Tesla Maintenance [for model 3]

[JetDriver05]

I’m very familiar with ICE cars and the typical maintenance schedule. But TESLA technology is so different and brand new to me. What type maintenance items do you all typically perform on your Tesla? These are the only things I can think of:

1. Tire rotation
2. Washer fluid top off
3. Brake replacement (though with regenerative braking this should not happen for quite a while)
4. Windshield wiper blade replacement

 

[UncertainTimes]

Cabin filter

 

[GtiMart]

Brakes benefit from being cleaned and lubricated from time to time. In Texas it's less critical than here with snow and calcium but still, they might jam if they're not lubricated since they are used so little. Maybe once every 2 years for you is enough whereas it's recommended every year here. Maintained properly, they should last a long time.

Expect to change the cabin AC filters when they develop bad odors.

The rest is checking and general maintenance. For example, brake fluid needs replacement just like ICE cars. Monitor and replace after what, around 4 years ?

 

[skygraff]

12v battery at some point.

 

[KenC]

Let's see:
• wash the car
• add washer fluid, check blinker fluid
• wiper
• air filters
• tire rotation and replacement; check alignment
• brake pad check, lube pins
• brake fluid check
• 12v battery

Starting with more often, to less often.

 

[The Other Dan]

Don't forget that because it's not an ICE, and you dont have exhaust gasses, you need to manually grease the muffler bearings.

 

[3sr+buyer]

The rest is checking and general maintenance. For example, brake fluid needs replacement just like ICE cars. Monitor and replace after what, around 4 years ?

Car Maintenance says "Tesla recommends testing your brake fluid for contamination every 2 years and replacing as needed." Presumably, this means checking for water percentage and replacing the brake fluid if the water percentage is too high. Those in more humid areas should expect to replace the brake fluid more often.

 

[gearchruncher]

In Texas it's less critical than here with snow and calcium but still, they might jam if they're not lubricated since they are used so little.

The brakes on a Tesla are actuated constantly. The parking brake fully cycles the rear calipers every time you park, The iBooster fully applies all the brakes any time you are at a stop light and doing a hold.

Yes, the pads and rotors may not take as much wear, but it's not like the master cylinder and brake calipers aren't being used all the time.

 

[GtiMart]

Sure. Still, they jam in a climate such as we have here, more than ICE vehicles, so I thought I'd say. Especially the front pins seize and are broken when trying to remove them. I prefer to clean/lubricate every year, they are already difficult to remove...

 

[gearchruncher]

That sounds like a design/materials issue, not a "your brakes are used so little that they need more maintenance than normal".
All standard issue for the California designed car that pours rain into the interior when you open the trunk

 

[18apetrella]

Besides the comments you've already gotten, keep an eye out for any potential issues: worn and torn FUCA and FLCAs or any unusual tire wear (you'll need some aftermarket rear camber arms, I suggest Unplugged Performance).

 

[bnsfengineer]

Don't forget that because it's not an ICE, and you dont have exhaust gasses, you need to manually grease the muffler bearings.

 

[RSpanner]

Besides the comments you've already gotten, keep an eye out for any potential issues: worn and torn FUCA and FLCAs or any unusual tire wear (you'll need some aftermarket rear camber arms, I suggest Unplugged Performance).

mine ok, not FUCA Upped

 

[roblab]

Car Maintenance says "Tesla recommends testing your brake fluid for contamination every 2 years and replacing as needed." Presumably, this means checking for water percentage and replacing the brake fluid if the water percentage is too high. Those in more humid areas should expect to replace the brake fluid more often.

And conversely, those who live in drier areas may not need to check it very often at all. I've owned four Teslas, two of which were sold with over 100,000 miles on them. No car of mine EVER had the brake fluid checked for any reason, partly because I figured the brakes were hardly ever used except for the last few feet near a stop light or sign. Nearly all braking is done with regen.

 

[GtiMart]

...brake fluid won't stop working overnight but it doesn't mean you shouldn't get it checked. With enough water content, pedal feel could be affected and emergency braking situations could be problematic I believe. Also, humidity in those lines means they will rust faster. True for all cars. You don't see the effects yet but they might be present... Don't wait until it's too late, get it checked after a while.

 

[rpiotro]

And conversely, those who live in drier areas may not need to check it very often at all. I've owned four Teslas, two of which were sold with over 100,000 miles on them. No car of mine EVER had the brake fluid checked for any reason, partly because I figured the brakes were hardly ever used except for the last few feet near a stop light or sign. Nearly all braking is done with regen.

Brake fluid deterioration is not dependent on brake usage. I don't understand where people get that notion. It doesn't "wear out." If the car sat in a garage for years and was never driven you would still need to change it if you were in a humid environment.

 

[RISC601]

Brakes benefit from being cleaned and lubricated from time to time. In Texas it's less critical than here with snow and calcium but still, they might jam if they're not lubricated since they are used so little. Maybe once every 2 years for you is enough whereas it's recommended every year here. Maintained properly, they should last a long time.

Expect to change the cabin AC filters when they develop bad odors.

The rest is checking and general maintenance. For example, brake fluid needs replacement just like ICE cars. Monitor and replace after what, around 4 years ?

Having worked as a service advisor and warranty administrator for several different marques, the frequency for a brake fluid change/flush is every two years regardless of mileage.

 

[GtiMart]

I've typically stretched mine to 3-4 years but you're right, it's often recommended every 2 years. Best is to test it frequently and change when it requires change I guess.

 

[deuskid]

Don't forget that because it's not an ICE, and you dont have exhaust gasses, you need to manually grease the muffler bearings.

What about the blinker fluid?

 

[santua]

What about the blinker fluid?

My M2C had all sorts of blinker fluid leaks…