I just drove 15,000 miles in my 2019 Tesla Model 3 SR + and had a short service visit. I thought it was a good time to write an article about my service needs and experiences so far. This is a service of up to 3 months less than 2 years and, as we have just pointed out, just over 15,000 miles.
Also, during my recent service visit, I received advice on what service is recommended or needed for the next few years, which I think could be helpful to share widely.
Tesla Model 3 12V Battery Replacement
Tesla Model 3 SR + is about to replace the 12V battery. Photo by Zach Shahan, CleanTechnica.
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The service I received was a 12V battery replacement. I got a warning on the Tesla touchscreen when I went to charge one day that I needed to replace the 12V battery. Fortunately, one of my young daughters did not see the warning appear in front of me and she purposely or accidentally closed the notification before seeing it, because after rejecting the message, I did not see her or did not see any more notifications on this matter. (They often jump forward to watch or play something when I go to plug in, so I really might have missed the message and then my car died.) It seems strange that Tesla does not have this message. somewhere (notification screen, app, etc.) until the issue was resolved, but at least the girls haven’t addressed it before me (this time).
Notice from Tesla for 12V battery replacement. Photo by Zach Shahan, CleanTechnica.
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When I was at a Tesla service center a few months ago, I had seen several forum threads about Tesla vehicles receiving this warning or dying without warning due to a dead 12V battery, so I made sure to ask the repair technician. service about it right now. . Said you should replace the battery shortly after getting the warning. The car will run for a few more days before the battery dies, but not for long. So I got down to business and asked Tesla technical support to replace the 12V battery almost immediately.
Programé el servicio a través de la aplicación para abrirlo unos días después. The app said it could be a mobile tour (also known as Service Ranger) meaning I didn’t have to bring the car to the service center – a Tesla technician came by. ruddy.
My car is still under warranty, so the battery change was free. I didn’t realize it before so it was definitely a pleasant surprise.
Tesla maintenance program
In the past, Tesla gave Model S buyers a multi-year maintenance program. In fact, you had to follow it or pay a fee, if I remember correctly. However, it was not very popular, new Tesla cars improved week after week, even the first Tesla vehicles demonstrated the need for a lot of maintenance, and Tesla stopped the maintenance program. That being said, Tesla still needs Some a service.
Not knowing much about it and having an experienced Tesla employee to interview, I asked the technician a few more questions when I was on my driveway and he came up with seemingly clear and compelling answers. He told me that the following service should be completed within the allotted time:
- Tires should be replaced when the tread is low. He told me that mine had to be replaced in the next 2,000 to 3,000 miles or so, between about 17,000 and 20,000 miles. It seems early, but apparently it is quite common with model 3 (mmmv). I’ll be sure to write an update in a few months.
- After 2 years, the car should have a brake fluid change.
- After 4 years, the coolant must be replaced.
- After 4-6 years, the air conditioning dryer should be replaced.
Nothing bad.
Previous service Tesla Model 3
Previously, I had minimal maintenance to check a few things (that didn’t really need to be checked), replace the air conditioning filter (which had gotten moldy in the Florida heat and humidity), spin the tires, and lightly glue a bit. trim that, in my opinion, perhaps sticks out too much.
A new HVAC filter costs $ 34 and a cleaning product costs $ 16.50. Tesla’s service workforce reportedly reached $ 39.75, but it was done for free. Tesla had just released an over-the-air firmware update to help limit how much of this happened and how often the filter needs to be replaced, and it was basically serviced free of charge this time due to the delay after the vehicle was purchased. . be done (little more than a year in property).
I also asked them to check out various little things, which they did for free.
Finally, and the reason I went in, I rotated my tires, which cost $ 35.
Almost a year ago, in December 2020, I stopped by the service center to have some points checked. However, everything was minimal and nothing needed to be done, so the cost was $ 0.
Having owned a BMW i3 for 9 months prior to the Model 3 and having visited BMW service several times, one area where BMW did better is their service center was also much more attractive, with a large TV, plenty of snacks and coffees. , and a more pleasant and clear view. The Tesla Service Center, quite new and certainly not a regional center, is much simpler and almost looks like a warehouse. Not exactly a inspiring in law. That being said, BMW dealerships make solid profits on service and charge well above their costs for many things, while Tesla has been of the opinion from day one that service should not be a profit center and that everything it does Tesla Service is primarily paid for.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the service from Tesla. Some things could improve a bit, but there is very little to complain about and there is something to be thankful for. It is above all simple, fast and convenient. Plus, while there’s always a tendency to worry about overspending on something that doesn’t need repair or maintenance yet, the great thing about Tesla is that it knows you aren’t. – It does not seek at all to turn the service into a profit center. Don’t expect to be overly pampered and courted for the same reason.
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