Tesla is on the path of revolutionizing the auto industry, and it’s gaining popularity each day. Maintaining a Tesla seems simple enough according to the promise of the Electric Vehicle revolution. After all, having fewer mechanical parts in the car means you don’t have the expense and inconvenience of oil changes, transmission fluid replacements, or coolant flushes. Tesla, America’s best-known EV maker, is doing the most to spread the message of easy maintenance and less expensive routine service costs.
However, keeping a Tesla on the road isn’t free, and service centers aren’t as common as regular auto shops. Today, we are diving into the detailed maintenance cost of a Tesla that will help owners and new buyers plan accordingly. Let’s get started.
How much does maintaining a Tesla cost? Tesla‘s Model 3 is among the fastest-selling electric cars in America. The Model 3 received an award for the lowest five-year cost to own vehicle in the luxury Electric Vehicle segment in 2022 from Kelly Blue Book. Over five years, the owner of a Tesla Model 3 can expect to spend an estimated $3,115 on maintenance, or $623 annually. While this is slightly higher than many gas-powered competitors, Tesla‘s fuel savings more than make up for the added cost.
It’s important to note that some costs can add up for maintenance. For example, EV tires wear faster due to the extra weight of the batteries and need to be replaced more frequently compared to tires on traditional gasoline cars. Additionally, older vehicles may experience additional maintenance and repair costs over time.
Can you maintain a Tesla yourself? Some items on Tesla‘s routine maintenance schedule are simple enough for a competent home mechanic to perform. For instance, replacing the cabin air filter every two years is easy with minimal experience. However, other tasks, such as testing brake fluid for contamination, require shop tools that most of us don’t have.
Tesla employs a fleet of mobile service providers who will come to you wherever your Tesla is parked to perform routine maintenance tasks. These include tire rotations, cabin air filter changes, and other basic tasks. Tesla also maintains a network of service centers for less common and more extensive work.
Where to go for Tesla maintenance? Tesla operates service centers in at least 35 states, but their accessibility varies widely based on where you live. California residents have access to 39 service centers across the state, while those in Idaho may need to go to Boise for service. Additionally, GM has begun servicing Tesla vehicles in recent years, providing another option for drivers who don’t live near a Tesla service center.
Can you take your Tesla to a regular auto shop? Few independent service shops currently have technicians certified to work on electric cars, including Tesla vehicles. While this may change in the coming years as electric vehicles become more prevalent, at the moment, most independent shops don’t work on Tesla vehicles. Tesla notes that if you choose to take your vehicle to a non-Tesla shop for maintenance or repairs, coverage under your warranty could be affected if any problems occur.
In conclusion, while maintaining a Tesla may require fewer services than traditional ICE-powered vehicles, they still require routine maintenance. Tesla maintenance costs are estimated to be between $587 and $832 per year. It’s essential for owners to consider the cost of maintenance when planning for their Tesla ownership experience. Tesla‘s unique way of dealing with car issues, such as over-the-air software updates, has significantly improved the overall ownership experience for many Tesla owners.
