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Do Teslas Need Oil Change? | Tesla Maintenance Guide

Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil change. But there is lubricant oil inside every Tesla vehicle's drive unit.

Tesla

1 February 2023 06:35
Last Updated:6 February 2023 12:10

Electric vehicles are famous for their low maintenance cost. Tesla has also been bragging about how much you will save on service costs by owning an EV.

What about oil changes? Do you need to change oil if you own a Tesla? According to the manufacturer, Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil changes. But there is lubricant oil inside every Tesla vehicle’s drive unit, and Tesla Service Center recommends an oil change every 100,000 miles for some Tesla models.

The oil inside a Tesla is for the reduction gearbox, which is attached to both the rear and front electric drive units. It needs lubricants for smooth operation. In recent vehicles, Tesla added an oil filter to these units to further improve their performance and lifetime. Earlier reports show that some Tesla drive unit gearboxes accumulated metal particles that caused malfunction. An oil filter was placed onto newer versions of the motor. Some say you will never need an oil change with a Tesla, but the fact that there is a filter for the oil and a filling hole, it’s best for us to be prepared.

How Often You Need to Change Your Tesla’s Oil and Oil Filter?

If you own a Tesla Model S or Model X built before 2021, your EV’s drive units might not come with an oil filter. As a result, the oil inside the motor should be changed every 100,000 miles for these vehicles. That’s the official recommendation of the Tesla Service Center.

If your vehicle is a 2021 or newer Model S/X, or a Model 3/Y, your electric motor’s lubricant will last longer than 100,000 miles, because Tesla puts an oil filter into its newer drive units to maintain lubricant’s quality for hundreds of thousands of miles. Replacing the filter will cost $25-40, whereas changing the transmission oil will set you back around $150-200.