Which parts will need the most maintenance for a Tesla electric car?
As explained in the introduction, an electric vehicle will need much less maintenance than a combustion-powered vehicle. This is due to the fact that these vehicles have fewer parts essential to the proper functioning of the car. The main components of an electric vehicle are its battery and motor. Nevertheless, your vehicle will be made up of many other parts that are essential to your comfort. This is particularly true of the air filters in Tesla vehicles.
Tesla's air filter
Every Tesla vehicle is equipped with an air filter that prevents many molecules that can be harmful to the driver and passengers from entering the cabin through the ventilation system. In particular, it prevents :
- pollen intrusion
- particle intrusion due to industrial emissions
- intrusion of road dust
- sand intrusion
- etc.
This air filter needs to be renewed every 2 years for the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y, and every 3 years for recent versions of the Tesla Model S and Model X.
Your tires
Another essential component for the smooth running of your electric car is its tires.
It's very complicated to drive without them, and if you don't maintain them sufficiently, it affects your safety! That's why it's vital to take good care of your tires, and change them at regular intervals if necessary.
Tesla recommends that you change your tires every 10,000 km or so, or if you notice a difference in tread depth of more than 1.5 mm. If you drive a little more sportily, because of the harsh conditions your tires will be subjected to, they will deteriorate faster and will need to be changed just as quickly.
Brakes and brake fluid
Another advantage of Tesla electric vehicles is that the brake will wear out much more slowly than with a combustion engine vehicle! This is due in particular to the fact that the vehicle recoversrange when braking, thanks to regenerative braking. The car uses its braking power to recover electricity, which it then transmits to the battery. So the brake discs or calipers will be less put to the test. However, we still recommend that you clean and lubricate the brake caliper every year, or every 20,000 km in colder regions.
Regarding brake fluid, Tesla recommends that you check it for contamination every 2 years and, if necessary, replace it.
Air conditioning
For optimum, efficient air-conditioning, your car's air-conditioning system needs regular maintenance, especially by replacing the moisture absorber. In particular, this will improve its service life.
Tesla has defined a schedule that estimates how long it will take to change the moisture absorber. Which is :
- 6 years for the Tesla Model 3
- 4 years for the Tesla Model Y
- 3 years for recent Tesla Model S and Model X models
- 2 years for Model S produced between 2012 and 2020
- 4 years for Model X produced between 2012 and 2020
Until December 31, 2022, discover several electric vehicle models available for delivery before Christmas!
Does my Tesla require annual servicing?
Whether it's your Tesla or any other electric car, you don't have to undergo any compulsory annual servicing! By switching to an electric car, you save on maintenance costs, which is no mean feat!
If you're a Tesla owner, you've got a vehicle that's frequently serviced remotely at your fingertips! Tesla frequently performs software updates and diagnostics remotely. However, if your vehicle needs repairing, you can always book an appointment via the app.
How do I book a service appointment for my Tesla?
It's very simple:
- Go to the Tesla app and click on "Maintenance".
- Choose the theme(s) you wish to discuss with the technicians
- You will also need to provide details of the problem with your vehicle. You must provide a precise description of the problem encountered with your vehicle. You'll also need to specify the date on which the problem first occurred, as well as its recurrence.
You can add photos to give a better idea of the problem. - You can choose the address at which you would like to carry out the interview
- You choose the date that suits you best
- It's time to finalize your appointment request. Before you do, check that your contact details are correct so that you can be contacted without any inconvenience.
You can reschedule or cancel your appointment if necessary.
Preparing your Tesla service appointment
Thanks to the connectivity of Tesla vehicles, a remote diagnosis can be carried out and a pre-diagnosis of the repair can be issued, enabling the parts required for the repair to be ordered in advance of the appointment.
If your appointment concerns a problem with your vehicle's charging system, don't forget to bring your charging cable with you so that the mechanic can inspect it.
What can you do while your Tesla is being repaired?
First of all, thanks to the Tesla app, you can check the progress of your electric vehicle's repair. It displays the status of the repair and tells you when it's nearing completion. It also sends you a notification that your car is ready for collection.
What can I do when my vehicle is in the garage?
Depending on the nature of the damage to your vehicle, there are several possible solutions. If your vehicle needs to be repaired in more than four hours and is covered by warranty, Tesla can provide you with a replacement vehicle while stocks last.
If the nature of the damage is not covered by the warranty, Tesla is unable to compensate you and you will need to contact your insurance company to investigate possible compensation.
However, if you have a Tesla car on loan, you'll need to make use of it under certain conditions. First of all, you'll be subject to a mileage limit. If you exceed this limit, you'll be liable to a charge. You should also be aware that any fines or tickets you incur will, of course, be your responsibility.
What do I do when my vehicle is ready for collection?
To pick up your vehicle, you will be given an estimate of when your vehicle will be ready. You can schedule an appointment to pick up your vehicle via the Tesla app. Alternatively, you'll receive a notification once your vehicle is ready for collection.
Daily checks
There are a number of daily checks to be carried out to ensure that your Tesla vehicle is in perfect working order. These include:
- battery level
- tire condition and pressure
- presence of corrosive substances such as :
- bird droppings
- tree resin
- tar spot
- dead insects
- industrial waste
- etc.
- remember to check the condition of your outdoor lighting
- the horn
- windshield wipers or washers
- status of indicator lights or vehicle alerts on touchscreen
- check for any abnormal presence of liquid that might indicate a leak (do not consider puddles of water that form during the air-conditioning system's dehumidification process)
- SAFETY BELTS
- the brakes
Monthly checks
In addition to the daily checks, there are a number of other items that need to be checked on a more occasional basis. For example, you'll need to check your windshield washer fluid level and top it up if necessary. Checking tire pressure is also essential.
Don't forget to check that the air conditioning system is working properly. This system is essential to the vehicle's operation, as it cools the battery if necessary. That's why it switches on automatically, even after you've turned it off. Keeping the battery at an optimum temperature will extend its life and maintain high efficiency.
In conclusion
Now you've got all the information you need to maintain your Tesla! However, Beev strongly recommends that you regularly consult your vehicle's owner's manual. Each Tesla model is likely to require its own specific maintenance, and you'll find all the information you need in your owner's manual. Tesla makes all the service manuals for the various Tesla models available to the general public. Feel free to consult them on their website.
