Introduction
Have you ever wondered how Teslas and other electric cars differ from traditional gas-powered cars in terms of maintenance and costs? If you are thinking of buying a Tesla or switching to an electric vehicle, you might be curious about how often and how much you need to service your car.
One of the most common questions that people have about Teslas is: do teslas need oil changes? The answer might surprise you. Teslas do not need oil changes like gas-powered cars, but they still require some fluids and lubricants for other parts of the car.
In this article, we will explain why Teslas don’t need oil changes, what fluids and lubricants Teslas need, how often Teslas need maintenance, and how much Teslas cost to maintain. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of Tesla maintenance and what to expect when owning an electric vehicle.
Why Teslas Don’t Need Oil Changes
One of the main reasons why Teslas don’t need oil changes is because they have electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. Electric motors are much simpler and more efficient than internal combustion engines, and they have fewer moving parts that need lubrication.
Also Read About How to Find the Best Deals on Used Rivian R1s
How Electric Motors Work
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It consists of a rotor, which is a spinning part that has magnets attached to it, and a stator, which is a stationary part that has coils of wire around it. When an electric current flows through the coils, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnets on the rotor, causing it to spin. The spinning rotor then drives a shaft that connects to the wheels of the car.
Electric motors do not need oil because they do not have pistons, cylinders, valves, or other components that create friction and heat. They also do not have exhaust systems or emissions that pollute the environment. Electric motors are very quiet, smooth, and responsive, and they can produce high torque at low speeds.
How Internal Combustion Engines Work
An internal combustion engine is a device that converts chemical energy from fuel into mechanical energy. It consists of several cylinders that have pistons inside them. The pistons move up and down in a cycle of four steps: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. In the intake step, air and fuel are drawn into the cylinder. In the compression step, the piston compresses the air-fuel mixture. In the power step, the air-fuel mixture is ignited by a spark plug, creating an explosion that pushes the piston down. In the exhaust step, the piston pushes out the burned gases from the cylinder.
Internal combustion engines need oil because they have many moving parts that create friction and heat. Oil lubricates these parts and reduces wear and tear. Oil also helps cool down the engine and remove dirt and debris. Internal combustion engines have complex systems such as fuel injection, ignition, cooling, and exhaust that require regular maintenance and repairs. Internal combustion engines are noisy, rough, and sluggish, and they produce harmful emissions that pollute the environment.
As you can see, electric motors and internal combustion engines are very different in how they work and what they need. Teslas do not need oil changes because they have electric motors that are simpler, more efficient, and more eco-friendly than internal combustion engines.
What Fluids and Lubricants Teslas Need
Although Teslas do not need oil changes, they still need some fluids and lubricants for other parts of the car. These include brake fluid, coolant for the battery and drivetrain, and windshield washer fluid. These fluids and lubricants help keep the car running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers the pressure from the brake pedal to the brake calipers, which then clamp the brake pads onto the brake rotors to stop the car. Brake fluid also lubricates and protects the brake system from corrosion.
Tesla uses DOT 3 brake fluid in its vehicles, which is a glycol-based fluid that has a boiling point of around 401°F (205°C). It is compatible with most brake systems and is relatively inexpensive. However, it is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture over time, reducing its boiling point and potentially leading to corrosion in the brake system.
Tesla recommends testing the brake fluid for contamination every 4 years and replacing it as needed. However, 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.
Coolant
Coolant is a liquid that circulates through the battery and drivetrain to regulate their temperature and prevent overheating. Coolant also protects the battery and drivetrain from freezing in cold weather.
Tesla uses a special coolant that is designed for electric vehicles and has a high boiling point and a low freezing point. It is also non-conductive, non-corrosive, and biodegradable.
Tesla recommends replacing the coolant every 4 years for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, and every 3 years for Model S and Model X vehicles. However, some older models may have different coolant replacement intervals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Windshield washer fluid is a liquid that sprays onto the windshield to clean it from dirt, dust, bugs, or other debris. Windshield washer fluid also helps improve visibility and safety while driving.
Tesla uses a standard windshield washer fluid that is suitable for most climates and seasons. However, in extremely cold weather, Tesla recommends using a windshield washer fluid that has a lower freezing point.
Tesla does not have a specific recommendation for replacing the windshield washer fluid, but it is advisable to check the fluid level regularly and top it up as needed. The windshield washer fluid reservoir can hold up to 1.5 liters of fluid.
As you can see, Teslas need some fluids and lubricants for their proper functioning and performance. However, these fluids and lubricants are less frequent and less costly than those used in gas-powered cars.
How Often Teslas Need Maintenance
Teslas are known for their low maintenance costs and high reliability. However, this does not mean that they are maintenance-free. Teslas still need some regular service and inspections to ensure their optimal performance and safety.
Tesla Maintenance Schedule
Tesla has a recommended maintenance schedule for its vehicles, which varies depending on the model and year of production. You can check your owner’s manual or the Tesla website for the latest maintenance recommendations for your specific vehicle.
Generally, Tesla recommends the following service intervals for its vehicles:
- Tire rotation, balance, and wheel alignment: every 6,250 miles or if tread depth difference is 2/32 inches or greater, whichever comes first.
- Brake fluid test: every 4 years (replace if necessary).
- Cabin air filter replacement: every 2 years (or 3 years for HEPA and carbon filters, if equipped).
- Air conditioning service: every 4 years for Model 3 and Model Y, and every 3 years for Model S and Model X (replace the A/C desiccant bag).
- Brake caliper cleaning and lubricating: every year or 12,500 miles if in an area where roads are salted during winter.
Note that these intervals are based on typical driving behaviors and scenarios. However, Tesla advises that you should service your vehicle on an as-needed basis, depending on various factors such as driving behavior, usage, environmental conditions, etc. Additionally, these intervals do not include consumable parts such as windshield wipers, brake pads, low voltage battery (if applicable), etc.
Tesla Service Options
Tesla offers several options for servicing your vehicle. You can schedule a service appointment through the Tesla app or website, and choose the most convenient option for you. These options include:
- Mobile Service: Tesla can send a mobile technician to your home or office to perform most service and repairs. This option is available in most markets and is usually free of charge.
- Service Center: You can bring your vehicle to a nearby Tesla service center for more complex or extensive service and repairs. You can also request a loaner vehicle or a ride credit while your vehicle is being serviced.
- Express Service: You can drop off your vehicle at a Tesla service center and pick it up within an hour or less. This option is available for select services such as tire rotation, wiper blade replacement, or software update.
- Remote Service: Tesla can perform some service and diagnostics remotely through over-the-air software updates or online support. This option is available for minor issues or questions that do not require physical intervention.
As you can see, Teslas need some regular maintenance to keep them in top shape and condition. However, Tesla makes it easy and convenient for you to service your vehicle with various options and features.
How Much Teslas Cost to Maintain
One of the main advantages of owning a Tesla or an electric vehicle in general is the lower maintenance cost compared to gas-powered vehicles. However, this does not mean that Teslas are cheap to maintain. There are still some expenses that you need to consider when owning a Tesla, such as tires, brakes, battery, and repairs.
Tires
Tires are one of the most expensive and frequent maintenance items for Teslas. This is because Teslas are heavy vehicles with powerful acceleration and regenerative braking, which put a lot of stress on the tires. Teslas also use low-profile tires with large wheels, which are more prone to damage from potholes and road debris.
According to Tesla, the average tire life for its vehicles is about 25,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on your driving habits, road conditions, tire pressure, and alignment. Some Tesla owners have reported replacing their tires as early as 10,000 miles or as late as 50,000 miles.
The cost of replacing tires for Teslas can range from $800 to $1,600 depending on the model and tire size. Tesla offers tire service at its service centers or through its mobile service. You can also buy tires from third-party vendors or online retailers.
Brakes
Brakes are another maintenance item that you need to pay attention to when owning a Tesla. However, unlike gas-powered vehicles, Teslas use regenerative braking, which recovers kinetic energy from the wheels and converts it into electricity for the battery. This reduces the need for using the conventional brakes and extends their life span.
Tesla claims that its brake pads can last up to 100,000 miles or more. However, this depends on how much you use the regenerative braking mode and how often you drive in stop-and-go traffic. Some Tesla owners have reported replacing their brake pads as early as 30,000 miles or as late as 150,000 miles.
The cost of replacing brake pads for Teslas can range from $300 to $600 depending on the model and brake type. Tesla offers brake service at its service centers or through its mobile service. You can also buy brake pads from third-party vendors or online retailers.
Battery
Battery is the most important and expensive component of a Tesla. It stores the energy that powers the vehicle and determines its range and performance. Tesla batteries are designed to last for many years and miles without losing much capacity or efficiency.
Tesla offers a battery warranty for its vehicles that covers any defects or malfunctions for 8 years or a certain mileage limit depending on the model and battery size. For example, the Model Y has a battery warranty of 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.
However, the battery warranty does not cover normal degradation or wear and tear. Tesla batteries are expected to lose some capacity over time due to factors such as age, usage, temperature, charging habits, etc. Tesla estimates that its batteries will retain about 70% to 90% of their original capacity after 8 years or 100,000 miles.
The cost of replacing a battery for a Tesla can range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the model and battery size. However, this is very rare and unlikely to happen within the warranty period. Tesla offers battery service at its service centers or through its mobile service. You can also buy battery modules from third-party vendors or online retailers.
Repairs
Repairs are another cost that you need to consider when owning a Tesla. Although Teslas are generally reliable and durable vehicles, they are not immune to accidents, damages, or defects. Teslas can be expensive to repair due to their high-tech features, complex systems, and limited availability of parts and technicians.
Tesla offers a bumper-to-bumper warranty for its vehicles that covers any defects or malfunctions for 4 years or 50,000 miles. However, this does not cover normal wear and tear or damages caused by misuse, abuse, negligence, vandalism, theft, fire, flood, etc.
The cost of repairing a Tesla can vary widely depending on the type and extent of damage. Some common repairs that Tesla owners have reported include:
- Windshield replacement: $800 to $1,500
- Door handle replacement: $300 to $800
- Touchscreen replacement: $1,500 to $2,500
- Suspension replacement: $2,000 to $4,000
- Bodywork: $3,000 to $10,000
Tesla offers repair service at its service centers or through its mobile service. You can also buy parts from third-party vendors or online retailers.
As you can see, Teslas have some costs that you need to be aware of when owning one. However, these costs are usually lower than those of gas-powered vehicles, especially when you factor in the savings from fuel, oil, and emissions.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the truth about Tesla maintenance and answered the question: do Teslas need oil changes? We have learned that:
- Teslas do not need oil changes because they have electric motors instead of internal combustion engines, which have fewer moving parts that need lubrication.
- Teslas still need some fluids and lubricants for other parts of the car, such as brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. These fluids and lubricants help keep the car running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
- Teslas need some regular service and inspections to ensure their optimal performance and safety. Tesla has a recommended maintenance schedule for its vehicles, which varies depending on the model and year of production. Tesla also offers several service options for its customers, such as mobile service, service center, express service, and remote service.
- Teslas have lower maintenance costs than gas-powered vehicles, especially when you factor in the savings from fuel, oil, and emissions. However, Teslas still have some expenses that you need to consider when owning one, such as tires, brakes, battery, and repairs.
We hope this article has helped you understand more about Tesla maintenance and what to expect when owning an electric vehicle. If you are interested in buying a Tesla or switching to an electric vehicle, you can check out more articles on Tesla or electric car maintenance here. Or if you already own a Tesla or an electric vehicle, you can share your experience or tips on how to maintain your car here.
Thank you for reading this article and we hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. 😊
