Tesla Panel Gaps (Everything You Should Know)

When it comes to the electric car market, no company has been more effective than Tesla.

The electric car manufacturer has made headlines for its high-end luxury cars and ability to sell those models.

But when it comes to the Tesla aftermarket, things get much less rosy. 

The complexity and cost of maintaining a Tesla are almost second to none among manufacturers. One of the interesting issues to deal with is the Tesla panel gaps.

The panel gap in a Tesla is the space between the body panel and the car’s frame. On a gasoline-powered car, the panel gap is generally very small because the car is hot when the panels are manufactured. In a Tesla, the body panels are put together with cold glue, so the panel gap is large and varies in cars.

Why Does Tesla Have Panel Gaps?

A Tesla panel gap is the distance between a Tesla car’s body panels. Tesla has been heavily criticized for a panel gap that is far too large for a luxury car.

The Tesla Model S, for example, has a panel gap of roughly 1/16 of an inch.

In most other luxury cars, the gap between metal panels is around 1/32 of an inch.

Over time Tesla has made changes to its manufacturing process, which could be one of the reasons for the large panel gap.

It is also possible that Tesla uses a process that requires less metal than other car manufacturers.

Either explanation is bad news for Tesla owners, though. Panel gaps are visible, and some people may find them unsightly.

Depending on what works for you, you can decide to ignore the problem and live with the large panel gap or attempt to shrink the gap by reducing the panel gaps.

Also, you can increase the panel gap to make the panels appear wider.

There is a need to know that panel gaps were not an issue with the more expensive Teslas.

Chances are they rushed to get as many cars as possible with orders, especially the model 3s.

And panel gaps are an easy corner to cut since most people don’t care about such trivial stuff.

There have been a few legal claims against Tesla for unreasonable panel gaps in their vehicles.

The organization has endeavored to fault the unreasonable panel gaps on the vehicles being driven in an outrageous climate. 

If the panel gap is minor, it may be rectified by Tesla utilizing a shim under the frame.

But the repair will be expensive when the panel gaps are wide enough that panels are visibly detached from the frame. 

How Do You Fix Panel Gaps On a Tesla?

Fixing the panel gaps on a Tesla is a big deal and is generally not inexpensive.

However, it is important to note that not every fix brings your vehicle to the perfect shape you desire, and as such, you could end up wasting resources without getting the desired results. 

Also, there are tricks and patterns through which panel gaps on a Tesla are fixed depending on which body parts you intend to fix.

The frunk of a Tesla consists of little adjustable pads. When you notice the panel gap of the frunk of your Tesla is higher on one side, the nubs can be adjusted for a quick fix.

All you need to do is open the trunk of the Tesla and locate the rubber bumper stoppers.

The little bumpers move in and out when you turn them, and you can adjust the bumpers and fix the panel gaps.

If you try to shrink the Tesla panel gap and fail, you may need to rebuild the entire panel where the gap occurred.

To do this, you will have to cut out the section of the panel that is too wide.

Then you must install a new panel piece with the correct width and bolt it into place. 

You will also need to repair any other damaged areas of the car.

This is a very complex and expensive procedure. It’s also something that a body shop should only do.

How Do You Fix a Gap On a Tesla Door?

Gaps can occur in any vehicle, and there are a lot of imminent causes while gaps to occur in vehicles.

Tesla vehicles present with a lot of panel gaps, which has been a cry of customers over the years, and fixing gaps on a Tesla door does not come cheap.

One frequent cause of panel gaps is a problem with the door’s hinges. 

The most feasible fix for vehicle panel gaps in the door is to fasten the hinges.

You will have to access the hinges, unfasten the hinge bolts, place the door back in position, and refasten the bolts after making all the necessary adjustments.

The steps below demonstrate how you can fix a gap in a Tesla door. 

• First, you must access the hinges by removing the fender by the car side you’re working on. 

• You will have to unfasten the bolts underneath the dash.

• After removing the fender and loosening all six bolts, you will fasten the bolts holding the door hinges.

• Next, shut the door, then align the door to your desired position. Once the door is in position, fasten the bolts under the fender.

• Tightening the door will enable you to maintain the door in your desired position while you complete fastening the other interior bolts.

• Place your fender in its position, and your door is good to go.

Does Tesla Have Gap Insurance?

Yes, Tesla has gap insurance. Tesla gap insurance enables you to pay the distinction between the amount you owe on your loan or lease and the actual cash value of your vehicle (ACV) in cases of damages or a total loss of your car. 

Of course, teslas aren’t the most economical vehicles in the market; however, the technological level, operation, and superfluity you enjoy make them worth the fee.

Unfortunately, accidents can sometimes total your Tesla while it’s still quite new.

Nonetheless, regular car insurance should be able to meet up your car’s immediate value.

However, you may still owe an amount exceeding the car’s real value in some circumstances. 

Then, you will still have to pay that amount, even if you no longer have the car. At this point, you should consider gap insurance and its vital role.

Understanding the importance of gap insurance and how it works is crucial.

Like any vehicle available, Tesla vehicles will lose their value after some time. A criminal might take your vehicle.

You might wind up in an auto collision or lose a vehicle because of floods, flames, or catastrophic events, and such needs gap insurance.

On the off chance that you wind up in any situation, standard auto insurance policies pay the present market value of your Tesla, which might be significantly lower than what you initially paid. 

Gap insurance encompasses the disparity between your car’s actual monetary cost and the amount you still owe on the car loan expending for the vehicle.

Also Read: What Does the Error Message ‘Charging Interrupted’ Mean On a Tesla?

What Are Tesla’s Model 3 Body Panels Made Of?

Tesla’s Model 3 body panels are made of different materials, which range from steel, aluminum, and plastic.

The various materials are strategically placed in every body part depending on its function. And also the general optimal performance of the vehicle.

They were also bearing in mind the intention to produce a unique vehicle with the right weight and stability.

There is no doubt that Tesla’s Model 3 has a lot of fans. The electric car is unique in many ways and stands out as one of the most affordable models on the market.

From its user-friendly interface to its sleek design, it’s easy to see why the Tesla Model 3 has so many lovers.

However, there is a need to know that there are some concerns about the safety of this car.

While the Tesla Model 3 is affordable, it presents some pros and cons and is listed in the table below.

Pros	Cons
Autopilot and adaptive cruise-transformational on long trips.	The car doesn’t remember your rear-vision mirror position.
They have wireless charging for phones and USB-C ports.	Navigation doesn’t have a driver’s view. It is all top-down.
Voice recognition works well and makes the car safer.	The tires cost a lot each and are prone to punctures on potholes.
Remembers your seat settings.	Difficult to fit a toad bike inside it without dismantling it.
They give no exhaust fumes or oil.	They often get speed limits wrong.

Conclusion

Tesla panel gaps are a problem that many Tesla owners have to deal with.

The large gaps between Tesla body panels are due to manufacturing or design issues and are a source of embarrassment for some owners.

Fortunately, there are several ways to repair the issue, although some repairs are more complex than others.

For example, you can shrink the gaps, increase them or make them wider.