With so many people going electric, understanding electric vehicle maintenance and how it differs from a traditional car is important to know. Do Teslas need oil changes? What maintenance do they need at all?
In this guide, I will explain why Teslas do not need oil changes as well as what fluids do need to be changed. I will also discuss the maintenance guidelines offered by Tesla, so you know how to take care of your electric vehicle.
Do Teslas Need Oil Changes?
No. Teslas don’t need oil changes, as they are driven by an electric motor that doesn’t use a gas- or diesel driven engine, therefore there is no engine oil to change.
However, while regularly scheduled oil changes aren’t required, there is still a lot of recommended maintenance Tesla has listed to maintain the electric car in optimal driving condition.
Why Doesn’t a Tesla Need an Oil Change?
Tesla runs off an electric motor rather than a motor that uses gasoline or diesel fuel. Electric power doesn’t require oil.
The electric motor runs on electricity instead of burning fuel to get it started and keep it running, as a traditional car needs to do. Said another way, as long as there is an electric charge, the vehicle will run as intended. When the car isn’t charged, it won’t run or start.
That being said, there are parts of the vehicle that must have certain oils and lubricants applied. For example, the drive unit with the AC induction propulsion motor uses oil. But once you take delivery of the car, the oil level does not need to be checked or changed to serve its purpose until after the car has been driven 100,000 miles.
The gearbox in the Tesla also requires another type of oil. Tesla suggests replacing the gearbox oil during the first, fifth, and ninth years of ownership. Lack of gearbox oil replacement could cause the gearbox to fail, and cause drivability issues.
What Fluids Do Tesla Cars Need?
#1. Brake Fluid.
While Tesla’s braking system is different, it still has brake fluid. The benefit of the regenerative braking system is the brake fluid lasts longer.
Because of this, Tesla usually suggests that you check the brake fluid every year or every two years to simply confirm everything is normal. Dirty fluid will diminish efficiency and could create a very hazardous situation in traffic.
#2. Transmission Fluid.
I mentioned the importance of transmission fluid earlier in the Tesla. And even though the electric vehicle has a different transmission type, the Tesla does require gearbox fluid.
Please be careful to make sure you have the correct type of fluid. It needs changed about every 12,500 miles.
#3. Windshield Washer Fluid.
Like any other combustion vehicle, the Tesla will need windshield washer fluid. Both types of vehicles need the auto glass to be clean for the best visibility.
Adding windshield washer fluid in the Tesla is just as effortless and you might often do it yourself! Open the hood, access the maintenance panel, and you should be able to see the washer fluid reservoir that needs to be filled.
And given the actual cost of windshield washer fluid, there’s no reason to wait to address this necessary duty whenever it’s low.
#4. Coolant.
The Tesla coolant is slightly different, and it’s used for different purposes. Tesla used G48 coolant which is needed to keep the battery cells from overheating. It’s an ethylene glycol based fluid, that is blue-green in color.
It doesn’t just help regulate temperature in the battery cells, but also helps prevent corrosion. It is best to choose a G48 that uses organic corrosion inhibitors and specifies that it is approved for Tesla.
#5. Grease.
Grease can’t be classified as liquid but is still important to mention. Tesla uses grease in multiple areas to increase the life of certain components.
You can find grease on the handles, latches, hinges, drive axle and windshield wiper. Using grease will keep these components lubricated and sliding easily.
Recommended Tesla Maintenance Schedule
#1. Replace Cabin Air Filter.
Similar to a regular vehicle, your Tesla is equipped with a cabin air filter. The purpose of the cabin air filter is to remove harmful contaminants that could trigger allergies and respiratory illnesses. Cabin air filters trap pollen, road pollution and should prevent anything harmful from entering the vehicle cabin.
Depending on your Tesla model, there are different recommendations for the cabin air filter replacement intervals. For a Model 3 or Model Y Tesla, then drivers are recommended to replace the cabin air filter every 2 years.
Model S or Model X drivers are recommended to replace the cabin air filter every 3 years. If your vehicle was manufactured between 2012 and 2020, then the replacement recommendation will revert back to 2 years.
#2. Replace High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter.
Some Tesla models have a high efficiency particulate air filter, called a HEPA filter, that filters out even more particles before they enter the cabin.
If your Tesla has a HEPA filter, you should change it every three years. However, some people like to change them more often, especially if you drive more than average.
#3. Air Conditioning Service.
Tesla vehicles require air conditioning service for longevity. The AC desiccant bag must be replaced on a regular basis. Below are the general guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
- Model 3 = replace AC desiccant bag every six years
- Model Y = replace AC desiccant bag every four years
- Model S/Model X = replace AC desiccant bag every three years
Different rules apply though. If your Model S or Model X was manufactured from 2012 to 2020, it must have the AC desiccant bag replaced every four years.
Additionally, there might be times when the refrigerant needs to be recharged, although this only generally happens if there is an issue. If you need a recharge, it is best to see a professional as there are different specifications based on the model you drive.
#4. Tire Rotation, Balance and Wheel Alignment.
Like any standard vehicle, your Tesla has tires, and you need to care for them if you want to derive the maximum safety while driving it. According to Tesla, the tires should be rotated every 6,250 miles or if the tread depth varies by 2/32 or more among the tires.
If you drive aggressively, the tires will wear at a much faster rate. You may also want to keep regular tire balances and alignments in mind for comfortable rides.
#5. Winterize Services.
If you live in an area that experiences winter temperatures, you will have to be careful. You may have to upgrade your tires.
Tesla also recommends lubricating and cleaning the brake calipers more regularly for cars that drive in cold climates. You should do this once a year or every 12,500 miles to prevent summer rust or caliper freezing in the winter.