A Decrease font size. A Reset font size. A Increase font size.

Ownership checklist

Ensure a fun and trouble-free Tesla ownership

All Access Pass required

This checklist is only visible to those lucky enough to have an All Access Pass. This will unlock all checklists, forever (for about 10% of the cost of a tank of smelly fossil fuel!)

Buy now for $5

Important: Please check with your Tesla Delivery Specialist how much time he or she will allow you to go over the car. I’ve not heard of any problems before, but just in case, it’s best to ask them if it’s okay to use this checklist.

1. Road trips

Range and charging

Checked my trip can be done with respect to charging stops. Considered locations of:
- Tesla Superchargers
- Tesla Destination Chargers
- CHAdeMO compatible chargers
Considered the factors that affect range, and how these may affect my planned charging stops:
- Use of a trailer
- Driving speeds
- Hills
- Use of air conditioning
- Outside temperature
- Tire pressures
- Snow and rain
- Wind
- External loads
- Road types
Charge level is high, or 100%, before leaving
Packed the relevant charging cables and adapters
Got my non-Tesla charging point RFID tag

Vehicle

Tires are at optimum pressure
Packed a tire repair kit (inflator and sealer)
Packed a car jack
Tesla roadside assistance number is available
Packed the sunshade (Model X only)
Trunk luggage floor is in or out of the car, as needed
Cabin is pre-warmed/pre-cooled, ready for leaving
Packed a spare key fob/card, in case of loss
Winter driving gear is on board, such as:
- Ice scraper
- Snow brush
- Silicon lubricant (for door seals)
- Snow shovel
Packed some jumper cables (just kidding!)

2. Battery care

I don’t keep the battery at 100% charge for long periods
My battery isn’t below 30% for long periods
For daily charges, I set the charge limit to between 50% and 90%
I don’t Supercharge/high speed charge as the only charging method

3. Maintenance

I’ve purchased a Tesla Maintenance Plan. (Model S and X only – Model 3 plans are not yet announced).
I rotate the tires every 3,000 miles/5,000 km. (Not Model X due to different sizes).
The washer fluid is topped up as needed
The 12V battery is fine
My wipers are clear of debris and not needing replacing (replace every 50,000 miles/80,000 km, or as needed)
The brake pads are good. (These almost never need replacing, thanks to the regenerative braking).

4. Cleaning

I’m familiar with various cleaning methods suitable for soft paint and an expensive car. (Check out the famous two-bucket method on YouTube).
I’m aware of the risks to the paint if cleaning the car in an automatic car wash that has brushes (most strongly advise not to use these!)

External cleaning items

The items below are suggestions. What you need will of course vary depending on the washing methods used and your preferences.

Internal cleaning items

The items below are suggestions. What you need will of course vary depending on the washing methods used and your preferences.
Wet wipes, for cleaning seats and plastic surfaces. (The Ultra White seats are said to respond well to wet wipes).
Leather cleaner, if I have leather seats
Vacuum cleaner
Microfiber cloths
Window cleaner
Flat-head screwdriver (for folding some layers of wet wipe over, and running it along edges on the dashboard)

5. Safety gear

Essentials

Reflective triangle
Reflective jackets
First aid kit
Window breaker with seatbelt cutter

Useful items

Headlight/flashlight
Multitool
Energy bars and water
Fire extinguisher (for internal fires, not battery fires)

Cold weather items

Cardboard or carpet remnant, for placing under tires to get traction in snow
Matches or other fire starters
Mylar space blankets, or blanket
Space-saver snow shovel

6. Useful things to have in the car

Improve this checklist

Help others by informing Andrew of new or changed checklist items, and he’ll update the checklist!

[[[[“field15″,”equal_to”,”1″]],[[“show_fields”,”field9″]],”and”]]

1 Step 1