2020–2024 1st generation (original body)
2020–2024 Tesla Model Y Fluid Types and Capacities
Which transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid the 2020–2024 Tesla Model Y takes, with capacities and the specifications each one has to meet. Transmission: Front/rear drive-unit reduction gearboxes use lifetime-fill gear oil, no scheduled change. Coolant: Tesla-specific battery/powertrain coolant loop, filled for life, no owner service or top-up (opening the system is a service-center job).
Last verified
2020–2024 Tesla Model Y fluid guide
High confidence| System | Fluid type & capacity |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Tesla-specific battery/powertrain coolant loop, filled for life, no owner service or top-up (opening the system is a service-center job) |
| Transmission | Front/rear drive-unit reduction gearboxes use lifetime-fill gear oil, no scheduled change |
| Brake fluid | DOT 3 brake fluid. Tesla: test for contamination every 4 years, replace as needed |
| Power steering | None (electric power steering) |
Washer fluid is the only reservoir owners top up. Filler is under the frunk hood
Which Tesla Model Y model years does this cover?
These fluids specifications apply to every Tesla Model Y built from 2020 through 2024 — the 1st generation (original body), compact electric crossover suv (5- or 7-seat). 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.
What changed during the 2020–2024 Tesla Model Y
- 2020US deliveries began March 2020 with Long Range AWD and Performance only. 12V lead-acid battery; no HEPA filter.
- 2021Standard Range RWD sold January–February 2021 only (244 mi); 7-seat option added; late-2021 builds gained the ~16V lithium-ion low-voltage battery and (from ~2022 production) the HEPA filter
- 2022Austin-built Standard Range AWD with 4680 structural pack begins (limited availability); AMD Ryzen infotainment replaces Intel Atom during the year
- 20234680 Standard Range AWD sold publicly April–September; last full year of the original body
- 2024RWD base model (260 mi, software-limited) from October 2023; renamed/unlocked to Long Range RWD (320 mi) in May 2024. Some carryover legacy cars were also titled as early 2025s
2020–2024 Tesla Model Y fluids: common questions
What transmission fluid does a 2020–2024 Tesla Model Y take?
- Front/rear drive-unit reduction gearboxes use lifetime-fill gear oil, no scheduled change. 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 2020–2024 Tesla Model Y use?
- Tesla-specific battery/powertrain coolant loop, filled for life, no owner service or top-up (opening the system is a service-center job).
What brake fluid does a 2020–2024 Tesla Model Y take?
- DOT 3 brake fluid. Tesla: test for contamination every 4 years, replace as needed.
Sources
- Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual, Wheels and Tires (sizes, lug torque)
- Tesla DIY, Replacing Cabin Air Filters (Model Y)
- Tesla DIY, Replacing Wiper Blades (Model Y, 26/20 in)
- Tesla DIY, Replacing the Low Voltage Lead-Acid Battery (85B24LS 12V 45Ah)
- Tesla Support, Vehicle Maintenance (official intervals)
- Tesla Model Y Service Manual, Brakes (rotor diameters)
- NHTSA recall lookup, Tesla Model Y 2020–2024 (all campaign numbers)
- Car and Driver, 2020 Model Y Long Range AWD specs (curb weight, towing, hp)
- Wikipedia, Tesla Model Y (US variant timeline, 4680 AWD, RWD unlock)
- Tesla Shop, Model 3/Y cabin air filter (two required)