When it comes to regular maintenance, one thing that might surprise you is the question of “Do Teslas need Oil changes?” While traditional cars don’t need motor oil, Teslas do need an oil change every 100,000 miles. In addition to the engine oil, Teslas also need lubricating fluids in the brakes and gearbox. You might assume that regular maintenance on a Tesla is off limits, but this is not the case.
If you’re wondering why, you may want to consider the fact that oil is not a permanent fixture in your car. Even when a car is closed and well-maintained, oil tends to migrate. If you don’t regularly change your oil, it will degrade to a point where the oil doesn’t fit the oil level. Fortunately, there are tools available to detect oil level problems before they become an issue.
Electric cars require less maintenance than internal combustion vehicles. That doesn’t mean that you should ignore routine maintenance, however. Many Tesla owners ask “Do Teslas need Oil changes?” in order to maintain their cars. Although Tesla doesn’t use oil, its parts still need lubrication. This is because oil lubricates valves, fuel pumps, and other moving parts. As such, Teslas don’t need regular oil changes, and it’s hard to charge a customer for one when there’s none.
Tesla cars require very little maintenance. In fact, the majority of their work is done by software, and they are internet-connected. These cars diagnose and download software updates for themselves. Traditional mechanics can’t work on these cars and therefore cannot perform an oil change on them. In addition, the high cost of maintaining a Tesla will also raise the insurance rate. If you don’t have enough money to pay for an oil change, you can still use the services of a service center that offers it.
Moreover, Teslas have no conventional transmission system. That means that the gearing and clutch won’t need to be oiled. The car’s advanced software will keep track of its own health and alert you to the need for an oil change. It also needs to have its wheel alignment monitored regularly. In addition to oiling, Teslas need to get their cabin air filter changed. These are just a few of the services that your Tesla will require.
You should always take your Tesla to the service center if you encounter any unexpected issues. Minor repairs can get you back on the road, but ignoring any problems can lead to bigger ones. You should also have the tires aligned every 12,000 miles and replace them every five or six years. You should also check the brake pads every two years or so. If they are worn, it is time to replace them. You might want to visit a service center every two or three years, or even every three years.
Although it’s true that Tesla vehicles don’t require regular oil changes, you should check the oil regularly. A gas-powered car needs oil changes often. Changing the oil on a Tesla, however, is a bad idea. Oil changes can damage seals and cause leaks. Tesla vehicles use synthetic oil, which doesn’t degrade nearly as quickly as conventional oils. You might be surprised to learn that conventional wisdom doesn’t apply to electric vehicles, so check the car’s manual for recommendations.
Tires need to be rotated and changed every six thousand miles, but if you drive your Tesla aggressively, you might need to replace them more often. Tires wear down with time, so you should change them before the tread difference is too small. A wheel alignment checkup is also important to your vehicle’s handling and performance. While it may not seem important, a misalignment could affect your safety and handling.
In addition to oil changes, Tesla recommends regular maintenance for its vehicles. The cost of this maintenance depends on what services you need. Model S and X vehicles, for example, should have their air conditioning checked every two years. Model 3 and Y vehicles should be serviced annually. However, even if you don’t drive them that often, regular service will ensure your car stays in tip-top shape. A smart driver will always check for over-the-air software updates and remote diagnostics.
Compared to conventional cars, Teslas are expensive to repair. While this is partially due to the company’s luxury positioning, repairs on a Tesla are still a big expense. The price of an oil change can be as high as $500. But compared to the high cost of repairs on conventional cars, a Tesla has some benefits. If you are looking for a vehicle that has lower maintenance costs and reliability, it is definitely worth checking into the Model S and X.