Maintenance Service Intervals

Service Intervals

Your vehicle should generally be serviced on an as-needed basis. However, Tesla recommends the following maintenance items and intervals, as applicable to your vehicle, to ensure continued reliability and efficiency of your Model 3.

For more do-it-yourself maintenance procedures and information, see https://www.tesla.com/support/do-it-yourself-guides.

For more information on vehicle alerts, see Troubleshooting Alerts.

Brake fluid health check every 2 years (replace if necessary).
A/C desiccant bag replacement every 6 years.
Cabin air filter replacement every 2 years.
Clean and lubricate brake calipers every year or 12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area where roads are salted during winter
Rotate tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or if tread depth difference is 2/32 in (1.5 mm) or greater, whichever comes first

Note

Any damage caused by opening the Battery coolant reservoir is excluded from the warranty.

Note

The above intervals are based on typical driving behaviors and scenarios. However, Model 3 should generally be serviced on an as-needed basis; depending on various circumstances such as driving behavior, usage, environmental conditions, etc., the above maintenance items may need to be replaced more or less frequently than specified. Additionally, the above list should not be considered comprehensive and does not include consumable parts such as windshield wipers, brake pads, low voltage lead-acid battery (if applicable), etc.

Note

Damages or failures caused by maintenance or repairs performed by non-Tesla certified technicians are not covered by the warranty.

Schedule Service

Scheduling a service visit through the mobile app is easy. After touching Schedule Service, select the type of service needed and follow the directions in the mobile app. Provide as much detail as possible, such as:

Photos, sound recordings, or videos.
Date(s), time(s), and time zone when the issue occurred.
Country of use and location.
Approximate speed the vehicle was traveling (if applicable).
Environmental conditions (rain, snow, cold, etc.).
Road name and type of road (if applicable).
Quality of lane markings (if applicable).
Applicable vehicle settings.
Identifiable symptoms.

Visit https://www.tesla.com/support/service-visits for more information on scheduling service.

Daily Checks

Check the Battery’s charge level, displayed on the touchscreen or mobile app.
Check the condition and pressure of each tire (see Tire Care and Maintenance).
Check that all exterior lights, horn, turn signals, and wipers and washers are working.
Check for any unexpected indicator lights or vehicle alerts on the touchscreen.
Check the operation of the brakes, including the parking brake.
Check the operation of the seat belts (see Seat Belts).
Look for abnormal fluid deposits underneath Model 3 that might indicate a leak. It is normal for a small pool of water to form (caused by the air conditioning system’s dehumidifying process).
Look around the exterior of Model 3 and immediately remove any corrosive substances (such as bird droppings, tree resin, tar spots, dead insects, industrial fallout, etc.) to prevent damage to the paint (see Cleaning).

Monthly Checks

Check windshield washer fluid level and top up if necessary (see Topping Up Windshield Washer Fluid).
Check that the air conditioning system is operating correctly (see Operating Climate Controls).

Note

In addition to cooling the interior, the air conditioning compressor also cools the Battery. Therefore, in hot weather, the air conditioning compressor can turn on even if you turned it off. This is normal because the system’s priority is to cool the Battery to ensure it stays within an optimum temperature range to support longevity and optimum performance. Also, even when not in use, you may hear Model 3 emit a whining noise or the sound of water circulating. These sounds are normal and occur when the internal cooling systems turn on to support various vehicle functions, such as maintaining the low voltage battery and balancing the temperature of the high voltage Battery.

Warning

Contact Tesla immediately if you notice any significant or sudden drop in fluid levels or uneven tire wear.

Fluid Replacement Intervals

Battery coolant and brake fluid levels should only be checked by Tesla or a professional automotive repair shop. Specific service information is available in the Service Manual.

Battery coolant: Your Battery coolant does not need to be replaced for the life of your vehicle under most circumstances.
Note
Any damage caused by opening the Battery coolant reservoir is excluded from the warranty.
Brake fluid: Do not top up your brake fluid.

Software

Updating software is important to ensure proper operation and longevity of your vehicle's components. You must install a software update at the earliest opportunity. See Software Updates.

Tesla may update or reinstall your vehicle's software as part of the normal diagnostic, repair, and maintenance process within Service.

High Voltage Safety

Your Model 3 has been designed and built with safety as a priority. However, be aware of these precautions to protect yourself from the risk of injury inherent in all high-voltage systems:

Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model 3. These labels are there for your safety.
The high voltage system has no user-serviceable parts. Do not disassemble, remove or replace high voltage components, cables or connectors. High voltage cables are colored orange for easy identification.
If a collision occurs, do not touch any high voltage wiring, connectors, or components connected to the wiring.
In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fire emergency responders.

Warning

Always disconnect the charge cable before working underneath Model 3, even if charging is not in progress.

Warning

Keep your hands and clothing away from cooling fans. Some fans operate even when Model 3 is powered off.

Warning

Some fluids (battery acid, Battery coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer additives, etc.) used in vehicles are poisonous and should not be inhaled, swallowed, or brought into contact with open wounds. For your safety, always read and follow instructions printed on fluid containers.

Replacing the Low Voltage Lead-Acid Battery

This procedure is intended for vehicles in North America only.

CAUTION

To avoid damage that is not covered by the warranty, replace your low voltage lead-acid battery with the same type of battery. The low voltage lead-acid battery for North American vehicles is AtlasBX / Hankook 85B24LS 12V 45Ah. You can purchase a new lead-acid low voltage battery that is compatible with your vehicle from your local service center

Note

Vehicles manufactured between approximately July 2017 and October 2020 do not have a heat pump and should use Vehicles Manufactured Before Approximately October 2020. Vehicles manufactured afterward have a heat pump and should use Vehicles Manufactured After Approximately October 2020.

Perform the following procedure to replace the lead-acid low voltage battery. Wear appropriate personal protection equipment (such as safety glasses, leather gloves when handling the lead-acid battery etc.).

Vehicles Manufactured Before Approximately October 2020

Removal:

Prepare the vehicle to remove the low voltage lead-acid battery:
1. Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
2. Lower all windows.
3. Open the front trunk.
4. Leave a door propped open so you can get back into the vehicle if needed.
5. Disconnect the charge cable from the charge port.
Move the driver and front passenger seat fully forward.
Under the rear seat, press the left and right tabs to the side and lift the seat cushion up. The seat separates from the base but is still restrained by one wire harness on each side.
Disconnect the wire harnesses and remove the seat cushion. Set the cushion aside.
In the front trunk, remove the vehicle’s underhood apron by inserting a small, non-marring flat tool or your fingers underneath the panel. Pull up to loosen the clips and set the underhood apron aside.
Remove the cabin intake duct and set it aside.
Power off the vehicle by navigating to Controls > Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen.
Disconnect the low voltage cable from penthouse:
1. In the rear passenger seat, remove the foam cover and set it aside. The foam covers the low voltage cable.
2. Release and pull down the gray lever-arm on the side of the low voltage connector.
3. Pull the connector upward to disconnect it from the penthouse.
Warning
The area under the seat cushion houses the high voltage Battery. DO NOT TOUCH OR PLACE ITEMS ON THE METAL HOUSING! Doing so can cause serious damage or injury.
With a 10mm socket, loosen the nut that secures the negative (-) terminal clamp to the negative (-) post on the low voltage lead-acid battery. Release the terminal clamp from the negative (-) post.
With a 10mm socket, release the terminal cover and loosen the nut that secures the positive (+) terminal clamp to the positive (+) post on the low voltage lead-acid battery. Release the terminal clamp from the positive (+) post and cover the terminal clamp with a dry rag.
CAUTION
Do not allow the positive (+) terminal clamp to contact nearby components like the low voltage battery hold down bracket or A/C cooling lines.
Unplug the vent tube hose from the negative (-) terminal side of the low voltage lead-acid battery.
With a 10mm socket, loosen the nut and release the battery hold down from the top of the low voltage lead-acid battery by unhooking and sliding it back, taking care to ensure it does not slip into the vehicle.
Using the battery handle, carefully remove the low voltage lead-acid battery, taking care not to touch or damage the surrounding components.
Warning
When lifting the low voltage lead-acid battery, stand in front of the vehicle and use proper lifting technique. The low voltage battery weighs approximately 25 lb (12 kg). Failure to do so may cause serious injury.
Inspect the new low voltage lead-acid battery to ensure it is equipped a red plug on the positive (+) terminal side. If the new low voltage battery does not have a red plug, use a small trim tool transfer the red plug from the old battery to the new one.
CAUTION
Dispose of the old low voltage lead-acid battery according to local laws, such as dropping it off at a battery recycling facility. Keep the low voltage battery upright and place it on a towel or piece of cardboard when transporting it.

Installation:

Remove the protective caps from the positive (+) and negative (-) posts on new low voltage lead-acid battery.
Carefully maneuver the new low voltage battery into place, taking care not to touch or damage nearby components.
Install the low voltage battery hold down and use a 10mm socket to tighten the bolt that secures it to the low voltage lead-acid battery. Torque the bolt to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb).
In the rear passenger seat, connect the penthouse cable to the connector:
1. Ensure the gray lever-arm is down, then install the connector.
2. Secure the connector by gently tugging the gray lever-arm upward until it clicks into place.
3. Replace the foam cover on top of the penthouse cable.
Warning
The area under the seat cushion houses the high voltage Battery. DO NOT TOUCH OR PLACE ITEMS ON THE METAL HOUSING! Doing so can cause serious damage or injury.
Connect the positive (+) terminal by positioning the terminal clamp over the terminal post. Using a 10mm socket, torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb). Install the positive (+) terminal cover.
Connect the negative (-) terminal by positioning the terminal clamp over the connector. Using a 10mm socket, torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb).
Connect the vent tube hose into the negative (-) terminal side of the low voltage lead-acid battery.
Replace the cabin intake duct.
Open one of the vehicle’s doors to make sure power has been correctly restored and the touchscreen turns on (this may take several minutes).
In the rear seat, connect the seat wire harnesses (one on each side) and replace the seat cushion.
Press the seat cushion back into the base until it clicks into place.
Replace the underhood apron by aligning the clips into their openings in the front trunk. Press down to lock them in place. The clips make an audible clicking sound when secured.
Close the front trunk. If an alert to replace to low voltage lead-acid battery was previously shown on the touchscreen, ensure the alert no longer appears.

Vehicles Manufactured After Approximately October 2020

Removal:

Prepare the vehicle to remove the low voltage lead-acid battery:
1. Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
2. Lower all windows.
3. Open the front trunk.
4. Leave a door propped open so you can get back into the vehicle if needed.
5. Disconnect the charge cable from the charge port.
Remove the vehicle’s underhood apron by inserting a small, non-marring flat tool or your fingers underneath the panel. Pull up to loosen the clips and set the underhood apron aside.
In the front trunk, remove the cabin intake duct and set it aside.
Power off the vehicle by navigating to Controls > Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen.
In the front trunk, disconnect the first responder loop by sliding the red locking tab toward you, pressing the black tab, and releasing it. Set the first responder loop aside.
With a 10mm socket, loosen the nut that secures the negative (-) terminal clamp to the negative (-) post on the low voltage lead-acid battery. Release the terminal clamp from the negative (-) post.
With a 10mm socket, release the terminal cover and loosen the nut that secures the positive (+) terminal clamp to the positive (+) post on the low voltage lead-acid battery. Release the terminal clamp from the positive (+) post and cover the terminal clamp with a dry rag.
CAUTION
Do not allow the positive (+) terminal clamp to contact nearby components like the low voltage lead-acid battery hold down bracket or A/C cooling lines.
Unplug the vent tube hose from the negative (-) terminal side of the low voltage battery.
With a 10mm socket, loosen the nut and release the battery hold down from the top of the low voltage lead-acid battery by unhooking and slipping it back. If needed, tilt the battery hold down backward so it does not slip into the vehicle.
Carefully remove the low voltage lead-acid battery, taking care not to damage the surrounding components.
Warning
When lifting the lead-acid battery, stand in front of the vehicle and use proper lifting technique. The lead-acid battery weighs approximately 25 lb (12 kg). Failure to do so may cause serious injury.
Inspect the new low voltage lead-acid battery to make sure it is equipped with a red plug on the positive (+) terminal side. If the new lead-acid battery does not have a red plug, transfer the red plug from the old battery to the new one.
CAUTION
Dispose of the old low voltage lead-acid battery according to local laws, such as dropping it off at a battery recycling facility. Keep the battery upright and place it on a towel or piece of cardboard when transporting it.

Installation:

Remove the protective caps from the positive (+) and negative (-) posts on the new low voltage lead-acid battery.
Carefully place the new lead-acid battery in the vehicle, taking care not to damage nearby components.
Install the low voltage lead-acid battery hold down and use a 10mm socket to tighten the nut that secures it to the battery. Torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb).
Reconnect the first responder loop.
Reconnect the positive (+) terminal by positioning the terminal clamp over the terminal post. Using a 10mm socket, torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb). Reinstall the positive (+) terminal cover.
Reconnect the negative (-) terminal by positioning the terminal clamp over the connector. Using a 10mm socket, torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb).
Connect the vent tube hose into the negative (-) terminal side of the low voltage lead-acid battery.
Open one of the vehicle’s doors to make sure power has been correctly restored and the touchscreen turns on (this may take several minutes).
Reinstall the cabin intake duct.
Replace the underhood apron by aligning the clips into their openings in the front trunk. Press down to lock them in place. The clips make an audible clicking sound when secured.
Close the front trunk. If an alert to replace to low voltage lead-acid battery was previously shown on the touchscreen, ensure the alert no longer appears.