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HOMESERVICE MANUALSTESLA2018MODEL 3 BASEREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)BODY & FRAMEEXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIMBODY -- MODEL 3PAINTPAINT DEFECT RECTIFICATIONPOLISH
2018 Tesla Model 3 Base

Paint Defect Rectification: Polish

2018 Tesla Model 3 BaseSECTION Polish
  1. Remove the cutting pad from the buffer, and then install a polishing pad on the buffer.
  2. Apply 4 evenly spaced 20 mm diameter dollops of polishing compound on the polishing pad.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
    G14739384Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  5. Turn off the buffer and remove the buffer from the body panel only when the pad stops spinning.
  6. Remove the polishing compound from the body panel with a clean microfiber towel, and then identify any remaining hazing/swirling.
  7. Apply one 5 mm diameter dollop to the center of the remaining hazing/swirling.
    G14739385Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  8. 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
  9. Keeping the pad flush with the body panel, activate the buffer.
  10. Apply pressure until the buffer begins to stall, and then reduce pressure until the buffer rotates normally.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Remove the polishing compound from the body panel with a clean microfiber towel, and then inspect the affected area.
    • If hazing/swirling are still present, perform steps  7 to  13.
    • If hazing/swirling are no longer present, continue to the next step.
  14. Apply detail spray to a clean microfiber towel, and then remove any residual polish from the body panel.
  15. 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.
RENDER: 1.0x

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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.
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  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.