Tesla Model 3 · Chantilly, VA
MODEL 3 PAINT PROTECTION FILM
The Model 3 sits lower than the Model Y, which puts its bumper right in the gravel stream on I-66 and the Toll Road. Add Tesla's thin, soft paint and a Model 3 front end can look five years old after one winter. Full front PPF stops that, and on a Model 3 it is a one-day install.
Below is what we see on Model 3s from Northern Virginia, how the three packages map onto this body, how the film works around the cameras, and what changed with the Highland refresh.
What we see in the bay
WHERE A MODEL 3 TAKES DAMAGE
A bumper at gravel height
The Model 3's low nose takes stones head-on. Most Model 3s that come in unprotected have a peppered lower bumper within the first year.
Hood chips at eye level
The long, low hood catches stones that skip over the bumper. On a sedan you look down at the hood every time you approach the car.
Mirrors and headlights
The mirror caps chip and the headlights pit. Full front covers both; partial front covers the mirrors only.
Swirls from any wash
Model 3 paint marks from brush washes and drying towels. The self-healing top coat erases the light stuff in the sun.
Three packages
WHAT EACH PACKAGE COVERS ON THE MODEL 3
Partial Front
High-impact zones only · Half a day
Bumper, first 18 inches of the hood, fender edges, and mirrors. Covers the impact zone on a budget with a visible line on the hood of darker cars.
- Full front bumper
- Leading 18" of the hood
- Leading edge of both fenders
- Side mirrors
Full Front
What most drivers choose · One day
Full hood, both fenders, bumper, mirrors, headlights, and A-pillars. No hood line, which matters on a low sedan. Our recommendation for a Model 3 that commutes.
- Full hood
- Full front bumper
- Both full fenders
- Side mirrors
- Headlights
- A-pillars
Full Front Extended
Front end plus the wear areas · One to two days
Adds rockers, door edges, and door cups. Good for a Model 3 that street-parks or rides on gravel.
- Everything in Full Front
- Rocker panels
- Door edges and door cups
- Door strips
- A-pillars (halfway)
Pricing depends on the trim and the coverage you pick. What sets a PPF quote, or request yours and we reply the same business day.
HIGHLAND VERSUS PRE-REFRESH
The 2024 Highland refresh changed the bumper, headlights, and hood, so it uses its own pattern set. We cut for the exact year, so tell us whether the car is Highland or earlier.
CAMERAS AND SENSORS
The forward camera behind the glass and, on older cars, the bumper sensors are all cut around. Autopilot and parking assist are unaffected.
EDGES TUCKED UNDER
Hood edges wrap under the lip and fender edges tuck into the arch. No exposed film edge on the panels you see.
By trim
TESLA MODEL 3 TRIMS WE FILM
Model 3 RWD / Long Range
Same body; full front is the common choice.
Model 3 Performance
Lower front lip and carbon spoiler; many owners add the rockers with full front extended.
Model 3 Highland (2024+)
New front-end patterns; film usually goes on within the delivery week.
Watch
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Does Tesla Give Away Free PPF Kits?
What Tesla owners should know before relying on a factory kit for paint protection.
Questions
TESLA MODEL 3 PPF QUESTIONS
Yes. It is one of the most common reasons owners choose PPF. The film takes the chips and the self-healing top coat takes the swirls.
No. Full front covers the whole hood as one piece, so there is no line. Partial front stops partway up the hood and shows on dark colors.
Gloss film is invisible on a clean car. Owners who want a stealth look choose a satin film on the front, which turns gloss paint matte only where the film is applied.
Full front is one day. Full front extended or a ceramic coating on top adds a day.
Yes. Small chips are touched up so they stay stable, then the film goes on. Badly pitted bumpers are better repainted first so the film has a smooth surface.
WHAT TESLA OWNERS SAY ABOUT OUR PPF
"The guys done a outstanding job they were very professional and didn’t hesitated to help and making the customer happy job well done"
Auto ProtectionHenry Gates
"Communicated very well in informing me about their PPF and ceramic coating offers. My truck was ready at our scheduled pickup time and they did a great job."
PPF + Ceramic Coatingvon rob
"This crew knows how to provide excellent customer service and are very professional. I walked in on a Thursday asking if I could get my car tinted next week and by Sunday afternoon the excellent job was completed. Trust me, if you need tinting (or any of the other services they provide) this is the place to go. Excellent communication throughout the process and just very pleasant to deal with. Plus, the car looks great!"
Window TintingMark Baker
PROTECT YOUR MODEL 3 THIS WEEK
Tell us the year and trim. Written quote the same business day, film on in one day at our Chantilly shop.