Tesla Owner Maintenance
"Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil changes, fuel filters, spark plug replacements or emission checks. Even brake pad replacements are rare because regenerative braking returns energy to the battery, significantly reducing wear on the brakes.
Recommended Maintenance Service
Cabin Air Filter
Your Tesla vehicle is equipped with an air filter that prevents pollen, industrial fallout, road dust and other particles from entering through the vents. We recommend the following cabin air filter replacement schedule:
Model 3
Model Y Replace your cabin air filter every 2 years.
Model S
Model X Replace your cabin air filter every 3 years.*
*For Model S and Model X vehicles produced in 2012-2020, we recommend replacing the cabin air filter every 2 years.
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter
If your Tesla vehicle is equipped with a HEPA filter, we recommend replacing it every 3 years.
Tire Rotation, Balance and Wheel Alignment
We recommend rotating your tires every 6,250 miles or if tread depth difference is 2/32 inches or greater, whichever comes first. Aggressive driving can lead to premature tire wear and may require more frequent tire service. Unbalanced and misaligned wheels affect handling, tire life and steering components. Refer to tire manufacturer's owner manuals and warranty documentation for additional details.
Brake Fluid Test
We recommend testing your brake fluid for contamination every 4 years and replacing as needed.
Note: Heavy brake usage due to towing, mountain descents or performance driving – especially for vehicles in hot and humid environments – may require more frequent brake fluid checks and replacements.
Air Conditioning Service
Air conditioning service replaces the A/C desiccant bag for better longevity and efficiency of your air conditioning system. We recommend following the following air conditioning service schedule:
Model 3 Replace your A/C desiccant bag every 4 years.**
Model Y Replace your A/C desiccant bag every 4 years.
Model S
Model X Replace your A/C desiccant bag every 3 years.†
**We recommend replacing your A/C desiccant bag every 6 years for Model 3 produced in 2017-2021 if it doesn’t have a heat pump.
†We recommend replacing your A/C desiccant bag every 2 years for Model S vehicles produced in 2012-2020 and every 4 years for Model X vehicles produced in 2012-2020.
Winter Care
We recommend cleaning and lubricating all brake calipers every 12 months or 12,500 mi for vehicles in cold weather regions.
Schedule Maintenance Service
Schedule a maintenance service appointment in the Tesla app."
Electric vehicles (EVs), particularly Teslas, have transformed the automotive landscape with their advanced technology and impressive performance. However, many Tesla owners, much like their counterparts with traditional gasoline vehicles, might overlook simple maintenance tasks that can significantly extend the life and efficiency of their vehicle. These tasks, often free or low-cost, can mostly be done at home, ensuring your Tesla runs smoothly.
Checking Tire Pressure: A crucial but often neglected task is maintaining the correct tire pressure. For most Teslas, the recommended tire pressure is around 42 PSI. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to various issues, including reduced range, increased tire wear, and even safety risks. A portable compressor can be a handy tool for this, allowing you to adjust tire pressure easily at home or on the go. Regularly rotating your tires is another simple step to ensure even wear and longevity.
Managing Tire Wear with Driving Modes: Electric vehicles are known for their instant torque, which, while thrilling, can accelerate tire wear. Switching your Tesla to "Chill Mode" can mitigate this effect by softening the acceleration curve, thereby extending tire life without sacrificing overall performance. This mode is especially beneficial for daily driving, offering a balance between efficiency and the enjoyment of your vehicle's capabilities.
Utilizing Tesla's Service Centers: While it's tempting to rely solely on the Tesla app for maintenance needs, physical service centers are valuable resources for parts and repairs that might not be as easily resolved through the app. Simple parts replacements, such as clips for the windshield wiper fluid reservoir, can be quickly handled by Tesla's service centers, ensuring your vehicle remains in top condition.
Replacing Wiper Blades Regularly: Visibility is key to safe driving, and maintaining your wiper blades is a simple task that's often overlooked. Wiper blades should be replaced every one to two years, depending on use. High-quality replacements are available online, complete with easy installation instructions and additional wiper strip replacements to extend the life of your purchase.
Keeping Windshields Clean: Both the exterior and interior of your windshield should be kept clean for optimal visibility. Specialized cleaning products can provide a protective coating to the exterior, enhancing water repellency. For the interior, especially for smokers or vapers, removing the film buildup is crucial for preventing glare and maintaining clear visibility.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Over time, the cabin air filter can become clogged with dust and debris, affecting air quality and HVAC efficiency. Replacing the cabin air filter with a high-quality HEPA filter can improve air cleanliness and prevent musty odors. This task is relatively simple and can greatly enhance the driving experience.
AC System Maintenance: Cleaning out the AC condenser and replacing the cabin air filters can significantly improve air flow and cooling efficiency. This maintenance can prevent the system from overworking, thus saving energy and extending the life of the components.
Battery Maintenance: While EV batteries require minimal maintenance, keeping an eye on the 12V auxiliary battery is important, as its failure can lead to unexpected issues. Tesla provides notifications when the battery's charge is low, and replacement is typically straightforward and reasonably priced.
In conclusion, maintaining a Tesla, or any electric vehicle, involves more than just software updates and charging. Simple, regular maintenance tasks can greatly extend the life of the vehicle, improve performance, and enhance safety. By taking proactive steps, such as checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, and keeping the windshield clean, owners can ensure their Tesla remains a reliable and enjoyable mode of transportation for years to come.
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