No matter how carefully you drive, getting into an auto collision can still happen. When it does, you’ll need paint and body repair to restore your vehicle’s condition. If you own a Tesla, there are some things you’ll need to know about that process. Here’s what they are.
Why Tesla Repairs Are Different
Unlike other manufacturers, Tesla strictly controls its entire parts and service ecosystem. That means few third-party parts are available, and only approved shops have access to Tesla’s proprietary procedures and software. Tesla even VIN-locks parts, which often makes certain salvaged parts unusable. That alone can increase the average Tesla body repair cost higher than you might expect.
Additionally, Tesla vehicles feature mostly aluminum and composite body components. They require special know-how, and working on them requires knowledge of proprietary procedures. So, even a minor Tesla scratch repair may not be as straightforward as it seems.
The Tesla Collision Repair Process, Step by Step
When you bring your Tesla to us for repairs after a collision, the first thing we’ll do is open a repair file and associate it with your vehicle’s VIN. Then, we’ll inspect your vehicle’s damage and photograph everything we find. Depending on the nature of your accident, we may measure your vehicle’s body and frame to look for warping. We’ll also scan your Tesla’s electronic systems for problems, as well as its battery and charging hardware.
Based on what we find, we’ll prepare a repair quote for you and your insurer. Assuming you approve of the work, we’ll order the necessary parts. Once they arrive, we’ll isolate your vehicle’s high-voltage electrical system to safeguard it and our technicians. Then, we’ll follow Tesla’s prescribed procedure to complete your repairs. Afterward, we’ll recalibrate your Tesla’s sensors and test everything before returning your vehicle.
Tesla Paint Repair and Color Matching
We carry and use Tesla-approved paint lines to ensure precise color matching. Because we’re a Tesla-approved repair facility, we have access to paints that match those used on new Teslas. That means no guesswork, and we can restore your vehicle’s factory finish.
What Tesla Collision Repair Costs
As you’ve probably guessed, the cost of repairing a collision-damaged Tesla can vary widely. For example, if you’ve only damaged your bumper cover in a low-speed accident, you may only need a minor Tesla bumper repair. However, more extensive damage means incurring the full Tesla bumper replacement cost. The same applies to other parts of your vehicle.
For minor cosmetic damage, a repair can cost as little as $800. However, if your vehicle has major structural, electrical, and sensor damage, costs can easily exceed $20,000. One thing you should know, however, is that as an approved Tesla repair facility, we’ll deliver OEM-quality repairs at the lowest possible price.
ADAS Calibration After a Repair
One thing that often complicates Tesla vehicle repairs is the need to recalibrate its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). A Tesla ADAS calibration includes work inside our shop as well as recalibration on real-world roadways. This ultimately ensures your vehicle’s ADAS works safely and reliably when you get it back.
Tesla Service Center vs. Tesla Approved Body Shop
After a collision, you can choose a Tesla-approved body shop like us, or bring your vehicle to Tesla itself for repairs. Either way, you can expect the same high-quality repairs. However, our labor rates are typically lower than Tesla’s. And we always choose the least expensive repair option without cutting any corners.
FAQs
Can I take my damaged Tesla to any repair or body shop after an accident?
You can choose any shop to have your Tesla repaired, as any Tesla-registered shop can order most replacement parts. However, only Tesla itself and its approved repair shops can restore a Tesla to factory condition.
Why do Tesla-approved repair shops often provide lower repair quotes than Tesla itself?
Repair shops like ours specialize in collision repair, while Tesla service centers do not. So, Tesla often replaces whole systems outright rather than making targeted repairs, driving up costs.
Get Your Tesla Repaired Right
If you’ve been in a collision with your Tesla, don’t take unnecessary chances. Bring your vehicle to Ace Tech for repairs, and leave it in the hands of our Tesla-approved collision experts.
