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My Wife's Prius Was Totaled By A Rat So We're Picking Up A Gray Model 3 Tomorrow - Any Advice On Do's or Dont's?

A man's wife had her Prius totaled by a rat, and they are picking up a 2023 gray Model 3. This was the advice given to them from their post on Facebook.
My Wife's Prius Was Totaled By A Rat So We're Picking Up A Gray Model 3 Tomorrow - Any Advice On Do's or Dont's?

A New Chapter for the Fumich Family: From Prius to Tesla Model 3

The Great Rat Incident - At Least That's What We Are Calling It

Life in the Fumich household took an unexpected turn when a rather ambitious rodent decided to nest in the engine of Matt's wife's Toyota Prius. The result was catastrophic for the car, but fortuitous for the family's automotive evolution.

After a tearful goodbye to her Prius companion, Matt's wife, along with her husband, decided it was time for a significant upgrade. They chose a sleek, gray 2023 Tesla Model 3, marking a new era in their transportation narrative.

Transitioning to Electric: Advice and Insights

As the couple prepared for this shift from gasoline to electricity, they turned to their community for advice. Here’s a detailed guide based on the collective wisdom shared by friends and Tesla enthusiasts on Facebook:

Do’s:

Home Charging Setup:

  • Install a Home Charger: Stephanie Lee's advice was spot-on. For those driving significant miles weekly, like Madison Mado, a home charger is essential. Charging overnight ensures the car is always ready for daily use without the need for frequent supercharging stops.
  • Choose the Right Connector: Mike Tierney highlighted the importance of understanding Tesla's charging options. The Mobile Connector or Wall Connector are both excellent choices depending on your installation capabilities and needs.
  • Charge Thoughtfully: Although Samir Khan suggests not going above 80%, Mike Tierney notes that the 2023 Model 3 with LFP battery can handle full charges regularly. However, for longevity, many still recommend daily charging to 80% and occasionally to 100% for long trips.

Driving Tips:

  • Master One-Pedal Driving: Roger Lewis pointed out the benefits of regenerative braking and one-pedal driving, which not only conserves energy but also enhances the driving experience by simplifying traffic management.
  • Autopilot: Embrace the features like Autopilot for those long commutes. Madison Mado's endorsement of how it makes driving "wayyyy better" is a common sentiment among Tesla owners.
  • Create a Driving PIN: Samir Khan’s suggestion to set a PIN for driving via the app adds a layer of security, especially useful if the car is shared or if there are children around.
  • Car Maintenance Kit: Craig Hermle’s advice on portable chargers and tire repair kits is practical, given the absence of a spare tire in many Tesla models.

Dont's

  • Avoid Overcharging: While the new models can handle 100% charge, habitual full charging might not be optimal for battery life unless you're using the LFP battery.
  • Tire Care: Roger Lewis's mention of tire life being around 22,000 to 30,000 miles is crucial. Be prepared for quicker tire wear due to the car’s weight and performance.
  • Lifting the Car: Never allow mechanics to lift the car directly from the battery pack, as Craig Hermle warned. Always use the designated lifting points.
  • Neglecting Software Updates: Tesla frequently updates its cars' software. Mike Tierney’s practice of checking settings weekly is wise to ensure you’re not missing out on new features or necessary adjustments.

The Community's Buzz

The excitement around the Fumich's new acquisition was palpable in their community. Comments ranged from Boujee Nights LLC saying the wife would enjoy it based on their own experience, to Scott Nemiro describing the Tesla as "like a luxury car on the cheap." The consensus was one of enthusiasm and support, with many offering personal anecdotes and tips to ensure Emily's transition would be smooth.

The Switch

The switch from a Prius to a Tesla Model 3 for the Fumich's is more than just a change in vehicle; it's a leap into a community of tech-savvy, environmentally conscious car owners. With this array of advice, Emily and Mike are well-prepared to embrace their electric future, promising not only better driving experiences but also a nod to sustainable living. Here's to many smooth, electric miles ahead for the Johnson family.

Was the advice given on Facebook here sound for the Fumich family upgrading to 2023 Tesla Model 3?

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Fumich Family Prius to Model 3 Post

Hi! I'm Jeremy Noel Johnson, and I am a Tesla investor and supporter and own a 2022 Model 3 RWD EV and I don't have range anxiety :). I enjoy bringing you breaking Tesla news as well as anything about Tesla or other EV companies I can find, like Aptera. Other interests of mine are AI, Tesla Energy and the Tesla Bot! You can follow me on X.COM or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow my Tesla and EV news coverage.

Reference: Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owner's Club on Facebook

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