Tesla Maintenance Cost
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Last Updated: December 25, 2022
You are on this page either because you want to contribute less to the pollution of the environment or you are sick of paying crazy money at the pump each time you fill up. Either way, you want an American Electric Muscle. And what's a better EV than a Tesla? I know quite a few of my buddies that have gone down the Tesla route, and I have yet to hear any that complained much about anything besides the interior material quality.
Tesla vehicles are becoming dramatically famous worldwide due to their reduced fuel prices. But are the maintenance costs for Tesla less or more than the average gas cars? The data from yourMechanic.com and driver forums highlight that Elon Musk's Teslas need special care; some of their components can be expensive to repair and maintain.
Teslas are not ordinary vehicles, so it is challenging to estimate the actual maintenance cost of their maintenance and repairs. However, according to different customer reviews, the average Tesla maintenance cost might range between $300 and $500 per year. This cost is relatively less than the other vehicle brands. In addition, you can make your Tesla maintenance costs even more affordable by purchasing a car extended warranty from the manufacturer or an independent warranty provider.
What makes Tesla less expensive to maintain than other brands, and what can you expect to pay to ensure the routine maintenance of these vehicles? Please continue reading to uncover all answers to these questions. In addition, this article will provide detailed insights into Tesla's recommended maintenance schedules, mechanical repairs, and general maintenance tasks.
Average Tesla Maintenance Cost
Teslas are famous among consumers and experts alike due to their reliability. In the U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM, this luxurious vehicle ranked 30th out of 33 car brands for overall reliability. The vehicle's reliability highly influences its average maintenance cost. According to RepairPal, the average Tesla maintenance cost per year may cost up to $832.
Tesla's annual maintenance cost is still higher than the industry average of $652, but it can be worth your investment. Depending on what types of repairs and services your Tesla needs, you may spend more than the estimated cost.
Tesla is still a new kid in the automotive space. That's why only a few data about its reliability and average maintenance cost are available. All the parts of this luxurious vehicle are advanced and new, which are difficult to find.
For ten years, the average tesla maintenance can cost up to $5,800, which is well below the average. During the first year of your Tesla ownership, the Tesla maintenance can only be $300 if you do it yourself. We gathered data from different forums to help you better understand the average cost of Tesla maintenance. The below-given table can give you a clearer picture of what you can expect to pay to ensure the proper care of your Tesla.
| Tesla Maintenance | Service Cost |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning services | $50 |
| Brake system flush | $100 to $110 |
| Tire rotation | $35 to $100 |
| Wiper blade replacement | $20 to $50 |
| Cabin air filter replacement | $60 to $200 |
Full-service maintenance, including an inspection and all the above-listed maintenance services will cost you more than $475.
Tesla Maintenance Schedule
Like BMW and Mercedes, Tesla also has recommended maintenance schedules. Until 2019, this schedule included yearly inspections to ensure everything ran correctly. Later, the company switched from recommended yearly checkups to recommended particular services on an as-needed basis.
The brand claims on its official website that the Tesla vehicle doesn't require regular maintenance. But only a few vehicle components need to be repaired or maintained periodically. This is why Tesla's maintenance costs are less than other brands.
In 2021, Tesla changed its Model X and Model S vehicles, influencing specific repairs and maintenance requirements. Below we have covered certain maintenance requirements for all models of Tesla:
Air Conditioning Services
Tesla recommends performing air conditioning services for your vehicle once every two to six years, depending on the year and model you have.
Winter Care
The drivers of Tesla vehicles should lubricate and clean their cars' brake calipers every 12,500 miles.
Brake Fluid Test
Tesla recommends having a brake fluid test once every two years and replacing them as needed.
Tire Rotation
You need to rotate the tires of your Tesla vehicles when the difference in the treated path between tires becomes 2/3 inch or greater.
Cabin Air Filter
A high-efficiency cabin air filter such as a HEPA filter needs to be replaced every three years. But if your Tesla has a lower-efficiency air filter, changing it every two years is recommended.
We have given a handy table highlighting the Tesla maintenance schedule for different Tesla models.
| Tesla Model | Air Conditioning Service Interval |
|---|---|
| Model X (2021) | Every three years |
| Model X (2012 to 2020) | Every four years |
| Model S (2021) | Every three years |
| Model S (2012 to 2020) | Every two years |
| Model Y | Every four years |
| Model 3 | Every six years |
The best thing about the Tesla brand is that you can use a Tesla app to keep track of the vehicle's parts and schedule a maintenance appointment. The app will also let Tesla drivers know when their parts can be serviced.
First-Year Tesla Maintenance Costs
The average maintenance cost of Tesla depends on numerous factors, such as your car's model and age. But if you look at the first year alone, you will observe that these Tesla maintenance costs are lower than other brands.
If you take your Tesla vehicle to a certified mechanic during the first year, you may end up spending the following maintenance costs:
- $75 to $150 for inspection and brake caliper lubrication
- $25 to $100 for tire rotation
You can make these costs even more affordable by doing essential maintenance yourself.
Comparison of Tesla Maintenance Cost with Other Brands
Tesla's yearly maintenance cost is far less than other brands, regardless of how you view it. To justify our statement, we will compare the maintenance costs of some of the most reputable brands and show you how maintenance expenses look over a typical year.
| Brand | Annual Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | $100 to $300 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | $600 to $850 |
| Mercedes Benz | $650 to $900 |
| Audi A6 | $750 to $1000 |
| BMW i8 | $800 to $1,100 |
| Porsche 911 | $900 to $1,200 |
Some Common Tesla Repairs
Here we will cover some of the most common repairs for different Tesla models:
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S is a popular vehicle model but has some significant issues. For example, some Tesla customers complain that defective transmissions and complete loss of power when driving are the common repairs for Model S.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 needs more mechanical repairs. Consumers commonly complain about the failure of the car's touchscreen display and the loss of power while driving.
Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X may need some major repairs. For example, a ghosting effect on the windshield can create a double vision for the drivers. Some customers also complain about the malfunctioning of the autopilot system.
Tesla Model Y
The transmission system of the Tesla Model X relies on high-tech electric equipment, resulting in some significant mechanical repairs. Some people also complain about a sudden reduction in tire pressure and frequent wheel alignments.
Tesla Factory Warranty & Maintenance Cost
Like other brands, Tesla also offers two protection plans to vehicle owners:
Basic Limited Warranty
The Basic Limited Warranty plan comes with all Tesla models. This plan provides bumper-to-bumper coverage that lasts for 50,000 miles or four years. In addition, the first warranty plan promises to repair damages caused by faulty workmanship or defective materials during the coverage term.
Comprehensive Warranty
The Comprehensive warranty plan of Tesla provides coverage only for the driver unit and battery. Therefore, the contract term length of this plan depends on the type of model you have. For example, it can last for eight years per 150,000 miles for Model S and Model X., whereas, for Model Y and Model 3, it lasts for eight years per 120,000 miles.
Tesla Extended Warranty
You can consider a Tesla extended warranty to avoid the Tesla maintenance costs. The extended warranty plan from Tesla can extend the factory warranty for Model X and Model S cars for an additional two years.
Purchasing a Tesla extended plan within 30 days of the factory warranty expiration date is recommended. Above this, signing up for the Tesla extended warranty plan within 180 days of your ownership can help you save $500.
The Tesla extended warranty insulates your wallet from unexpected repair bills. If you want to avoid purchasing an extended warranty for your Tesla vehicle directly from the manufacturers, you can get it from an independent warranty provider.
The best-extended warranty providers can provide you with additional perks, such as;
- Lower deductible
- Long-term contracts
- Coverage cancellation at any time
CarShield is my top recommendation for getting an extended warranty for Tesla vehicles. This warranty provider offers four different plans, Aluminum, Silver, Platinum, and Diamond, to provide coverage for all Tesla models.
CarShield extended warranty also offers roadside assistance, courtesy towing, and rental car reimbursement with its coverage plans.
Extended Warranty from an Independent Provider
If you want to avoid buying a Tesla extended warranty directly from the manufacturers, you can get it from an independent provider. In addition, purchasing an extended car warranty from an independent provider can allow you to choose a certified repair facility.
My top recommendations for an extended car warranty include:
· CARCHEX
· Olive
· Autopom!
The Bottom Line
Tesla vehicles have gained massive penetration in the automotive space due to their reliability and reduced fuel prices. Unlike other brands, the repairs and general maintenance for Tesla vehicles are less expensive. For example, the average Tesla maintenance can cost up to $832 annually. You can make these expenses even more affordable by purchasing an extended car warranty.
The Car Data Review Methodology
Our expert review team is committed to providing honest and objective information. Based on consumer data, we identified the following rating categories and did extensive research to determine the top extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordable: Many factors influence the cost of a service, making it difficult to compare prices between providers. Our secret shopper team analyzes different vehicles, mileages, and warranty plans to give you this rating.
- Coverage - Each consumer has different needs. Every car warranty company must offer a variety of coverage options. We consider the number of plans available, terms limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB), ratings, availability, years in business, and other factors when determining this score.
- Customer Services: Trusted extended car warranty companies provide a level of customer care. We consider customer reviews, BBB complaints, and responsiveness to customer service.
Steven Dillon
Author
Steven is the founder and product tested for The Car Data, that has extensive knowledge in automotive industry. While most of his free time he participates in typical "car guy" activities, his passion for cars, data analytics, and tech, always has his looking for the next cool tool, software, trend, etc. to share with his audience on The Car Data or on his Instagram.
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