This is what I envision when somebody stamps a log book with “Ops Check OK”
Not my image. This has been floating around on the Interwebz for several years. No, I don’t know the source. No, I don’t know the circumstances.
Author: John
Build knowledge // Improve the state of the universe for everyone // Repeat
Additions to Wattson
Some of the additions, in no particular order, I’ve made to Wattson shortly since bringing him home.
- J1772 Adapter – this was included with the car. I can’t foresee needing it, but I’ll keep it in the kit. You can also find them elsewhere online.
- A Karen lock – for the J1772 adapter. It’s sad that this is a thing, but it will discourage people from casually pulling the charger out.
- Mobile Connector – also included with the car.
- Wall Connector – also received it with the car. But, I won’t have a chance to install it until we have a house. We also need a high-amperage receptacle.
- Control screen sunshade – similar to this. I wanted the red one. Unfortunately, I think it’s too stark against the white interior. I’ll have to correct the problem.
- Center console organizer.
- All-weather floor mats.
- Screen protector – this is an anti-glare sheet and is extremely effective.
- Trash bins – a place for everything and everything in its place.
- Trunk hook.
- Air compressor – super-cheap. USB-C rechargeable. Quite effective checking and adjusting pressures with temperature changes.
- Jack pad stabilizers. There are two different sizes. They’re not interchangeable. All North American models use 25 mm.
- Leather door-handle covers.
- Rear organizer.
- Pet liner – I have white seats. I have a dog. She has paws and claws. I’d rather not hasten the deterioration of the upholstery. She still doesn’t understand riding in the back seat.
- Snow chains – König chains. See the important notes on Snow Chains, below.
- Roof rack – yes, it does, indeed, degrade the air flow around the car. I don’t care. It makes the vehicle more utilitarian than just a hatch-back. See note below on Roof Rack.
- Tow package – Yes, a tow package. The dual-motor Y is rated for it. Yes, you can get a cheaper hitch online and install it yourself. But you’ll be doing it all yourself.
- Sunglasses case – Keeps my sunglasses readily at-hand.
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Note: Snow Chains
This is a kit of two snow chains. With all-wheel drive, they go on the front axle to enhance braking, steering, and traction. I need to say it: buy snow chains in the summertime, when the weather is warm and agreeable. Learn how to put them on and and take them off the car in perfect weather. That way, you know how to put them on beforehand. It’s better than trying for the first time when it’s night, next to a heavily-traveled road, during a snowstorm.
Find a method that works for you. I like to lay them on the ground then pull forward onto the chains. Then, I’ll pull them up and hook them at the top. Same way that I’ve done as a truck driver off and on over the years.
Note: Roof Rack
Pay close attention to the installation instructions!
Yes, the car does, indeed, have a glass roof. The rails are rated for 165 lb evenly distributed across and between them.
It has you measure distances from the front and rear edge to determine where the anti-abrasion tape needs to go. But here’s a tip: Use a bright light to help find the locating-arrows on the glass top. That’s where the tapes go.
The instructions also have a suggested torque listed, there’s a reason. Use an actual torque wrench to tighten the mount points. It calls for 2.5 to 3.5 Newton meters. That works out to 22 to 31 inch pounds — aim for 25 in. lb. Keep one of the keys in your mobile tool kit. Don’t over-torque them. Why? Did you forget that you have a glass roof? It’s sturdy. But not indestructible.
The Streamlined Tesla Delivery Process
This is only a list of things about the purchase of the car.
First, it was online. Entirely. It was all done through the Tesla App on my mobile device. This included selecting the car and sorting out the credit-reporting. Even scheduling the delivery happened online. The only thing that required a signature was a form required by the State of Washington for the title transfer.
The price you see is the price you’ll pay[1].
The check-in with the staff on the delivery date consisted of casual introductions — “Good morning. I’m here to pick up my Model Y…”
There were no salesmen. No nagging. No arguing over the price.
Nobody pulled out a maddening Four-Square and played psychological manipulation with number games. No “underbody protection spray”. No “extended warranty” nonsense. No hidden charges.
I had already completed everything except the final payment and delivery acknowledgment in the app. It was really no more difficult than opening the app and telling it to flash the lights.
Then, I began looking over the car. Others have assembled lists that outline the order of inspection.
The delivery inspection would take about half an hour.
When ready, I think I just tapped on Accept Delivery in the app. Thanked the few people in the Service Center for their help and off I went in my new Model Y.
That was it.
Painless.
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[1]Not including the assorted Federal, State, County, City, Municipality taxes and surcharges.
But Electric Cars Don’t Use Gas!
I stop at a gas station with in my EV. Yes, really.
Follow along.
The first time that I’ve ever had to roll up to a gas station in an EV. Interestingly (amusingly? ironically?) the computer in the gas pump that I had selected was out of service.
Eh, there are 12 pumps here, so just I roll around to the next pump.
Wait, it gets funnier.
It took about twelve seconds until some well-educated and fully aware know-it-all screams out over and over and over, “Electric cars don’t use gas! Electric cars don’t use gas! Electric cars don’t use gas! Electric cars don’t use gas!”
No shit? I didn’t know that.
But, let me ask you this: how else am I going to fill my lawn mower, Jackhole?
Should roll it down the sidewalks for two miles, fill its Lilliputian tank with a pint of gas, then roll it back to the house and do that once per week?
watTson
I’m one of those strange people who names cars.
This is the newest named addition to the family and has been many years in planning:
2024 Tesla Model Y, Extended Range, Dual Motor, AWD — with 15 miles on its wee digital clock.
His name is Doctor Wattson. But we are casual folk around these parts, and needn’t use formalities — so just his name will do:
watTson
This is, of course, a very clear and deliberate tip of the old hat-switch to several inspirations — and I’ll leave that as an exercise for the reader to explore.
the rest of me 