Model Y (2025 and newer): Maintenance & Cleaning

Tesla recommends genuine Tesla floor mats. We clean them regularly, check that they stay secured in place, and replace them once they are excessively worn. Tesla warns that the driver's mat must be secured so it cannot interfere with the pedals, and that we should never stack one mat on top of another mat or any 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 turns off the wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away locking and parking chimes. In 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 mud, grit and road salt, including wheel wells and the underside, 2) wash with a soft cloth, cold or lukewarm water and a mild car shampoo, 3) rinse before soap dries, 4) dry with a chamois. We use only touchless automatic washes, with Car Wash Mode on. Tesla warns against direct sunlight, hot water, harsh or acidic cleaners and rough cloths, and we keep a pressure washer nozzle at least 12 in (30 cm) away.

We touch Controls > Display > Screen Clean Mode, which darkens the display so we can wipe it without triggering any controls. We use a soft, lint-free cloth made for displays. Tesla says not to use glass cleaners, alcohol-based gels such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, or cloths that build up static, such as a freshly washed microfiber cloth. When done, we press and hold HOLD TO EXIT.

We spray water on each camera lens and dry it with a microfiber cloth, weekly in wet weather and monthly in dry weather, as Tesla suggests. The front camera has a sprayer: we open the Camera app from the app launcher and touch the spray icon, and it may also run by itself at the start of a drive. Tesla cautions never to use chemical or abrasive cleaners or sharp objects on camera lenses or sensors.

Yes. Tesla suggests a genuine Tesla car cover, sold in the Tesla Shop, for times when the car is not in use. Tesla cautions that while 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 during charging. So we remove any other cover before we plug in.

The manual lists a 26 in (650 mm) blade on the driver side and a 20 in (500 mm) blade on the passenger side. Tesla says to replace them at least once a year and to fit only blades identical to the originals, with a matching connector, because the wrong blades can damage the wiper system and windshield. Worn wipers can also reduce front camera visibility and limit Self-Driving features.

The 4.5 L (about 1.2 US gal) reservoir sits behind the front trunk. We 1) open the hood, 2) clean around the filler cap and open it, 3) fill to just below the filler neck, 4) wipe up spills and refit the cap. Tesla says to use only Tesla-recommended washer fluid, not untreated water or fluid with water repellent or bug wash, and warns to use antifreeze fluid below 40°F (4°C).

On a clean, dry car on a warm day, we 1) clean the area with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry a minute, 2) peel the top adhesive tape, 3) center the bracket on the grille, or align its guide tab with the grille camera, 4) press it firmly; it cannot be repositioned, 5) fit the plate with the four screws at 3 Nm (2.2 ft-lbs). Tesla says not to use a plate frame that may block the camera.

Tesla recommends only genuine Tesla parts and accessories, bought from Tesla stores, tesla.com or parts.tesla.com, and says it cannot assess parts from other sources. Tesla warns that non-approved parts or modifications can affect performance and occupant safety, and that damage they cause is not covered by the warranty. Body repairs should be done by Tesla or a Tesla-approved body shop, as non-original or salvaged parts are not covered.

Tesla's intervals are: cabin air filter every 2 years; the HEPA and carbon filters every 3 years; wiper blades every year; tire rotation every 6,250 mi (10,000 km), or sooner if tread depth differs by 2/32 in (1.5 mm) or more; brake calipers cleaned yearly or every 12,500 mi (20,000 km) where roads are salted in winter; plus brake fluid health checks. Battery coolant generally never needs replacing. Tesla notes driving and climate can change these intervals.

Daily, Tesla suggests checking the charge level, tire condition and pressure, lights, horn, turn signals, wipers and washers, any alerts, the brakes and the seat belts, and looking for fluid under the car (a small pool of water from the A/C is normal). Weekly in wet weather, or monthly in dry weather, we clean the cameras. Monthly, we check the washer fluid level and that the A/C works properly.

Tesla lists a brake fluid health check, with replacement if needed, but the current manual page does not show the number of years. Heavy brake use, such as towing, mountain descents or performance driving, especially in hot and humid climates, may need more frequent checks. Tesla says not to top up the brake fluid; only Tesla or a professional shop should check its level. Tesla also warns brake fluid is poisonous.

Service Mode is meant for qualified professionals to run diagnostics, repairs and maintenance, but it also shows more detail on alerts and allows simple procedures such as burnishing the brakes. Tesla cautions that misuse can cause permanent damage or serious injury, that speed is limited and some features are disabled, and that resulting damage is not covered by warranty. For simple DIY jobs, such as wiper blades or cabin filters, Tesla offers its Do It Yourself guides.

Tesla's New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes the Basic Vehicle, Supplemental Restraint System (airbag), Battery and Drive Unit, and Body Rust Limited Warranties, plus Zero-Emissions Vehicle warranties from model year 2026 and an Emissions Performance Warranty from model year 2027. Tesla also has Pre-Owned Vehicle and Parts, Body and Paint Repair Limited Warranties. The manual gives no years or miles; the full terms are at tesla.com/support/vehicle-warranty.

Tesla recommends mounting a toll tag (RFID transponder) inside the car next to the rear-view mirror, which gives the best results and keeps our view as clear as possible. We also follow the toll tag maker's own placement instructions. If we have a weather-proof transponder, the manual says it can be attached to the front license plate instead.