2018 Tesla Model S — Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2018 Tesla Model S takes absolutely zero quarts of traditional motor oil, as it is a fully electric vehicle (EV) that relies on electric battery power rather than an internal combustion engine.

Because there is no gas engine under the hood, there is no engine oil to check, no traditional oil filter to replace, and no 3,000-mile lube-and-filter appointments to schedule. However, as an ASE-certified master technician, I frequently get asked by new EV owners how to maintain their vehicle's drivetrain. While there is no engine oil, the 2018 Tesla Model S does utilize electric drive units (gearboxes) that contain a specific lubricating fluid to keep the reduction gears cooled and operating smoothly.

Here is the essential information you need to know about the drive unit fluid (gearbox oil) in your 2018 Tesla Model S.

Quick answer

While there is no engine motor oil, the electric drive units require lubrication.

• Engine Oil Capacity: 0 qts / 0 L
• Drive Unit Fluid Capacity: ~1.5 Liters (Front Drive Unit), ~2.25 Liters (Rear Drive Unit - Large), ~1.5 Liters (Rear Drive Unit - Small)
• Recommended Fluid: Dexron VI ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or Pentosin ATF 9.
• Oil Spec: Meets Dexron VI specifications.
• Oil Filter OEM Part Number: N/A (There is no traditional spin-on engine oil filter. Some Tesla drive units utilize an integrated fluid filter, but it is typically a non-serviceable internal component or requires a specific Tesla service center replacement).
• Aftermarket Cross-Refs: N/A (Fram, Wix, and Mobil 1 do not manufacture standard engine oil filters for this vehicle).

Capacity by engine option

The 2018 Tesla Model S was primarily sold in dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations (75D, 100D, and P100D).

Note: Drive unit fluid capacities are approximate. Always fill until fluid begins to seep from the fill hole on a level surface.

Oil change interval

Normal Duty vs Severe Duty

• Engine Oil: N/A. There is no engine oil change interval.
• Drive Unit Fluid: Tesla officially considers the drive unit gearbox fluid to be a "lifetime" fluid under normal driving conditions, meaning no regular replacement schedule is published in the owner's manual.
• Severe Duty / Enthusiast Maintenance: For owners who frequently utilize "Ludicrous" mode, track their vehicles, or simply prefer preventative maintenance, many specialized EV mechanics recommend draining and refilling the drive unit fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

Drain plug torque

If you or your technician are servicing the drive unit gearboxes, precise torque is necessary to prevent damaging the aluminum casing.

• Fill / Drain Plug Torque: 26 lb-ft (35 Nm) for both front and rear drive unit plugs.
• Crush Washer Note: The drain and fill plugs utilize specialized sealing O-rings or copper crush washers depending on the exact drive unit revision. Always inspect the O-ring and replace it if flattened or torn. If your unit uses a copper washer, replace it with a new one every time the plug is removed to prevent expensive fluid leaks.

How to change the oil

Because the Model S is an EV, this procedure covers a Drive Unit Fluid service, which should only be performed by experienced technicians utilizing safe high-voltage protocols.

1. Lift the Vehicle: Safely hoist the vehicle using the exact designated jack points to avoid puncturing the high-voltage battery pack.
2. Remove Aero Shields: Remove the front and/or rear aerodynamic underbody panels to access the drive units.
3. Locate the Plugs: Identify the fill plug (upper) and drain plug (lower) on the side of the drive unit gearbox.
4. Remove the Fill Plug First: Always remove the fill plug before the drain plug to ensure you can refill the unit once emptied. Use a hex socket.
5. Drain the Fluid: Position a catch pan and remove the lower drain plug. Let the old ATF fluid drain completely. Check the magnetic drain plug for excessive metal shavings.
6. Reinstall Drain Plug: Clean the magnet, install a new sealing washer/O-ring, and torque the drain plug to 26 lb-ft.
7. Fill the Drive Unit: Using a fluid pump, pump Dexron VI approved fluid into the fill hole until a steady trickle seeps back out.
8. Seal and Reassemble: Install the fill plug, torque to 26 lb-ft, clean the housing with brake parts cleaner, and reinstall the aero shields.

Common issues / tips

• Tire Wear: Since you aren't doing 3,000-mile oil changes, it is very easy to forget about tire rotations. The instant torque of the 2018 Model S eats through tires incredibly fast. Rotate your tires every 6,250 miles to maximize their lifespan.
• Coolant and Brake Fluid: Your Model S does require traditional DOT 4 brake fluid and a specific G48 ethylene-glycol battery coolant. Have the brake fluid tested for moisture every 2 years, and consult a dealer or EV specialist for battery coolant health checks.
• High-Voltage Safety: The bright orange cables under the vehicle carry lethal voltage. Never probe, disconnect, or cut these lines. Leave electrical diagnostics to certified professionals.

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