2020 Tesla Model S — Fluid Type Specs

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine oil	Not applicable (battery-electric vehicle)	N/A
Engine coolant (battery/drive unit thermal system)	Ethylene glycol HOAT, BASF Glysantin G-48 (silicated HOAT), typically blue	Not published by Tesla; varies by configuration. Verify in owner’s manual/OEM service info.
Transmission/drive unit lubricant	ATF meeting GM Dexron-VI specification (for Tesla Model S drive units; sealed component)	Not published by Tesla; sealed component. Verify in OEM service info.
Transfer case	Not applicable (no transfer case)	N/A
Front differential (AWD)	Integrated with front drive unit; uses same Dexron-VI ATF	Not published by Tesla; sealed component. Verify in OEM service info.
Rear differential	Integrated with rear drive unit; uses same Dexron-VI ATF	Not published by Tesla; sealed component. Verify in OEM service info.
Brake fluid	DOT 3 (FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3; ISO 4925 Class 3)	Fill as needed during service; system capacity not published.
Power steering	Not applicable (electric power steering)	N/A
Windshield washer	Conventional washer fluid appropriate to climate (winter-rated where required)	Fill to reservoir neck; capacity not published.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	Not applicable (not a diesel vehicle)	N/A

Engine oil

There is no engine oil in the 2020 Tesla Model S. It is a fully battery-electric vehicle with no internal combustion engine, so there is no oil to check, change, or add. If you see any oily residue beneath the vehicle, it may be from the drive unit(s) or another system—have it inspected by a qualified EV technician.

Engine coolant (battery/drive unit thermal system)

Tesla specifies a silicated HOAT ethylene glycol coolant meeting BASF Glysantin G-48 chemistry (commonly blue). This coolant manages temperatures for the high-voltage battery, drive units, onboard chargers, and cabin components via multiple electronically controlled valves and pumps.

• Type/Spec: HOAT ethylene glycol, BASF Glysantin G-48 (silicated HOAT), typically blue.
• Capacity: Tesla does not publish a single capacity figure; the amount varies by configuration and service procedure. Always verify in the owner’s manual or OEM service information.
• Interval: Tesla generally does not list a routine replacement interval for the Model S coolant. Service is condition-based; components are “lifetime” unless contamination, leaks, or component replacement require a coolant fill and bleed.
• Notes and pitfalls:
  • Do not mix G-48 HOAT with OAT/NOAT coolants or “universal” coolants. Mixing chemistries can reduce corrosion protection and damage aluminum components.
  • Use only deionized or distilled water for any premix/dilution if applicable. Many G-48 coolants are sold as 50/50 premix—verify the label.
  • Opening the thermal system on a high-voltage EV requires OEM bleed procedures and tools to prevent air pockets and ensure proper valve actuation—improper service can overheat the battery or drive units.
  • Color is a guideline, not a spec. Always follow the G-48 chemistry requirement.

Transmission/drive unit lubricant

The Model S uses one or two single-speed reduction gear drive units (rear-wheel drive on some earlier trims; AWD on 2020 models uses front and rear units). The lubricant inside the drive units is an automatic transmission fluid meeting GM Dexron-VI.

• Type/Spec: ATF meeting GM Dexron-VI.
• Capacity: Not published by Tesla; the units are sealed and not user-serviceable. Verify any fill quantity and level-check procedure in OEM service information.
• Interval: No routine fluid change interval is specified for normal operation. Service is performed only if a unit is repaired or contaminated, or if diagnostics indicate a need.
• Notes and pitfalls:
  • Do not substitute “universal” ATF. Use a quality fluid specifically licensed/certified to Dexron-VI performance.
  • Fill level and temperature are critical and require specific procedures and tooling. Overfill or underfill can lead to noise, leaks, or unit damage.
  • Avoid opening drive units outside approved service conditions; breather and seal integrity are important for longevity.

Front and rear differential (AWD)

On AWD models, the differential functions are integrated within the front and rear drive units and share the same lubricant.

• Type/Spec: Same Dexron-VI ATF as the drive unit specification above.
• Capacity: Not published by Tesla; sealed components. Verify in OEM service information if service is required.
• Interval: No routine service; condition-based only.
• Notes and pitfalls:
  • These are not conventional hypoid axle housings that use 75W-90 gear oil. Do not fill with gear oil. Use only the specified ATF if a service procedure calls for fluid replacement.

Brake fluid

Tesla specifies DOT 3 brake fluid.

• Type/Spec: DOT 3 (FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3; ISO 4925 Class 3).
• Capacity: Not published; typical service uses sufficient fluid to complete a full-system bleed.
• Interval: Tesla recommends testing brake fluid for contamination/boiling point at regular intervals (commonly every 2 years). Replace as needed or when moisture content is high. In humid or severe conditions, more frequent flushing may be prudent.
• Notes and pitfalls:
  • Do not mix in DOT 5 (silicone) fluid—this is incompatible. If upgrading to DOT 4 for severe use, perform a complete flush; otherwise, stick with DOT 3 from a sealed container.
  • Avoid spilling brake fluid on painted surfaces; rinse immediately with water if contact occurs.

Power steering

The Model S uses electric power steering. There is no hydraulic power steering pump, reservoir, or fluid to service.

Windshield washer fluid

Use a quality windshield washer fluid appropriate for your climate.

• Type/Spec: Conventional washer fluid; winter blend rated for local minimum temperatures where applicable.
• Capacity: Fill as needed to the reservoir neck. Capacity is not published by Tesla.
• Interval: Top off as needed. In cold climates, switch to winter-rated fluid before freezing temperatures arrive.
• Notes and pitfalls:
  • Do not dilute with plain water in freezing climates.
  • Some states restrict high-methanol formulas; use a compliant product for your area.

Transfer case

There is no transfer case on the 2020 Tesla Model S.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

Not applicable—the 2020 Tesla Model S is not a diesel vehicle and does not use DEF.

Always verify exact fluids and any service quantities against the owner’s manual or OEM service information for your specific VIN and configuration. When in doubt, consult a Tesla Service Center or a qualified EV specialist.

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