Tesla Model 3 Performance Mud Flaps update (Still Worth It?)
Invisible Tesla Mud Flaps / Splash Guards by Tesery after 2 months real-world testing on my Model 3 Performance. How well do these Tesla stealth mud flaps protect the paint? Do they still look good? Are these Tesla splash guards still worth buying? If you’re thinking about PPF on the rocker panels or traditional mud flaps, watch this first!
Get them here on the Tesery website (use code MAXIMAALSKI for best discount)
Tesla invisible stealth mud flaps & splash guards benefits
For a car like the Model 3 Performance, “stealth” or “invisible” mudflaps are a popular choice because they solve a specific design flaw without disrupting the car’s aerodynamics or clean lines.
Here are the primary benefits of using low-profile, stealth mudflaps:
1. Protection Against “Sandblasting”
The Model 3’s body narrows toward the center, leaving the rear rocker panels and the area in front of the rear wheels flared out. This makes them a direct target for debris kicked up by the front tires.
- Paint Preservation: They prevent road salt, grit, and small stones from “sandblasting” the lower paintwork.
- Corrosion Resistance: By keeping moisture and salt away from the metal joins behind the wheel well, you reduce the long-term risk of surface rust.
2. Aesthetic Minimalist Design
Traditional mudflaps can look bulky and “truck-like,” which clashes with the sleek aesthetic of a performance EV.
- Near-Invisible Profile: Brands like Tesery or Basenor design these to follow the exact contour of the wheel arch. From a few feet away, they blend into the black plastic trim of the wheel well and are barely noticeable.
- No “Flap” Look: They are typically rigid and small, providing protection right at the source of the spray rather than hanging low to the ground.
3. Maintaining Aerodynamic Efficiency
Range is king for Teslas. Large, flat mudflaps act like mini-parachutes, creating air resistance.
- Low Drag: Stealth mudflaps are engineered to be as small as possible while still shielding the impact zone. This minimizes the “Wh/km” (watt-hour per kilometer) penalty, ensuring your range stays nearly identical to a car without them.
4. Ground Clearance & Speed Bumps
Because the Model 3 Performance sits lower than the Long Range or RWD models (especially the 2025 version with its tuned suspension), traditional long mudflaps often scrape on speed bumps or steep driveways.
- No Scrape: Stealth versions are short enough to avoid contact with the ground, preventing that annoying “crunching” sound and potential damage to the fender liner.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Standard Mudflaps | Stealth / Invisible Mudflaps |
| Protection | Maximum coverage | Targeted (High-impact areas) |
| Visuals | Very noticeable | Blends with wheel well |
| Range Impact | Minor drag increase | Negligible / None |
| Installation | Often requires drilling | Typically “No-Drill” (Uses existing clips) |
Note on Installation: Most stealth mudflaps use the existing factory “push-pins” or bolts already in your wheel well. This means you can install them in about 10 minutes per side without needing to take the wheels off, provided you turn the front wheels to gain clearance.
Feedback
Check out my original installation video here. Do you prefer mud flaps or PPF on your Tesla? Do you drive a lot in sports mode or do you prefer standard suspension in your Tesla Model 3 or Y Performance? Please help grow my YouTube channel by subscribing or becoming a premium channel member, so I can test, review and compare new products. Please support my channel and use my Tesla promo code for a big discount on your new car or free supercharger Miles.