.

This is why it is always better to remove them using the 2-bucket wash method to avoid inflecting a different kind of paint defect while trying to prevent another. When you remove these things, you can scrape the surface and leave marks. Tar and water spots can also cause clear coat problems. We know we're probably overloading you with information but our team will always assist you after a paint correction on how to maintain your better than brand new finish!

Paint Correction Dallas

Improper Car Washing Techniques

There are also instances where the car owner themselves are to blame for the poor condition of the clear coat. Poor car washing techniques can leave swirl marks, micro-scratches, and other problems. For example, using a regular cloth to wash your car or a beach towel for drying your paint can create some serious swirl marks on your car. We recommend using the two-bucket washing method with high-quality microfiber washing mitts and drying towels as a good starting point for washing your paint.

DIY Paint Correction

Some enthusiasts like to polish or "paint correct" their car by themselves and we applaud them for their courage and dedication. But one must be entirely sure that he has the proper equipment and experience before polishing their own car. The rule of thumb is: if you've never mechanically polished a car before, start with a scrap hood as you are likely to inflict more damage than anything when starting to learn the art of "paint correction".

Low-Quality Hand Car Wash & Automatic Touch Car Wash (The Ultimate Swirl-Machines)

Last but not least, getting your car serviced in an automatic touch car wash or cheap hand car wash is guaranteed to turn your paint into unsightly matte finish over the years. This is usually the #1 reason why cars are covered with swirl marks as those kinds of car washes do not care about the integrity of your clear-coat, after all their only purpose is to get your car clean no matter the kind of damage it creates on your paint.

Request A Quote
Get Your Free Quote
4.9 
70+
Reviews

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
CLOSE
Request a Free Quote
No Newsletters. No Promotions. Just A Quote.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.