[Electric car knowledge] Can a normal garage do Tesla repairs?
I have been a Tesla customer for many years. Users, but recently the Model Y has started to have some minor problems, but they don’t know how to return it to the factory to fix it, so the editor did a lot of information collection and obtained the following reference data, hoping to help all electric car owners.
1. Can a general garage repair Tesla electric cars?
1. Maintenance restrictions of general garages
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Main limitations:
- Tesla parts are highly proprietary : Many of Tesla's parts, software, and diagnostic equipment are proprietary, and it is difficult for ordinary garages on the market to obtain original parts and professional maintenance information.
- Dangers of high-voltage electrical systems : The maintenance of high-voltage components of electric vehicles (such as batteries, inverters, etc.) requires special certification and tools, and general garages may not have relevant training and safety equipment.
- Software maintenance/program updates : Many faults of Tesla vehicles require OTA (Over-The-Air) or the original computer to diagnose and repair, which cannot be handled by ordinary garages.
- Uploading maintenance records : If the car owner has the car repaired at an unauthorized garage, the maintenance records cannot be uploaded to the original system, which may affect maintenance or certification of second-hand value in the future.
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Projects that can be done in a general garage:
- Basic services include tire replacement, tire pressure, body paint, cleaning and beauty.
- Some garages can assist in replacing simple consumables such as wipers, light bulbs, air-conditioning dust filters, etc.
- Some garages that are experienced or have had contact with Tesla may be able to handle repairs to mechanical components such as suspension and brake systems, but if it involves fault decoding, batteries, and drive systems, they still need to return to the original manufacturer.
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suggestion:
- If it involves the battery, drive, main computer, OTA update, software failure, etc., you must return to the Tesla factory or an authorized repair center.
- If problems occur after repairs at a general garage, Tesla may have the right to refuse subsequent maintenance.
2. Tesla Model Original Maintenance Conditions (Taking Hong Kong as an example, the latest in 2024)
Tesla's factory maintenance is divided into two categories: "New Car Limited Maintenance" and "Battery and Drive Unit Limited Maintenance". Different models have different years and mileage conditions.
1. New Vehicle Limited Warranty
| Model | Year | Mileage Limit | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model S/X | 4 years | 80,000 km | Whichever comes first |
| Model 3/Y | 4 years | 80,000 km | Whichever comes first |
Coverage:
- Body, suspension, air conditioning, steering gear, interior, on-board computer and display, etc.
- It does not include consumables (such as tires, wipers, brake pads, etc.) and man-made damage.
2.Battery & Drive Unit Limited Warranty
| Model | Year | Mileage Limit | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model S/X | 8 years | 240,000 km | Whichever comes first |
| Model 3 RWD | 8 years | 160,000 km | Whichever comes first |
| Model 3 Long Range/Performance | 8 years | 192,000 km | Whichever comes first |
| Model Y RWD | 8 years | 160,000 km | Whichever comes first |
| Model Y Long Range/Performance | 8 years | 192,000 km | Whichever comes first |
Mainly covers:
- Battery pack (including overheat protection, replaceable when capacity decays below 70%).
- Electric motor (drive unit).
- Related high voltage wiring harness.
3. Maintenance conditions and precautions
- Maintenance and repairs must be carried out at Tesla-approved repair centers, otherwise your maintenance rights may be affected.
- The warranty does not cover accidental damage, man-made damage, natural disaster damage and consumables.
- In case of unauthorized changes to the vehicle software, vehicle modifications, or battery removal, the warranty may be cancelled or partially invalidated.
- If inspection or repair is required during the maintenance period, you must make an appointment to go to the Tesla Service Center.
4. Extended maintenance and other services
- Tesla in Hong Kong does not currently offer factory extended maintenance plans (as is available in the United States and Canada).
- You can purchase a "Service Plan" for regular inspections, but it is not the same as maintenance.
5. Official links and inquiries
- Tesla Hong Kong official service support
- Tesla official maintenance terms
- Customer service hotline: 3974 0254 (Hong Kong)
