Tesla is ditching extended maintenance plans in favor of providing service on an as-needed basis.
Tesla notes that, unlike gasoline cars, electric vehicles require no traditional oil changes, fuel filters, spark plug replacements or emission checks. As electric cars, even brake pad replacements are rare because regenerative braking returns energy to the battery, significantly reducing wear on brakes.
However, the company does offer a list of regular maintenance recommendations, including:
Cabin Air Filter
Your Tesla is equipped with an air filter that prevents pollen, industrial fallout, road dust and other particles from entering through the vents. Tesla recommends replacing your cabin air filter every 2 years.High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter
If your Tesla is equipped with a HEPA filter, Tesla recommends replacing it every 3 years.Tire Rotation, Balance and Wheel Alignment
Tesla recommends checking your tires every 10,000-12,000 miles for rotating, balancing and aligning needs. Aggressive driving can lead to premature tire wear and may require more frequent tire service. Unbalanced and misaligned wheels affect handling, tire life and steering components. Refer to tire manufacturer’s owner manuals and warranty documentation for additional details.Brake Fluid Test
Tesla recommends testing brake fluid for contamination every 2 years and replacing as needed.Air Conditioning Service
An air conditioning service replaces the desiccant to help the longevity and efficiency of the air conditioning system. Tesla recommends an air conditioning service every 2 years for Model S, every 4 years for Model X and every 6 years for Model 3.Winter Care
Tesla recommends cleaning and lubricating all brake calipers every 12 months or 12,500 mi for cars in cold weather regions.
Tesla previously recommended a multi-point inspection every 12 months or 12,500 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions from Tesla’s Car Maintenance page are below:
Does my car require an annual maintenance service?
Your Tesla does not require annual maintenance and regular fluid changes. Please check your Owner’s Manual for latest maintenance recommendations for your Tesla.Do I have to take my car to a Tesla Service Center?
With over-the-air software updates, remote diagnostics and the support of our Mobile Service technicians, the need to visit a Service Center is reduced. If your car does require service, you can schedule a service appointment in the Tesla app or your Tesla Account. If you choose to take your car to a non-Tesla shop for maintenance or repairs, coverage under your warranty could be affected if any problems occur.If I choose not to service my Tesla car, will this void my warranty?
Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Used Vehicle Limited Warranty will not be affected if recommended service is not performed. However, coverage under your Extended Service Agreement may be affected if the recommended service is not performed. See the Tesla Extended Service Plan Terms and Conditions for further details.Can I transfer my Tesla Maintenance Plan to the new owner if I sell my Tesla vehicle?
You can transfer the unused portion of your Tesla Maintenance Plan when you sell your car. The plan will transfer to the new owner when the car ownership transfer is processed through Tesla. Refer to your Maintenance Plan Terms and Conditions for more information.Can I cancel my Tesla Maintenance Plan?
You can request to cancel your Maintenance Plan at any time to receive a refund for the remaining annual service inspection intervals. Refer to your Maintenance Plan Terms and Conditions for more information.