Tesla

What is Tesla's Model 3 Ground Clearance?

Pierce Keesee
Pierce Keesee
November 8, 2022
What is Tesla's Model 3 Ground Clearance?

Tesla has been the talk of the current automotive industry. It has risen as a household name and has single-handedly sparked a revolutionary change in the automotive space by introducing a modern electric vehicle line of cars. 

With outstanding features such as autopilot, streaming services, climate control, and countless other features, it is no surprise that Tesla is leading the EV market, and numerous people are edging to get their hands on the new car.

Tesla Model 3

One of Tesla’s sedans that has been successful in the EV market is the Tesla Model 3. The idea behind the Model 3 was to produce a car that provides all the technologically advanced features, including a better driving range, at an affordable cost.

The company understands that affordability is the only thing that can lead to the widespread mass adoption of electric vehicles. Thus, you can find the Model 3 starting at $35,000, along with government incentives for purchasing an EV car.

Another positive aspect about this car is that it does not run on the same air suspension as the Model S. The Model S, instead, tracks perfectly flat to the surface. Hence, the Tesla Model 3 is close to being the perfect sedan for its price range. However, there are still some aspects of the car that can be problematic.

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Exterior design

The overall exterior look of the Model 3 is somewhat controversial. Many car enthusiasts have claimed that it looks submissive and plain. These claims emerge from the contrasting look of the Model S and the Model X, which are more aggressive and mean.  The exterior look of the Model 3 does not correspond to its sporty 0-60 acceleration in 4.4 seconds.

That being said, you can always make certain modifications to the car that make it look more aggressive. These modifications involve installing dark tint to the windshields or upgrading the wheels.

The wide wheel gap affects the Model 3 ground clearance

Many car enthusiasts have pointed out a subtle design aspect in the wheel gap between the car body and the front wheel. Dropping the wheel gap just about an inch would improve the car’s drivability as it lowers the model 3 ground clearance and makes it more centered to the ground. As it helps with model 3 ground clearance, it does other Tesla models. This, in turn, adds more tire grip and traction, which may lead to better handling. However, the car handles well, regardless. Lowering the car will not result in any substantial change.

The door handles

For a technologically advanced and sophisticated car, its door handle design can be disappointing. It does not reflect the practical and user-friendly features of the car. Thus, it can take some time to get accustomed to it.

All-season tires

The problem of the Model 3’s all-season tires is very fixable, and Tesla improves it on most of their performance variants of the car. Despite the Model 3's astounding aspects, they do not equip the car with the appropriate tires for rapid acceleration on dry land.

Having all-season tires can be great for someone living in a location with plenty of rain and snow. However, for someone that lives in California, where the weather is warm and dry for the most part, all-season tires are not ideal.

Instead, having summer tires on the Model 3 improves the car’s overall acceleration and handling. Nonetheless, one could still argue that all-season tires are more practical and efficient because of their harder compounds.

No conventional speedometer

This not only applies to the Tesla Model 3 but all Teslas. When you are seated inside a Tesla, you have to adjust to not having a speedometer conveniently located above the steering wheel.

Every time you drive a Tesla, you have to glance over to your right and check the infotainment screen to keep tabs on your current speed. For some, this can be a distraction from keeping your eyes on the road.

Installation of the charger

This is another problem that many Tesla owners are likely to face after their purchase. The company recommends owners charge their EVs overnight since it is the best charging option for battery health. However, installing a charger inside your garage can be painstaking and time-consuming.

Some homeowners have to change their electrical wiring and upgrade their power source to comply with the charger installation. If homeowners choose to skip this process and rely entirely on public chargers, they have to deal with expensive charging costs.

Hence, the initial costs of installing and purchasing charger equipment can be problematic for some people. However, these initial costs can save you from additional costs in the long run. The preparation that comes with switching your internal combustion engine car to a Tesla Model 3 is something many car owners will refrain from.

Final words

Most of the problems with the Tesla Model 3 noted above are mostly fixable. In addition, each time Tesla introduces renditions to their cars, the common problems seem to diminish time after time.  However, one of the remaining downsides of having an EV is it requires you to set up charger installation, which can create an issue for some people.

You can download the Optiwatt app if you need a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to charge your EV.


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Pierce Keesee
Pierce Keesee

Technology enthusiast with background in battery building and electronic repair

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