While Tesla vehicles are primarily electric and require less maintenance than traditional cars, they still rely on oil for lubricating and cooling critical components like the electric motor, gears, and inverter. This oil helps reduce friction, remove heat, and protect internal parts from wear. Over time, however, the oil breaks down, loses its effectiveness, and can become contaminated with debris and metal particles.
For most Tesla models, it is recommended to change the drive unit oil approximately every 30,000-40,000 miles, or sooner if the vehicle is used in high-stress conditions such as frequent high-speed driving or towing. However, in newer models, especially Model 3 and Model Y, the cooling system integrates with the oil system to help regulate temperatures in the motor and inverter. When the oil is old or degraded, it can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, and long-term damage.