You spent six figures on a Tesla Model S. The acceleration pins you to your seat, the autopilot feels like the future, and the minimalist interior turns heads everywhere. But there’s one problem — that gorgeous 17-inch touchscreen sits exposed, collecting fingerprints, glare, and micro-scratches from every passenger who touches it.
After owning my Model S for two years, I realized the best Tesla Model S accessories aren’t the flashy ones. They’re the practical upgrades that protect your investment and make daily driving smoother. And the best part? Most of them install in under 15 minutes with zero tools.
This guide walks you through exactly how to install one of the most impactful accessories — a tempered glass screen protector — step by step. I’ll also cover other must-have Model S accessories and the mistakes I see owners make constantly.
What You’ll Need for This Installation
Before you start, gather everything. Nothing’s worse than halfway through an install and realizing you’re missing something.
- A quality tempered glass screen protector sized for the Model S display (17-inch portrait orientation for 2021+ models, or the older dual-screen setup for pre-refresh models)
- Microfiber cloth — the lint-free kind, not the one from your kitchen drawer
- Alcohol wipe (usually included with screen protectors)
- Dust removal sticker (also typically included)
- 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time
You don’t need any tools. No screwdrivers, no trim removal kits, no YouTube tutorial open on your phone while you panic. This is genuinely one of the easiest Tesla Model S accessories to install yourself.
Compatibility note: The Model S has gone through significant changes. Pre-refresh models (2012–2020) have a different display layout than 2021+ refresh models. Make sure you order the right size. If you’re unsure which generation you have, Tesla’s official Model S support page breaks it down clearly.
Step-by-Step: How to Install a Screen Protector on Your Model S
Step 1: Clean Your Screen Thoroughly (3 Minutes)
Turn off your display first. Go to Controls > Display > Screen Off, or just let it go to sleep. Working on a dark screen makes dust and smudges visible.
Wipe the entire screen with the alcohol wipe. Get into the corners where grime builds up. Follow immediately with the dry microfiber cloth, using small circular motions from center outward.
Tip: Do this in a garage or indoor space. Wind kicks up dust particles that will get trapped under the protector, and once they’re there, you’ll see them every single day.
Step 2: Use the Dust Sticker (1 Minute)
Even after wiping, tiny particles remain invisible to the naked eye. Press the dust removal sticker gently across the entire screen surface, then peel it off. This lifts anything the cloth left behind.
Tip: Don’t skip this step. I did once. Your fingerprints on the adhesive side will create bubbles that won’t come out.
Align the top edge first, matching it with the screen’s bezel. Most quality protectors have alignment guides — use them. The goal is to get it centered on the first try because repositioning weakens the adhesive.
Tip: If your hands aren’t steady, ask someone to help. One person holds the protector while the other peels back the film. This is the hardest part, but it’s still a 2/5 on the difficulty scale.
Step 4: Apply and Push Out Air (3 Minutes)
Once aligned, press gently in the center and let the adhesive grip. Then use the microfiber cloth to push outward from the center toward the edges. This forces air bubbles out the sides.
Any remaining small bubbles usually disappear within 24-48 hours as the adhesive settles. Large bubbles? You likely have dust underneath and need to reapply.
Tip: Press firmly but don’t use your fingernails on the protector’s surface. Tempered glass is durable but not invincible at pressure points.
Step 5: Final Check and Power On (1 Minute)
Run your finger along all four edges to confirm the protector is fully adhered with no lifting corners. Turn your display back on and verify touch responsiveness at every corner and the center.
A quality tempered glass protector won’t affect touch sensitivity. If your screen feels laggy or unresponsive after installation, the protector may be too thick or poorly manufactured.
Total time: 10 minutes. Difficulty: 2/5.
3 Things Most People Get Wrong with Model S Accessories
Mistake #1: Ignoring Model Year Compatibility
The Tesla Model S isn’t one car — it’s essentially two generations. The pre-refresh (2012–2020) has a vertical 17-inch screen with a separate instrument cluster. The cheap ones (under $15) typically use thinner glass and lower-quality adhesives. The difference in clarity and touch response is immediately noticeable.
Mistake #3: Over-Accessorizing Before Prioritizing Protection
LED door puddle lights and custom floor mats look great. But I’ve seen owners skip basic screen protection and then complain about scratches six months later. There’s a reason for that.
Before and After: What Actually Changes
Before installation:
- Visible fingerprints from every passenger who points at something on screen
- Annoying glare from sunlight hitting the glossy display at certain angles
- Worry about keys, rings, or zippers scratching the surface when reaching across
- Constant wiping that never quite gets the screen clean
After installation:
- Anti-fingerprint coating means smudges wipe away with one pass
- Matte or anti-glare options cut reflections significantly (depending on finish type)
- Tempered glass takes the impact instead of your actual display
- Screen looks factory-fresh — protectors on quality products are nearly invisible
The change is subtle but meaningful. You stop thinking about the screen entirely, which is exactly how it should be. A simple sliding tray creates two usable levels.
For a deeper dive into upgrades that fit your specific model year, check out our Tesla accessories blog where we cover installation guides for Model 3, Model Y, and Model S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will accessories void my Tesla warranty?
No. Tesla cannot void your warranty simply because you installed aftermarket accessories. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects your right to use third-party products. However, if an accessory directly causes damage (like a badly installed hardwired accessory that shorts a circuit), Tesla can deny warranty coverage for that specific damage. Zero risk.
Do Tesla Model S accessories from 2018 fit a 2023 model?
Mostly no. The 2021 refresh changed the interior significantly — different center console design, removed the instrument cluster, and altered the screen bezel dimensions. Always verify compatibility with your specific model year before purchasing. The Model S’s touchscreen controls virtually everything in the car. A cracked or heavily scratched screen isn’t just cosmetic — it degrades touch response and can cost over $1,500 to replace. A quality tempered glass protector is a $20-40 insurance policy.
Can I install Model S accessories myself, or do I need a professional?
Most popular accessories are completely DIY-friendly. Compatible across Model 3, Model Y, and Model S, it’s one of those Tesla Model S accessories that just makes sense from day one.
