A Practical Guide to Keeping a Tesla Looking and Feeling New

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Tesla sales may not have been out-of-this-world in 2025, but it remains the biggest—and best—electric vehicle company in the United States. The brand sold nearly 600,000 units in 2025, and early predictions suggest that those figures will increase significantly in 2026.

Though there’s plenty of competition in the EV market, Tesla still stands out thanks to the sheer quality of its cars. They also score points with consumers for their longevity. By following just a few smart tips, Tesla drivers can ensure that their vehicle looks and feels new for as long as possible.

Wash Regularly and Gently

Part of the appeal of a Tesla vehicle is its sleek and modern aesthetic, but that does come at a cost. Tesla uses a special type of paint for its vehicles, which looks great when the vehicles are clean but is also more susceptible to showing dirt and other marks. Over time, that grime can build up, influencing the appearance of the car.

The easy way to combat that is to commit to regular washing using Tesla-approved methods. That means avoiding automatic car wash services and instead gently washing by hand using the two-bucket method.

Invest in Protective Measures

Your Tesla vehicle will look perfect when it’s in the showroom, but over time, the general wear-and-tear that comes with everyday driving will begin to take its toll. After all, vehicles of all brands can be subject to damage from small stones and road debris through the course of routine journeys. The best way to keep your Tesla looking its best is to proactively invest in protective measures that can keep those routine threats at bay. There are companies that offer Tesla paint protection and ceramic coating services, which have proven to be highly effective at keeping Tesla vehicles looking their best. Regular waxing and even adding a window tint to prevent sun damage are also great ways to keep your Tesla protected.

Store Your Tesla Under Cover

If you don’t opt for tinting your Tesla’s windows, or in some cases even if you do, it can be worthwhile to store your Tesla in a garage or under a carport. Damage from the sun and other elements—such as snow, if you live in a snowy environment—can take a toll over time. Keeping your vehicle away from the elements is an easy way to prevent unnecessary damage.

No Eating/Drinking and 30-Second Cleaning

Finally, you can help to both preserve the aesthetic qualities of your Tesla and make it feel new by adopting the right habits. The first should be: no eating or drinking in the vehicle. It’s tempting, but even if there are no spills (and there will be), the smells will eventually sink into the vehicle’s seats. It’s also recommended to spend thirty seconds removing items from your vehicle at the end of the day. Vehicles can become dumping grounds for toys, sports equipment, and everything else, but it only ends up quickly impacting the driving experience.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.