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The Importance of Properly Maintaining and Inspecting Used Tesla Parts

Tesla is being advertised as a low maintenance car, due to the use of maintenance-free electric motors. Traditional upkeep in the form of oil changes and coolant flushes is clearly not necessary. However, to ensure continued reliability and efficiency of a Tesla it is indispensable to follow the maintenance plan provided by the manufacturer. It warrants the longevity of the car and its parts. 

 

Proper maintenance of used Tesla parts

 

Proper maintenance of used Tesla parts requires following the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. That means servicing the car based on as-needed basis, but also conducting daily and monthly checks

Obligatory daily checks of a Tesla car 

Obligatory daily checks that ensure the longevity of a Tesla car and its parts consist of controlling: 

  • the battery’s charge level, displayed on the touchscreen or mobile app, 
  • the condition and pressure of each tire, 
  • the operation of the brakes, 
  • the operation of the seat belts, 
  • all exterior lights, horn, turn signals, wipers, and washers. 

It also calls for checking the touchscreen for any unexpected indicator lights or vehicle alerts and acting accordingly. 

Obligatory monthly checks of a Tesla car 

Obligatory monthly checks of a Tesla car consist of controlling the windshield washer fluid level and making sure that the air conditioning system is operating correctly. 

Proper operation and longevity of the vehicle’s components is also ensured by the installation of required software updates, which should be done by Tesla as a part of the normal diagnostic, repair, and maintenance process within Service.

tesla motor engine front detail drive model s chassis

 

Why is the inspection of used Tesla parts so important? 

 

A proper inspection of used Tesla parts before purchase is necessary to make sure they can be safely installed in a car. 

Battery 

Buying a used battery for a Tesla requires a thorough check and ensuring its degradation is not substantial and will not result in decreased range. It is worth knowing all Tesla’s batteries are covered by an eight-year warranty that covers up to 240 000 kilometers with a minimum retention of 70% battery capacity within the warranty period. Before purchasing the used battery, the buyer should also remember that battery cells can experience problems in cold temperatures that may result in the decrease of the vehicle’s range. Henceforth, it is crucial to take under consideration the location and climate before investing in a second-hand Tesla battery. 

Touchscreen

Tesla touchscreens control vital functions of the vehicle, such as navigation, climate, and entertainment. They use advanced technology and provide a great experience to the user. They are, however, not always reliable. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles experienced malfunctions of touchscreen displays. The issue is particularly present in larger screens used in Model S and Model X. Faulty touchscreen in a Tesla can lead to frozen displays, unresponsive screens, and the loss of vital features. People thinking of buying a used touchscreen for their vehicle should take these issues under consideration and thoroughly inspect the spare part before purchase to avoid possible malfunctions. 

Suspension

Before changing the suspension in a Tesla it is necessary to ensure the quality of the used parts that are supposed to be implemented. The owner of the car should remember that Tesla vehicles often face issues with the air suspension, which can lead to a bumpy ride and cause damage to other parts of the car. The other problem is connected to the control arms that wear out prematurely and cause clunking noises, vibrations, difficulties with handling, and ultimately also detriment to other parts, which can affect safety of the vehicle’s user. Given the issues of suspension in Tesla cars, it is crucial to make sure the used parts chosen to replace old components are not faulty and will work properly.