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2017–2023 1st generation (original, pre-Highland)

2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 Fluid Types and Capacities

Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: Drive-unit reduction gearbox oil (Pentosin ATF 9 or Tesla-spec equivalent), lifetime fill, no scheduled change. High-mileage drive-unit fluid changes are an enthusiast option, not a Tesla requirement.. Coolant: Tesla-approved low-conductivity 50/50 ethylene-glycol coolant (G-48 type) for the battery/drive-unit loop. Sealed system, no owner service and no scheduled replacement; the reservoir is not meant to be topped off by owners..

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2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 fluid guide

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SystemFluid type & capacity
CoolantTesla-approved low-conductivity 50/50 ethylene-glycol coolant (G-48 type) for the battery/drive-unit loop. Sealed system, no owner service and no scheduled replacement; the reservoir is not meant to be topped off by owners.
TransmissionDrive-unit reduction gearbox oil (Pentosin ATF 9 or Tesla-spec equivalent), lifetime fill, no scheduled change. High-mileage drive-unit fluid changes are an enthusiast option, not a Tesla requirement.
Brake fluidDOT 3 brake fluid. Tesla schedule: health check every 4 years, replace only if contaminated.
Power steeringNone (electric power steering)

Washer fluid is the only reservoir Tesla expects owners to top off routinely

Which Tesla Model 3 model years does this cover?

These fluids specifications apply to every Tesla Model 3 built from 2017 through 2023 — the 1st generation (original, pre-Highland), compact ev sedan. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2017 Model 32018 Model 32019 Model 32020 Model 32021 Model 32022 Model 32023 Model 3

What changed during the 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3

  • 2017US deliveries began July 2017, Long Range RWD only (310 mi), 18-in Aero or 19-in Sport wheels
  • 2018Dual Motor Long Range AWD and Performance added mid-year; Mid Range RWD (264 mi) added in October
  • 2019Standard Range and Standard Range Plus launch (Feb); Long Range RWD and Mid Range dropped during the year; Autopilot made standard
  • 2021Major running refresh: heat pump replaces the PTC heater, chrome delete, powered trunk, new center console, double-pane front glass, 82 kWh pack on LR/Performance, ranges rise (SR+ 263 mi, LR 353 mi, Performance 315 mi)
  • 2022SR+ renamed 'RWD' with a 272-mi LFP battery (charge to 100% weekly). Cars built after ~Dec 2021 switch the 12V lead-acid accessory battery for a 16V Li-ion unit
  • 2023Final year of the original body; carryover, with the original-generation production ending late 2023 for the Highland changeover

2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 fluids: common questions

What transmission fluid does a 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 take?

Drive-unit reduction gearbox oil (Pentosin ATF 9 or Tesla-spec equivalent), lifetime fill, no scheduled change. High-mileage drive-unit fluid changes are an enthusiast option, not a Tesla requirement.. Transmission fluid specifications are not interchangeable. Friction modifiers differ between them, and the wrong fluid causes shudder long before it causes failure.

What coolant does a 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 use?

Tesla-approved low-conductivity 50/50 ethylene-glycol coolant (G-48 type) for the battery/drive-unit loop. Sealed system, no owner service and no scheduled replacement; the reservoir is not meant to be topped off by owners..

What brake fluid does a 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3 take?

DOT 3 brake fluid. Tesla schedule: health check every 4 years, replace only if contaminated..

Sources

Other Tesla Model 3 generations

2024–2025 fluidsCompare all generations

More for the 2017–2023 Tesla Model 3

Oil & filterBatteryTires & wheelsWiper bladesAir & cabin filtersBulbsBrakesService scheduleProblems & reliabilityKey fob batterySpecs