Before knowing if a Tesla needs an oil change we should know Does Tesla use oil? Yes, but Tesla does not use oil in its engines. Other parts under the hood require lubrication to work smoothly. For example, drive units containing AC induction propulsion motors require oil. Additionally, your Tesla car’s gearbox (also known as the differential) contains oil.
Does Tesla need an Oil change?
We can say yes and as well as no. Because Teslas do not require oil changes, unlike other cars with internal combustion engines. It runs on an electric motor instead of a gasoline or diesel engine, so there is no need to change the engine oil. However, certain moving and rotating parts of your Tesla require lubrication, so some fluid is necessary. Below are some of the fluid and maintenance requirements for Tesla vehicles.
1. Coolant
The types of coolant used in Tesla cars can vary slightly and have different purposes. Tesla models use the G48 coolant to prevent overheating of the battery cells. The liquid is based on ethylene glycol.
It not only regulates the temperature inside the battery cells but also prevents corrosion. When choosing a G48 coolant, the best repair workshop recommends choosing one that contains organic corrosion inhibitors and is specifically approved for use in Tesla vehicles.
Most new Tesla models are designed to not require oil changes as well, so no coolant changes are required. We recommend having your Tesla’s coolant checked every few years. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
2. Windshield Washer Fluid
People don’t know that water is not enough to clean your windshield, but you need windshield washer fluid to clean it effectively. It contains antifreeze, which is especially important if you drive in areas with sub-zero temperatures.
If your windshield won’t come out clean, you may be low on windshield washer fluid. Adding windshield washer fluid at home is easy. All you have to do is cover the cost of materials and follow a few simple steps. To fill the reservoir, open the hood and find it on the maintenance panel. please fill in! It’s that simple.
3. Brake Fluid
Teslas and other electric vehicles still have many similarities to traditional fuel vehicles. Both cars still use brake fluid in their hydraulic brake systems. Brake fluid can absorb moisture even if it is a sealed system. Moisture enters the system through small holes in rubber hoses, loose seals, or open fluid caps. Water buildup can damage the metal in your brake system, making it less effective.
Brake fluid loses its effectiveness over time. It can also make the brakes less responsive, which could lead to an accident. If Tesla owners prioritize safety, they should check their brake fluid regularly. Tesla recommends that you have your brake fluid inspected every two years.
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4. Transmission Fluid
Most EVs do not use a transmission. But cars like the Tesla Model S, X, and 3 have gears on the front and rear motors. That means you’ll need transmission fluid.
In Teslas, even when different transmission types are used, gearbox fluid is still essential for smooth functioning. Tesla recommends changing your transmission fluid every 12,500 miles.
| Fluid | Price (AED) | Notes |
| Transmission Fluid | N/A | Tesla vehicles don’t have traditional transmissions and therefore don’t require transmission fluid. |
| Brake Fluid | N/A | Tesla uses an electronically controlled braking system with minimal hydraulic fluid. Servicing this is typically included in Tesla’s scheduled maintenance. |
| Windshield Wiper Fluid | 20-30 | Per liter of high-quality ethanol-based windshield washer fluid. |
| Coolant Fluid | N/A | Similar to transmission and brake fluid, Tesla’s cooling system is a sealed unit and doesn’t require user maintenance or topping off. Servicing the coolant is included in Tesla’s scheduled maintenance. |
When does Tesla require an Oil Change?
If you talk about the Tesla oil change than Tesla Model S or Model X manufactured under the year 2021, the electric vehicle’s drive unit may not be equipped with an oil filter. For these Tesla models, it is recommended to change the oil in the motor every 100,000 miles.
If you have a 2021 or newer Model S, X, 3, or Y the electric motor lubricant will last more than 100,000 miles. This is because Tesla has added an oil filter to the new drive unit to help maintain the quality of the lubricant over time.
(Notice: However, some Tesla models, specifically Model S and X manufactured before 2021, have gearboxes that use a specific type of oil. This oil change is not a traditional engine oil change but is crucial for the proper functioning of the gearbox.
For these pre-2021 Model S and X, Tesla recommends changing the gearbox oil every two years. This is different from the 100,000-mile recommendation mentioned earlier, which might be relevant for a specific component or model year not explicitly mentioned in the text)
Tesla gearboxes also require a specific type of oil. According to Tesla, this oil is recommended to be changed once in the second year of ownership, once in the second year, and once again in the second year. Failure to change the oil can lead to gearbox failure, which can cause problems with the vehicle’s running. You may face oil leakage repairs after facing the failure to change the oil of the parts that have been discussed. You should get your car to the best EV repair shop.
Summary
Tesla does not require traditional oil changes for its EVs. However, some fluids are still necessary for the car’s operation. These are Coolant, Windshield wiper, Transmission, and Brake Fluids. Newer Tesla Models have oil filters in the drive unit, which helps the lubricant to extend its life. Hence we have known that there is no such service as Tesla oil change. But there are Fluid change services for Tesla that are necessary for it.
