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Are you a keep-it-original type of person, or do you modify it to make it your unique car?
Neither is wrong, but it’s an art of making your car stand out, and the great thing is, your car can be a personal statement. Either way, you win.
Let’s check out what Kevin Pike on the Tesla Model Y Facebook owners page says, and then see what mods can do for your Tesla Model Y or any car.
In the rapidly expanding world of electric vehicles, certain cars, like the Tesla Model Y, capture your attention. When one gets a few mods, it stands out even more. Some Model Ys possess an almost magnetic pull for compliments, leaving their owners delightfully bewildered. Here’s why.
Kevin Pike recently articulated this phenomenon perfectly: “I’ve never had so many compliments on a car! I’ve owned some cool cars/trucks over the years, and I have always done little touches to make them stand out, like adding these wheels, but man! This Tesla Model Y gets compliments everywhere I go!”
It’s a joy he never knew he was missing.
Kevin’s observation points to a more profound truth about automotive aesthetics and the power of subtle personalization.
As someone who’s covered the automotive industry for over 13 years at Torque News, I can tell you that while Tesla’s sleek, minimalist design ethos is a key part of its appeal, it’s often the “little touches” that elevate a mass-produced vehicle into a unique expression of its owner’s taste.
So, what exactly is Kevin doing right, and how can other Tesla Model Y owners tap into this secret formula for head-turning appeal?
Beyond the Showroom Floor
Kevin’s simple statement, “like adding these wheels,” offers the most significant clue. The wheels on any vehicle are arguably the single most impactful visual modification one can make. From the factory, Tesla Model Ys typically come with either the Gemini wheels (with aero covers) or the Induction wheels. Both are functional and aesthetically pleasing in their own right, but they don’t stand out.
Here is what Kevin Did
When Kevin mentions “adding these wheels,” he’s referring to aftermarket wheels. The correct set of aftermarket wheels can dramatically alter a car’s entire demeanor, transforming it from a standard commuter into a bespoke machine.
Kevin’s Wheels
He purchased 20X9 ET+35 Giovanna Haleb gloss black wheels. Then he wrapped them in 255/40/20 Continental ExtremeContact Sport DWS06 A/S tires.
The cost? $2,112 for four wheels and four tires, totaling $1,283. Total $3,395.
Here’s why wheels have such a profound impact:
- Stance and Proportion: Aftermarket wheels, especially those with slightly different offsets or larger diameters, can change the perceived stance of the car, making it look lower, wider, and more aggressive or elegant. This alters the vehicle’s overall proportions in a way that stock wheels simply cannot.
- Visual Interest: Factory wheels are often designed for efficiency and mass appeal. Aftermarket options, however, come in an astonishing array of designs, finishes (e.g., matte black, bronze, polished chrome), and spoke patterns. These intricate or bold designs catch the eye and provide a focal point that breaks the monotony of the bodywork.
- Exclusivity: Even if a particular aftermarket wheel design is popular, it’s still far less common than factory options. This touch of exclusivity signals that the owner has invested thought and effort into personalizing their vehicle, which discerning eyes appreciate.
- Reflecting Personal Style: Wheels are like a car’s footwear – they say a lot about its personality. A performance-oriented multi-spoke wheel screams sportiness, while a clean, concave design hints at understated luxury. Kevin’s chosen wheels likely resonated with his personal aesthetic, creating a cohesive and appealing package.
In essence, Kevin’s Model Y receives compliments because it presents a familiar, desirable canvas (the Model Y itself) but with a distinct, premium, or sporty flair that signals individuality. It’s the difference between a well-fitting suit and a tailored one.
How Other Owners Can Make Their Model Y Stand Out
Wheel Upgrades:
- Consider Flow Formed or Forged: These are lighter and stronger than cast wheels, improving performance and often coming in more aggressive designs.
- Finish Matters: Gloss black, satin bronze, brushed silver, or even custom powder-coating can dramatically change the look. Match or contrast with your car’s paint for maximum impact.
- Tire Pairing: Don’t forget that the right low-profile or performance tire can complete the look and enhance handling.
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Wraps and Paint Protection Film (PPF):
- Full Color Change Wraps: This is the most dramatic way to transform your car’s appearance without a permanent repaint. Imagine a Model Y in matte military green, vibrant satin blue, or a striking metallic flake. Wraps also protect the original paint.
- Satin or Matte PPF: If you love your car’s original color but want a distinct look, a full satin or matte PPF can give your gloss paint a sophisticated, understated finish while also protecting it from chips and scratches.
- Partial Wraps/Accents: Blacking out chrome (chrome delete), adding racing stripes, or wrapping mirrors in a contrasting color can create visual intrigue.
Suspension Modifications:
- Lowering Springs: A subtle drop (typically 1-1.5 inches) can significantly improve the car’s stance, reducing fender gap and giving it a more athletic posture. This often pairs perfectly with aftermarket wheels.
- Coil-Overs: For those seeking adjustable ride height and damping, coil-overs offer a more aggressive and tunable solution, ideal for performance enthusiasts. Be mindful of ride comfort implications.
Lighting Enhancements:
- Puddle Lights: Swapping out standard puddle lights for those that project the Tesla logo or a custom design when the doors open is a small but noticeable touch.
- Interior Ambient Lighting: Adding LED strips to the cabin can create a modern, high-tech ambiance, especially at night.
- Custom Headlights/Taillights: While more involved and potentially complex due to modern vehicle electronics, aftermarket lighting assemblies can offer unique DRL (Daytime Running Light) patterns or sequential turn signals.
Aero and Body Kit Elements:
Lip Spoilers and Diffusers: Adding a subtle carbon fiber or gloss black lip spoiler to the trunk, or a rear diffuser, can give the Model Y a more aggressive, performance-oriented look.
Kevin added a lip spoiler; check it out here.
- Side Skirt Extensions: These can visually lower the car and enhance its lines.
- Carbon Fiber Accents: Replacing mirror caps, pillar trims, or interior dashboard pieces with carbon fiber elements adds a premium, sporty touch. The key here is quality and subtlety.
Brake Caliper Painting:
A relatively inexpensive modification that yields significant visual impact, especially with open-spoke wheels. Painting your calipers in a vibrant color like red, yellow, or blue can draw attention to your wheels and add a sporty contrast.
Interior Personalization:
- Custom Floor Mats: High-quality, custom-fit floor mats with unique stitching or materials can instantly upgrade the cabin feel.
- Seat Covers/Upholstery: While a larger investment, custom seat covers or a full re-upholstery can completely transform the interior aesthetic and comfort.
- Dash/Console Wraps: Applying a vinyl wrap to the wood trim or center console can change the texture and color, personalizing the interior space.
Essential Considerations Before Modifying
Before diving into modifications, it’s crucial to weigh a few critical factors:
- Warranty: Certain modifications, particularly those affecting powertrain or complex electronics, could impact your Tesla warranty. Research thoroughly.
- Legality: Ensure any modifications comply with local traffic laws (e.g., window tint percentages, lighting color).
- Resale Value: While some tasteful modifications can enhance resale value, overly specific or low-quality changes deter future buyers.
- Professional Installation: For all but the simplest mods, professional installation is highly recommended to ensure quality, safety, and longevity, protecting both your investment and your vehicle.
- Personal Taste Above All: Ultimately, your car is an extension of you. Choose modifications that genuinely appeal to your aesthetic and enhance your driving experience.
The Art of Standing Out
Kevin Pike’s experience with his Tesla Model Y perfectly illustrates that even in a sea of identical vehicles, thoughtful personalization can make all the difference.
The Model Y, with its clean lines and modern appeal, is an ideal canvas for owners looking to inject their personality. Whether it’s a striking set of aftermarket wheels, a unique full body wrap, or a combination of subtle interior and exterior accents, making your Model Y truly “yours” is the key to turning heads and collecting those coveted compliments.
So, we want to hear from you.
What have you done to make your Tesla Model Y a reflection of your unique style? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Tesla Model 3 story: I Used to Bash EVs, ICE for life, But After Driving One, I Fell In Love, So I Bought This Tesla Model 3, But I’ll Continue To Bash the Cybertruck, the Thing is Ugly
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Kevin Pike
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Source: torquenews.com
