Model S (2021 and newer): Maintenance & Cleaning

Tesla recommends genuine Tesla floor mats to protect the carpet and make cleaning easier. We clean them regularly, check that they are still attached and replace them when they are badly worn. Tesla warns that the driver's floor mat must be securely fastened so it cannot interfere with the pedals, and that we should never stack a mat on top of another mat or other covering.

With the car stationary and not charging, we touch Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. It closes all windows, locks the charge port and disables the wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away locking and parking sensor chimes. For an automatic wash, we press the brake and touch Enable Free Roll, or shift into Neutral. It ends above 9 mph (15 km/h) or when we touch Exit. Tesla cautions that skipping it can damage the charge port or wipers.

We 1) hose off grit, including wheel wells and, after winter salting, the underside and brakes, 2) hand wash with a soft cloth, cold or lukewarm water and mild car shampoo, 3) rinse before soap dries, 4) dry with a chamois. Tesla allows touchless automatic washes only, wants pressure washers at least 12 in (30 cm) away, and cautions against hot water, detergents, soaps above pH 13, chemical wheel cleaners, direct sun and spraying the charge port while charging.

We touch Controls > Display > Screen Clean Mode, which darkens the screen so dust and smudges are easier to see. We wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth made for displays, then press and hold HOLD TO EXIT. The same care applies to the rear touchscreen and the instrument panel. Tesla says not to use glass cleaner, alcohol-based gels such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes or dry, static-prone cloths, and cautions that static charge can damage the screens.

We spray water on each camera lens and dry it carefully with a microfiber cloth: at least weekly in snow, rain or sleet, and monthly in dry weather. The front camera sprayer runs from the spray icon in the Camera app and may also spray at the start of a drive. Tesla says not to put a hydrophobic coating on the windshield, since it may affect camera visibility, and cautions against chemical or abrasive cleaners on the lenses.

Tesla recommends a genuine Tesla car cover, sold through the Tesla Shop, to protect the body when the car is not in use. Tesla cautions that when the car is plugged in, we should use only a Tesla-approved cover, because other covers can stop the battery from cooling properly while charging. So with any other cover, we take it off before we plug in to charge.

The driver's side blade is 26 in (650 mm) and the passenger's side 20 in (500 mm), with the original connector type; we replace them at least yearly. We 1) park and turn the wipers off, 2) touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode, 3) lift the arm slightly over a towel, 4) press the locking tab and slide the blade off, 5) slide the new one on until it locks. Tesla warns an unlocked blade can detach.

The washer fluid reservoir is behind the front trunk. We 1) open the hood and clean around the filler cap, 2) open the cap and fill until the fluid is just below the filler neck, 3) wipe up spills, rinse the area with water and refit the cap. Tesla recommends its own washer fluid, with antifreeze below 40°F (4°C), and warns that untreated water or fluids with water repellent or bug wash can cause odor, damage, streaking or squeaking.

Tesla says to use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories, and that it cannot assess or take responsibility for parts from other distributors. Tesla warns that non-approved parts or modifications can affect performance and occupant safety, and damage they cause is not covered by the warranty. Non-original or salvaged parts are not covered either. After a collision, Tesla asks for repairs by Tesla or a Tesla-approved Body Shop. Accessories can also change range and vehicle dimensions.

Tesla lists: cabin air filter every 2 years, HEPA filter every 3 years, wiper blades every year, and tire rotation every 6,250 mi (10,000 km) or when tread depth differs by 2/32 in (1.5 mm), whichever comes first. Where roads are salted in winter, brake calipers need cleaning and lubricating every year or 12,500 mi (20,000 km). Brake fluid gets a periodic health check, and battery coolant normally never needs replacing. Controls > Service > Maintenance tracks these items.

Daily, Tesla suggests checking charge level, tire condition and pressure, lights, horn, turn signals, wipers and washers, alerts, brakes and parking brake, seat belts and the ground for leaks; a small pool of A/C water is normal. Weekly in wet weather, or monthly when dry, we clean the cameras. Monthly, we check the washer fluid level and the A/C. Tesla also suggests pressing the brake pedal often to keep the pads and rotors dry.

Tesla's maintenance schedule includes a periodic brake fluid health check, with replacement if necessary. Heavy use, such as long mountain descents, performance driving or hot, humid climates, may call for more frequent checks. Tesla says not to top up the brake fluid ourselves; only Tesla or a professional repair shop should check the level. Tesla also warns that brake fluid is poisonous, so we never swallow or inhale it or let it touch open wounds.

Service Mode is meant for qualified automotive professionals running diagnostics, repairs and maintenance, but it also shows more detail on alerts and allows simple procedures such as brake burnishing. Speed is restricted and some features, including Sentry Mode, are off while it is active. Tesla warns that misuse can cause permanent damage or serious injury, not covered by warranty. For owner jobs, Tesla lists wiper blades, cabin filters and the paint protection film kit, with guides at tesla.com/support.

Tesla says to place a toll transponder (RFID tag) inside the car on the bottom corner of the windshield, where it reads best and blocks the least of our view, and to follow the transponder maker's own placement instructions. If we have a weather-proof transponder, Tesla says it can instead be attached to the front license plate, outside the car.