How Often Should I Change The Brakes on My Tesla?
Every year, electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla become a more and more dominant force in the automotive space. The widespread adoption of EV technology and an ever-growing charging network makes owning an electric car or truck more and more practical.
The shift away from internal combustion as the primary power source for vehicles has brought with it some significant changes not just in technology, but in the realm of maintenance, service and repair as well. Gone are the days of 5000-mile oil change intervals, transmission services, and check engine lights.
In many ways, the simplicity of EVs is a good thing. Electric vehicles will typically require far fewer shop visits than internal combustion cars and trucks. There are, however, some systems that carry over from internal combustion vehicles to EVs. One of these, and perhaps the most important, are the brakes. In this article, we are going to look at how often brakes need to be replaced on a Tesla!
How Are Tesla Brakes Different?
Teslas (and other EVs) employ two types of braking systems. The first is the traditional mechanical braking system you’d likely find in any non-electrified vehicle, which makes use of a set of pads and rotors to produce friction and slow down your vehicle.
The second braking system that Teslas employs is a regenerative braking system, which relies on the vehicle’s electric motors rather than disc brakes to create friction. Regenerative braking works by reversing the polarity of the electric motors, which accomplishes two major benefits.
For one, regenerative braking, as the name implies, is able to convert the forward momentum of your vehicle into electrical energy to be sent to the battery and prolong the battery’s range. By making use of the vehicle’s momentum rather than fighting it, energy that would otherwise be wasted through disc brakes can instead be used to power your vehicle.
Secondly, using regenerative braking can help to drastically improve the lifespan of your disc brake components such as the pads and rotors. Since the resistance produced by the motors occurs due to the magnetic field rather than abrasive pads, you can completely avoid the friction that causes wear and tear.
Regenerative braking isn’t meant to replace your mechanical brakes, but rather to compliment them and provide you with an opportunity to maximize your vehicle’s charge. Regenerative braking systems are not meant for hard braking, but rather to gradually slow you down as you let off the gas pedal. In situations where the vehicle may need to be stopped abruptly or with finer control, it’s always best to use the actual brake pedal for your safety as disc brakes can stop your vehicle much quicker.
How Often Should I Replace My Tesla’s Disc Brakes
While the inclusion of regenerative braking can significantly extend the life of your disc brakes, this does not mean they will never reach the point of requiring replacement.
The exact lifespan of your Tesla’s brakes depends on a variety of factors, including how often you use regenerative braking and how aggressively you step on the brake pedal. In general, Tesla owners should begin considering brake replacement between 70,000-100,000 miles, but we always recommend looking out for the signs of worn-out brakes prior to this point.
Do My Tesla’s Brakes Need Maintenance?
Although EV brakes can last an impressively long time before replacement, this doesn’t mean they will not require maintenance. It’s important to have your brakes inspected and serviced at a trusted Tesla maintenance facility occasionally to ensure everything is in working condition.
Tesla recommends having your brake calipers cleaned and lubricated every year or 12,000 miles if you drive your vehicle in an area with cold weather and salt present on the roads.
No matter your location, it’s a good idea to have your brake fluid inspected around every 4 years to avoid aeration or contamination in the brake lines that could affect your braking performance.
Tesla and EV Brake Services at Carlsbad Auto Service
If you’re experiencing issues with the braking system on your EV, contact the specially-trained team at Carlsbad Auto Service in Carlsbad, CA for unmatched care and repair for your vehicle. Our technicians have extensive experience in working on electrified platforms, and are excited to help keep yours running as it should! Give us a call or schedule online today!