Everyone knows owning a Tesla is a great experience. Not only are you driving an amazing car performance-wise, but you don’t have to pay for gas and you’re also doing your part to help the environment. However, like all vehicles today your Tesla needs some regular maintenance in order to stay looking and running its best. In this blog post, we will break down some simple tips for maintaining your Tesla Model 3. Our goal is after your read this post you will have the necessary knowledge to keep your Tesla Model 3 looking and running smoothly for years to come.
Do Teslas Need Oil Changes?
One important thing to keep in mind when it comes to your Tesla’s maintenance is that, because it is an electric car, it doesn’t require oil changes. Of course, you will want to get more windshield wiper fluid whenever you need it, but that’s much easier than new oil!
Tesla Tire Maintenance
Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye on the condition of your tires. Tesla recommends getting your tires rotated every 6,250 miles. This is quite similar to other vehicles. As always, if you notice any balding or uneven wear, be sure to have them replaced as soon as possible. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, be sure to also invest in a good set of snow tires. Driving in the snow can be tough on any car, but it’s especially important to take good care of your Tesla in the winter.
Keep your Tesla Clean and Waxed!
Another important tip for keeping your Tesla in top shape is to regularly wash and wax it. Washing and waxing not only make it look better but also protects the paint from fading in the sun and from small scratches. Most people that bought a Tesla most likely won’t drive it until the day it stops working, so keeping it in top shape so you can resell it someday is in their best interest.
Keep Your Tesla Covered When You Aren’t Using It
One of the best maintenance tips is to get a Tesla Model 3 cover for when you aren’t using your car. Of course, you don’t need a cover if you’re using your Tesla every day, but if you are going to be letting your Tesla sit for a week or more you should cover it. There are mainly 2 types of covers to choose from. One is an outdoor cover which is best at keeping the elements from damaging your vehicle. The other type of cover is an indoor cover. These are sometimes made out of satin and are mainly made to prevent dust build-up as well as possible scratches that can occur while they are in a garage.
Stay Up To Date With Tesla Software Updates
With Teslas, you want to make sure you are keeping your vehicle’s software up to date. Updating the software is quite easy. Tesla mentions you need to connect to wifi and have your vehicle in park for the duration of the update. Unlike an iPhone, your Tesla will automatically stop charging when it is updating. Don’t fret, your vehicle will start charging once the update is done. Another thing to note, is if you schedule a software update for your Model 3, but you are driving when the scheduled time happens, don’t worry. Your Model 3 won’t just stop working. The update will simply be canceled and will need to be rescheduled for another time.
Regular Mechanical Tesla Maintenance
Just like all cars, some maintenance always needs to be done. The good news is they aren’t very often so you can get it all done at one appointment.
Model 3 Cabin Air Filter
Tesla recommends changing the Model 3 cabin air filter once every 2 years. This is best done by a mechanic. They will have the proper tools and knowledge to get the job done quickly and correctly.
Tesla Air Conditioning Maintenance
Another maintenance task is Tesla recommends an A/C desiccant bag replacement every 6 years for Model 3’s. The easiest thing to do is to get this replaced when you go for your Tesla’s 3rd air filter change.
Check Your Tesla’s Brakes
Also, just like any other car, you should still have the brakes checked regularly. Especially if you start hearing any abnormal noises when breaking.
Tesla Model 3 Battery Health
Your Tesla doesn’t produce emissions, so you don’t have to worry about things like smog checks. With saying that, it’s a good idea to have your Tesla’s battery checked every so often to make sure it is performing optimally. To check your battery health there are various apps you can use it check it, you could also bring it to a Tesla mechanic to get a detailed look at your battery’s health. Tesla mentioned their batteries will likely degrade about 2.9% every 10,000 miles the car is driven. This is of course an estimate but makes sense as all batteries slowly degrade the more they are used.
Keep Your Tesla Charged
This is important for both the longevity of the battery as well as for safety. You shouldn’t let your battery hit 0%. Letting your Tesla’s battery go to 0% will degrade your battery faster than Tesla estimated. It’s a good idea to try to charge your battery if it gets to 10% or lower. Another reason to charge it when you can is you don’t want to be stranded somewhere with a dead battery. Many people like to charge their Tesla overnight when they are sleeping so they don’t have to worry about it during the day. There are also many public charging stations now that you can use if you are out and about and need to charge your Tesla.
Use a Tesla Supercharger
Tesla also has its superchargers available, you can check for the nearest supercharger on Tesla’s website. This will let you filter charging locations by state and help you find a charging station nearby.
Final Thoughts on Model 3 Maintenance
Overall, owning a Tesla is an amazing experience. Not only are you doing your part for the environment but you’re also driving an amazing car. Just like any car, however, your Tesla needs some regular maintenance in order to stay looking and running great. We hope that these tips will help you keep your Tesla in top shape for years to come! Thanks for reading and feel free to share this blog post with any other Tesla owners you know!
