2016 Tesla Model S Fluid Type Specs & Capacities

As an ASE-certified master technician, I often get questions about electric vehicle (EV) maintenance. There is a persistent myth that EVs like the 2016 Tesla Model S require zero maintenance. While it's true you won't be doing conventional oil changes or replacing spark plugs, the Model S relies heavily on a network of critical fluids to keep its high-voltage battery, drive units (motors), and braking system functioning safely.

Because the 2016 Model S comes in several configurations—ranging from rear-wheel drive (e.g., 70, 85) to Dual Motor all-wheel drive (e.g., 70D, 90D, P90D)—capacities will vary slightly depending on how many drive units your vehicle has and the size of your battery pack. Always verify your specific sub-model in your owner's manual or OEM service information.

Here is your complete master technician’s guide to the factory-spec fluids for the 2016 Tesla Model S.

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Drive Unit Fluid (Front/Rear)	Dexron VI ATF	1.5 - 2.25 Quarts (per drive unit)
Battery/Motor Coolant	Ethylene-glycol G48 HOAT (Blue/Green)	3.5 - 4.5 Gallons (system total)
Brake Fluid	DOT 4 Brake Fluid	~1.0 Quart
Washer Fluid	Standard Automotive Windshield Washer Fluid	~1.2 Gallons (4.5 Liters)
Engine Oil	N/A (Electric Vehicle)	N/A
Transmission/Transfer Case	N/A (Integrated Drive Units)	N/A
Power Steering	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)	N/A	N/A

Drive Unit Fluid (Gearbox)

While the Model S doesn't have a traditional multi-speed transmission, transfer case, or differential, it does have reduction gears inside the front and rear drive units. These gears and the internal bearings require lubrication.

• Type/Spec: Tesla specifies a high-quality Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for the drive units.
• Capacity: Roughly 1.5 to 2.25 quarts per motor. A Dual Motor (AWD) vehicle will have two separate drive units that both need servicing. Always fill to the bottom edge of the fill plug thread.
• Intervals & Pitfalls: Tesla originally touted the drive units as "sealed for life" or having a 100,000-mile service interval, but as any seasoned technician will tell you, "lifetime fluid" is a myth. The gears inside generate metallic wear particles, and the fluid shears down over time. I strongly recommend a drain-and-fill every 50,000 miles to protect the expensive drive units. Never use a universal ATF or heavy gear oil (like 75W-90); thick gear oil will destroy the internal oil pump and cause catastrophic drive unit failure. Stick strictly to Dexron VI.

Battery and Motor Coolant (Thermal Management)

The lifeblood of the 2016 Tesla Model S is its complex thermal management system. It loops coolant through the high-voltage battery pack, the drive units, and the DC-DC converter to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

• Type/Spec: Tesla factory spec uses an Ethylene-glycol based G48 HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant. It is typically blue or blue-green in color. (Equivalent to Zerex G48).
• Capacity: The entire system holds approximately 3.5 to 4.5 gallons depending on the battery size (e.g., 70kWh vs 90kWh) and whether it is a Dual Motor configuration.
• Intervals & Pitfalls: Tesla recommends replacing the coolant every 4 years or 50,000 miles. Never mix OAT (like Dex-Cool) with HOAT (G48). Mixing coolant types will cause the silicates to precipitate and form a thick sludge, which will clog the microscopic cooling ribbons inside the high-voltage battery pack—resulting in battery overheating and a potential replacement cost upwards of $15,000. Also, this system requires a specialized vacuum-bleed tool or Tesla's Toolbox diagnostic software to run the electronic water pumps and purge air bubbles. Do not attempt a gravity bleed.

Brake Fluid

Because EVs utilize regenerative braking, the friction brakes on a Model S are used far less frequently than on an internal combustion engine vehicle. However, brake fluid is still hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere regardless of how often you use the brakes.

• Type/Spec: High-quality DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
• Capacity: Approximately 1 quart for a full system flush.
• Intervals & Pitfalls: Tesla recommends testing the brake fluid every 2 years and replacing it if the moisture content exceeds 2%. In my shop, I simply recommend a full DOT 4 flush every 2 to 3 years. Because the calipers sit idle so often, moisture in the fluid can cause severe internal corrosion, leading to seized brake calipers. Do not use DOT 3 (its boiling point is too low for a 4,600+ lb car) or DOT 5 (silicone-based, which will destroy the ABS module seals).

Windshield Washer Fluid

The washer fluid system is standard across all automotive applications.

• Type/Spec: Any conventional windshield washer fluid. In freezing climates, ensure you use a winter-grade fluid rated for -20°F or lower.
• Capacity: Roughly 1.2 gallons (4.5 Liters).
• Intervals & Pitfalls: Just top it off as needed. Avoid using pure water, especially if you live in an area that drops below freezing, as the reservoir and lines will crack when the water expands into ice.

Fluids Your 2016 Tesla Model S DOES NOT Have

To be absolutely thorough, let's address the fluids that traditional drivers look for, but are entirely absent from the Model S architecture:

• Engine Oil: There is no internal combustion engine, hence no API SP, dexos1 Gen3, or 0W-20 oil required.
• Power Steering Fluid: The Model S utilizes a fully electronic power steering (EPS) rack. There is no hydraulic pump, lines, or fluid to leak.
• Traditional Transfer Case / Differential Fluid: AWD is achieved electronically by using two separate electric motors (one front, one rear) rather than a mechanical driveshaft and transfer case. As noted above, the drive units use ATF, not heavy 75W-140 or limited-slip (LSD) gear oil.
• DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid): The Model S produces zero emissions and uses no fuel, rendering API CK-4 or ISO 22241 fluids irrelevant.

Servicing a high-voltage vehicle requires specialized knowledge, insulated tools, and diagnostic software to safely open pumps and valves during fluid changes.

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