Last Updated on January 8, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim
Well, Tesla vehicles have an electric motor so, Tesla vehicles don’t require an oil change. Moreover, tesla vehicles don’t require any emission control replacement of spark plugs and fuel filters which is very convenient.
Key Takeaways
- Unlike traditional vehicles, tesla vehicles have electric motors that are powered by a series of batteries
- Tesla doesn’t have an internal combustion engine therefore, Tesla doesn’t require any oil change
- The electric motors of tesla cars don’t generate the same type of friction and heat as internal combustion engines and this is one of the main reasons Tesla engines don’t need oil
- Some common maintenance for tesla vehicles is tire rotations, brake fluid replacements, cabin air filter replacements, etc.
Tesla Oil Change – Main Tips
| Tips | Description |
| Tesla Does Not Need Oil | No conventional internal combustion engine is required here |
| A Small Amount Of Fat Is Required | There are only a small number of moving parts |
| Oil Is Required Elsewhere | For a smooth transmission, the gearbox requires oil |
| Oil Must Be Replaced | Gearbox oil must be replaced in year 1, year 5, and year 9 |
| Not Much Extra Fluid Needed | In general, Tesla engines require little liquid |
How Often Do You Have To Change The Oil In A Tesla?
In this case, Tesla service centers recommend that an oil change be performed every 100,000 miles for some models. This is especially true for the Tesla Model S and Model X. Additionally, other Tesla models include an external oil filter that is also replaceable in certain parts of the vehicle.
So, these types of components can further extend the life of the powertrain. However, the oil change is not done in the same way as with an internal combustion engine car.
Does Tesla Model 3 Need An Oil Change?
In particular, battery electric vehicles do not require the same maintenance as internal combustion engine vehicles. No oil change is required here since electric motors do not use oil for their moving parts. Instead, a little grease is more than enough to make those few moving parts work properly.
Beyond that, an oil change is required for other parts of the vehicle. The necessary oil change in a battery electric vehicle is done on the gearbox. Also, the amount of oil is much lower compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
What Is The Maintenance Of A Tesla?
Here it is necessary to mention that a Tesla vehicle does not need the same maintenance as other gasoline cars. There is no need to change brake pads or replace spark plugs, fuel filters, or oil. Also, regenerative braking is perfect for reducing brake pad usage and recovering some battery energy at the same time.
In this case, drivers can save some battery energy by simply taking their foot off the accelerator. Here, not only does the car decelerate, but the regenerative braking is activated. Immediately, the engine starts running backward.
This allows energy to be generated with the same kinetic energy as the vehicle. When the battery is full, regenerative braking works in a limited way.
Here, we can mention the maintenance service that Tesla recommends to all owners of these vehicles. While normal maintenance is not required, some components should be checked for optimal vehicle use. Beyond the high technology of these vehicles, the truth is that the components still have a useful life.
1. Cabin Air Filter
In case you didn’t know, most Tesla vehicles have an air filter. This particular component is responsible for preventing the air inside from becoming contaminated with some components. So, here industrial pollution in some areas will not be a problem for passengers or the driver. Even this can also be efficient in a variety of situations.
Sometimes trucks or vehicles that are too big can produce too much smoke. So, unlike conventional cars, the passengers of these pollutants. Also, the accumulation of smoke in large industrial cities can be a problem for many people. This is another perfect advantage for people with respiratory problems.
So, other particles could be just as harmful, such as dust on the road or pollen in the spring. These components can be a problem for people who are allergic to them. To have truly efficient functionality, Tesla recommends replacing this part every two years. This way, people inside the vehicle will be able to enjoy pleasant and clean air.
2. High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter
Sometimes, the high-efficiency particulate air filter or simply HEPA filter can be included. In this case, it is a part that works similarly to the cabin air filter mentioned above. Of course, this particular piece offers superior functionality for those who want the best features in a Tesla.
In turn, not only is the functionality of this piece superior to the previous one, but also the durability. The HEPA filter needs to be replaced but has a longer life than the previous cabin air filter. Here, it is necessary to replace this filter approximately every three years. Otherwise, the amount of debris and dirt will accumulate, hindering the proper functioning of this filter.
However, it is also important to consider the frequency of use of a vehicle as well as the geographical area. Any part can wear out more quickly if the driver uses the Tesla vehicle every day. In turn, the HEPA filter should work harder when the driver goes through areas with too much smoke, industrial pollution, and other components.
3. Wheel Alignment, Wheel Rotation, And Balancing
On the one hand, the tires have a certain amount of wear, as the technology here is usually the same as in other petrol-powered vehicles. So, you have to consider 10,000 kilometers to rotate the tires again. At the same time, the tread depth must also be considered if it is 1.5 mm or more. Any one of these aspects determines tire wear.
Again, the frequency of use of the Tesla vehicle is important. Tires can wear out more slowly when the vehicle is not used every day. Besides, the level of aggressiveness of the vehicle’s driving is also important. Aggressive, everyday driving requires much more frequent tire service.
Also, the vehicle’s steering components and parts can be affected when the tires are badly balanced. The same is true if the tires are also misaligned. All of this not only affects the life of the components but also the driving that the vehicle owner can enjoy.
In this case, it is important to consider the specific life of the tires. Different tire manufacturers offer different guarantees as well as different details in the owner’s manual. Of course, a higher quality of tires allows you to get a longer life, but it requires a larger budget.
4. Brake Fluid
In this case, the brake fluid is one of the main components that does not wear out too many thanks to the regenerative braking of Tesla vehicles. That is why this manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the brake fluid every two years. In some cases, this component can provide a useful life of more than two years.
If your Tesla vehicle’s brake fluid is in good condition, you can expect an additional 6 months to 1 year. Once the brake fluid is contaminated, you will need to replace it and add new brake fluid. If your vehicle is not used very frequently, then you can expect a service life of over two years.
If you wait too long, the vehicle’s braking ability could be impaired. Of course, this not only affects the quality of driving you get from the vehicle. Additionally, it could also be dangerous to have partial or no braking capacity in the vehicle. That’s why it’s advisable not to wait too long to check the brake fluid.
5. Air Conditioning
Here, it is necessary to incorporate some replacement parts for a high level of efficiency in the air conditioning system. Replacing the right parts will also allow you to have a longer-lasting and more durable air conditioning system. So, it is necessary to replace the desiccant from time to time. Different Tesla vehicles require different air conditioning service times.
When it comes to the Model S, air conditioning service should be performed approximately every two years. On the other hand, the Model X is a sport utility vehicle. Here, it is an air conditioner with superior functionality. That’s why air conditioning service could be applied every 4 years in this case. This same amount of time is also required for Model Y.
When it comes to Model 3, it may be more than enough to wait six years for air conditioning service. Here, the functionality of this system does not have a great deal of wear and tear.
Therefore, service is not required as frequently as it can be with the other Tesla models. Beyond that, replacing the desiccant at the appropriate time will allow it to take care of the rest of the air conditioning parts.
6. Special Winter Care
During the winter or in geographic areas with too cold weather, this manufacturer recommends applying some special care to the vehicle. In particular, it is highly recommended to clean and lubricate each of the brake calipers.
Generally, this should be done after 20,000 kilometers. It is also recommended to apply this procedure every 12 months if this distance is not covered.
When it comes to tires, every owner should consider having special tires for cold climates. In some cases, special snow tires may have to be fitted. When the snow is too much many owners decide to incorporate chains. This way, driving through the snow is not too complicated.
How Much Does Tesla Maintenance Cost?
As mentioned by many owners, maintenance costs are often much lower compared to gasoline car costs. For one thing, Tesla owners must invest about $713 annually in electricity purchases. In this case, the lower-cost Model 3 is taken as a reference. Besides, this amount of money is taken into account with a daily trip of 40 miles.
On the other hand, vehicles that travel 30 miles per gallon and run on gasoline require a greater amount of money. There are many cars here that require a budget of $1,195 a year for gasoline alone. Of course, for many people, a difference of less than $500 is not very important in a year. However, this is not the only difference we should mention.
When we talk about specific maintenance costs, we should mention that this decreases considerably compared to gasoline-like options. For one thing, the BMW 7 series requires $17,000 for 5-year maintenance. Also, Mercedes-Benz Class S requires $18,000 for the same period.
However, the Tesla Model S vehicle over 5 years only requires $2,800. Specifically, this is when owners do not use the prepaid maintenance package. Beyond that, owners should consider that electric cars often lose more value in the same time frame than gasoline cars.
Besides, some owners may need a home charger so that they don’t waste too much time with the home outlet. Here, you may need $1,000 for the labor and $1,000 more for the Tesla wall charger. Even the Model 3 vehicle requires an additional $2,000 for a longer range. So, these aspects should be taken into consideration.
References:
https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/maintaining-your-tesla/
Hi, I’m Leepu Da Maxim, a dedicated car enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in this field, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with fellow car enthusiasts like you. My journey began in my hometown West Jordan, Utah, where my fascination with the mechanics and design of cars sparked at a young age. Over the years, this passion has evolved into a commitment to providing accurate, insightful, and engaging information about all things automotive through CarsAmazing.
