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.
Remove Sand Mark
2018 Tesla Model 3 BaseSECTION Remove Sand Mark
- Install a cutting pad on the buffer, and then apply 4 evenly spaced 20 mm diameter dollops of cutting compound on the cutting pad.
- Set the buffer speed according to region, and while the buffer is off, place the tool on top of the sanding mark.
- 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 sanding mark.
- Turn off the buffer and remove the buffer from the body panel only when the pad stops spinning.
- Remove the cutting compound from the body panel with a clean microfiber towel.
- Apply one 10 mm diameter dollop of cutting compound on the center of the sanding mark.
- Set the buffer speed according to region, and while the buffer is off, place the buffer on top of the sanding mark.
- 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 1 inch per second, move the buffer side to side in a 6 inch area centered on the paint inclusion.CAUTION: Keep the tool level and continuously moving.
- Turn the buffer off after 15 seconds or when the cutting compound begins to dissipate. Remove the buffer from the body panel only when the pad stops spinning.
- Remove the cutting compound from the body panel with a clean microfiber towel.
- Inspect the affected area.
- Turn on the buffer, and then clean the pad with a pad cleaning brush.
- With the buffer still running, use a microfiber towel to remove as much residual compound as possible from the pad, and then turn off the buffer.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.