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The short answer is No. Tesla cars are 100% electric and do not need oil or gas. Tesla designs and produces advanced electric powertrains, and battery systems that provide an exceptional driving experience. Instead of an internal combustion engine and a fuel tank.
Tesla vehicles have lithium-ion battery packs and electric motors. The batteries provide power to the motors, which then propel the vehicle. So you can say goodbye to pricey trips to the pump and emissions inspections.
What Is Engine Oil For?
Engine oil is essential for lubricating and cooling the moving parts in a traditional car’s combustion engine. But since Tesla vehicles are all-electric. they don’t have a conventional engine or any need for oil.
While EVs still need maintenance like tire rotations, brakes, filters, and software updates, cutting out oil and related services is a significant benefit.
Why Do Internal Combustion Engine Cars Need Oil Changes?
ICE cars need regular oil changes because the engine requires clean oil to run. The oil in an ICE vehicle serves several purposes:
- It lubricates the engine parts, reducing friction and wear. Many moving parts in an engine need oil to keep them moving against each other.
- It removes contaminants and deposits. As the oil circulates through the engine, it picks up dirt, metal filings, and carbon deposits. Fresh, clean oil is needed to remove these harmful contaminants.
- It prevents overheating. The oil absorbs and dissipates the heat generated by the engine. Dirty, used oil cannot do this, so it needs to be changed.
- It protects against rust and corrosion. Oil coats and protects the engine’s metal parts. Preventing exposure to moisture that can lead to rust.
After several miles of driving, the oil in an ICE vehicle breaks down and becomes dirty and losing its ability to lubricate, cool, and clean the engine. That’s why routine oil changes after every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, are essential to keep your engine running well.
Synthetic oils can often last longer between changes. But you still need to follow the recommendations for your specific vehicle.
Neglecting regular oil changes can reduce engine performance, decrease fuel economy and lead to permanent engine damage. So, schedule and complete routine oil changes.
Do Electric Vehicles Use Oil?
Electric vehicles like the Tesla models do not need oil for fuel or lubrication. Instead, they run on electricity stored in rechargeable battery packs.
What Oil Does a Tesla Use?
As an all-electric vehicle, the Tesla requires no traditional motor oil. Tesla is powered by battery packs and electric motors.
So what liquid does a Tesla need? The simple answer is none. But, Tesla does need other fluids for operation:
Coolant
Tesla uses a coolant fluid to regulate the temperature of the battery packs and motors. The coolant is a water and glycol mixture that circulates. Through the systems to prevent overheating, the coolant should be replaced every 4 years or 50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid
Like any vehicle, Teslas need brake fluid for the hydraulic braking system. The brake fluid is DOT 3 or DOT 4, which should be replaced every 2 years.
Windshield Washer Fluid
You’ll also need to fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir to keep your windshield clean. Use a washer fluid that is suitable for your climate.
Refrigerant
If your Tesla model has a heat pump for interior temperature control, it will need refrigerant. The refrigerant should be recharged if there are any leaks or performance issues with the climate control system.
That covers the essential fluids needed to operate a Tesla vehicle. By ditching the motor oil, Tesla requires fewer liquids and maintenance than a gas-powered car. The minimal fluids and fewer moving parts help lower operation and maintenance costs for Tesla owners.
Does a Tesla Have an Oil Filter?
Tesla vehicles are all-electric. they don’t have a traditional internal combustion engine that requires oil like gasoline or diesel. Since Teslas are powered by rechargeable battery packs, they do not need oil filters or changes.
But Tesla’s moving parts are lubricated by synthetic oils and greases during manufacturing and assembly.
Without an oil filter means you can avoid many messy and time-consuming tasks required to maintain a gas-powered vehicle. No more oil stains on the driveway or the smell of burnt oil. And no more expensive oil changes every 5,000 miles. The only fluids you need to top off in a Tesla are windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.
Tesla designs their electric vehicles to need very little maintenance. Most routine service needs are handled with over-the-air software updates. And with fewer moving parts than a gas vehicle, fewer components can wear out or break down over time.
Electric motor technology powering the vehicle eliminates the need for oil, and the hassles of maintaining a traditional internal combustion engine.
Why Does a Tesla Need an Oil Filter?
Tesla vehicles are all-electric, so you may wonder why they have oil filters. The simple reason is that Teslas still need lubrication for certain components, like the gearbox and brake assemblies. The oil filter helps remove contaminants from the oil to keep these parts running.
Even though Teslas don’t have a traditional internal combustion engine, they have a front trunk where the engine would be located. This area called the front drive unit, houses an electric motor, inverter, and gearbox, which need occasional oil changes.
The oil helps lubricate the gears that transfer power from the electric motor to the wheels. Over time, metal shavings and other debris can build up in the oil, so it needs to be filtered to prevent damage.
The brake system also uses hydraulic fluid that needs to be filtered. Tesla recommends inspecting and replacing the brake fluid every 2 years or 25,000 miles. Fresh, clean brake fluid is essential for safe stopping power. and preventing corrosion in the brake lines.
Also the gearbox and brakes, Tesla’s all-wheel drive. and performance models contain more drive units and gearboxes in the rear that also need oil and filters.
So while Teslas may be electric, they still need some old-fashioned lubrication. And maintenance to keep all their complex components running. The good news is oil changes on a Tesla are only required every 2 years or 25,000 miles, much less frequent than gas-powered cars.
Tesla’s recommended maintenance schedule help ensure your all-electric vehicle continues running for years. Though Teslas don’t need oil in the traditional sense, their high-tech components still need care and feeding.
Our Verdict
So there you have it. Tesla cars are completely electric vehicles. They don’t have an internal combustion engine that requires running oil. As an owner, you’ll never need to visit a gas station or change the oil.
As we know when the battery drains completely, your Tesla will come to a gradual stop. Click it to know about what happens when a Tesla runs out of battery.