How to Properly Maintain and Replace Tesla Parts for Optimal Performance

Tesla vehicles have fewer moving parts than traditional ones, requiring less maintenance. However, repairs can still be costly.

Brakes

Brakes are something you want to avoid skimming on. They are the thing that stops your Aero wheels from spinning while you slow down. They are also exposed to immense heat and friction daily. Traditional brake pads are designed with the knowledge that they will wear out after a few years. They use painted metal and adhesives not meant for the long haul.

Luckily, Tesla’s EV brake pads last much longer than their traditional counterparts because many utilize regenerative braking to keep the motor from heating the pads and save electricity for future miles. But you do still need to replace them from time to time. And when you do, it’s essential to do so with the right accessories for Tesla.

Tires

The tires on Tesla vehicles are designed to optimize performance, safety, and longevity. They can reduce road noise and vibration while also optimizing ride and handling. The longevity of this kind of Tesla parts varies from one driver to the next and can be affected by many factors. These include driving style, environmental conditions, and regular tire rotation. Additionally, proper inflation is vital, as under-inflated tires will wear unevenly.

Avoid running over potholes or other objects that could damage the tires to maximize tire life. Another simple thing to do is switch into “chill mode” in the car’s settings, which reduces acceleration, making it more like a traditional ICE vehicle and thus decreasing the amount of friction on the tires. Lastly, rotating and balancing the tires will help to distribute the wear evenly and extend their lifespan. Regularly check the tires’ tread depth and replace them before the molded-in wear indicators are visible.

Battery

The EV battery is the heart of your Tesla, and you must take care of it. Like any other battery in an electric vehicle, it will degrade over time. However, the degradation process is not a sign of a design flaw or a wrong product. Limit the number of charge cycles you complete to keep your battery in good shape. You can do this by using the Charging screen on your Tesla touchscreen or in the app to set a charge limit for your car. It would help to use a low-voltage charger to avoid overheating the battery. It would help if you avoided frequent deep discharges.

Additionally, it would help if you tried to avoid driving in extreme weather conditions, as this can affect your range. Lastly, you should perform regular software updates to improve battery management. You can find these in the Settings menu. In addition, removing any extra cargo from your vehicle is a good idea, as more weight requires more energy to move.

Electronics

Whether you have a Model S, Model X, or Roadster, you can do several simple things to ensure optimal battery performance. You can help prolong your Tesla’s range and maximize its driving efficiency by minimizing supercharging, preheating the battery before charging, avoiding excessive use of Ludicrous mode, monitoring vampire drain, and maintaining optimal tire pressure.

Another important consideration for maximizing your Tesla’s range is practicing efficient driving habits and ensuring that the battery’s regenerative braking feature is enabled, which captures kinetic energy while slowing down to recharge the battery. It’s also helpful to check if the louvers on your Tesla’s front grille are functioning correctly by listening for audible cues of them opening or closing.

Unfortunately, Tesla’s anti-right-to-repair stance has made it more difficult for owners and independent repair pros to maintain their Tesla vehicles. However, Tesla has recently been working on opening up its service tools and releasing new ‘Do It Yourself’ maintenance procedure instructions.