If you notice some misalignment on your Tesla body panel–It's common in cars, and shouldn't trouble you.
Reasons for Tesla Body panel adjustments include paint peeling or damage, minor collisions, wear and tear.
The big question is, can you adjust the Tesla aluminum body panel yourself? And if so, how?
Teslas are loved for their advanced technological software features and lightweight aluminum, engineered body-moving panels, which enhance their performance, safety, and beauty.
But when any part doesn't fit correctly, it becomes a major concern.
This blog will provide practical guidelines to understand Tesla body panels, the challenges of DIY adjustment, and Tesla's recommendation for adjustment to give you a premium experience.
Understanding Tesla Body Panels
Tesla body panels are constructed with aluminum and other high-strength steel. These materials are strategically engineered to maintain safety, corrosion resistance, and structural integrity.
If any panel is misaligned, it can compromise the car's integrity.
On the other hand, proper alignment sustains and enhances its integrity and appearance.
Are you still wondering if you could use a DIY approach to align the body panel? Of course!
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjust Your Tesla Body Panel
1. Gather necessary tools, including 🔧.
- T20 Torx screwdriver
- Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, etc.
2. Identify Misalignment
Carefully inspect where the misalignment is.
Common areas are:
- Front and rear door
- Trunk and hood gap
- Fender panel
3. Accessing Adjustment Points
Adjustments can only be accessed behind the door seal or stripping where the bolts or clips are.
Gently remove or pull the door seal or stripping that covers the adjustment point.
4. Use your T20 Torx screwdriver to locate and loosen any bolt 🔩 associated with the misaligned panel.
5. Make Adjustments
Loosening the bolt slightly but not completely to allow some space for movement of the panel
6. Realign the panel by carefully pushing or pulling it back to its fit position.
Afterward, tighten the bolts securely while holding the panel to maintain alignment.
7. Reinstall Door seal or weather stripping.
8. Finally, inspect what you've done to determine its efficiency.
Additional recommendations:
If all you've done adjusting the panel doesn't work perfectly, consult a Tesla-approved repair shop for help.
Challenges of DIY Tesla Panel Adjustment
Most people opt for DIY when presented with the option of paying a repair expert. Yes, it's cheaper to opt for DIY, but it comes with grave disadvantages that include complex processes, potential damage, and the risk of Warranty forfeiture.
Complex process
The alignment of Tesla body parts can be mysterious to owners who do not have the required tools and expertise in the repair industry. Many owners reported that when attempting to adjust, complications often arise while figuring out how various components fit together.
Potential Damages
This is a challenge that comes with adjusting a Tesla body panel, as it requires a unique set of tools and expertise for successful body panel alignment.
Many people try DIY, and it yields unfavorable results such as damaging the car's aerodynamics and sensor functionality and improper handling of body panels leading to scratches, dents, and misalignment.
Warranty forfeiture risk
Lastly, there are warranty concerns when owners consider DIY. As far as the Tesla company is concerned, making unauthorized adjustments or modifications could potentially lead to forfeiture of the warranty provided by Tesla.
Owners should consider the implications of their warranty coverage over DIY.
Tesla's Recommendation for Panel Adjustment
Tesla advises against unauthorized repairs and emphasizes the relevance of professional handling. Should your Tesla body panels need to be adjusted, Tesla recommends Tesla-approved repair shops near you.
Tesla has an extended network of repair facilities that possess the required training and equipment to efficiently fix Tesla's body panel issue and other Tesla-related repairs.
These repair centers will accurately adjust and align your Tesla body panels hassle-free, maintaining their integrity, safety, and beauty. One of Tesla's premium repair facilities is Regal Repair.
Bottomline
Now you understand the dangers of driving a Tesla with a misaligned body panel and also how to fix it yourself or seek professional assistance. Although both options are great, it's important to weigh both thoroughly before coming to a decision. Your contributions and suggestions on Tesla body panel misalignment are highly welcome.
