Electric vehicles have been around for a long time now. In fact, innovative brands and engineers already made successful electric cars many decades ago. However, nobody can deny that Tesla revolutionized the modern market of electric vehicles. It not only made them a practical choice among consumers, but also made buyers desire them. To this day, it continues to push the global transition to electric mobility. With individuals planning to switch, many are wondering if Tesla cars need oil or fluid changes.
This guide offers an overview of the maintenance requirements of Tesla vehicles.
Oil or Fluid Maintenance
As per its Vehicle Maintenance Support, the electric vehicles do not include traditional oil changes in their maintenance. Likewise, Co-Pilot explains that gas-powered cars need oil because it helps maintain the combustion engine’s moving parts. And over time, fumes will eventually break down the oil, which causes the need to replace the fluid. However, Kelley Blue Book says Elon Musk’s electric cars have fewer mechanical parts. It means that coolant flushes, oil services, and transmission fluid replacements are unnecessary. While Tesla uses oil for their gearboxes to ensure smooth transitions, the manufacturer only uses the synthetic type. This kind of oil does not get contaminated by fumes. So, oil changes are still not a necessity in the traditional sense.
On the other hand, Tesla does recommend brake fluid testing once every four years. It also reminds owners that heavy braking and tropical climates may increase the need to change brake fluid.
Other Maintenance Tasks You Can Skip in a Tesla
The EV maker says that their products do not need spark plug replacements, fuel system maintenance, and emission checks. At the same time, replacing brake pads is rare due to the regenerative braking feature.
Essential Maintenance Tasks for Tesla Vehicles
Electric vehicles are not entirely exempt from regular maintenance. But they do not require it as frequently as traditional cars. According to the Vehicle Maintenance Support, the following are the recommended maintenance services for a Tesla car:
- Cabin Air Filter replacement
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter
- Tire Rotation
- Wheel Balancing
- Wheel Alignment
- Tire and Wheel Configuration
- Air Conditioning Service
- Windshield Camera Area Precision Cleaning
- Winter Care
- High Voltage Battery Maintenance
Tesla Tune Up: Final Notes
Generally, Tesla cars do not require oil changes like gas-powered counterparts. Similarly, some other maintenance tasks are not frequently needed. But still, owners must follow servicing guidelines to keep their vehicle running smoothly.
