Installing mud flaps on your Tesla Model Y might seem tricky, but it’s quite straightforward. Whether you’re looking to guard against dirt, debris, or just enhance your vehicle’s look, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Let’s dive into it!
Mud flaps are essential for protecting our Tesla’s bodywork. They help keep the mud and rocks from damaging the paint. We’ve found cleaning the installation area first with alcohol ensures a smooth and secure fit. Once clean, turning the steering wheel fully to the left will give us better access.
Be careful while using tools to avoid scratching the Tesla’s body.
With the right tools in hand, like a push clip removal tool or flathead screwdriver, we can easily remove the lower push clips. Aligning the mud flaps correctly ensures they fit snug and look great. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get started? Let’s do this! 🚗🔧
How To Install Mud Flaps On Tesla Model Y
Before we start, let’s gather our tools and parts. We need mud flaps, a push clip removal tool or flathead screwdriver, and some rubbing alcohol. We can grab our mud flaps from Amazon or Evannex.
First, we need to clean the installation area. This helps the mud flaps stick better. Use alcohol and let it dry completely.
Next, turn the steering wheel fully to the left. This gives us better access to the wheel area.
Time to remove those lower push clips. Using a push clip removal tool or flathead screwdriver, carefully pop out the clips.
Now, maneuver the mud flap in place. Make sure the tabs hook onto the backside of the front fender garnish.
Make sure everything aligns perfectly before securing!
Ensure the mud flap aligns with the holes in the front wheel arch liner and body.
Finally, secure the mud flap using the clips. Once everything is in place, give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s secure.
That’s it! We’re done. Now our Tesla Model Y is ready to brave the road with its new mud flaps. 🚗
Tools And Materials Needed
Setting up mud flaps on your Tesla Model Y is straightforward if you have the right tools and materials. We will outline the essentials you need to ensure a smooth installation process.
Mud Flaps
Choosing the right mud flaps is crucial. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket options are available. We prefer the BASENOR mud flaps, which fit perfectly on the Tesla Model Y 2020-2024 models. Not only do they provide excellent protection, but they also come with all necessary installation hardware, making your job a whole lot easier.
Make sure the mud flaps are durable and can handle all weather conditions. Rally Armor is another reliable brand if you’re looking for high-quality mud flaps. Before any work, ensure the mud flaps align with the existing holes in your car for a seamless fit.
Screwdriver
A flathead screwdriver is essential for removing the existing push clips from the car. You don’t need a fancy one, just make sure it’s sturdy. Alternatively, a push clip removal tool can make the job even easier, reducing the risk of damaging the clips or the car’s surface.
| Tool | Purpose |
| Flathead Screwdriver | Remove push clips |
| Push Clip Removal Tool | Avoid damaging clips |
Having these essential tools and materials will make the installation process much more efficient.
Step-By-Step Installation Process
Installing mud flaps on our Tesla Model Y involves a few straightforward steps. Each step requires simple tools and a bit of patience, and we’ll guide you through it to ensure the job is done right.
Prepare The Vehicle
First, we need to get the vehicle ready. Cleaning the installation area with some alcohol wipes ensures the mud flaps adhere properly.
Turning the steering wheel fully to the left gives us better access to the wheel well. This helps when dealing with the front mud flaps.
If you’re working on the rear, make sure the vehicle is parked securely and the parking brake is engaged.
Remove Existing Fasteners
Next, we remove the existing fasteners holding the wheel well liner. A flathead screwdriver or a push clip removal tool will do the trick.
Be gentle to avoid damaging any parts, as we need to reuse these. Usually, there are two or three push clips that need to be removed. Once these are out, save them in a safe place.
Position The Mud Flaps
Now, we position the mud flaps against the wheel well. Align the holes on the mud flaps with the holes where the push clips were.
Hold the mud flaps snugly against the panel. Ensure they follow the contour of the wheel well precisely. Adjust until the flaps fit perfectly, making sure they cover enough area to block mud and debris.
Secure The Mud Flaps
With the mud flaps correctly positioned, we now secure them. Reinsert the push clips we removed earlier into the holes on the mud flaps.
Tighten them to ensure a firm grip but be careful not to overtighten. Additional screws often come with the mud flap kit, which can be used for extra stability. Double-check the instructions for your specific kit to confirm any additional steps.
Final Adjustments
Finally, we perform the last adjustments. Check the alignment to make sure the mud flaps are not too close to the tires or touching the ground when driving.
If the vehicle has adjustable air suspension, setting it to the highest position can help us see better. Ensure there’s enough clearance for the wheels.
Taking our Tesla for a quick test drive can help ensure everything is secure and no adjustments are needed.
This simple process makes sure our mud flaps are installed correctly, protecting our Tesla from unwanted debris and enhancing its durability.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
1. Skipping Prep Work
🔧 Cleaning the area with alcohol helps the mud flaps stick better. Letting the area dry fully is key. Missing this step? Your mud flaps could fall off.
2. Using Wrong Tools
🛠️ Proper tools like a push clip removal tool or a flathead screwdriver are important. Using the wrong tools can damage your Tesla’s body.
3. Incorrect Alignment
🚨 Make sure the flaps align correctly with the wheel well. Misaligned flaps look messy and don’t work well, affecting both aesthetics and drag.
4. Not Securing Tightly
⚙️ If mud flaps aren’t fastened tightly, they might wobble or fall off. Double-check all clips and screws are secure.
Don’t skip the test drive post-installation. It helps ensure everything is in place.
5. Ignoring the Instructions
💡 Following the manufacturer’s instructions is essential. Each set of mud flaps has its quirks. Skipping any step can lead to issues.
6. Neglecting the Rear Flaps
While front flaps are often the main focus, rear flaps are just as important. They protect the back of your car and enhance the overall effectiveness.
7. Skipping Videos
📹 Watching a tutorial video can offer visual guidance. This can be helpful if the instructions are confusing.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help us install the mud flaps more effectively, making our Tesla look great and perform well in all conditions. 🏁🚗🔧
Maintaining Your Mud Flaps
Keeping mud flaps in good shape helps protect our Tesla Model Y from damage. Mud flaps catch debris like gravel, rocks, and dirt. Let’s look at how to maintain them.
Regular cleaning is a must. We should wash dirt, sand, and road grime off the mud flaps often. It stops buildup and keeps them flexible. Use mild soap and water for cleaning.
Inspect mud flaps for any wear and tear. Loose, cracked, or torn mud flaps need fixing or replacing. They can’t do their job if they’re damaged. This helps protect from rocks and other road debris.
Snow and salt are tough on mud flaps. If we live in snowy areas, rinse off salt and snow often. Salt can be corrosive and ruin the mud flaps.
Dry mud flaps thoroughly after washing to avoid damage. It’s best if they don’t stay wet for long periods. Keeps them from becoming brittle.
If we’ve installed Paint Protection Film (PPF) on our Tesla, mud flaps help a lot. They reduce the impact of gravel and rocks, which might scratch the PPF. This extra layer of protection is worth it.
Check alignment of mud flaps now and then. They should not be touching the road or too high. Misaligned mud flaps can cause damage. Adjust if needed.
Regular checks and maintenance help mud flaps last longer!
Mud flaps don’t just shield from dirt; they also protect our paint and keep our Tesla looking great. Proper care is as simple as a quick check and wash now and then. Think of it as safeguarding our ride’s health. 🚗🛠️
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