I have a lot of experience in the car industry and have seen how taking care of cars has changed over time. In the past, people had to adjust parts called carburetors in their cars carefully. Then, we started having fast services to change the car’s oil. Changing the oil was always a big task for any car. But now, there’s something new with electric cars, especially Teslas. People are wondering if these electric cars even need their oil changed.
Let me tell you about Teslas. They are a type of electric car, which means they work differently from regular cars. In electric cars like Teslas, no parts need oil like in other cars. This makes people curious whether they need to change the oil.
In this article:
Do Teslas Need Oil Changes?
The answer is no; Teslas are very different from regular gasoline cars. They have electric motors instead of engines that burn gas.
This is a big deal because Teslas doesn’t need engine oil. So, you don’t have to change the oil if you have a Tesla. This is great news for Tesla owners!
There are some cool benefits to this:
First, you can save both time and money. Usually, changing the oil in a car takes time and costs money. But with a Tesla, you don’t need to do this anymore. You won’t have to go to the service station for oil changes, which means more money in your pocket.
Also, taking care of a Tesla is much simpler. You don’t have to worry about oil filters, spark plugs, or emission checks that are common with other cars. This makes owning a Tesla a lot easier in terms of maintenance.
Why Don’t Teslas Need Oil Changes?
Gasoline cars use engines called internal combustion engines. These engines have a lot of parts that move around a lot. They need something to help them stay calm and not stick to each other to ensure these parts work well together.
That’s where engine oil comes in. It’s important because it stops things from getting too hot and ensures everything moves smoothly. But, when the engine runs, it produces fumes that can make the oil not work as well over time. That’s why cars need oil changes often to keep the engine happy and healthy.
Now, let’s talk about Teslas and other electric cars. They’re different because they use electric motors. These motors are more straightforward, with fewer moving parts. The cool thing about these motors is they don’t need as much oil. Instead, they use a special kind of grease.
This grease is different from regular engine oil because it doesn’t get wrong as quickly. That means Teslas don’t need oil changes like gasoline cars do. It’s one of the neat things about electric vehicles!
How Does Tesla’s Electric Powertrain Works?
Tesla is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. They have created unique cars like the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. These cars are unique because they use electricity instead of gasoline to run. They have a big battery, called a lithium-ion battery, which stores the electricity.
When you drive a Tesla and push the pedal to go faster, the electricity from the battery makes the car move. This is different from cars that use gasoline and have engines called “internal combustion engines” (ICE).
Because Tesla uses electricity, it doesn’t have smoke from a tailpipe like gasoline cars do. Also, you don’t have to change the oil like you do in gasoline cars.
Tesla cars have another cool feature called “regenerative braking.” When you slow down, this system saves some of the energy and puts it back into the battery. This helps the car go further without needing to charge again.
It also means the brakes don’t wear out as quickly. Tesla’s way of using electricity for their cars is good for the environment, making taking care of the car more straightforward than gasoline.
What Maintenance Does Tesla Require?
Taking care of a Tesla is different from caring for a gas-powered car. One of the best things about Teslas is that they don’t need oil changes. However, I need some other care to stay in top shape.
First, let’s talk about the tires. Just like in any car, you need to rotate and align the tires of your Tesla. This helps them wear out evenly and last longer. It also ensures your car handles well and stays safe. Doing this regularly, every 1 to 2 years, is a good idea. But how often you must do can depend on how much you drive and where you drive.
Next is the cabin air filter for the air inside your Tesla. This filter keeps the air clean by catching dust and pollen, which can make you sneeze. Depending on your driving habits and conditions, you should replace this filter every 1 to 2 years.
Now, let’s talk about the brakes. Tesla uses a unique brake that saves energy but still has traditional brakes. These brakes use hydraulic fluid, which sometimes needs to be replaced to ensure your brakes work well. This is usually every few years.
Rotate tires every 6,250 miles (or sooner if the tread depth difference is 2/32 inches or greater). Also, check tire balance and alignment during rotation. This maintenance extends the tire’s lifespan.
Windshield wipers are also important. They need to be in good shape so you can see clearly when it’s raining or snowing. Replace them if they get worn out or damaged.
Last but not least, keep your Tesla’s software updated. Tesla often releases software updates that improve your car’s performance, add new features, and fix problems. Staying up-to-date with these updates helps your Tesla work the best it can.
To sum up, taking care of a Tesla means paying attention to the tires, air filters, brakes, wipers, and software. All these things help your Tesla run smoothly and stay healthy. Always look at your owner’s manual or check Tesla’s online service info for more details.
Do Any Parts of a Tesla Require Oil?
Teslas are electric cars, so they don’t need oil changes for their motors like gas cars. But they do have other parts that use oil. For example, a group called Munro & Associates took apart a Tesla Model Y and found something interesting. There’s an oil filter in the gearbox, a different place than where you’d find it in regular gas cars.
This oil filter in the gearbox is really important. It helps everything run smoothly by stopping dirt from getting into the oil. If dirt got into the oil, it could make it harder for the parts in the gearbox and motor to move around.
The oil Tesla uses in the gearbox is a special Pentosin ATF 9. It’s a synthetic oil, which means it’s made to work well. This oil differs from regular engine oil because it doesn’t worsen over time. That’s because no combustion fumes, like in gas cars, can make the oil dirty.
Something interesting to know is that Tesla used to say you should change this gearbox oil after a certain time, but they no longer say that in their official guides. So, this oil lasts a long time without needing to be changed.
What is the maintenance cost? Electric vs. Gas-Powered Cars
Cars that use gas need to have their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This takes both time and money. However, Tesla and other electric cars are different.
They don’t need oil changes at all. Electric cars have fewer parts that move. This means they don’t break down as much. They also use a special kind of braking called regenerative braking. This helps their brake pads last longer.
Electric cars, like Teslas, cost less to take care of over time. They are also better for our planet. As more places are made for electric cars to charge and get fixed, owning an electric car gets even better. It becomes easier and saves you more money.
Final Verdict
Taking care of your Tesla is pretty simple, but it’s very important. By doing these easy maintenance steps, your Tesla will give you a smooth and fun ride. Even though Teslas don’t need oil changes like gas cars, they still need regular check-ups.
This helps them work their best for a long time. Owning an electric car like a Tesla is convenient. Remember to take good care of it, and then you can enjoy your journeys!
Relevant:
How Much Does Tire Rotation Cost at Jiffy Lube?
What Maintenance Does a Car Need?
What is a Conventional Oil Change & Synthetic Oil?
What Percentage Should You Change Your Oil?
Why Are Oil Changes Important?
FAQs
How often does a Tesla need to be serviced?
Tesla suggests you look at the owner’s manual or the mobile app to find out how often to service your Tesla. It can be different for each model and how you drive.
Do Teslas need any fluid changes?
Yes, but not like regular cars. Teslas don’t need oil changes, but parts like the gear reduction unit and differential might need their fluids changed sometimes. Check your Tesla service manual to know when and what fluids must be changed.
Are Tesla maintenance costs lower than gasoline cars?
Yes, usually. Teslas cost less to maintain because you don’t need to change the oil or spark plugs or perform emission checks. But fixing some parts, like the battery or electric motor, might cost differently.
Do Teslas ever need any oil changes?
Teslas don’t need regular engine oil changes. However, the gearbox in a Tesla uses a special oil that doesn’t need changing as often as in gas cars. Tesla used to say to change this oil, but they don’t mention it in their guides.
How often does a Tesla need maintenance?
Teslas don’t need as much maintenance as gas cars, but they still need some to work properly and be safe. Tesla recommends rotating tires, changing the cabin air filter, and checking the brake pads.
Are electric vehicles cheaper to maintain than gasoline cars?
Generally, yes. Electric vehicles like Teslas usually have lower maintenance costs because they have fewer parts that move and don’t have things like spark plugs or emission systems.
Do Teslas have engines?
No, Teslas don’t have the same engines as gas cars. They use electric motors, so they don’t need as much routine maintenance.
Do Teslas need oil changes?
No, Teslas don’t need oil changes. They don’t have oil-requiring parts like gas car engines.
How do I turn off a Tesla?
Teslas turn off automatically. It will shut down after you park and put the car in park.
How much is an oil change for a Tesla?
Since Teslas don’t need oil changes, you won’t have to pay for this service. Thus, you can deduct oil change costs from your Tesla budget.
Do Teslas have any fluids?
Yes, Teslas use some fluids, even though they don’t need engine oil changes:
- Gearbox/Reduction Unit Oil: This oil helps keep the drivetrain running smoothly and relaxed. It’s made to last a long time, so you don’t need to replace it often. Tesla says you should have a trained technician check it when you take your car for regular maintenance.
- Brake Fluid: Teslas’ hydraulic braking system needs brake fluid to work properly. You should change this fluid every few years to ensure your brakes work well.
- Wiper Fluid: Like any car, Teslas need wiper fluid. This helps keep the windshield clean when it’s raining or snowing.
- Coolant: Some Tesla models have a coolant system that helps control the temperature. During maintenance visits, the coolant might need to be checked or added.
