DOE: scheduled maintenance only (energy.gov, 2021). AAA includes repairs, a set of tires and an extended warranty, so its gap is smaller (AAA 2025). Consumer Reports: about $4,600 saved over the car's life (CR).
Tesla maintenance schedule
Tire rotationEvery 6,250 miles (or when tread depth differs by 2/32 in or more)
Cabin air filterEvery 2 years
HEPA and carbon filters (Model Y, if equipped)Every 3 years
Wiper bladesEvery 1 year
Brake fluid test (replace if needed)Every 4 years
Clean and lubricate brake calipers (salted-road areas)Every 1 year or 12,500 miles
Tesla's own guide puts it at $257–$499 a year for Model 3 and $316–$643 for Model Y, citing CarEdge. There are no oil changes; Tesla says the car "does not require annual maintenance or regular fluid changes."
What is the Tesla maintenance schedule?
Rotate tires every 6,250 miles, replace the cabin air filter every 2 years, replace wiper blades every year, test brake fluid every 4 years, and on Model Y replace the HEPA filters every 3 years if fitted. In salted-road areas, clean the brake calipers every year or 12,500 miles.
Do Teslas need oil changes?
No. Tesla says its cars need no oil changes, fuel system service, spark plugs or emissions checks, and regenerative braking means brake pads rarely need replacing.
Is a Tesla cheaper to maintain than a gas car?
Yes. The US Department of Energy puts scheduled maintenance at 6.1 cents a mile for an EV vs 10.1 for a gas car. Consumer Reports found EV owners save about $4,600 in repair and maintenance over the car's life.
Can I do Tesla maintenance myself?
Some of it. Cabin filters are $20 each (two per change) and Model 3 wiper blades $25 each on shop.tesla.com. Tesla warns that repairs at non-Tesla shops could affect warranty coverage if problems occur.
Independent fan project. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Tesla, Inc. or SpaceX. Figures checked on 12 Oct 2026 from the linked official pages; they change, and your address or account can change them. Not a quote. Referral links are ours: we get the referrer reward if you order.
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