Tesla Model 3 detailing in Houston

What we watch for

Paint and interior on the Model 3

Paint and exterior

Pearl white hides marring; solid black, midnight silver and deep blue show every swirl. The front bumper and hood take the most rock chips on the Westpark Tollway, which is why many owners add clear PPF to the front end before coating the rest.

Interior

White synthetic seats pick up denim dye on the driver's side bolster within months. The rear seat and the rear screen on refreshed cars collect kid fingerprints, and the center console wireless charger tray collects dust and crumbs.

Living in Houston

A Model 3 parked outside at an office lot all summer gets a hot glass roof and a cabin that bakes; hard water from sprinklers leaves rings on the roof glass that are much easier to remove early.

• Soft clear coat: it marks from a dirty towel or an automatic wash, so every wash is two-bucket with clean mitts, and polishing finishes down with a fine pad.
• Thin factory paint: depth is measured on every panel before a machine touches it, with extra care on edges and body lines.
• Large glass roof: Houston water leaves mineral spots on it, so it is cleaned inside and out and suits the glass coating add-on.
• Synthetic leather: it does not need conditioner, just a gentle cleaner and a matte protectant so it does not go shiny.
• Light-colored seats are popular: denim dye transfer and sunscreen stains are cleaned early, before they set in the heat.
• Large touchscreens: cleaned with a screen-safe, ammonia-free product and a dedicated cloth.
• Electric: there is no engine bay, but the frunk, charge port door and underbody plastics get cleaned, and washing an EV is completely safe.