Did you know that your Tesla also needs oil changes?

This may come as a surprise to many, but electric cars, including Teslas, need service and maintenance. The scope of these maintenance services is very different from traditional cars.

This article will answer all your queries regarding Tesla maintenance. So, let’s get started!

Do Teslas Need Oil Changes?

Yes, to surprise many of you, Teslas do need oil changes. It isn’t obviously like oil changes in traditional cars with internal combustion engines. But Tesla does need various transmission and brake oil tops and replacements. However, there is no need for motor oil and Engine Oil in Teslas.

Why Teslas don’t need an engine oil? Well, it is simply because it doesn’t have an engine. Tesla uses electric motors drawing power from lithium-ion batteries to propel itself. 

An internal combustion engine needs engine oil to prevent wear and metal-on-metal rubbing. However, this isn’t the case with Teslas. Tesla motors do have enclosed lubrication, but it doesn’t need to be replaced or checked. This means that Tesla owners can enjoy two benefits:

• They don’t have to pay $40-100 every 3-6 months for engine oil changes.
• They don’t have to go through the hassle of engine oil and oil filter replacement.

Do Teslas Need Other Fluid Changes?

Other than engine oil, there are a bunch of other fluids that need changing. Let’s have a look at fluids other than engine oil that need to be replaced in Teslas:

1. Transmission Oil

Transmission oil is probably the most important fluid in a Tesla. It protects the internal motor gear and external transmission components against wear and tear. It is recommended to check the transmission oil levels in your Tesla after one year or 12,500 miles. 

Top up the transmission oil if necessary. The average cost of changing the transmission fluid across all models of Teslas comes out to be $175. According to Repair Smith, it costs $292 to change transmission oil for a Tesla Model S.

2. Brake Oil

Tesla uses a set of regenerative brakes. These brakes don’t need oil top-ups on a regular basis. Still, it is recommended to check brake oil levels after every two years or 30,000 miles. 

If your brakes feel spongy and take longer time to stop, it’s time for a brake oil change. You can expect to pay somewhere between $150-200 for brake oil replacement in Tesla models.

3. Coolant

Teslas use coolant to remove excess heat from the battery cells. It is recommended to check battery coolant levels every 3-4 years. However, complete replacement is not recommended.

Teslas can hold up to 19 liters of battery coolant. So, a simple flush will cost you $200-250. Whereas the complete drain, which includes radiator replacement, costs around $900.

Tesla Model X, 3, and S use G48 coolant, which contains 60% ethylene glycol and 40% water. Model Y uses a different formulation of G48 with 50% water and an anti-freeze mix.

4. Windshield Washer Fluid

Lastly, there is the classic windshield washer fluid. You need a windshield washer in order to clean the windshield from within the car. It is recommended to top up the windshield washer fluid of your Tesla once a week or more frequently, depending upon the usage.

What Other Maintenance Services Does Tesla Need? 

Let’s have a look at other maintenance services Tesla needs:

1. Cabin Air Filter Replacement

A cabin air filter prevents pollens and outside dirt particles from entering your Tesla. In order to keep cabin air fresh, it is recommended to replace cabin air filters every 2 years. The new Model S and X can go up to 3 years without cabin filter replacement. But after that, they need replacing.

2. HEPA Filter Replacement

High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, otherwise known as HEPA filter, was introduced in Teslas recently. Its bioweapon defense mode will protect your Tesla against 99.7% of all sizes of particles. This means that no harmful particles and gas can enter your cabin. It is recommended to replace the HEPA filter in Teslas after every 3 years.

3. Tire Rotation, Balancing, and Wheel Alignment

Tire rotation, balancing, and wheel alignment are a matter of choice for most of us. But Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 miles or 6 months. Similarly, take your Tesla for a wheel balancing and alignment session if you feel wobbly tires.

4. Brake Fluid Test

According to Tesla, the brake fluid needs to be tested for contamination every 4 years. This will keep your braking system clean and improve its efficiency.

5. Brake Servicing

A thorough brake servicing is recommended for Teslas driven in cold weather. The brake calipers need to be cleaned and lubricated every 12 months or 12,500 miles.

6. Air Con Servicing

The aircon servicing of Tesla includes the replacement of desiccant bags. This is necessary for the optimal AC performance of your Tesla. According to Tesla, Model 3 and Y need AC service every 4 years, whereas Model S and X need one after 3 years. 

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