Tesla Model 3 Annual Service Checklist

OX Works Team • 2025-12-15 • maintenance

The complete annual service checklist for Tesla Model 3 owners in Latvia. What to check, when to check it, and why each item matters for your safety and vehicle longevity.

Does a Tesla Model 3 Need Annual Service?

While Tesla doesn't require mandatory scheduled service like traditional automakers, annual professional maintenance is strongly recommended — especially in Latvia's demanding climate. Here's the comprehensive checklist we follow at OX Works for every Model 3 annual service.

Braking System

• Brake pad inspection: Check remaining pad thickness on all four wheels. Tesla's regenerative braking means pads last much longer (often 100,000+ km), but they still need inspection
• Brake fluid test: Check moisture content. Replace every 2 years or when moisture exceeds 3%. Critical for safety in all conditions
• Brake caliper inspection: Check for seized or sticking calipers, particularly after salt exposure in winter. Clean and lubricate slide pins
• Brake disc check: Measure disc thickness and check for scoring or warping

Tires and Wheels

• Tire tread depth: Minimum legal depth is 1.6mm, but we recommend replacing at 3mm for safety. Check for uneven wear patterns
• Tire pressure: Set to Tesla-recommended pressures (varies by tire size: typically 2.9 bar / 42 PSI)
• Wheel alignment: Check and adjust if needed. Misalignment causes rapid tire wear and affects handling
• Tire rotation: Rotate tires front-to-back to equalize wear. Especially important on RWD models where rear tires wear faster
• Wheel bearing inspection: Check for play or noise in wheel bearings

Cabin and Comfort

• Cabin air filter replacement: Replace every 12 months or 20,000 km. The HEPA filter keeps the cabin air clean and is especially important during pollen season and urban driving
• Air conditioning system check: Test cooling performance, check for unusual odors or noise. Inspect A/C drain
• Wiper blades: Inspect and replace if streaking or skipping. In Latvia, replace before winter season
• Washer fluid: Fill with winter-rated washer fluid (rated to at least -20°C) before the cold season

Battery and Electrical

• 12V battery health test: Check voltage under load and resting state. Replace proactively if weak (pre-2022 lead-acid batteries are the most failure-prone component)
• High-voltage battery health scan: Run diagnostics to check cell balance, overall capacity, and degradation percentage
• Charging port inspection: Check the charge port for debris, moisture, or corrosion. Clean contacts if needed
• Coolant level check: Verify battery and motor coolant levels. Top up or schedule replacement if due

Exterior and Body

• Door handle inspection: Test all door handles for smooth operation. Model 3 flush handles can develop issues in freezing conditions
• Weather stripping: Check all door and window seals for damage or deterioration. Important for preventing water intrusion and wind noise
• Undercarriage inspection: Look for damage from road debris, salt corrosion, and stone chips on underbody panels
• Light check: Verify all exterior lights function correctly, including turn signals, brake lights, and fog lights

Suspension and Steering

• Suspension component inspection: Check for worn bushings, leaking shocks, and damaged control arms. Listen for unusual noises during test drive
• Steering system: Check for play in steering, verify power steering fluid (if applicable), and test steering response

Software and Connectivity

• Software version check: Ensure vehicle is running the latest available firmware
• Camera and sensor inspection: Clean all Autopilot cameras and ultrasonic sensors. Check for any damage or misalignment
• Error code scan: Run full vehicle diagnostic scan to check for stored error codes or warnings

Book Your Model 3 Annual Service

At OX Works, our comprehensive Model 3 annual service covers all items on this checklist, starting from €149. We provide a detailed report of findings and recommendations, with transparent pricing for any needed repairs. Contact us to schedule your appointment — we respond within 2-4 hours.