Tesla FAQ - Common Questions About Buying & Owning a Tesla

Buying & Ordering

I don't see Tesla dealers, where can I buy one?

Tesla sells direct to consumers online at Tesla.com. There are no traditional dealerships or middlemen. You configure and order your Tesla on their website, then either have it delivered to your home or pick it up at a Tesla delivery center. You can also visit Tesla showrooms to see vehicles and ask questions, but the purchase happens online.

Can I test drive a Tesla before buying?

Yes! You can schedule a test drive at any Tesla showroom or delivery center through the Tesla website or app. Some locations also offer home test drives. Test drives are free and typically last 15-30 minutes.

Can I trade in my current car?

Absolutely. Tesla offers instant trade-in quotes through their website. Enter your vehicle details, and you'll get an offer within seconds. If you accept, Tesla handles the paperwork and applies the value toward your purchase. You can also sell your car independently if you prefer.

How does financing work?

Tesla offers financing directly through their website with competitive rates. You can also finance through your own bank or credit union. Leasing is available too. You'll get financing options during the online checkout process, and approval is typically quick.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery times vary based on model, configuration, and location. Inventory vehicles can often be delivered within days to weeks. Custom orders typically take 2-8 weeks in North America, though this can vary. You'll see an estimated delivery window when you order.

Service & Maintenance

Where can I go for service? I never saw a Tesla service station.

Tesla offers Mobile Service that comes to your home or office for most repairs and maintenance. For more complex work, there are Tesla Service Centers in major metropolitan areas. You schedule everything through the Tesla app—no appointments at traditional service stations needed.

What maintenance does a Tesla need?

Very minimal. Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6,250 miles, cabin air filter replacement every 2 years, and brake fluid testing every 2 years (replacement only if needed). That's it. No oil changes, transmission service, spark plugs, or exhaust system work. Most owners spend under $100/year on maintenance.

Where do I get tires serviced or replaced?

Any tire shop can service Tesla tires. Discount Tire, Costco, local shops—they all work on Teslas just like any other car. Tesla Mobile Service can also handle tire rotations at your location. Some Service Centers offer tire services too.

Can independent mechanics work on Teslas?

For basic maintenance like tires, brakes, and cabin filters, yes. For more complex electrical or battery work, Tesla-certified service is recommended. Tesla has also made more repair information and parts available to independent shops in recent years.

What's covered under warranty?

New Tesla vehicles come with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and an 8-year/100,000-150,000-mile battery and drive unit warranty (varies by model). This covers virtually everything except wear items like tires and brake pads. Used Teslas may have remaining warranty or be eligible for extended coverage.

Do I need special equipment to charge at home?

Not necessarily. Every Tesla comes with a Mobile Connector that plugs into a standard 120V outlet (slow charging, adds 2-3 miles/hour). For faster charging, you can install a 240V outlet (like a dryer outlet) which adds 20-30 miles/hour. A Wall Connector (optional) provides the fastest home charging. Many owners just use a 240V outlet.

What if I live in an apartment or condo?

Many apartments now offer EV charging. Check with your building management—some will install charging at your request. If not, you can rely on Tesla's Supercharger network and destination charging at shopping centers, hotels, and parking garages. Many owners charge once a week at Superchargers.

How much does Supercharging cost?

Supercharging costs vary by location and time, but typically range from $0.25-$0.50 per kWh. A full charge costs roughly $15-$25 for most models. That's still far cheaper than gas—equivalent to paying $1.50-$2.50 per gallon. Home charging is usually even cheaper at $0.10-$0.15/kWh.

How long does it take to charge?

At home overnight: 6-10 hours for a full charge on 240V (but you rarely need a full charge). At a Supercharger: 15-20 minutes gets you 200+ miles of range. Most people charge while they sleep at home and rarely need public charging except on road trips.

Can I take a Tesla on a road trip?

Absolutely! Tesla's Supercharger network covers all major highways and routes. The car's navigation automatically plans charging stops for you. Most Supercharger stops are 15-20 minutes—enough time for a bathroom break and snack. Thousands of owners take cross-country trips regularly.

Cost & Ownership

How much will my electricity bill increase?

Most owners see an increase of $30-$60/month if charging at home, depending on local electricity rates and how much you drive. That's compared to $150-$300/month in gas for a comparable car. You're still saving significantly. Some owners with solar panels charge for nearly free.

Is insurance more expensive?

Not necessarily. While Teslas are more expensive to repair, they have excellent safety ratings which can lower premiums. Some owners pay more, some pay less than their previous car. Tesla also offers its own insurance in some states at competitive rates. Get quotes before buying to compare.

Do Teslas hold their value?

Teslas historically hold their value better than most EVs and many gas cars. The used Tesla market is strong, with vehicles often selling quickly. Over-the-air updates that add features and improve performance help maintain value. Exact depreciation varies by model and market conditions.

What if the battery needs to be replaced?

Battery replacement is extremely rare. Tesla batteries are warrantied for 8 years/100,000-150,000 miles and retain around 88% capacity after 200,000 miles on average. Most owners never need replacement. If you do after warranty, costs have been dropping and are currently $5,000-$15,000 depending on model—but again, this is very uncommon.

Are there tax credits or incentives available?

Incentives vary by location and change frequently. Many states and local utilities offer rebates or credits for EV purchases and home charging installation. Federal incentives may also be available depending on current legislation. Always verify current incentives directly with Tesla or your state's EV program before purchasing.

Does Autopilot come standard?

Yes, all new Teslas include Autopilot (basic driver assistance) at no extra cost. This includes traffic-aware cruise control and autosteer on highways. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is an optional upgrade that adds more advanced features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Summon.

How do software updates work?

Tesla sends over-the-air updates to your car automatically, just like your smartphone. Your car needs to be connected to WiFi or have Premium Connectivity for updates. Updates are free and typically happen overnight while parked. They can add new features, improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance safety. Your car literally gets better over time without visiting a service center.

Do I need a physical key?

Nope! Your smartphone acts as your key via Bluetooth. Just approach the car with your phone in your pocket and the doors unlock. You also get key cards (credit-card sized) as backup. Some models support key fobs if you prefer a traditional remote.

How does a Tesla perform in winter/snow?

Excellent! Instant electric torque provides great traction in snow. The low center of gravity (battery in the floor) improves stability. Cabin heating is instant and powerful. You can precondition the car from your phone before stepping outside. Range decreases 10-30% in extreme cold, but features help mitigate this.

Can a Tesla tow a trailer?

Yes! Model X and Model Y can tow up to 5,000 lbs (3,500 lbs for some Model Y trims). Model 3 doesn't have a factory tow hitch. Range is reduced when towing—typically 30-50% depending on trailer size and weight. The car automatically accounts for this in navigation and charging estimates.

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