As one among the best-selling EVs within the US, Tesla’s Model 3 is out on the roads en force. When you’re lucky enough to own one among these front-running electric sedans, you could be wondering what you may do to enhance your ride or extend the lifetime of the Model 3’s exterior and interior.
Alternatively, you could just be wondering how you may mod your Model 3 to face out from the gang. In any case, there are an entire lot of Model 3s on the market—over 240,000 sold in 2022 alone—and only a handful of ordinary color options.
Let’s take a take a look at among the hottest modifications and accessories for the Model 3, starting with exterior mods:
Top 5 Exterior Mods for the Model 3
Note: if you have got plans to trade your Model 3 back to Tesla sooner or later, remember that any aftermarket mod could affect Tesla’s trade-in quote. When Tesla buys back their very own vehicles, they put probably the most value on the automotive being as near “stock” condition as possible. When you can’t easily reverse the modification in your Model 3 before trading it in, your Tesla’s value within the trade could also be sub-par.
#1: PPF and Mudflaps
This can be a 2-part mod, since these mods might be used together to save lots of to color job on a Model 3:
First, installing Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a superb method to extend the lifetime of your Tesla’s paint. For a fully-wrapped finish that permits your original paint color to indicate through, select a Gloss PPF (which is evident and adds to the shiny paint look) or a Satin PPF (a softer look, often called a Matte PPF or Stealth PPF).
You’ll be able to see an incredible side-by-side of Clear vs Satin (Matte) PPF here:
At minimum, a PPF install for the Model 3 rockers is an incredible idea, and here’s why:
The Model 3 could also be an incredibly engineered electric automotive, but it surely does have one ongoing exterior issue: the questionable effectiveness of the Model 3 mud guards. Reports of scratched up lower panel paintwork from dirt, rocks, and general road debris on the Model 3 are quite a few. While we’re hoping to see this issue addressed with the rumored upcoming refresh of the Model 3, any Model 3 from 2017 to 2023 needs a little bit extra protection for the rockers.
That brings us to the second half of this mod suggestion: Model 3 mud flaps. Tesla’s own mud guards are higher than nothing, but a great aftermarket set of mud flaps can reduce the impact of road debris even further. We recommend searching for a design that doesn’t require any drilling to put in.
#2: Wheel Swap
Since EVs aren’t nearly as easy to tweak with performance mods as internal Combustion engine (ICE) vehicles (there’s no engine to tune, no exhaust system, etc), the range of things the common gearhead can do to extend performance is slim. Front-runner on this category, though, is a wheel swap. Tesla features a couple of options of their configurator, but there are a growing host of Model 3 aftermarket wheels and tires available.
Swapping between wheel sets can enable you to increase efficiency in your each day commute (effectively increasing range) or give your Model 3 a firmer or softer ride. Most Model 3s have the 18” or 19” wheel options straight out of the configurator (the Performance Model limits you to the 20” Überturbines). The good thing about this Tesla 3 mod is that it’s easily reversed.
When you’re enthusiastic about wheels, you may consider giving them an expert powder coat. While this doesn’t really do anything for performance, it does look pretty sharp and adds some extra protection against scratching.
#3: Window Tint
Window tinting is very talked-about on the Model 3, with many individuals selecting to go about 35% on the side windows and about 80% on the rear windshield. The glass roof of the Model 3 comes with a tint from the factory, so it’s not as common to place additional tinting up there.
We’d strongly recommend that you just get your Model 3’s window tinting done by an expert. While the job is actually possible to DIY, the quantity of prep work and time it takes to get a clean tint installation is pretty extensive.
Quick note: state laws dictate what’s or isn’t considered a legal window tint percentage, so check together with your state before getting your Model 3 tinted. Each window typically has its own light-blocking percentage limits. Also, if you happen to’re planning a move to a different state within the near future, it’s a great idea to research window tint laws in that state as well just in case the tint in your Model 3 could change into a problem.
#4: Coloured Body Wrap
Want to offer your Tesla a visible overhaul without re-doing the paint? Vinyl body wraps are an incredible method to add personality without making any everlasting change to your Model 3’s OEM paint. There are glossy, satin, matte, textured, patterned, and even color flip wraps available for the Model 3, so that you’re only limited by your imagination (well, that and your budget…among the options are on the expensive side).
Top-of-the-line parts concerning the vinyl wrap is that it may be removed, so even a leased Model 3 might be wrapped (though it’s best to check with the leasing company first). A word of caution, though: you’ll should be very careful in removing the wrap before returning the automotive to avoid doing any accidental damage to the paint.
Installation of the body wrap is, again, something we’d recommend getting done professionally (though you really can DIY it). It’s a reasonably labor intensive process (think cleansing prep, Tesla badge removals, etc) that may take as much as per week depending on how complicated your particular wrap is.
#5: Brake Caliper Covers
We all know of two reasons that brake caliper covers must be in your list of mods for the Model 3: they assist keep brake dust from increase in your wheels, and they appear awesome. You’ll be able to either get covers matched to the final color scheme of your Tesla or use them so as to add a color pop to your Model 3’s wheels.
Search for covers sold by a good Tesla aftermarket parts dealer (like EVANNEX or TESLARATI) for the very best fit and get them powder-coated to extend rust-resistance and ease of cleansing, if possible. Avoid plastic covers; they aren’t durable and won’t offer you the warmth dissipation advantages that include a great set of aluminum covers.
Bonus: Suspension Mods
When you’ve got the Performance version of the Model 3, suspension mods could also be a gorgeous option, depending on how you propose to make use of your automotive. There are a wide selection of sway bars, lowering springs, camber arms, coilovers, and so forth on the market (as an illustration, take a look at this lineup from Unplugged Performance). Nevertheless, you have to be aware that these sorts of Tesla Model 3 exterior mods include the potential of voiding your factory warranty.
From a resale standpoint, suspension mods will not be as great of an idea for the bottom Model 3 or the Long Range Model 3.
Top 5 Model 3 Interior Mods
The most well-liked interior mods for the Model 3 are practical, and #1 on this list is similar mod we recommend for all Teslas:
#1: Touchscreen Protector
A screen protector is a must to your Model 3 as soon as you’re taking delivery. The console screen is so essential to functionality, climate control, navigation, and just about every little thing else in a Tesla that damaging it may just about cripple your driving experience. Truthfully, the associated fee of a $50 screen protector is way less painful than a $1,500 repair bill for a Tesla service center substitute.
Remember to search for 9H tempered glass to your screen protector, and we recommend a matte finish to scale back fingerprints and glare. Screen protectors might be found at most EV stores that cater to Teslas (TESBROS, Teslarati, and RPMTesla all offer a screen protector for the Model 3).
#2: Center Console Wrap
Numerous Model 3 owners opt to wrap the middle console because the original Piano Black finish is notorious for showing fingerprints. You could find each vinyl and hard abs plastic solutions for the console, which we’ve already described intimately here.
#3: 2nd Screen / Instrument Cluster
For the reason that Model 3 only has one screen that displays your speed (and every little thing else), some people opt so as to add a second screen behind the steering wheel to display speed, range, and even altitude (you recognize, in case Elon added an easter egg for retreating…just kidding, altitude really does have an effect on range). This mod isn’t low cost, though, with the higher units costing over $3,000 (like this screen from Mountain Pass Performance).
#4: Seating Reupholstery
One other method to distinguish your Model 3 from the gang is to get the seats reupholstered. Quite a number of people decide to swap out Tesla’s OEM synthetic leather for real leather seating in neutral tones like tan, gray, white, and black. We’ve also seen some pretty crazy coloured seating on the Model 3, too, like a racecar red.
You should buy kits to DIY the upholstery, but again, if you happen to don’t have the time or the DIY savvy to tug it off, check for vehicle upholstery professionals in your area.
#5: Yoke Steering Wheel
This mod is weirdly controversial, but swapping out the regular steering wheel for a yoke steering wheel in your Model 3 does lend something extra to the look of the cabin. Plus, some people really do prefer the way in which the yoke feels when Autopilot is engaged.
And hey, if you happen to want yoke steering to practice your Formula One racing a-game, it’s your automotive. You do you.
Bonus: Powered Frunk
Since Tesla doesn’t currently include a powered frunk on the Model 3 (or some other Tesla model), many individuals have taken it upon themselves so as to add that option in (to the tune of $400-$500).
You could find numerous manufacturers offering powered frunk kits for the Model 3, so we recommend an intensive check through reviews and keeping an eye fixed out for information on the kit’s compatibility together with your model 12 months. For instance, this version of the Hansshow Powered Frunk Kit works for the 2017-2021 Model 3, but not for the 2022 or 2023 Model 3.
Practical and Popular Model 3 Accessories
You’ll be able to take a look at our list of Top Ten Best Tesla Accessories for an extended discussion on accessories, but here’s a fast list of will need to have Tesla Model 3 accessories:
Portable 12V Digital Air Compressor
Portable air compressors are inclined to be very user friendly and fit easily within the frunk or the trunk. Keeping tire pressure on the beneficial levels goes a good distance towards maintaining efficiency and reducing tire wear and tear.
All Weather Floor Mats
Keep your carpeting fresh and the dirt to a minimum. These are especially helpful for fogeys, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pet Seat Cover
Speaking of pets, a great pet seat cover fitted to the Model 3 can enable you to keep hair and nail damage from wrecking your back seat while helping our pet ride in comfort. Tesla sells their very own version for $145, but you can even find them on Amazon or at an EV aftermarket shop (Tesmanian has a pet seat cover for the Model 3 for about $50).
Dog Mode Cling
A window cling that proclaims “Dog Mode Enabled” lets concerned residents know that the doggo is doing just nice contained in the automotive with Dog Mode energetic, thanks very much. You could find these in most EV shops with Tesla accessories (like this 2-pack Dog Mode cling from Abstract Ocean).
Sun Shades
Either to maintain the temp in your Tesla down while it’s parked or to supply yourself with some privacy during automotive naps (wait, doesn’t everybody do this?), your Model 3 could probably do with a set of sunshades that gives decent coverage for all windows. When you’re really serious about keeping out the warmth, seek for the term “heat shield” fairly than sunshade. We’ve got a rather longer discussion and suggestions for sunshades in this text under the section for Model S accessories.
Fitted Mattress
Speaking of automotive naps (or road tripping, or camping), an air or foam mattress that matches perfectly at the back of your Model 3 is an incredible addition for the Model 3 lifestyle.
Trunk / Frunk Organizer
Finally, taking control of your Model 3’s frunk or trunk with an organizer just makes life simpler. This organizer from EVANNEX suits neatly contained in the Model 3’s trunk well, so it won’t even interfere with those automotive naps we keep mentioning.
Discover a Model 3 to Mod
Obviously, if you happen to don’t have already got a Model 3, you may buy a brand new one straight from Tesla’s website. But since throwing mods on a pristine, stock condition Tesla is the most costly method to do it, why not consider searching for a used Model 3 to bring those costs back all the way down to earth?
Model 3s are flooding the used Market straight away, so it’s an incredible time to get a great deal even on low mileage Model 3 in excellent condition. Try our 2021-2023 Model 3 listings to see what’s available. You is perhaps surprised at how far prices have fallen from their peak last 12 months.
Want to examine out an already modded Tesla Model 3 on the market? We include a filter in our listings section to allow you to see exactly which available used Model 3s have modifications already made. Who knows, you may discover a customized Model 3 you’re keen on with all of the modification work put in it already!
Try our used Model 3 listings today to see what’s available!