"No maintenance" is Tesla's most successful marketing line—and its most misunderstood. Teslas don't need oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission services. But they have their own maintenance list, and ignoring it is expensive.
What a Tesla actually needs
Radiator and cooling system cleaning: leaves and debris clog the front radiator intake, hurting cooling efficiency—more often than you'd think. Cabin air filters: same as any car; neglected filters mean weak airflow and smells. 12V battery: yes, Teslas have one, and when it dies the car can lock you out or throw confusing errors. Suspension: control arms, bushings, and alignment wear like any car; Teslas are heavy, which accelerates it. Drive unit gearbox fluid service: the "lifetime fluid" that isn't. Tire rotation: instant torque eats tires; rotation intervals matter more on a Tesla, not less.
None of this requires a dealership. It requires a shop that knows Teslas specifically—which fluids, which filters, which wear patterns, and what "normal" actually looks like on each model.
"Maintenance-free." The truth: different maintenance, on a different schedule, with Tesla-specific knowledge.