Maintaining a car is a necessary part of owning one, but when it comes to Tesla, the rules are a bit different. Since Tesla makes fully electric cars, many of the standard maintenance items don’t apply. You never need an oil change, and you don’t have to worry about traditional fuel costs. Tesla maintenance costs are some of the lowest on the market, but the cars still carry a high price tag.
To figure out maintenance costs, we looked at driver forums and data from Your Mechanic. Today, we bring you a detailed guide on Tesla‘s maintenance costs. Let’s dive into all the details.
Like all major car brands, Tesla had a recommended maintenance schedule until 2019. However, the company switched to only recommending particular services on an as-needed basis. The website now states that Teslas do not require regular maintenance and instead lists a few items that should be changed periodically.
These items include the cabin air filter, tire rotation, brake fluid test, air conditioning service, and winter care. Tesla owners don’t have to go into the shop on a set schedule anymore, as the Tesla owner’s app will keep track of the various time limits on these parts and notify drivers when they should book a service.
Tesla vehicles have a fraction of the number of moving parts that traditional combustion engines have, resulting in lower maintenance costs. The only items Tesla drivers have to worry about are the ones mentioned above. While there isn’t a lot of data online for average cost data, we found some estimates from forums for informational purposes.
For example, the cost of tire rotation ranges from $35 to $100, cabin air filter replacement ranges from $60 to $200, and wiper blades cost between $20 and $50. A full service, including inspection and all the above items, can cost around $475. These costs can vary by model, with a Tesla Model 3 maintenance plan costing less than a Model S.
Over a five-year period, following the as-needed schedule, the total maintenance cost for a Tesla would be around $1,490. This breaks down to about $298 per year on average. While Tesla repairs can be costly, they occur less frequently compared to other brands.
In comparison to other luxury sedans and coupes, Tesla repairs are more affordable over the long term. The BMW i8 is the closest comparison in terms of mechanics, but it still has higher maintenance costs.
Despite the maintenance and repair costs associated with owning a Tesla, there are perks to ownership. Depending on your state, you can get a tax credit or rebate when purchasing a new Tesla. Tesla‘s mobile service program is also a convenient option for maintenance.
Considering an extended warranty for your Tesla can help cover different parts from failure or breakdown longer than the standard warranty. It can provide peace of mind and help smooth out your budget.
In conclusion, owning a Tesla comes with unique maintenance costs and considerations. While repairs can be expensive, the overall maintenance costs are lower compared to other luxury brands. With proper care and attention, owning a Tesla can be a rewarding experience in the long run.
