Do Teslas Need Servicing? Answers to Your Top Questions

Unlike other manufacturers (both electric and petrol), Teslas do not have fixed or scheduled servicing intervals.

Tesla does however provide a recommended maintenance schedule for several items that should be checked or replaced periodically. Regular maintenance items include tire rotations, brake pad replacements, and software updates.

The below maintenance recommendations are directly from the Tesla website:

• Brake fluid health check every 2 years (replace if necessary).
• A/C desiccant bag replacement every 6 years.
• Cabin air filter replacement every 2 years.
• Clean and lubricate brake calipers every year or 12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area where roads are salted during winter
• Rotate tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or if tread depth difference is 2/32 in (1.5 mm) or greater, whichever comes first

How Long Do Tesla Tires Last?

The lifespan of Tesla tires can vary depending on the specific model and driving conditions. On average, Tesla tires can last between 30,000 and 70,000 km. The lifespan of the tires can be extended with proper maintenance, such as regular tire rotations and maintaining proper tire pressure.

Do Teslas Need Coolant?

Yes, Teslas do require coolant. The coolant is used to regulate the temperature of the battery and the electronics in the car. Tesla recommends checking the coolant level every 12 months or 20,000 km, whichever comes first.

Do Teslas Need Brake Fluid?

Yes, Teslas also require brake fluid. The brake fluid is used to transfer force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers, which stop the car. Tesla recommends checking the brake fluid level every 2 years.

Services and maintenance costs for a Tesla Model 3 or Y equate to approximately $250 per year, compared to $1567 per year for the average petrol vehicle. This figure only accounts for the key maintenance items (below), if other problems arise, your maintenance costs could be higher.

You can view how electric vehicle servicing costs compare across all brands in a comparison we published.

Tesla batteries are designed to last a long time. The lifespan of a Tesla will depend on several factors including its battery chemistry and how well it's been maintained. In general, you can expect to get well over ten years of use from your Tesla battery. This has been supported by many Tesla owners who have reported strong performance well beyond the warranty period of 8 years.

Tesla offers 8-year warranties across all its models (refer below table), albeit the total mileage limit does vary.

The replacement cost of your Tesla depends on the chemistry of the battery pack. Teslas which use the LFP chemistry, such as the Tesla Model 3 and Y RWD, will have a significantly lower cost.

By way of example, the replacement costs (including labour) for the Tesla Model 3 RWD 57.5 kWh battery is $17,000