After waiting months and maybe even years, it is natural for most people to want to run in on delivery day to pick up their much anticipated brand new Tesla Model 3 and take it out for a ride. But trust us, take the time to familiarize yourself with and go over a checklist in preparation for your pickup day.
A checklist will give you a systematic way to evaluate your new car so that you don’t get completely overwhelmed and distracted by the lights and shimmering glamour of the Tesla Center. Stay focused and make sure you are getting the flawless piece of technology that you have waited so long and paid so much for.
Without a game plan, it is too easy to miss glaring flaws in your new vehicle. These vehicles have amazing technology but they are also produced by a relatively new company at a fast rate possibly in a tent. You need to check down to the fine details and don’t be embarrassed about it. Take your time.
There are a lot of different checklists available out there. After hours of research, we found the following checklist from Model 3 Owner’s Club by Brokedoc to be most thorough and helpful. It is adapted from Nick Howe’s Model S Checklist and it is what we used when we picked up our cars.
So here is the checklist:
❏ Make Sure Charging Arrangements are done. Level 2 is best (Tesla Wall Connector or 220v NEMA14-50 for UMC). A nearby 110v wall plug can work but is painfully slow @ 4-5 mph and no extension cords.
❏ Finish all the steps on the MyTesla Page for documentation, license, insurance, payments, etc. The Tesla Specialist that set up your delivery appointment should have made sure all of the paperwork was done. Double check that the registration name on the Tesla account is the same as the name the DMV papers will be registered to.
❏ Download the Tesla app on your phone so it can be paired on delivery day.
❏ Check for State and Federal incentives and how to sign up for local HOV permits. A
good place to start is https://pluginamerica.org/why-go-plug-in/state-federal-incentives/
❏ Consider signing up for or downloading useful charging programs/apps like Chargepoint
and Plugshare
❏ Your phone (to pair with the car, set up phone key and take lots of pictures/videos)
❏ A friend to take photos/videos – you’ll be too busy!
❏ A USB stick with some music (to test and make sure the USB fits OK and to listen to
your Maiden Voyage Song!)
❏ Paperwork JUST IN CASE: Driver’s License, Checkbook, Proof of Insurance (if required
in your state to take delivery), spouse if loan/paperwork needs cosigning.
❏ If you have a trade-in, bring the title and two keys/keyfobs. Make sure to take the license plate home if it won’t be transferred or if Tesla won’t surrender it for you in your state. If you cannot find the title or will not get it in time for the delivery, don’t stress too much as Tesla will have you sign a document allowing Tesla to payoff any lien on your behalf and handle everything.
❏ • Is it your car? (yes, believe it or not, someone had the wrong car delivered)
❏ • Make sure VIN matches paperwork
❏ • Correct battery size
❏ • Correct paint color?
❏ • Correct interior color?
❏ • Correct Trim/Options when available
❏ • Correct Wheels? (make sure get what you paid for if you order 19” or 20” option)
❏ • Two key cards
❏ • Temporary registration (if needed in your state)
❏ • Tire Inflation Kit (MD and RI only, optional extra everywhere else)
❏ • Front and rear floor mats
❏ • Chrome ‘Tesla’ or ‘Model 3’ license plate frame (check the Trunk/frunk if you can’t
find it)
❏ • Front license plate mount – should be mounted for you in the states that require it (check
the frunk if you can’t find it; see the ‘other things to do’ section below for alternate mounting solutions)
❏ • Universal Mobile Connector Gen 2 (UMC) cable with standard adapters and carry bag ❏ NEMA 5-15 110V adapter, NEMA 14-50 240V adapter, J1772 public charging adapter ❏ Tow Hook
❏ Two USB cables for docking (one Lightning, one MicroUSB) ❏ Diecast Model 3 for Line Waiting reservationists
Things that might be problematic – make sure they work
❏ a. UMC latches and unlatches without problems. Make sure you push the cable in. Takes
a bit of getting used to. Can feel like it is in when it has stopped part way. ❏ b. Charge Port Cover opens consistently with manual press or by screen/app ❏ c. Check mobile charger, make sure it works (bad chargers / cables have been
reported)
❏ d. Smart Phone syncing – (most people have been able to get most phones to work,
even clamshell phones. If you are unable to pair, it could be a Bluetooth problem. Let Tesla Service know.) i. contacts ii. Bluetooth music streaming
❏ e. Windshield jets pointing too low or not functioning i. Can be adjusted using a pin in
the jet ii. One owner reported no windshield fluid at delivery
❏ f. Windshield distortion or cracks (especially near leading edge of roof glass)
❏ g. Tire Pressures too high (this is a common one) – should be 45psi; check the label on
the driver B pillar to get the right pressure for your car.
❏ h. Doors/windows open properly. Windows don’t auto close the last inch when closing
the door. Try lowering the window all the way down, then all the way up; may reset the sensor. Check for door alignment also.
❏ i. Verify proper functioning of sensors in all seats. Passengers in the seats without
seatbelts buckled should trigger sensor alert on the screen.
❏ j. Trunk and frunk close easily without excessive effort
❏ k. Protective plastic film was removed from the touchscreen during predelivery prep or
else phantom touches can occur
a. Dirt or unpainted spots under clear coat
b. Scratches/cracks in paint – cracking or defects reported seen especially on the rear trunk between the tail lights and the license plate light in the angle made by the overhang
c. Frayed headliner/bulging trim along the A pillar
d. Underside damage from loading/unloading
e. Wheel/Tire scrapes (sidewall or rims damaged)
f. Be extra alert for interior scrapes/scratches especially for black colored interiors. Some deliveries can happen in poorly lit locations or during extended hours. Interior and exterior cosmetic issues are MUCH easier to get fixed for free if you document that it was there at delivery
g. Misaligned hood or trunk lid. Service can usually adjust this without issues.
h. Dirt/smudges on headliner/seats/trim from delivery driver.
i. General Body Dings,
j. Cracks along the leading edge of the roof glass (panel above the driver),
k. triangular exterior door trim between window and side mirror sits flush
l. Condensation in the rear lights/reflectors
m. Excessive distortion in the rear glass more pronounced along the lower edge and around the defroster lines
n. Glove box door alignment/doesn’t close properly. Open and close the glove box a few times to check that it stays closed.
o. Check that sunshade vanity lights are functioning.
❏ 1. How does charging work? What do the colors on the charge port logo mean?
a. Pulsing White – ready b. Pulsing Yellow – UMC not fully inserted c. Solid Blue – connected and communicating but not charging d. Pulsing Green – charging (can take a minute or two to start) e. Solid Green – charged up f. Red – Failure (possibly hardware)
❏ 2. How to operate windshield wipers
❏ 3. Connect the Model 3 to your smartphone via Bluetooth. a. Are individual contacts lists downloadable. b. Please provide a brief tutorial on the phone system. c. Set up Phone Key
❏ 4. Need demo of all functionality in steering wheel thumb switches
a. Phone controls b. Audio/music controls
❏ 5. How to adjust seats, mirrors, and save driver profile(s)
a. Include setup for side mirrors in backup mode – not intuitive how to do this – to set
❏ the mirrors for reversing you have to put the car in reverse, set the mirrors, then save.
❏ 6. What displays/status information is provided and where can I display it?
❏ 7. How is vehicle status information displayed (e.g., tire pressure warning)?
❏ 8. Demo of voice commands/Navigation.
❏ 9. Walk through all screen displays
❏ 10. Demo iPhone/Android app
❏ 11. How to perform computer reboot.
❏ 12. Pre-install USB cable into dock for your specific smartphone
❏ 13. Demo Valet mode
This abbreviated list is for those that are sick of waiting any longer to get in your Tesla and just DRIVE! You have the complete delivery checklist but don’t want to ruin your unique, streamlined Tesla delivery experience. This abbreviated Delivery Inspection List is designed with the faith in Tesla that if/when something is discovered, Tesla will do the right thing to fix it. Obvious defects like paint defects under the clear coat and broken/misassembled items will be easy to get fixed at the Service Center or by a Mobile Ranger later. What this list will focus on will be safety/usability things that MUST be checked before driving and superficial damage that should be documented before delivery to show that the damage was pre-existing. If the buyer reads through the full checklist and still wants to pay attention to a detail that isn’t on this abbreviated list, write it on the back of the sheet and you should be able get done with this list within 10-15 minutes and go through everything else when you get home.
Often times, you will be able to identify your car waiting for you while the Delivery Specialist is busy with another customer so you can have extra time to look at the exterior and walk around a few times and take pics and selfies. You don’t need a magnifier but make a quick note of any external body damage paying special attention to common ding spots where the car may get dinged in any parking lot. Once you unlock the car, quickly look in the Frunk and trunk to make sure they can be opened/closed easily. Check for signs of water leakage into the Frunk/Trunk and make sure you have the mobile charger, tow hook, and charger adapters. You should also check the rims/wheels and underside to make sure there was no excessive damage during transport.
Make sure the screen is responsive to your touches and that touches in the various parts of the screen activate the icon that you meant to activate (i.e. – no phantom touches and screen inputs are accurate and functioning properly) While playing with the screen, press on the Tesla “T” logo to pull up your vehicle specs. Make sure the mileage is appropriate (generally less than 50 miles for new cars) and that the VIN matches the car you are buying. Set the mirrors, steering column, and seats to your preference and save them in your driver profile. This makes sure the power mirrors and seats and scroll wheels at least function safely enough to drive. Put the car in reverse to check that the Backup Cam is working properly. Make sure you get the USB phone cables if the DS didn’t install them for you already. Check that all seatbelts click in securely.
This will be easier to get fixed if noted on the due bill. Look for your “MiniMe” Tesla (not in Canada yet).
Because you do now! Congrats and welcome to the Tesla family. Just don’t drive too fast because the person who drove you to pick up your Tesla is following in an ICE and can’t keep up.
❏ a. Make sure your charging arrangement works as soon as you get home so you will still
have time to get it fixed before you NEED to charge
❏ b. Set up HomeLink for garage door(s)
Some people have found this to be difficult. If you are having problems during “learning”, aim the remote to the front passenger headlight. Others have had to hold the remote inside the middle of the frunk or against the front lip of the frunk and on the frunk floor. The code learning is done close to the garage as you may need to press the red button on the garage door unit to finish the learning process. Afterwards, drive your car into your driveway to update your geofence settings so your garage door can automatically open when you reach the preset location.
❏ c. Set up Home Address/Work Address in Navigation.
❏ d. Set up Valet Passcode if not done at delivery
Tell the Delivery Specialist. Depending on the nature of the problem, either get it noted on the due bill, or in extremis refuse to accept the car. If a problem is documented in the due bill, it is proven to have been present when you took ownership of the car.
You will be excited to get your new car. Tesla DS are delivering MANY cars daily now and may not be able to stay with you while you inspect the car but you can take your time in the parking lot to make sure that you’ve been over the car with a fine tooth comb and you are completely satisfied. Make sure you take a copy of the due bill if you can. These guys are generally very good, so even if there are issues they’ll make sure everything gets fixed ASAP.
If you spot anything after (s)he leaves, contact the DS and let them know, and make sure you email them so there is a written record, and follow up with a phone call. You want your new car to be perfect.
IF you need to bring your car back to Tesla to address issues on the Due Bill, try make sure they have a Tesla loaner for you. A Tesla loaner is NOT guaranteed unless you specify when you make your appointment.
Many thanks to Nick Howe. Adapted from his Model S Checklist.
Enjoy your new and perfect Tesla Model 3!
