Tesla is the pioneer of fully-electric cars so it’s not surprising that many of the standard
maintenance items don’t apply. For example, you never need an oil change, and of course, won’t
ever have to worry about traditional fuel costs. But there are some shockingly expensive repair
costs that you should factor in your budget when you go shopping for a Tesla. Here’s the scoop.
A Tesla carries a high price tag, and they do require specialized care.
On top of that, some repairs can be very expensive. However, Tesla maintenance costs
are low for the industry and very low for luxury models. Tesla offers a factory warranty for all
models and an extended service agreement for Model S and Model X. Extended car warranties or prepaid
maintenance plans can help reduce your annual Tesla maintenance costs. Plus, a third-party
extended warranties can help even out the cost of ownership, especially as cars get older.
If you plan to purchase a Tesla or already have one, you need to be aware of Tesla’s recommended
maintenance schedules and how much it costs to maintain and repair certain vehicle parts
because Tesla car servicing should be as seamless and affordable as possible.
How Much Does Tesla Maintenance Cost? In the whole scheme of things,
Tesla maintenance costs during the first year of ownership are extremely low. Because Teslas
are electric vehicles, there’s no need for many standard maintenance services, like oil changes,
spark plug replacements, fuel filter replacements, or emissions checks. Other repairs will need to be
completed as your Tesla ages, and for the most part, your car will notify you through remote
diagnostics when maintenance is required. The most common maintenance services your
Tesla will need within the first year are a tire rotation, replacement of windshield washer fluids,
and replacement of the cabin air filter. With that short list it seems fairly cheap.
A tire rotation will cost you anywhere between $35 through $100 depending on
which model you have. A windshield blade wiper replacement will cost you no more than $50,
and a cabin air filter replacement is $60 - $200. But there are some ways you can cut corners.
That’s by doing it yourself. Having a professional rotate your tires is relatively inexpensive, but
if you’re looking to save money, many drivers have taught themselves to service their car at home,
But of course, the burden of potential added risks apply if you choose not to
allow a professional to do it. But regardless if you opt to take it to a professional or learn
how to do repairs yourself, it is very wise to follow the recommended Tesla service schedules.
Recommended Tesla Service Schedule and Common Repairs
Tesla maintenance cost one year may be much higher or lower than the next, depending on what you need
to have serviced. This occurs because rather than have set maintenance schedules like most
manufacturers, Tesla recommends having your vehicle serviced on an ‘as-needed’ basis.
Even though Tesla does not have required maintenance schedules, it does recommend intervals
at which you should consider certain services: Tire rotation, balance, and wheel alignment:
Every 6,250 miles Full service inspection: Every 1 year
Brake caliper replacement: Every 1 year or 12,600 miles for winter care
Brake system flush: Every 2 years Cabin air filter replacement: Every 2 years
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter replacement: Every 3 years
Air conditioning service: Varies between models. Model S needs service every 2 years,
Model X and Y need service every 4 years, and Model 3 needs service every 6 years.
Smart drivers are always paying attention to over-the-air software updates
and remote diagnostics, as well as making use of Tesla technicians for inspections and services.
You want to ensure that your car is running like new, so upkeep shouldn’t be scoffed.
Tesla Mobile Maintenance Unit Indeed, Teslas have fewer moving
parts than your traditional combustion vehicle, so there’s bound to be fewer service centers around,
no matter where you are on earth. The remedy to make services more convenient, for example
when you need your tires rotated or your filters changed, is a Tesla Mobile Service
unit that can come to you directly. All one has to do is use his or her
Tesla app to schedule a Mobile Service visit at a time that is convenient for the Tesla owner.
Based on Tesla’s online forums, many basic services performed by the unit are free of
charge, so taking advantage of this option can bring down your annual Tesla maintenance cost.
If you prefer to bring your car into the shop for service, your app can also
help locate the closest Tesla Service Center. Tesla Maintenance Cost with a Factory Warranty
As life is full of unpredictable events, be sure to consider this.
So, when budgeting for Tesla maintenance costs, you’ll definitely want to take into consideration
those pesky unexpected repairs as well as routine services. Fortunately, every new Tesla comes with
a factory warranty that promises to repair or replace defects in materials or workmanship for
the first few years of your vehicle’s life. Tesla Warranty Breakdown
All Tesla models come with a basic vehicle limited warranty that covers 4 year or about 50,000 miles.
The battery and drive unit warranty for Tesla Model S and Model X is 8 years or 150,000
miles while for the Standard Range Tesla Model 3 and Model Y covers 100,000 miles. The Long
Range Model 3 and Model Y warranty for battery and drive unit will cover 120,000 miles which
is also about 8 years. As for the supplemental restraint system or SRS for all Tesla models,
the warranty is good for 60,000 miles which is about 5 years. And to keep your Tesla in tip-top
shape, body rust warranties cover 12 years regardless of how many miles are on the dial.
And you should know that the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty is the most comprehensive, as it covers
most Tesla vehicle parts. The Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty is Tesla’s version of a
powertrain warranty. And, for all models, there is a minimum 70% retention of battery capacity
over this warranty period. Tesla Extended Service Agreement
Yes, it’s true, the manufacturer’s factory warranty coverage is quite lengthy, but once
it expires, you’ll be stuck paying all Tesla maintenance costs on your own, and that will dig
a hole in your pockets. To offset repair costs, Tesla offers an Extended Service Agreement or ESA
for Model S and Model X vehicles. It would be wise to take advantage of this. Whereas, if you own
a Model Y or Model 3, you’ll need to consider an aftermarket warranty from an independent provider.
Good news, after your Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, you can choose a 2-year or
4-year coverage through the ESA program. And of course, the battery and drive unit
is not included in these agreements since it will still be covered by its own warranty.
Just make sure that it’s purchased within 30 days or 1,000 miles of the expiration of the factory
warranty. Normally, Tesla owners purchase an ESA within the first 180 days of delivery, because it
can save them $500 on the extended coverage plan. So, if you miss the 180-day deadline,
your 2-year warranty will be about $2,600 and the 4-year warranty stands at about $4,750.
Yes, these prices are definitely higher than the average extended warranty.
But indeed, you’re gaining peace of mind that your Tesla is protected in the event of an expensive
repair of a complex part, and if a breakdown does happen, your Tesla maintenance cost budget won’t
take a huge chunk of your cash. And remember, you can purchase any maintenance, warranty,
or service agreement directly at your nearest service center or from Tesla through the app.
Recommendations for Extended Auto Warranties
As you may know not all companies cover luxury brands and electric vehicles.
So, searching for extended warranty plans for your Tesla vehicle may be tiresome and time-consuming.
After you search through several websites and forums, you’ll realize that the
reputable CarShield probably offers the best extended car warranties for Tesla models.
Plus, CarShield is the most affordable for Tesla owners. In total, CarShield offers six levels of
warranty coverage. The best for your Tesla include the Diamond plan which covers bumper-to-bumper
coverage which is considered best for new cars. The Platinum plan with stated-component coverage
is best for high-mileage vehicles. The Gold plan covers enhanced powertrain, and it’s best for
drivers with unreliable vehicles. And finally there’s the Aluminum plan that’s best for cars
with high-tech components, such as Teslas. CarShield
With 16 years in the business and availability in all states except for California,
the company holds a 4.5-star rating from several review teams and a 4.1 out
of 5.0-star customer rating from Trustpilot, which is also a very credible review website.
Now that you’ve gained more knowledge on the matter, and understand the best ways to
keep your Tesla repairs at a minimum, which of the Tesla models are you planning to purchase?
Be sure to leave your comments down below and we’ll see you in the next video!