[Update: new Model 3 items and prices] 10 Must-Have Tesla Model 3 Accessories

Fred Lambert | Oct 11 2018 - 3:23 pm PT

When you get a new Tesla Model 3, it comes fairly well equipped, but it still needs a few accessories – some like any other cars and others specifically for the Model 3.

I purchased, or requested review units, for over 30 accessories to use with the Model 3 and selected the best ones for this post after trying them on my own Model 3.

Some of them I describe as “must-have” because I think they are important to the ownership experience, help with safety, or help retain value over time.

Others are more about aesthetics, which is why I added a few “nice-to-have” instead of “must-have” at the bottom.

Update 10/11/18: the article was updated with new items and prices.

Tesla Model 3 accessories

Portable Air Compressor Pump

A small portable air compressor is good to have in any car, but it can arguably be even more important in the Model 3, especially if you tend to have range anxiety.

To achieve the best efficiency and optimal range, it is important that you maintain the recommended air pressure in your tires.

If you prefer comfort over range and efficiency, you can always slightly deflate your tires as recommended by Tesla CEO Elon Musk:

Ride comfort & aero/road noise already better than CR car, which was early production. Wish we could make the car perfect from day 1, but there’s always room for improvement. Highly recommend dropping tire pressure 10% below max to ~39 psi for comfort. Only affects range by ~2%.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 30, 2018

I went with the EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump (~$40 on Amazon update: currently $35 special). It works with the 12V outlet in the center console of the Model 3 and it easily fits in the lower part section of the Model 3’s trunk.

Quick Tire Repair Kit

Again, that is another accessory that is good for any car, but it is arguably more important for the Model 3 because it doesn’t have a spare tire, like many modern cars.

There are roadside assistance services today that make this less relevant, but I like to be ready for anything. Having a small tire repair kit on board gives some peace of mind.

I used this stop and go kit ($45 on Amazon) and leave it with the air pump. Of course, it won’t work for all repairs, but anyone can use it for the most common problems like running over nails and things like that.

Model 3 Center Screen Protector

Now that’s something specific to the Model 3. I love the center touchscreen, but it is a fingerprint magnet.

It also appears quite vulnerable, like a smartphone screen, so I decided to install a screen protector.

I used the Topfit Tempered Glass Touch Screen Protector ($37 on Amazon) custom-made for the Model 3. The installation is ultra simple and it is forgiving. I manage to remove any air bubble in a few minutes.

They say it reduces the reflection and fingerprints. I definitely noticed less smudge and fingerprints, but I feel like the reflection is the same with or without the tempered glass.

It also doesn’t affect the responsiveness of the touchscreen.

I recommend the product. It both improves your experience and it also protects the screen, which will help your car retain its value.

Update: some people recommended to me to another cheaper one ($25 on Amazon). It appears to be similar, but I cannot vouch for the effectiveness like the Topfit one above.

Model 3 Center Console Wrap

Now this sounds like a purely aesthetic accessory and not a “must-have”, but I’d argue that it is actually essential.

If you think the touchscreen is a fingerprint magnet, wait until you see the smudges on the piano black center console:

On top of the smudges, I think the shiny black of the center console makes it obvious that it is plastic. It sticks out like a sore thumb in an otherwise great-looking interior.

The good news is that it is a relatively easy fix.

A bunch of vendors started offering wraps custom-made for the Model 3 center console. I tried a few and I highly recommend it.

It improves your whole interior for a few bucks and about 30 minutes of work.

After trying a few different ones, I find that I prefer Kenriko’s Model 3 console wraps. I currently have the Matrix Black one ($30 on Amazon). I like it so much that I think and I will also do the door trims so that nothing in the interior looks like plastic.

They also offer a bunch of different colors like Matte Black and Matte White. I know it’s subjective, but I think any of them looks better than the shiny black. I don’t know why Tesla went with that because it makes it look cheap.

Model 3 floor mats

I’d argue that floor mats are a must-have in most climates. For my Model S, I bought Tesla’s own floor mats and I regretted it. They are very expensive and in my opinion, they are too bulky.

For my Model 3, I tested a few different ones and I think I am keeping the ToughPRO Tesla Model 3 Floor Mats Set ($85 on Amazon):

It’s a fraction of the price of Tesla’s own set and I think it meshes a lot better with the interior.

Of course, floor mats makes it a lot easier to clean and it will also reduce floor wear, which is going to help your car retain its value.

Tough Pro also has another floor mat kit for Model 3 that also includes mats for the trunk, frunk, and the storage area ($200 on Amazon).

Model 3 Door Sill Clear Protection Vinyl

This one might sound dumb, but I think it’s important. From my experience with the Model S and what we are already seeing on some Model 3’s, the chrome doorsill is easily subject to scratches.

Best door sill protection vinyl for Tesla Model 3, Model S, and more

I installed a simple Premium 3M Scotchgard Pro Material ($28 on Amazon) on each side:

It takes 5 minutes and you can’t see the difference once it’s dry. It’s another trick to help keep the vehicle pristine and help retain its value.

Model 3 Wireless Phone Charger

Now that’s not necessarily a must-have for everyone, but it is for me. Tesla’s phone charging setup didn’t work well for me. I could never get my phone to slide in properly.

These days, most phones are equipped with wireless charging technology and adding a charging pad to the center console makes chagring your phone in the Model 3 a lot easier.

I tried a bunch of different ones and I find the Nomad charging pad custom-made for the Model 3 to be the best option by far:

It fits perfectly into the section of the center console made to hold the phones. It is also equipped with a battery pack, which slowly charges from the USB outlets underneath the console in order to deliver the power quicker through the battery pack.

Best wireless smartphone chargers for Tesla Model 3, Model S, and more

It’s a perfect solution in every way except for the price. Nomad makes “premium” products and that’s reflected in their prices.

Their Model 3 wireless charger costs $150. They are currently taking pre-orders for the next production batch at $130.

You can also make the Nomad a lot better with a dual USB port 12v charger ($9 on Amazon) and 2 male-to-female USB cables ($6.50 on Amazon) in order to plug into the 12v outlet instead of the front USB outlets, which can also be used for things like Tesla’s dashcam feature.

If you don’t want to spend that kind of money, you can always use one of those one-size-fits-all regular wireless chargers or if you want to stick with wireless, the EEIEER Tesla Model 3 Car Center Console Wireless Phone Charger is currently available for just $50 on Amazon.

Keep your Model 3 clean

You have a beautiful new car and you are going to want to keep it clean.

Of course, there are tons of different ways to do that and everyone has their own preferences, but here’s my own favorite: Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit ($38 on Amazon):

It’s a simple highly-rated product which can be used without or with only very little water.

For the interior, cord-free handheld vacuums are very helpful if don’t already have one. Dyson has one especially for cars ($200 on Amazon), but there are also cheaper options.

Nice-to-have Tesla Model 3 Accessories

Those following accessories are not “must-have” in my opinion, but some of them could be interesting to some of you.

I like the Custom Fit Cup and Center Console Liner for Tesla Model 3 ($25 on Amazon). Cleaning inside those things after spilling some coffee or something is always a nightmare. This accessory makes it a lot easier.

You can also replace your puddle lights in 5 minutes with those cool-looking lights ($43 on Amazon) that project Tesla’s logo on the ground:

Not specific to Model 3, but it’s also always nice to have a roadside safety kit ($42 on Amazon) inside your car to always be prepared.

If you don’t have a Model 3 Performance, you can still get the aluminum pedal-look ($46 on Amazon).

Chrome delete is also becoming popular with the Model 3 and some products are now available just for the door handles.

It’s an interesting and cheap alternative to a full chrome delete and getting some good reviews ($20 on Amazon):

It’s available in all the different color options for the Model 3.

Some people also recommended adding heatshields/sunshade to the list. It’s not something we use a lot in Quebec, but if you are somewhere sunny and you need to park outside, it’s going to be a good investment ($40 on Amazon):

Here are all the quick links to buy those products if you are interested (update: some items have been sold out after this post went live, but you can still order most of them as they restock next week):