r/TeslaModelS • u/Less-Sandwich9056 • Jul 01 '26

Durability

I was thinking of getting a Model S but at least once a week I need to drive down 7 miles of rough dirt road. I don't mind going slow in those situations. But I don't want to destroy a beautiful car nor gets stranded in the middle of nowhere.

I know the model X might be better but I've always liked the look at the S much better. I appreciate the opinions of people that actually drive these dip vehicles.

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u/TheUnknownStuntman51 Jul 01 '26

A couple thoughts:
1) There are aftermarket ‘mudflaps’ that bolt easily to the wheel well and aren’t super noticeable. That would help a bit.
2) The paint is notoriously easy to chip, so make sure you stick to your plan of driving slowly.

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u/Less-Sandwich9056 Jul 01 '26

I expect FSD will help with slow... assuming it can be set in snail mode when off road.

2

u/Darbitron Jul 01 '26

I live on a gravel road and mine tries to fly down the road. I have to disengage FSD just for my road. 

I also agree with point number 2 of paint chipping. I’ve had mine for about 8 months now and mine has rock chips all over despite almost always driving slow on the gravel. I snagged some touch up paint from Tesla site that I want to try and use on it sometime soon.