As a proud owner of a Tesla Model 3 Mid-Range since December of 2018, I have had the pleasure of experiencing the joys of owning an all-Electric Vehicle. One of the main reasons I decided to make the switch from a traditional gas-powered car to a Tesla was the promise of lower maintenance costs and a more environmentally friendly driving experience. In this blog, I will share with you the routine maintenance I have done on my Tesla Model 3 and shed some light on what it takes to keep an all-Electric Vehicle running smoothly.
One of the first things I learned about owning a Tesla is that there are very few moving parts compared to a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. In fact, Tesla states that their drivetrain only has about 17 moving parts, whereas a typical gas-powered vehicle has around 200 moving parts in the drivetrain. This simplicity translates to fewer maintenance issues and lower costs in the long run.
One of the key maintenance tasks recommended by Tesla is checking the brake fluid every 2 years and replacing it if necessary. Due to regenerative braking, which helps slow down the car by using the motor as a generator, the need for traditional brake usage is minimal. This means that the brake fluid in a Tesla can last much longer than in a gas-powered vehicle.
Another important maintenance task is replacing the AC desiccant bag every 6 years to remove moisture from the AC unit. While I have not reached this milestone yet, I did have to replace the cabin filters and clean the AC coil within the first 6 months of owning the car due to a mildew smell. Tesla did not cover this under warranty, so I took matters into my own hands and successfully serviced it myself.
Additionally, Tesla recommends cleaning the brake calipers every year or at 12,500 miles if you live in an area where roads are salted during the winter. As someone living in North Carolina, I have not had to worry about this maintenance task yet. I also rotate my tires every 12,000 miles and monitor the windshield washer fluid reservoir and AC unit for correct cooling specs.
When it comes to the battery, Tesla advises leaving the car plugged in when not in use to maximize the battery’s lifetime. The battery itself is designed to last 300,000 to 500,000 miles, with replacement modules costing $5,000 to $7,000. While the battery is covered under an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty, I have full confidence in its longevity and reliability.
Overall, owning a Tesla has been a rewarding experience, and the minimal maintenance required has only added to my satisfaction. I look forward to the future of Tesla and the advancements they continue to make in the Electric Vehicle industry. If you are considering purchasing a Tesla or are curious about the maintenance needs of an all-Electric Vehicle, I highly recommend making the switch – you won’t regret it.
