Teslas are less likely to break down than gasoline cars since they contain fewer mechanical moving parts. In the rare case your Tesla breaks down when you’re driving, you’ll need expert roadside assistance to jumpstart your car; but is Tesla roadside assistance free?

Tesla roadside assistance is free under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The free roadside assistance is limited to the first four years of ownership or 50,000 miles (80,467.2 km) and covers breakdowns, flat tires, and lockouts.

In this article, I’ll give you an outline of what Tesla free roadside assistance covers, its limitations, and what makes you eligible for free service. It’ll also discuss what to do if your Tesla breaks down and answer common questions regarding Tesla maintenance. 

What Does Free Roadside Assistance Cover?

Tesla’s free roadside assistance will cover you if your car breaks down due to mechanical or technical failure of the vehicle operating under normal circumstances. So, if you’re driving your Tesla off-road and it breaks down, don’t expect free assistance! 

Tesla’s free assistance also extends to lockouts. If your car is malfunctioning, the app isn’t working, or you can’t open the lock due to internet or connectivity issues, then Tesla will help you open your car again. 

If your Tesla tires get damaged when driving, you’ll need to replace them immediately. Tesla offers free assistance for flat tires by providing you with loaner wheels. You’ll still have to repair your tires at your own expense, but the loaner wheels will let you drive your car until your wheels get repaired. 

If your Tesla can’t be repaired with a roadside mechanic, you can get a free towing service to the nearest Tesla repair center. 

Other Services Tesla Roadside Assistance Offers

Other services that Tesla’s roadside assistance offers include jumpstarting your car if the battery dies, labor costs of roadside repairs, and towing in the case of accidents or other mishaps. However, these services are additional services, and you’ll be charged for them. 

Similarly, the replacement of lost keys is also something that Tesla’s roadside assistance services may help you with at an additional cost. 

So, if your car’s batteries run out of charge or you lose your keys and need emergency support, you can contact Tesla’s roadside assistance team for expert service. 

Limitations of Tesla’s Free Roadside Assistance

Tesla’s free roadside assistance is limited to how far you are away from the nearest Tesla service center. Free towing service is only available for up to 500 miles (804.67 km) away from a service center.

If you’re stuck further than 500 miles (804.67 km) from the Tesla Service Center, then you’ll have to pay for towing over this range. 

If your car needs towing due to a lockout issue, then you’ll only get free towing under 50 miles (80.47 km). If you’re stuck further out, then you’ll have to pay the extra charges. 

Similarly, if you need a tire change, you’ll get a loaner wheel only if one is available. If it isn’t available, Tesla will tow your car to the nearest repair center for free, but only if it’s within 50 miles (80.47 km). You’ll have to pay towing charges for anything over that. 

Remember, these limitations vary across different regions, so make sure to read your warranty before requesting assistance. 

Should I Choose Tesla Insurance or Other Roadside Assistance Plans?

After your warranty expires, you’ll have to pay for the otherwise free roadside assistance services. Tesla offers roadside assistance insurance that you can avail to continue receiving their benefits. But is it really worth it? 

You usually should choose Tesla’s roadside services over other services. Not only do you get faster response times with Tesla, but you’ll also be 100% sure that you’re getting the best experts to handle your car. 

Since Teslas hardly ever break down anyway, why not just call the emergency assistance in the rare case your vehicle does break down? 

Are Electric Cars Cheaper To Insure? I wrote a helpful article covering this topic. Other EVs (than Teslas) are also compared. Check it out!

If you’re concerned with the level of service offered by Tesla’s Roadside Assistance teams, then check out this review of their service: 

Frequently Asked Questions

However, if the car still has some time left on the warranty, you’ll get the remaining free assistance coverage if you notify Tesla of the change of ownership.

So, if you have a new Tesla, then you’ll get free roadside assistance for the warranty period. Otherwise, it’s best to pay the charges of Tesla Roadside Assistance Services if you ever need them.

Since it’s improbable that your Tesla will break down, there’s no need to invest in expensive roadside assistance insurance.

In most cases, you’ll get stuck only if your batteries run out, you lose your keys, or you get a flat tire. 

How Much Does Tesla Maintenance Cost? 

The costs of Tesla maintenance and repairs vary across different models. Look at this chart which shows a comparison of the repair costs for different Tesla models:

In general, Tesla repairs are more expensive than other cars. However, since they rarely need repairs, long-term maintenance costs are low. 

How Does Tesla Roadside Assistance Work?

Wondering how Tesla roadside assistance works? Well, let me tell you that it’s pretty simple.

If you ever encounter a problem with your Tesla car, all you have to do is call their assistance team through the mobile app or by pressing the ‘T’ button on your car’s touchscreen.

The team will then guide you through any troubleshooting that might be required and if they’re unable to solve the issue remotely, they’ll dispatch a tow truck to take your car to the nearest service center for repairs.

How Much Does Tesla Roadside Assistance Cost?

Tesla Roadside Assistance is free for covered events if your vehicle is under warranty. To simplify this, if your Tesla is less than 4 years old or has driven less than 50,000 miles, roadside assistance is free.

This free service covers breakdowns, flat fires (you’ll have to pay for a new tire though), lockouts and running out of range. Other services are also available, but are not free.

You can buy an extended service warranty to extend certain coverage by up to 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This option is only available for 2012-2020 Model S, 2015-2020 Model X, Model 3 and Model Y Teslas.

This warranty extension costs between $2,000 to $3,500 depending on which model you have.

Only some Extended Service Agreements include complimentary roadside assistance, so make sure to double check whether it is included before extended your warranty (if this is something you want to do).

How To Call Tesla Roadside Assistance?

To call Tesla Roadside Assistance, simply open your Tesla mobile app and tap on ‘Roadside Assistance’ under the ‘Services’ tab. From there, select the type of assistance you need and provide your location information.

Alternatively, you can contact roadside assistance by calling their toll-free number at 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752) and follow the prompts to speak with a representative who will assist you in getting help.

Keep in mind that while Tesla offers free roadside assistance during the limited warranty period, additional services may incur fees outside of this coverage window.

How Long Does Tesla Roadside Assistance Take?

Tesla has a dedicated roadside assistance team that is available 24/7. As long as your vehicle is still under warranty or you’ve purchased their extended coverage, this service is completely free.

When you contact roadside assistance, they’ll ask for information about your location and what type of issue you’re experiencing. They’ll then dispatch a technician to your location as quickly as possible.

The time it takes for them to arrive can vary depending on factors such as traffic and weather conditions, but in general, most customers report that they receive prompt and efficient service from Tesla’s assistance team.

Does Tesla Roadside Assistance Coverage Include Car Towing?

Tesla roadside assistance includes coverage for car towing, making it a convenient option for Tesla owners who want comprehensive protection for their vehicles.

If your Tesla experiences a breakdown or is involved in an accident, you can rest assured knowing that help is just a phone call away.

With the assistance coverage included in roadside assistance, you’ll have access to professional tow truck services to transport your vehicle to the nearest authorized Tesla repair center.

Does Tesla Roadside Assistance Coverage Include Flat Tires?

You’ll be relieved to know that flat tires are covered under your Tesla insurance policy’s assistance coverage. If you find yourself with a flat tire on the side of the road, simply contact the Tesla roadside assistance team for help.

They’ll send out a qualified technician to help you change your tire or tow your car if necessary. Tesla’s roadside assistance coverage is included with your vehicle purchase and doesn’t cost anything extra.

Note that you’ll have to pay for the tire replacement though.

It’s available 24/7, so you can rest assured knowing that help is just a phone call away in case of an emergency. Whether it’s a flat tire or any other issue, Tesla’s assistance team is always ready and willing to assist you whenever you need them.

Does AAA Service Tesla?

AAA offers services for electric vehicles, including Tesla models. However, it’s important to note that AAA services are not free and require a membership fee.

While Tesla owners already have access to free roadside assistance while their car is under warranty, having a AAA membership can still be beneficial in certain situations. For example, if you experience a flat tire or need towing outside of the coverage area of Tesla’s roadside assistance, AAA can come to your rescue.

Additionally, some Tesla owners may prefer the added peace of mind that comes with having multiple options for emergency roadside assistance. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to invest in a AAA membership will depend on your personal preferences and driving habits.

What Maintenance Does A Tesla Need?

Maintaining a Tesla is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. While Teslas require less maintenance than traditional gas-powered vehicles, it’s important to keep up with regular service appointments to prevent any potential issues down the road.

Tesla recommends a yearly inspection to check tire condition and alignment, brake pad thickness, and overall vehicle health.

Check out these 20 great gift ideas for yourself or a Tesla fanboy.

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