When I first bought my Tesla Model 3 a few years ago, one of the things that attracted me the most was how little maintenance it would need compared to gas-powered cars. As an electric vehicle, there’s no oil changes, spark plug replacements, or other engine-related services.
According to the owner’s manual, Tesla recommends getting your car serviced every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. However, many Tesla owners report being able to go far longer between service appointments with no issues. Since there are far fewer fluid-based components compared to ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles, a Tesla really just needs basic inspections and adjustments rather than repairs or part replacements.
What Happens at a Service?
During the standard annual or 12,500 mile service, a Tesla technician will perform a multi-point inspection of the entire vehicle. This includes checking things like the battery pack, brake pads/fluids, suspension components, lights, wipers, safety systems, and more. They’ll also calibrate the cameras and sensors if needed. For the latest models, Tesla estimates the standard service will take around 2 hours. You can also opt to just have select items inspected if only a few things need checking.
When Major Service is Actually Needed
Unless you start noticing issues like uneven tire wear or braking problems, most Tesla owners can happily go 2-3 years between major service appointments. The battery, drive unit, and other heavy componentry are also covered for many years under the warranty. Things like brake changes may be needed every couple years or 30,000-50,000 miles depending on your driving habits and conditions. But otherwise, a Tesla is quite reliable with minimal fluid exchanges or repairs required between services.
Spot Checking Yourself
Since regular maintenance isn’t as crucial, I like to occasionally inspect things myself like checking brake pad thickness and tire tread depth. The Tesla app can also give you a glimpse into any existing or past error codes. Pay attention to how your Tesla battery is holding a charge as well. Otherwise, just follow the on-screen alerts for any issues detected by the car’s computers. With no smog checks needed either, owning a Tesla is quite low maintenance overall.
Should You Skip Services?
While it’s true you may be able to go longer between major services, I still think yearly inspections provide peace of mind. Small issues can be caught and addressed before becoming big ones. The technician can also ensure everything is running as it should be software-wise. Looking ahead, more frequent maintenance may also help retain your Tesla’s higher resale value down the road. So even if not 100% needed, the low cost of normal servicing is worth it for me.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as an EV owner, servicing a Tesla every 12-18 months or 12,500-15,000 miles should suffice unless you start encountering specific problems. The limited fluid-based components mean far less can actually go wrong too. Just be sure to check a few key things yourself periodically. Overall, low-maintenance is a serious perk of electric vehicle ownership!
Jake’s blog is a workshop, not just a read. With a toolkit of passion and expertise, he transforms cars into customized masterpieces. Dive into the pages and learn the art of auto modding.
