Does Tesla Need Oil Change? Everything You Need to Know
If you've ever wondered, “Does Tesla need oil changes?” the answer is a resounding no—Teslas don’t need oil changes.
That’s one of the many perks of owning an electric vehicle!
Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, Tesla vehicles don’t rely on internal combustion engines (ICE) that need oil to lubricate their moving parts.
Instead, Teslas run on electric motors, making oil changes a thing of the past.
This means fewer trips to the mechanic, less mess, and one less item on your maintenance to-do list.
In this post, we’ll explore why Teslas don’t need oil changes and take a closer look at what kind of maintenance these battery-operated vehicles actually require.
Let’s dive in!
Do You Need to Change Oil on a Tesla?
Not at all. Since Teslas are powered by electric motors, oil changes are off the table entirely.
The absence of an internal combustion engine means there’s no need for oil to lubricate pistons or other moving parts typically found in gas-powered vehicles.
Instead, Tesla’s electric motors are built for efficiency and durability, with far fewer components that require routine maintenance.
This design isn’t just a convenience; it’s a significant shift in how we think about car care. For Tesla owners, that’s one less thing to schedule, one less mess to deal with, and one more way EVs simplify ownership.
So, the next time someone asks if Teslas need oil changes, you can confidently say, “Nope, that’s one less thing to worry about!”
Now, we’ve already covered the “why” but let’s look at it in a bit more detail.
Why do Teslas Not Need Oil Changes?
Teslas don’t need oil changes because their electric motors work differently from traditional engines.
In a gas-powered car, the engine has dozens of moving parts — pistons, crankshafts, valves, and more — that rely on oil to reduce friction and prevent overheating.
Over time, that oil breaks down and needs to be replaced.
Tesla’s electric motors, on the other hand, don’t have these complex moving parts. They use electromagnetic energy to drive the vehicle, which means no pistons, no combustion, and no oil.
Tesla’s electric motors and gearboxes are sealed systems, and any lubricants used are designed to last for extended periods, often for the lifetime of the vehicle, without regular checks or replacements.
By eliminating the need for oil changes, Tesla simplifies vehicle maintenance and reduces the environmental impact associated with oil use and disposal. It’s another way Tesla is redefining the driving experience.
So, what maintenance do Teslas actually need? Let’s cover that too here briefly.
What Maintenance Does a Tesla Need?
Teslas need minimal maintenance, compared to any other car I’ve driven. And that's been my experience over the last 5+ years of owning a 2019 Model 3 Long Range.
Compared to traditional gas-powered cars, owning a Tesla feels like a breath of fresh air when it comes to upkeep.
The lack of oil changes, emissions tests, and constant trips to the mechanic has not only saved me time but also cut down significantly on costs.
With a little care and maintenance here and there, I’ve found that my Model 3 continues to perform like new, and I expect it to for many years to come.
While oil changes, spark plugs, and timing belts are off the table, there are a few maintenance items to keep your Tesla running smoothly and efficiently.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Tire Maintenance
- Tire Rotations: Tesla recommends tire rotations every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or if the tread depth difference is 2/32″ (1.5 mm) or greater, whichever comes first, to ensure even wear. Proper tire care also extends the life of your tires and helps maintain driving efficiency.
- Tire Pressure: Tesla’s built-in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) makes it easy to ensure your tires are inflated to the optimal level, maximizing range and safety.
2. Brake System
- Brake Fluid Check: Tesla recommends health-checking the brake fluid every 4 years and replacing it if needed.
- Regenerative Braking Benefits: One of the perks of Tesla’s regenerative braking system is that it significantly reduces wear on the brake pads. In my experience, they’ve lasted far longer than any gas car I’ve owned. 30K+ miles and they’re still going strong showing no signs of needing replacement any time soon!
3. Cabin Air Filter / HEPA Filter
- Cabin air filters help keep the interior air clean by filtering out dust, pollen, and other particles. Tesla advises replacing these every 2 years (annually in China). You can get Tesla or an independent garage to do it, or just order it online and do it yourself – it’s a simple DIY job!
- If your Tesla is equipped with a HEPA filter (like those with Bioweapon Defense Mode), Tesla recommends replacing it every 3 years (or every year in China) to maintain peak air filtration performance.
4. Windshield and Wipers
- Wiper blades need to be inspected and replaced as needed, depending on usage. Washer fluid should also be topped up regularly.
5. Brake Callipers
- Tesla recommends cleaning and lubricating brake callipers every year or 12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area where roads are salted during winter
6. Software Updates
- Over-the-air software updates have been one of my favourite features. Tesla sends updates directly to the car, improving performance, introducing new features, and enhancing safety. Staying connected to Wi-Fi ensures you never miss an update.
7. Annual MOT Checks (UK)
- In the UK, all cars, including electric vehicles like Teslas, are required by law to pass an annual MOT test once they are over three years old. This test ensures the car meets safety, emissions, and roadworthiness standards. The process typically includes checks on lights, tires, brakes, suspension, and other safety-critical components. While Teslas don’t have emissions, they are still subject to these inspections. Check out my full guide on the Tesla MoT test.
- Europe: Many European countries have similar requirements to the UK's MOT test. For example:
- Germany: Vehicles over 3 years old must pass the TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) inspection every 2 years, covering safety, emissions, and general functionality.
- France: A Contrôle Technique is required every 2 years for cars over 4 years old.
- Netherlands: The APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) is mandatory for cars over 3 years old and is required annually or biennially, depending on the vehicle type.
- USA: In the United States, regulations vary by state. Many states require an annual or biennial vehicle inspection to check safety and emissions. For instance:
- California: Annual or biennial smog checks are mandatory for most cars, although electric vehicles like Teslas are exempt from emissions testing.
- New York: A yearly safety inspection is required for all vehicles over 2 years old.
