2020 Tesla Model 3 Fluid Type Specs

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	N/A (Electric Vehicle)	N/A
Coolant	Tesla G-48 / Glycol-based, Blue/Green	12.5 - 13.5 Liters (approx.)
Transmission Fluid	Tesla ATF (refer to service manual)	~2.5 Liters per drive unit (Front/Rear)
Differential Fluid (Front/Rear Drive Units)	Integrated with Transmission Fluid	~2.5 Liters per drive unit (Front/Rear)
Brake Fluid	DOT 4	Verify in owner's manual
Power Steering Fluid	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
Washer Fluid	Standard Windshield Washer Fluid	~4.5 Liters
DEF	N/A (Electric Vehicle)	N/A

Engine Oil

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 is a purely electric vehicle and, as such, does not utilize traditional internal combustion engine oil. There is no engine oil to check, change, or maintain. This is one of the significant advantages of electric vehicle ownership, contributing to reduced maintenance requirements and costs.

Coolant

Coolant in the 2020 Tesla Model 3 is vital for maintaining the optimal operating temperature of the battery, power electronics, and drive units. Tesla specifies a private label, glycol-based coolant, often referred to as Tesla G-48 or a similar formulation. This coolant is typically blue or green in color. It's crucial to use only the specified Tesla coolant or an approved equivalent that meets Tesla's specific chemical requirements. Using incompatible coolants, such as those formulated for internal combustion engines (e.g., OAT, HOAT, or universal coolants), can lead to corrosion, clogs, and severe damage to the delicate cooling system components, including the battery thermal management system. The approximate capacity for the coolant system is between 12.5 and 13.5 liters. Always verify the exact capacity and type in your owner's manual or Tesla's official service documentation. Coolant levels should be inspected periodically, and the coolant should be replaced according to Tesla's recommended service schedule, which is typically every four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Avoid mixing different types or colors of coolant.

Transmission Fluid (Drive Unit Fluid)

The Tesla Model 3 utilizes a single-speed transmission integrated within the front and/or rear drive units. These drive units require a specialized transmission fluid (often referred to as gear oil or reduction gear fluid within the drive units) to lubricate the gears and bearings. Tesla specifies its own proprietary Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). This is not a universal ATF and should not be replaced with off-the-shelf transmission fluids like Dexron VI, Mercon LV, or ATF+4. Using incorrect fluid can lead to premature wear of the gears and bearings, reduced efficiency, and potential failure of the drive unit. The approximate capacity for each drive unit (front and rear, if applicable) is around 2.5 liters. Fluid changes are generally not part of routine maintenance unless specified by Tesla for certain operating conditions or if a repair necessitates drainage. Verify intervals and fluid type in your owner's manual or official Tesla service information.

Differential Fluid (Front/Rear Drive Units)

For the 2020 Tesla Model 3, the differential function is integrated directly into the front and/or rear drive units. The lubrication for the differential gears is provided by the same specialized Tesla ATF that lubricates the rest of the drive unit. There is no separate differential fluid to service. As with the transmission fluid within the drive units, using only Tesla-approved fluid is paramount. The capacity is approximately 2.5 liters per drive unit. Do not attempt to use conventional differential gear oils (e.g., 75W-90, 75W-140) as these are not compatible with the integrated design of the Tesla drive units.

Brake Fluid

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 requires DOT 4 brake fluid. This is a hygroscopic fluid, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time, which can lower its boiling point and lead to a spongy pedal feel or reduced braking performance. It's crucial to use a high-quality DOT 4 fluid from a reputable manufacturer. Never use DOT 3 or DOT 5.1 as a substitute for DOT 4 without explicit manufacturer approval, and absolute never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid, as it is incompatible with conventional braking systems and can cause severe damage. Brake fluid typically needs to be flushed and replaced every two years, regardless of mileage, to ensure optimal braking performance and longevity of brake system components. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific recommendations.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 utilizes an electric power steering system. This means there is no traditional hydraulic power steering pump, reservoir, or fluid to check or replace. The system relies on an electric motor to assist steering, eliminating the need for hydraulic power steering fluid entirely.

Washer Fluid

For the windshield washer system, the 2020 Tesla Model 3 uses standard windshield washer fluid. It is recommended to use a high-quality, all-season fluid that offers good cleaning performance and freeze protection suitable for your climate. In colder regions, ensure the fluid has a sufficiently low freezing point to prevent the reservoir and lines from freezing. Avoid using plain water, especially in freezing temperatures, as it can freeze and damage the washer system components. The approximate capacity of the washer fluid reservoir is around 4.5 liters.

DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)

The 2020 Tesla Model 3 is an electric vehicle and does not have an internal combustion engine that produces exhaust emissions requiring Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Therefore, DEF is not used or required in this vehicle.

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