Model X (2021 and newer): Maintenance & Cleaning

Tesla recommends genuine Tesla floor mats to extend carpet life and make cleaning easier. We clean the mats regularly, check that they are attached properly, and replace any that are excessively worn. Tesla warns that the driver's mat must be secured so it cannot interfere with a pedal, and that we should never lay one mat on top of another mat or covering.

With Model X stationary and not charging, we touch Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. It closes all windows, locks the charge port and turns off the wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking and parking sensor chimes. For an automatic wash, we press the brake and touch Enable Free Roll so the car rolls freely. It ends above 9 mph (15 km/h) or when we touch Exit. Tesla says car wash damage is not covered by warranty.

1) Rinse off grit with a hose, including wheel wells, panel seams and road salt underneath. 2) Wash with a clean soft cloth, cold or lukewarm water and a mild car shampoo. 3) Rinse with clean water before soap dries. 4) Dry with a chamois, then brake a few times while driving to dry the brakes. Tesla says to use touchless car washes only, keep a pressure washer at least 12 in (30 cm) away, and avoid direct sunlight.

We touch Controls > Display > Screen Clean Mode, which darkens the display so dust and smudges are easier to see. Then we wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth made for monitors and displays. To leave the mode, we press and hold HOLD TO EXIT. Tesla says not to use glass cleaners, alcohol-based gels such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, or dry cloths that build static, such as a freshly washed microfiber cloth.

Tesla says to keep camera lenses free of dirt, condensation and obstructions, because a dirty camera can limit Self-Driving and safety features. We spray water on the lens, then dry it carefully with a microfiber cloth, at least weekly in wet weather and monthly in dry weather. For the front camera, we open Camera from the app launcher and press the spray icon. Tesla warns not to use chemical or abrasive cleaners on the lenses.

Yes. Tesla suggests a genuine Tesla car cover, available from the Tesla Shop, to protect the paint when Model X is not in use. Tesla warns that when the car is plugged in, we should use only a Tesla-approved cover, because a non-Tesla cover can stop the battery from cooling properly while it charges. So we keep any non-Tesla cover off the car while it is plugged in.

Model X uses a 26 in (650 mm) blade on the driver's side and a 21 in (530 mm) blade on the passenger side; the new connector must match the original. Tesla recommends replacing them at least once a year. To change them, we shift into Park, turn the wipers off and use Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. Tesla cautions that the wiper arms do not lock when lifted, and each new blade must click into place.

The washer fluid reservoir sits behind the front trunk, and it is the only reservoir owners can add fluid to. 1) Open the hood. 2) Clean around the filler cap and open it. 3) Fill until the fluid is just below the filler neck. 4) Wipe up spills, rinse with water and refit the cap. Below 40°F (4°C) we use fluid with antifreeze. Tesla cautions to use only its recommended washer fluid, since plain water can cause bacteria and odor.

They can. Tesla says to use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories, bought from Tesla stores, tesla.com or parts.tesla.com. Tesla cannot assess parts from other sources, and damage caused by non-approved parts or modifications is not covered by the warranty. For collision repairs, non-original or salvaged parts, and any damage they cause, are not covered either. Tesla warns that non-approved parts can affect performance and occupant safety.

Tesla's Model X schedule: replace the cabin air filter every 2 years, the HEPA and carbon filters every 3 years and the wiper blades every year. Rotate the tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km), or sooner at a 2/32 in (1.5 mm) tread difference. Clean and lubricate the brake calipers every year, or every 12,500 miles (20,000 km) where roads are salted. The brake fluid also gets a health check. Controls > Service > Maintenance shows what is due.

Daily, Tesla suggests checking the charge level, tire condition and pressure, lights, horn, turn signals, wipers and washers, any alerts, the brakes and seat belts, and looking under the car for leaks; a small puddle of A/C water is normal. We clean the Self-Driving cameras weekly in wet weather and monthly in dry weather. Monthly, we check the washer fluid level and that the air conditioning works.

No. Tesla's Model X maintenance page says not to top up the brake fluid, and that fluid level checks are for Tesla or a professional shop only. A brake fluid health check is on Tesla's maintenance schedule, with replacement if needed, and heavy braking from towing, mountain descents, performance driving or hot, humid conditions may call for more frequent checks. Tesla also warns that brake fluid is poisonous.

Service Mode is meant for qualified automotive professionals to run diagnostics, repairs and maintenance. It shows more detail on vehicle alerts and allows simple procedures such as brake burnishing. Tesla cautions that improper use can cause loss of vehicle operation, permanent damage or serious injury. Speed is limited and features such as Sentry Mode are disabled, and damage from misuse is not covered by warranty. For owner jobs, Tesla lists wiper blades, cabin filters and the paint protection film kit.

Tesla says to mount an RFID toll transponder inside the car, near the topmost area of the windshield, where it gets the best reading and the least obstruction. We follow the transponder maker's own instructions for the exact spot. A weather-proof toll transponder can be attached to the front license plate instead. Tesla also notes that some accessories can change expected range and vehicle dimensions.