If you have a Tesla delivery coming up, you are probably daydreaming about taking your new electric car out for a joy ride. But there are some essential details you are going to need to take care of on delivery day.
While Teslas feature state-of-the-art technology and high quality manufacturing, there are sometimes issues. Panel gaps, mismatched paint, and scratches are more common than new Tesla owners would like.
Here’s the good news—if you conduct a thorough inspection when your vehicle is delivered, you can count on Tesla to take care of any problems you discover quickly and efficiently. For some of them, you might not even need an appointment.
Before your Tesla arrives, you may want to review the “meet your Tesla” videos Tesla has provided for your model of EV.
How Do You Inspect a Tesla on Delivery Day?
To make sure you don’t miss anything important, we recommend that you print out the checklist below. Go over it line by line when your new vehicle arrives.
As you do, document everything. Tell the delivery representative about anything you spot, and double check at the end to make sure what they have documented matches what you have written down. Without further ado, here is the full Tesla delivery day checklist.
What to Check When Taking Delivery of a New Tesla
Verifying Your Tesla’s Records and Basics
- Make sure that your full name and address are both correct on your paperwork.
- Check the VIN number for the vehicle against the one listed on the paperwork.
- If you ordered optional accessories, check that you received them all.
- Ensure that the latest version of the software is installed.
- Make sure that the vehicle features all the options and colors you ordered.
Checking Your Tesla’s Exterior
When inspecting the exterior, you will be focusing on the panels, paint and wheels.
Panels
This is one of the areas where Tesla is notorious for manufacturing errors, so pay special attention to your vehicle’s panels.
- Inspect the alignment of all the panels. Note down if anything is misaligned or if there are significant gaps.
- Check to make sure that the frunk gap does not exceed 4mm.
- Look for anywhere the glass roof panels might have the potential to leak.
- Closely examine the weather seals around your windows and doors. Customers sometimes complain of an improper overlap.
- Ensure condensation-free lights on the front and rear, and make sure they are properly aligned with the surrounding panels.
- Open and close all doors, the trunk, and the hood. Make sure you also test the auto-close button for the trunk.
- Examine the windshield and trim to make sure they are properly installed.
- The windshield and window glass should be smooth without ripples, providing a clear, undistorted view of your surroundings from inside the EV.
Paint
- Ensure that the paint is properly matched and evenly applied to all panels.
- Note any scuff marks, scratches, smudges or other defects.
- Inspect the paint in the body and door gaps.
Wheels
- Sometimes the wheel rims may be damaged during the loading and unloading process.
- Check to make sure the valve stem covers are all accounted for.
Checking Your Tesla’s Interior
Now you have checked your panels, paint and wheels. It’s time to climb inside your new car and inspect the interior.
Materials
- There should be no scuffs, smudges, marks or tears in any of the interior materials (i.e. the dashboard, upholstery, etc.).
- The seats should be aligned in the back.
- Check the sealing on the interior liner.
- Make sure you received your carpeted floor mats if your model includes them.
Lighting
Test all of the following lights:
- Headlights (check the high- and low-beam settings).
- Trunk lights.
- Frunk light.
- Front turn signals.
- Left and right turn signals.
- Brake lights.
- Rear running lights.
- Fog lights.
- Front park lights.
Also inspect these interior lights:
- The light in the glove box.
- Button lights for doors and latches.
- Steering wheel control lights.
- Puddle lights for the doors.
- The compartment lights for the console (middle and rear).
- Foot well lights.
- Overhead lights on both sides.
- Pocket lights on both sides.
- Vanity mirror lights.
Electronics and Connectivity
- Make sure you have a working fob for X and S.
- Ensure that you can use the 12-volt DC receptacle.
- Check if the wireless phone charger is working.
- Test out the key cards on the B-pillar. You should always have one of these with you as a backup for situations where there are issues with the phone app.
- Test out Bluetooth connectivity.
- Test preconditioning, unlocking and all other phone app functions.
- Check to make sure all of your USB ports are working. There are a USB-A port and a USB-C port in the front of the vehicle, and you will find a pair of USB-C ports in the back.
- Try playing the radio as well as streaming music. While you are doing this, check every speaker.
Charging
- Verify that you received the Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) cable and the NEMA 5-15, NEMA 14-50 and J1772 adapters that you ordered, along with their carrying bag.
- The alignment of the charge port door should be flush, and it should be easy to open and close.
- Test out the indicator light on the charge port.
- Try using the Mobile Connector adapters. Make sure that everything connects properly and that your vehicle charges.
- Test out supercharging.
Miscellaneous
- Switch the windshield wipers on and off, and ensure they are properly aligned and moving smoothly and quietly.
- Test the washer jets.
- Try adjusting the side mirrors. They shouldn’t be noisy.
- While you are testing the mirrors, examine them for distortions.
- Try buckling and unbuckling all the seatbelts.
- Open your windows fully, then close them. They should operate smoothly and quietly.
- Check the emergency releases on the doors.
- Make sure the clothing hooks work.
- Fold down the back seats, then pull them back up again.
- Try adjusting the front seats. Ensure that they are moving smoothly and quietly.
- Gently lift on the bottoms of the seats to check their attachments.
- Examine the display screen. If you see an error message, write it down.
- Test out the touchscreen for phantom touches. The easiest way to do this is to open Sketch Pad and just leave it on for a little bit.
- Turn on your air conditioner at the highest setting. Then switch it off and do the same with your heat. They should be quiet and efficient.
- Test the sun visor.
- Check if the rearview camera is working.
- Try operating the horn on the steering wheel, and also check the wheel’s position controls.
- Check the license plate frame and mount.
What Should You Do If You Spot Defects with Your Tesla on Delivery Day?
As we mentioned earlier, you should document every problem and make sure the delivery representative is doing the same.
Ask to check over the representative’s notes for yourself to verify they got everything down.
Do not hold off on reporting problems to Tesla. If you do, they may believe that you or someone else caused those issues after you accepted the vehicle. In that situation, they may refuse to take responsibility, which would leave you footing the bill.
Some issues are small enough that they can be addressed on the spot, but for others, you will need to circle back to them later.
If there is a defect that is so bad that you no longer want the vehicle, you do have the option of refusing delivery. Alternately, you can send the vehicle in for servicing and get it back in a few weeks.
Customize Your New Tesla to Make it Truly Your Own
Most Tesla deliveries go smoothly, and you probably will not find any major issues with your new EV. Taking your time and diligently inspecting your car can save you money and hassles if there are any problems, however.
While you are checking out your new Tesla, you will probably find yourself imagining ways in which you can take your vehicle to the next level. If you are ready to customize your Tesla Model 3/Y as the ultimate luxury ride, take a look at our dashboard and door trim replacement accessories.
