How to Customize a Tesla & What It Will Cost You in 2024?
So, You wonder what it takes to make your Tesla stand out?
Well, I can’t tell you exactly what to do. The point is to make it your own!
I spent many hours researching the right mods for my Model 3 and got familiar with the customization options for all Tesla models.
I’ll share with you what I learned online and from other owners at car meets. You’ll get a better understanding of the modifications that work best and how much these will cost you on average in 2024.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know what it takes to customize a Tesla. If you need some inspiration first, my list of jaw-dropping custom Teslas is a good starting point.
What Kind of Mods Can You Do to a Tesla?
Teslas gained huge popularity in the last decade, which led to a full range of modifications available even for the Model S and Model X.
I’ll show you the most common exterior upgrades and interior customization options, and then we’ll talk about performance mods.
We’ll look into affordable Tesla accessories and the premium options on the market. Let’s get this journey started.
Customize a Tesla Exterior
What can you do to the exterior of your Tesla? A vinyl wrap and window tint are a nice combo. If you like the matte look, chrome delete is another alternative that complements the aesthetics of Teslas. That’s what I started with.
In case you want to go big, ground effects take aerodynamics and appearance to the next level. Matt’s modified Model 3 Performance is a nice example. Let’s dive into each one in detail.
Vinyl Wrap
Vinyl wrap is a growing trend in automotive customization, and with fewer color options to choose from, Tesla owners love it. It’s a great way to personalize and protect your ride!
A partial wrap allowing you to add a little custom touch to your car typically costs around $1,000. A full wrap is anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the Tesla model and the material quality. That’s without applying a paint protection film (PPF).
Tesla now offers PPF wraps for Model 3 and Model Y in a few of the company’s service centers in California. The price is $8,000, and I assume we’ll see it available across the country by mid-2024.
Window Tint
Tinting your windows will enhance the looks of your Tesla and improve comfort, privacy, and protection from the sun.
Our Model 3 came partially tinted from the factory, but it wasn’t dark enough for me. I’m not sure if it was effective in terms of heat reduction and UV protection either, so I spent $500 on that.
There are many guides on how to tint your windows, but I think it’s better to have the work done by professionals. It carries less risk of bubbles or peeling.
A partial tint would cost you from $350 to $550 while tinting all the glass with high-end materials will be in the $1,000 range. DIY tints are cheaper, but based on my experience, they don’t last as long.
Chrome Delete
I love all the chrome on American classics, but not on Teslas. It feels outdated. Getting rid of all the chrome was the first thing I did on our Model 3, but I paid way too much for it.
It was more than 3 years ago, and the lowest quote I got was $450. The good news is that in 2024, you can get a Chrome Delete kit for less than $200. It seems relatively easy to DIY it, and it’s a great addition to tinted windows.
Brake Calipers
Customizing your brake calipers is another affordable way to enhance the looks of any Tesla model. You can buy brake caliper covers in many different colors and styles, costing you between $100 and $300.
However, many Tesla Model 3 owners are complaining about the quality of the covers, so I had mine powder-coated. You can either do that or have them panted. This way, you can also add a custom logo of your choice.
Wheels Powder Coating
Not happy with your factory Tesla wheels? Don’t want to pay for a nice set of aftermarket rims? Powder coating is the way to go. You’ll give your wheels better looks and protection.
Powder coating is a process that uses heat and electricity to bond a colored layer onto the surfaces with an average cost of $500.
If that’s not your thing, you can also explore aftermarket wheel covers. They come in very cool designs.
Body Upgrades
Installing a full-body kit makes any car stand out, and Teslas are no exception. I’ve seen some stout kits for Model X and Model S. Such upgrades include bumpers, diffusers, spoilers, side skirts, custom trunk lids, and hoods.
Tuners offer complete body kits of ABS plastic, fiberglass, lightweight aluminum, or carbon fiber. The price depends on the material and varies from $3,000 to over $10,000.
I wouldn’t go for the cheap ones, as they’re heavy and inefficient. You can see my body kit recommendations for Model 3 in this round-up post.
While a widebody kit will improve your Tesla aerodynamics and appearance, you can easily exceed your budget when combining it with other upgrades.
In this case, I suggest selecting individual body mods that will still give your vehicle a sleek look and won’t break the bank.
A combination of a front lip and a rear spoiler is not as expensive, and you can install it yourself, paying less than $1,000 for the parts.
There are some cheaper options for Model 3 and Y on Amazon and eBay, but looking at the customer reviews, the fitment isn’t great. Of course, there are exceptions.
When it comes to carbon fiber covers for side mirrors, turn signals, and foglights, you can find some great deals online. For about $300, you can get all three mods.
Tesla Interior Customization
I think Tesla left the most room for improvement inside their vehicles. Features like enhanced autopilot and full self-driving are great when it comes to technology, but the style isn’t there.
There are some easy and effective ways to customize your interior, as well as many aftermarket products for Teslas. Here are the most popular in 2024.
Floor Mats
Like all cars, Tesla comes with floor mats. Honestly, these are not great, and that’s not just my opinion. Replacing the floor mats with aftermarket ones is a no-brainer. Plenty of options are available.
I bought the all-weather rubber mats for my Model 3. They look better, will probably last longer, and keep my vehicle clean by capturing all the dirt. I paid a little over $200 for the complete set.
You can see my mats and the ones my man Pete bought for his Model Y in my Tesla winter accessories article. You’ll see other very cool products as well.
Led Lighting Kit
Upgrading the interior lights is a very common thing, especially among Tesla Model 3 owners. The factory lights are so dim that you barely see the seat when entering your car at night.
Aftermarket lighting kits are easy to install and not expensive. You can find everything from basic LED strips, which I bought, to ultra RGB ambient kits. The prices vary from $50 to over $300, depending on the features.
Center Console
While things get better in the latest models, the center console you’ll find in Tesla vehicles is still fairly basic. A simple enhancement like a vinyl wrap will add some style to your center console for around $50. If you prefer a real carbon fiber cover instead of a wrap, you’re looking at the $150-$200 range.
Other Components
The center console is just the beginning. Naturally, you’ll want to match it with other components of your Tesla interior. I have combined it with an armrest cover.
There are upgrades for the dashboard, steering wheel, window switch panel, door inserts, etc., so you could easily spend another $1,000 here.
If you want to go that route, I’ll give you a tip to save time.
Don’t order different parts from various websites. There are full interior trim kits that consist of 30+ pieces. You can choose bundles and add individual components while monitoring the total cost. A complete kit is worth around $2,500.
Steering Wheel
Upgrading the trim of your steering wheel and the center console is a good option if you don’t want to spend too much. You’ll pay not more than $300 for real carbon fiber on Amazon.
If you want a different shape and look, there is a large selection of custom steering wheels for all models. These are worth from $500 to $2,000.
Upholstery Upgrade
There are only two things you can do regarding your Tesla upholstery. Seat covers are the cheaper option. Adding some flavor by changing the interior color while protecting the original seat will cost you between $200 and $300.
With custom upholstery, the options are virtually unlimited, but be prepared for a 5-figure bill. My buddy Jeff paid $15,000 for car seats and door inserts on his Model X. Keep in mind that this is the lower price range of reputable auto upholstery shops.
You can see some custom interiors in this article and get inspired to do your own design.
Audio System
Most Tesla owners with the premium audio system are quite happy with it. That wasn’t the case with me and my Model 3 as it’s not all-wheel drive. It came with the standard 8-speaker/1-amplifier package, and it sucked.
I had a 2001 BMW 3-series that sounded way better – the solution: A $750 easy-to-install upgrade designed for Model 3. Speaker upgrade kits are available for any Tesla model, selling at around $800 on average.
Or you can go wild and completely transform your trunk and audio experience like AJ of RUINED EV did with his Model 3 Performance. Keep in mind that Tesla’s electric system behaves differently, and doing such an audio upgrade is a challenge.
Accessories
Adding accessories to your Tesla won’t have a major impact on style. However, making your vehicle more comfortable and protecting the interior components from wear and tear is still part of automotive customization.
A windshield shade won’t keep the heat out completely, but preserving your interior is worth the $25 – $50. For the same price, you could also get a screen protector.
I don’t know about you, but I spent 3-4 hours in my car daily. The $42 I “invested” in the center console organizer and steering wheel tray made my life easier.
Tesla Performance Modifications
Most Tesla owners I’ve talked to are quite happy with the performance of their electric cars, and so am I at this point. That doesn’t mean performance upgrades are a bad thing. Just make sure you stay away from mods that are against the law.
You can get better traction, braking, and ride quality; improving your vehicle’s acceleration is possible too. Tesla S Plaid enthusiasts are running some wild 1/4 mile times. So let’s talk about those.
Acceleration
The $2,000 “Acceleration Boost” is a popular hack among Tesla Model 3 and Model Y owners. Improving 0-60 mph by 0.5 seconds sounds fun, but some things must be considered.
For example, you’ll need to change tires more often. Here is a complete guide on the Acceleration Boost in case you want to learn more.
Wheels & Tires
Aftermarket wheels are not just for looks. Even kids know that automakers’ standard setups are far from optimal.
Those who care mainly about getting a flush fitment can find decent rims for Model 3/Y for a little over $1,000 or around $2,000 for Model X and Model S. In case you prefer wheels made for another automotive brand, you can install those using adapters.
Wheels that significantly impact your driving range and dynamics will cost you anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000. Most exclusive options that are made of premium aluminum and carbon fiber have a price tag of up to $20K.
Wheel locks and bands are some essential accessories to consider in order to protect your new rims from damage and thieves.
As for the rubber, wrapping up my Model 3 wheels in top-quality tires is a must. They last longer and keep me safe on the road.
Suspension Upgrades
You can easily adjust the height and enhance the ride quality of most Tesla vehicles without changing the shocks. Lowering springs are the most common upgrades for Model 3 and Y owners, with best-quality products priced in the $300 range.
Adjustable shocks are in the $2,000 range, and better steering response will cost you another $500 for a set of sway bars. Coilovers are the way to go if you’re into more sporty driving. A set of good-quality spacers will complement it.
For around $2,000, you can get a nice set of coilovers for the street, while high-performance versions for the race track start at $5,000.
Getting Teslas on airbags is one of the 2024 modding trends. You can see EVs on air suspension not only at car shows but also on the street. Airride kits are currently priced between $3,000 and $5,000.
Brake Modification
Despite the ABS system and regenerative braking, Tesla owners have various options when it comes to upgrading their brakes. The right one for you is determined by how heavy your foot is on the pedal.
Good quality OEM brake rotors and pad replacement can be purchased for $750 on average. I paid a little over $1,000 for my Model 3.
If you want to take your braking experience to a whole new level, you need a big front brake kit. Reputable brands will charge you anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the options you choose.
Do you remember my buddy Jeff and the Model X I mentioned earlier? Well, he is the type of car guy who goes for top-notch upgrades only. He paid $7,800 for a real deal supercar brake kit, and his Tesla Model X stops better than any modified street car I’ve driven before.
Tesla Customization FAQ
1. What are the most popular mods among Tesla owners?
As you may know, Tesla offers a very limited number of colors. Therefore, vinyl wrap is what most people start the personalization of their vehicle. Other popular exterior mods include window tint, chrome delete, custom emblems, and wheels.
When it comes to the interior, the majority of Tesla owners start with the center console. The next step would be adding carbon fiber accents or a full-trim package. Steering wheel and audio system upgrades are also very common.
Modifying the suspension and installing brake kits is what people do to improve the performance of their electric cars. Early-generation Tesla model owners often change batteries and upgrade chargers.
2. How does customizing my Tesla affect its resale value?
Customization can positively and negatively affect any Tesla model’s resale value. Using high-quality parts will always be in your favor, but you should also consider what are the mods in demand among Tesla car buyers.
On the other hand, poorly executed or uncommon customizations that don’t appeal to most buyers will decrease the resale value of your Tesla. Significantly altering the car’s performance will have a similar effect, as that’s not a priority for most people on the market for electric cars.
Based on my personal experience, you shouldn’t expect to get back all the money invested in your car when you decide to sell. The only exception would be a limited edition or classic cars with collector value, which isn’t the case with Tesla.
3. Do modifications void my Tesla warranty?
Tesla’s warranty policy states that any modifications made to the vehicle that result in failure will not be covered. However, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits automakers from canceling the warranty due to the installation of aftermarket parts.
In general, if you keep up with routine maintenance and customize your Tesla using high-quality parts, you have nothing to worry about. If you want to build a race car, I suggest you do extensive research and contact legal counsel.
Final Thoughts on Customizing Your Tesla
I do a couple of things before putting my time and money into a custom car.
First, I check whether my budget meets my goals, and then I consider the potential impact on my vehicle.
Do your research, and weigh the pros and cons of each modification. Consider both DIY and professional installation.
With the right approach and a clear understanding of your priorities, you can build a custom Tesla that turns heads and makes you feel great behind the wheel.
Last but not least, don’t install cheap car mods. These will cost you more in the long run.
