8 Things to Do BEFORE Your Tesla Delivery Day

TLDR;

This video provides a comprehensive guide for new Tesla owners on how to prepare before taking delivery of their vehicle. It covers essential pre-delivery tasks, home charging solutions, Wi-Fi connectivity, must-have accessories, and the importance of community engagement. Additionally, it emphasizes familiarizing oneself with Tesla's unique features, using a delivery checklist for inspection, and considering paint protection to ensure long-term vehicle maintenance.

Complete pre-delivery tasks and secure financing.
Prepare home charging solutions.
Enhance Wi-Fi connectivity for updates.
Acquire essential accessories for protection and convenience.
Join a Tesla community for support and networking.
Familiarize yourself with Tesla's unique features.
Use a delivery checklist for thorough inspection.
Consider paint protection film (PPF) for long-term maintenance.

Intro [0:00]

The video introduces essential steps for new Tesla owners to prepare for their vehicle's arrival. It promises to cover everything needed before bringing a new Tesla home, aiming to be the only resource viewers will need.

Pre-Delivery Tasks [0:42]

The initial steps involve downloading the Tesla app, creating an account, and completing your profile with registration and delivery details. During this process, you'll specify your financing plans or trade-in options. As the delivery date nears, you'll receive notifications to complete your credit application and submit your trade-in self-inspection. Credit unions often provide the lowest interest rates for financing. After submitting all required information, you'll await your VIN, which can take varying amounts of time. Once you receive your VIN, you'll need to purchase insurance and make your final payment either online or in person on delivery day.

Prepare for Home Charging [2:34]

Preparing for home charging is essential, especially since Tesla no longer includes a mobile charger with new purchases. There are three main ways to charge your Tesla: using a Mobile Connector, installing a Wall Connector, or utilizing Tesla Supercharger stations. The Mobile Connector is a portable charger that plugs into standard outlets, providing a slower charge rate. The Wall Connector offers faster charging and additional features but requires professional installation. Tesla Supercharger stations are convenient for quick charging on the go, similar to gas stations for electric cars.

Extend WiFi Range [6:03]

Teslas receive software updates via Wi-Fi, so a strong internet connection is crucial. To ensure reliable connectivity in your garage or driveway, consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system. Mesh Wi-Fi uses multiple nodes to create a robust network throughout your home, ensuring your Tesla receives timely security and feature updates.

Get Tesla Accessories [7:06]

Acquiring essential accessories is important for protection, convenience, and comfort. Key accessories include floor mats, screen protectors, center console wraps, cup holder inserts, and mud flaps to protect your car. For convenience, consider a center console organizer tray, sunglasses holder, and phone mount. To improve driving comfort, headrests can replace the fixed ones. Custom seat covers, LED strips, and carbon fiber parts can enhance your Tesla's appearance.

Recurrent Battery Reports [8:56]

Recurrent offers free monthly battery performance reports to track your battery's health, providing confidence in EV ownership. These reports offer insights into EV performance, value, and range over time. Range Scores give a snapshot of the current expected range compared to when the vehicle was new. Recurrent Reports are like CarFax reports for EVs, useful when selling your EV to show potential buyers the battery's condition.

Join a Tesla Community [10:02]

Joining an online Tesla community allows you to connect with other owners, share information, and get advice. Online forums, Reddit groups, and Facebook groups provide platforms for communication, problem-solving, and networking. These communities are welcoming to both new and experienced Tesla owners, offering valuable support and insights.

Get Familiar with Your Tesla [10:52]

Familiarizing yourself with how a Tesla works is crucial before driving it off the lot. Teslas differ significantly from traditional cars, featuring minimal physical buttons and a central infotainment screen. Regenerative braking, which slows the car and recharges the battery when you release the accelerator, is a unique feature that takes some getting used to. Also, remember that Teslas use a card key or mobile phone for unlocking instead of a traditional car key.

Download the Tesla Delivery Day Checklist [11:57]

Using a delivery checklist is essential to inspect your Tesla thoroughly before accepting it. Tesla's delivery process is quick, so it's important to check for any production issues, such as paint imperfections or panel misalignments. Accepting delivery without inspection means you accept the car as is, making it difficult to address issues later. The checklist helps you inspect the exterior and interior efficiently.

Schedule Paint Protection Appointment [13:22]

Consider having your Tesla protected with paint protection film (PPF) to guard against road debris, scratches, and door dings. PPF is a clear, self-healing film that lasts up to 10 years without peeling or yellowing. Given that Teslas are known to have less durable paint, PPF is a worthwhile investment to keep your car looking new for years. Scheduling an appointment with a PPF installer or installing it yourself can provide long-term protection.