If you own a Tesla and are wondering if you can visit a local mechanic for Tesla services, you should know that many repair shops can perform types of maintenance and repair services for Teslas and other electric vehicles (EVs). While some issues will require Tesla’s in-house services, most can be completed by a local mechanic shop, helping drivers save time and money on Tesla repair costs.
As you decide where to take your Tesla for service, find out more about the benefits of going with your local shop and the main services most repair shops can perform on Teslas.
Why Take Your Vehicle to Your Local Repair Shop Instead of a Tesla Repair Shop?
When you own a Tesla and need a repair, you’ll often have the choice to go with your Tesla dealership’s repair shop or another repair shop in your area. For some specialized services, you’ll always need to go to a Tesla service center, but for many other services, a local repair shop is faster, more convenient, and less costly. Below, you can review the three primary benefits of taking your Tesla to your local shop instead of a Tesla service center:
- Shorter wait times: Since Tesla started selling their EVs, many articles have come out about customers being dissatisfied with long wait times. For example, in 2023, Tesla customers sued the company for high prices and long wait times at Tesla service centers. These long wait times are often due to the company not having enough service centers to efficiently service their customers’ vehicles. In contrast, auto repair shops don’t suffer from this issue and can repair your vehicle faster.
- Lower prices: Alongside having to wait longer for service, Tesla service centers may charge more for parts and labor. In general, Tesla repair costs are much higher than other vehicles (including other EVs), with Kelley Blue Book reporting that, on average, damaged Teslas cost $1,347 more to repair compared to gas-powered cars. While you’ll pay more to repair a Tesla regardless of who repairs it, you can often save money by going to a local auto repair shop due to the lower labor costs.
- Increased convenience: Unless you live in a state with lots of Tesla repair shops like California, chances are your nearest Tesla service center is farther away than you’d like. For example, Tesla only has three service centers in North Carolina listed on their site as of July 2024. The lack of conveniently located service centers means you’ll likely have to go out of your way to receive service, making local repair shops a far more convenient option.
What Tesla Repair Services Can an Auto Repair Shop Perform?
If you’d like to receive faster service and lower prices when your Tesla needs maintenance or repairs, an auto repair shop can probably help. However, when your Tesla’s large battery is damaged or needs repairs, you should only take it to a Tesla service center, as most auto shops can’t or won’t work on lithium-ion batteries. Other than working on lithium-ion batteries, your local repair shop can often help with many other services.
The five most common types of service Teslas can receive at a local repair shop include the following:
1. New Tesla Tires
Your Tesla tires will need new tires once the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. Low tread depth can create issues with vehicle safety, handling, fuel economy, and so much more. When shopping for new Tesla tires, you can find enhanced customer service, convenience, and support when buying locally. Alongside purchasing tires from your local shop, you can have them replace the tires for you.
2. Rim Protection for Tesla Wheels
Tesla wheel rims are notorious for scratches. Why? Tesla’s tires are aligned closely with the rims—unlike most vehicles, where the tires protrude further than the rims for added protection. This design leaves rim metal vulnerable to damage. To make matters worse, even the Tesla auto-park feature has been known to scuff against the sidewalk. This problem is often called curbing, curb rash, or rim rash.
Rim scratches impact the appearance of your Tesla, and they can lower your resale value. Thankfully, you can usually receive rim repair and rim straightening services at your local repair shop.
3. Tesla Tire Services: Tire Rotation, Balancing, Alignment, Patching, and Inflation
Tesla tires require the same routine and as-needed services that you would expect from any car. Keeping up with tire services can help you stay safe on the road, protect your vehicle from damage, and keep your range as long as possible. Usually, local repair shops can provide the following tire services for Tesla vehicles:
- Tire Balancing Service: For your Tesla to stay protected on the road, it needs balanced tires. Rough bumps, potholes, and standard wear can throw off the balance of your tires. Unbalanced tires will bear the weight of your vehicle unevenly, leading to tire or vehicle hazards. Road force tire balancing service can restore the weight distribution of your Tesla’s tires.
- Tire Alignment Service: Over time, your wheels can fall out of alignment. This issue causes premature tire wear, poor gas mileage, steering wheel shakes, and handling troubles. Thankfully, tire alignment troubles are easy to fix with wheel alignment services.
- Tire Rotation Services: As you steer your Tesla, the front tires will ensure more friction against the road than your back tires. To help your tires wear evenly, your Tesla will need regular tire rotation services. Tesla’s maintenance recommendations include a tire rotation every 6,250 miles. However, if the roads in your area are especially rough, you might consider more frequent rotations.
- Tire Patching Services: Nails, screws, and other tire hazards are often kicked up when driving on the road. When you find a nail in your tire, it will require a patching service. During the flat repair process, an expert will remove the nail or screw, patch the hole, and refill your tire with air.
- Tire Inflation Services: Is your Tesla notifying you of low tire pressure? Low tire inflation can cause your vehicle to use extra power, cutting down on your range and requiring more frequent charging. It can also impact your vehicle handling, destroy your tires, and damage your rims. A local repair shop can inflate your tires to ensure you’re driving with the right amount of tire pressure.
4. Tesla Control Arm Troubles
Tesla control arm components have a record of failing prematurely. Broken, loose, cracked, and worn control arm parts can create suspension safety issues. Thankfully, these control arm components can be easily replaced or repaired by a local auto repair shop. Local shops will help you skip the frustration and long wait times from Tesla dealerships.
5. 12v Battery Replacements
Though a local repair shop shouldn’t replace your lithium-ion battery, they can replace your Tesla’s smaller, 12v battery. This battery is essential for various functions in your vehicle, such as starting your Tesla and powering various electrical devices. Eventually, a Tesla’s 12v battery will die and need to be replaced, just like in any other vehicle. Fortunately, you can have it replaced at your local repair shop instead of having to take it to a Tesla service center.
Chapel Hill Tire: Tesla Service in the Triangle
If you are looking for high-quality, convenient Tesla service, Chapel Hill Tire is here for you! We offer EV and Tesla repairs and services in Raleigh, Apex, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Our locations are also easily accessible to surrounding cities, including Wake Forest, Cary, Pittsboro, Knightdale, and beyond. With our fast services, convenient locations, and commitment to customer-friendly pricing, we’re a top choice for many Tesla owners searching for a repair shop they can trust in the Triangle.Learn more about our Tesla repair and maintenance services today. If you’re ready to bring your Tesla in for service, please make an appointment at one of our many Triangle-area locations.
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