Tesla Maintenance
As a proud owner of a Tesla, you know how important it is to keep your electric vehicle in top condition. Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Some critical aspects of their maintenance is the brake fluid flush, coolant flush, drive unit fluid services, filters, tire rotation and balance as well as alignments. In this article, we will explore the significance of these for the optimal performance of your Tesla and when these services are due here in Colorado.
Introduction to Brake Fluid Flush
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers the force exerted on the brake pedal to the brake calipers, which in turn, applies pressure to the brake pads. The fluid is essential to the braking system of your Tesla, as it ensures that the brakes work optimally. However, over time, the fluid can become contaminated, break down or absorb moisture, which can lead to reduced braking performance and even brake failure.
A brake fluid flush involves removing the old fluid and replacing it with fresh and clean fluid. This process ensures that the brake system is free from contaminants and moisture that can affect its performance. A brake fluid flush is necessary for any vehicle, including Teslas, and should be done regularly as part of your vehicle's maintenance routine. Tesla recommends this service every 2 years or 20,000 miles. Being in Colorado, it is essential to do this on time with the amount of braking done with our mountains and hills.
Importance of Brake Fluid in Tesla's Performance
The brake fluid is a critical component of the braking system of your Tesla. It plays a vital role in ensuring that the brakes work optimally, which is essential for your safety and the safety of other road users. The brake fluid is responsible for transmitting the force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers and pads, which slows down or stops the vehicle.
If the brake fluid is contaminated or has absorbed moisture, it can cause the brakes to perform poorly, leading to increased stopping distances and reduced braking power. This can be dangerous, especially in emergencies when you need to stop quickly. At the extreme side of fluid breaking down, you can have separation of the fluid which can damage the ABS module components. Regular brake fluid flushes ensure that the brake system is free from contaminants and moisture, ensuring optimal braking performance.
Signs that your Tesla needs a Brake Fluid Flush
It is essential to know the signs that your Tesla needs a brake fluid flush. Some of the signs that your brake fluid needs changing include a spongy or soft brake pedal, longer stopping distances, and reduced braking power. You may also notice that the brake fluid is dark or discolored, indicating contamination.
If you experience any of these signs or you’re approaching the 2 year or 20,000 mile mark, you should schedule an appointment with us for a brake fluid flush. It is recommended that you have your brake fluid checked at least once a year, or more frequently if you drive in harsh conditions like we have here in Colorado.
What is a Drive Unit Fluid Change?
The drive unit is the heart of your Tesla's powertrain. It is responsible for converting the electricity from the battery into the power that drives the wheels. The drive unit uses a special fluid, called drive unit fluid, to lubricate its internal components and keep them cool.
Over time, the drive unit fluid can become contaminated or break down, which can affect the performance of the drive unit and, ultimately, your Tesla's performance. A drive unit fluid change involves draining the old fluid and replacing it with fresh and clean fluid. Some drive units use an externally serviceable oil filter that must be changed. This process ensures that the drive unit is free from contaminants and that its internal components are well lubricated. Drive unit fluid is due at 60,000 miles and if your vehicle is driven under harsh conditions, it’s recommended to have the fluid inspected at least every 30,000 miles.
Why is a Coolant Flush Necessary for Tesla's Performance?
The coolant is responsible for regulating the temperature of your Tesla's battery and power electronics. It ensures that these components operate within their optimal temperature range, which is essential for their longevity and performance.
Over time, the coolant can become contaminated or break down, which can affect its ability to regulate the temperature of the battery and power electronics. This can lead to reduced performance and even damage to these components. A coolant flush involves draining the old coolant and replacing it with fresh and clean coolant. This process ensures that the coolant is free from contaminants and that it can effectively regulate the temperature of the battery and power electronics. The coolant is due every 30,000 miles or every 3 years.
The Significance of a Cabin Filter Replacement
Filters play a crucial role in keeping your Tesla's components clean and free from contaminants as well as the air entering your vehicle. Over time, these filters can become clogged with dirt and debris, reducing their effectiveness. This can affect the performance of your Tesla and provide poor airflow from your heating and air conditioning system as well as allowing dirty air to enter the vehicle.
Regular filter replacement ensures that your Tesla's heating, A/C, and other components are free from contaminants, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. In Colorado, we usually see these filters pretty dirty around the 10,000 mile / 1 year area but depending on driving conditions or if you do any dirt road commutes, it can be sooner.
We have noticed that in this climate, we see a lot of Tesla’s coming in complaining of a smell when first starting their heater or a/c system. We have developed a service that replaces the cabin filters and also disinfects and cleans the mold and bacteria that builds up on the evaporator.
Importance of Tire Rotation and Alignments for Your Tesla's Performance
Tires are an essential component of your Tesla's performance and safety. Regular tire rotation, tire balances and alignments ensure that your tires wear evenly, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. It also ensures that your Tesla handles well and is safe to drive.
Tire rotation involves moving the tires from one position to another, ensuring that they wear evenly. Tire balances involve putting the wheels onto a calibrated machine and measuring any imbalances. Adding or subtracting wheel weights will ensure your vehicle rides smooth and tires will wear evenly. Alignments, on the other hand, ensures that the wheels are properly aligned, which is essential for proper handling and safety. Regular tire rotation, balances and alignments should be part of your Tesla's maintenance routine. Tire rotations are due every 6.000 miles. Tire balances are due ever 12,000 miles and alignments are due every 12,000 miles. Being in Colorado, the roads are very hard on your vehicle and it is recommended to have an alignment performed and your tires balanced balanced every 2 years at minimum.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring your Tesla's optimal performance and longevity. If you notice any signs mentioned above, give us a call and schedule an appointment for us to take a look at your vehicle. By following these maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your Tesla performs optimally and lasts for years to come.