Tesla Service Costs Explained: What You Need To Know

Key Takeaways

• Tesla does not require annual service appointments. Check your Tesla owner's manual for your specific model's maintenance schedule!
• Australian Tesla owners can follow a simple service routine, such as regular brake fluid checks and tyre maintenance while referring to the owner's manual for specific recommendations. Check out Tesla's official Australian service recommendations for your vehicle!
• Owners can save money by handling simple maintenance tasks themselves. Discover DIY tips and guides for maintaining your Tesla at home and saving time and money!

1. Key Factors In Tesla Service Costs

Tesla cars are considerably simpler than the traditionally gasoline-powered ones. They have far fewer moving parts, no fluids that can leak, and no belts that can wear out. You aren't going to have to worry about things like spark plugs, oil changes, or emission checks. In a nutshell, maintenance with Tesla vehicles is pretty basic.

When it comes to costs, it's a bit tricky. Normally, we'd look at sites like RepairPal for average maintenance expenses. But Tesla is unique, and there's not much solid data out there. The figures we're sharing are gathered from forums and are for reference only, so keep that in mind.

Item	Cost
Tyre rotation	$35 to $100
Cabin air filter	$60 to $200
Wiper blades	$20 to $50
Full service (inspection plus items above)	$475+
Brake system flush	$100 to $200
AC service	$50

Tesla vehicles require less maintenance than traditional gas cars due to their simpler design.

2. Average Tesla Maintenance Costs in Australia

For your Model 3 and Y, Tesla servicing costs in Australia are basically zero—certainly, nothing you have to do to keep the warranty instated. Tesla used to have service packages for the Model S and X, but not with the 3 or Y, as they simply don't need one. The owner manual has all the details if you want to make sure.

Aside from pounding the original tires a few times in the rotation, you really haven't done anything, either. Tesla took care of a few minor fixes under warranty, so this cost me nothing. 

The only other thing worth mentioning is the brake fluid—it's a good idea to have it checked every couple of years. Any local tyre shop can handle that for you. Of course, if you're unsure about anything else, a quick look at the owner's manual will clear things up.

Tesla Model 3 and Y require minimal maintenance, with no scheduled servicing.

Tesla recommends servicing the air conditioning system and replacing the desiccant bag periodically to keep it running efficiently. The service intervals vary depending on your Tesla model and its production year:

• Model 3 (2017-2021): Every 6 years.
• Model 3 (2021-Present): Every 4 years.
• Model Y: Every 4 years.

This will help you keep the air conditioning system in your Tesla in great shape for good performance and comfort. Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate guidance!

3. Specific Tesla Service Areas

When it comes to maintaining a Tesla, here are a few specific areas to keep in mind to ensure your vehicle stays in top shape.

3.1. Battery Maintenance And Replacement

A friendly message, though: Your Tesla knows if its high-voltage battery needs some lovin'. The touchscreen will pop up a message that says you should schedule a service. 

The Tesla service cost depends on the model and the size of the battery.

• Model 3: The price starts at $13,000 at minimum.

Note: Work on the high-voltage battery system and any of their components should only be done by trained technicians. DO NOT attempt to open, dismantle, or poke at the battery or anything around it—it might be dangerous and it is definitely going to void your warranty.

3.2. Tyre Rotations And Alignments

Wheel alignments range from $129 to $275, depending on whether you go to a Tesla Service Center or a Third Party. Tesla recommends this every 10,000 km, unless the difference in tread depth for any two tires on the same axle is in excess of 1.5 mm.

Aggressive driving can wear your tires out faster-in other words, it means more frequent tire servicing. Tesla recommends rotating tires every 10,000 km - 6,250 miles, or sooner if the tread wear varies by 1.5 mm of wear.

Old or out-of-balance tyres will wear faster and affect the handling and steering of your car, too. Refer to your owner manuals as well as the warranty provided by the tyre manufacture for more information.

Tesla advises rotating tires every 10,000 km or earlier if tread wear differs by 1.5 mm.

3.3. Cabin Air Filter

Replacing the cabin air filter in a Tesla, a common aspect of Tesla service cost, ranges from $84 to $134 for Model 3 and Model Y, and $118 to $168 for Model S and Model X at Tesla Service Centers, including parts and labor. DIY replacement is more affordable, with parts costing $34 for Model 3 and Model Y, and $68 for Model S and Model X, plus minimal tools. 

Your Tesla has a cabin air filter designed to block out dust, pollen, and other particles from entering through the vents. Here's the recommended replacement schedule for the filter:

• Model 3 / Model Y: Every 2 years.

Tesla sells replacement filters on their website, and you can either swap them out yourself or schedule a service visit.

3.4. Brake Fluid Test

Tesla recommends testing your brake fluid for contamination every 4 years. The cost for a brake fluid test at a Tesla Service Center is approximately $19.50, which is part of the overall Tesla service cost.

If needed, the fluid should be replaced. However, if you frequently tow, drive on mountain roads, or engage in performance driving—especially in hot and humid environments—you might need brake fluid checks and replacements more often.

4. Comparison With Conventional Vehicle Maintenance

Tesla is in its own class compared to other brands. Sure, we have some other brands that produce electric vehicles, too, but at the level of specialisation like Tesla – not really. Instead of a comparison against all EVs, therefore, luxury sedans and coupes are more appropriate.

Car	Cost
Tesla Model Y	$1,047
Toyota Camry	$53,990
Mazda CX 8	$59,290
Mercedes-Benz E350	$788
Audi A6	$913
BMW i8	$979
Porsche 911	$1,072

You can take the Model Y, for example. From a cost-of-repair standpoint, it compares to sort of more premium cars like the Porsche 911 or BMW i8. Of this, the i8 is the closest mechanical analog, though it remains a hybrid with a three-cylinder turbo and is primarily used for sprinting. 

The hybrid battery provides it with extended range, but the i8—and BMWs in general—are expensive to maintain. Repair costs associated with the Tesla Model S are comparable to those of other luxury cars, such as the Porsche 911 or BMW i8. 

Compare Tesla maintenance prices with regular car maintenance.

5. Tips For Minimising Tesla Service Costs In Australia

To minimise Tesla service cost for vehicles in Australia, you can apply the following measures:

• Stay on top of regular check-ups:
• Monitor your tyres: Keep them in shape by checking tire pressure and tread wear frequently. Good maintenance not only keeps you safe but also increases the life of car tires, which will help you save Tesla servicing costs Australia from unexpected expenses. 
• Check the brakes: While Teslas utilie regenerative braking, therefore reducing brake wear, we do recommend at least once in a while getting the brakes inspected so that your electronics are working properly.
• Fluid levels: Depending on the vehicle, EVs do not require oil changes but they do still have brake fluid and coolant which need replenishment if levels are low.
• DIY for some maintenance tasks:
• Cabin air filter replacement: Tesla suggests replacing this every two years for Model 3 and Model Y and every three years for Model S and Model X. This is simple to do yourself as well and saves Tesla servicing costs in Australia.
• Replace wiper blades: For worn wipers, you can replace them yourself by getting parts from My Tesla Accessories.
• Use Tesla’s mobile service:
• On-the-go repairs: Tesla's mobile technicians can come to you for minor repairs or maintenance, saving you time and travel costs.
• Remote diagnostics: Tesla's remote diagnostics can identify potential issues early, helping you avoid costly repairs down the line.

To minimise Tesla maintenance costs in Australia, you should have regular check-ups.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

6.1. Are Tesla’s Cheaper To Maintain Than ICE Vehicles?

Yes, in broad terms, Teslas are cheaper to maintain when considering the overall Tesla service cost. This is mainly because of their much simpler design, which omits many ICE vehicle components.

For example, Teslas do not need oil changes, fuel filters, spark plugs, or emission checks. Further, regeneration braking decreases wear on brake pads, which in turn reduces maintenance.

6.2. How Often Should I Service My Tesla In Australia?

The Tesla vehicle is designed to not require a lot of maintenance. The company does not have a requirement for annual service appointments but rather recommends specific iterative steps to avoid failures in the shortest terms. They include: 

• Brake fluid check: Occurs once every 4 years or more frequently if needed. 
• Cabin air filter replacement: Renewed once every two years.
• Air conditioning service: Done once every two years for Model S and Model X but once every four years for Model 3 and Model Y, Tire Rotation, Balance, and Alignment; and others, according to tire wear and frequency.