Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Tesla Model SFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Paint Defect Rectification: Polish
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2023 Tesla Model 3, 2022 Tesla Model 3, 2021 Tesla Model 3, 2020 Tesla Model 3, and 2019 Tesla Model 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the cutting pad from the buffer, and then install a polishing pad on the buffer.
- Apply 4 evenly spaced 20 mm diameter dollops of polishing compound on the polishing pad.
- Set the buffer speed according to region, and while the buffer is off, place the tool on top of the affected area.
- NA: setting 3
- APAC: TBD
- EMEA: TBD
- Keeping the pad flush with the body panel, activate the buffer for 5 seconds, making 1 foot long side to side swipes over the affected area.
- Turn off the buffer and remove the buffer from the body panel only when the pad stops spinning.
- Remove the polishing compound from the body panel with a clean microfiber towel, and then identify any remaining hazing/swirling.
- Apply one 5 mm diameter dollop to the center of the remaining hazing/swirling.
- Set the buffer speed according to region, and while the buffer is off, place the buffer on top of the hazing/swirling.
- NA: setting 5
- APAC: TBD
- EMEA: TBD
- Keeping the pad flush with the body panel, activate the buffer.
- Apply pressure until the buffer begins to stall, and then reduce pressure until the buffer rotates normally.
- At a rate of 0.5 inches per second, move the buffer side to side in a 1 foot area centered on the hazing/swirling.
- Turn the buffer off after 30 seconds or when the polishing compound begins to dissipate. Remove the buffer from the body panel only when the pad stops spinning.
- Remove the polishing compound from the body panel with a clean microfiber towel, and then inspect the affected area.
- Apply detail spray to a clean microfiber towel, and then remove any residual polish from the body panel.
- Using an inspection light and another clean microfiber towel, perform a final inspection and cleaning of the affected area. Check all adjacent body panels and gaps.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
