An EV has markedly fewer moving parts than a car with a combustion engine. That means less to wear out and break — and typically lower service costs over time. But "less" isn't "nothing": there are still things to keep an eye on.
What you skip
- Oil changes — no combustion engine, no engine oil.
- Spark plugs, timing belts, exhaust — don't exist on an EV.
- Brake wear is reduced because regenerative braking eases the physical brakes.
What needs maintaining
| Part | What |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Rotation and replacement with wear; check pressure regularly. |
| Brakes | Inspection; brake fluid changed as needed/recommended. |
| Cabin air filter | Changed periodically for clean cabin air. |
| Wiper blades & washer fluid | Ordinary ongoing maintenance. |
| Software | Kept updated automatically — see OTA updates. |
Mobile service and booking
A practical advantage of Tesla is that much service can be booked directly in the Tesla app, and that a mobile service technician can in many cases come to you. Smaller jobs can thus be handled without a workshop visit. The car can also self-diagnose certain issues and flag them in advance.
Does it matter for the economics?
Yes — lower maintenance is an important part of an EV's total cost of ownership. Together with cheaper "fuel" (electricity) it can offset some of any higher purchase price. Read more in Tesla total cost of ownership.
Note
Specific service intervals and recommendations are set by Tesla and can vary by model and use. Always follow the car's own recommendations and messages.