2023 Tesla Model Y — Complete Fluid Specifications

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine oil	Not applicable (battery-electric vehicle)	N/A
Engine/battery coolant (thermal system)	Tesla G-48 ethylene glycol HOAT coolant, premixed 50/50; use only Tesla Genuine Coolant or equivalent G-48; color typically blue/green. Verify in owner’s manual/OEM service info.	System capacity varies by configuration; approx. 8–12 L (8.5–12.7 qt). Verify in owner’s manual/OEM service info.
Transmission/drive unit lubricant	Sealed Tesla drive unit lubricant (proprietary); no publicly published fluid spec. Service-only by Tesla or qualified EV shop.	Not published (service fill only). Verify in OEM service info.
Front drive unit lubricant (AWD)	Same as above (sealed Tesla drive unit lubricant; no public spec).	Not published (service fill only). Verify in OEM service info.
Rear drive unit lubricant	Same as above (sealed Tesla drive unit lubricant; no public spec).	Not published (service fill only). Verify in OEM service info.
Transfer case (if AWD)	Not applicable (no transfer case; integrated drive units)	N/A
Front differential	Not separate; integrated into front drive unit (see drive unit lubricant)	N/A
Rear differential	Not separate; integrated into rear drive unit (see drive unit lubricant)	N/A
Brake fluid	DOT 3 (FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3). Use from a sealed container only.	~0.7–1.0 L (0.7–1.1 qt) for a full flush. Verify in OEM service info.
Power steering	Electric power steering; no hydraulic fluid	N/A
Windshield washer fluid	Quality windshield washer fluid suitable for climate (de-icer where required).	~3–4 L (0.8–1.0 gal). Verify in owner’s manual.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	Not applicable	N/A

Engine oil

The 2023 Tesla Model Y is a battery-electric vehicle and has no internal combustion engine. There is no engine oil to check or replace. Any references you may see online to engine oil for the Model Y are incorrect or pertain to non-Tesla vehicles.

Engine/battery coolant (thermal system)

Tesla uses a shared thermal-management loop to heat/cool the battery pack, drive units, and power electronics. For the Model Y, the factory fill is a G-48 ethylene glycol-based HOAT coolant (often referred to simply as “G-48”). Color is typically blue/green, but color is not a specification—always match chemistry, not color. Use only Tesla Genuine Coolant or an equivalent coolant explicitly labeled as G-48. Do not mix with conventional IAT green, generic “universal,” or non-G-48 OAT/HOAT coolants.

• Spec/type: Tesla G-48 ethylene glycol HOAT, premixed 50/50.
• Capacity: Varies by configuration and service procedure; approximately 8–12 liters (8.5–12.7 quarts). Always verify in the owner’s manual or OEM service information.
• Interval: Tesla does not list a routine replacement interval for Model Y coolant under normal conditions. Service is typically only required if the thermal system is opened for repair. When service is required, the system must be vacuum-filled and bled per Tesla procedures to prevent air pockets and ensure proper operation.
• Pitfalls: Mixing non-G-48 coolant can cause gel formation, corrosion, or water-pump seal damage. Never rely on color matching. If the wrong coolant has been introduced, a complete chemical flush and refill with G-48 is required.

Transmission/drive unit lubricant

The Model Y uses one or two sealed electric drive units (single-speed reduction gearboxes integrated with the motor). These contain a proprietary lubricant. Tesla does not publish a consumer-service fluid specification, and there is no routine service interval for fluid replacement.

• Spec/type: Tesla drive unit lubricant (proprietary; not publicly specified). Do not substitute universal ATF or gear oil.
• Capacity: Not published. Service fill is performed only when a drive unit is repaired or replaced. Verify in OEM service information.
• Interval: No routine replacement. Any leaks, noise, or overheating concerns should be diagnosed by Tesla or a qualified EV specialist.
• Pitfalls: Attempting to drain/fill with non-approved fluids can damage bearings/gears and void warranties. The drive unit case bolts and seals are torque/angle-specific; improper service can result in leaks or misalignment.

Front and rear differentials

There are no separate front or rear differentials in the traditional sense. The reduction gears are integrated into the front and rear drive units, and the lubricant is covered under the drive unit section above.

Transfer case (AWD)

Not applicable. The AWD Model Y uses an additional front drive unit—there is no mechanical transfer case.

Brake fluid

Tesla specifies DOT 3 brake fluid (FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3) for the Model Y. Always use fresh fluid from a sealed container to avoid moisture contamination.

• Spec/type: DOT 3.
• Capacity: Approximately 0.7–1.0 liters (0.7–1.1 quarts) to flush the full system, depending on procedure. Verify in OEM service info.
• Interval: Tesla recommends a brake fluid health check every 2 years; replace only as needed based on contamination or moisture content.
• Pitfalls: Do not use silicone-based DOT 5. DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 can be compatible in many systems, but Tesla specifies DOT 3—match the spec unless OEM documentation for your exact VIN states otherwise. For proper bleeding, Tesla service mode (to cycle ABS valves) may be required; without it, air can remain trapped.

Power steering

The Model Y uses electric power steering (EPS). There is no hydraulic power steering pump, lines, or fluid to service.

Windshield washer fluid

Use a quality windshield washer fluid appropriate for your climate. In freezing conditions, select a de-icer formula with adequate freeze protection for your region. Avoid mixing different chemistries that can cause streaking or residue.

• Capacity: Approximately 3–4 liters (0.8–1.0 gallons). Verify in the owner’s manual.
• Pitfalls: Do not use plain water, household glass cleaners, or coolant in the washer reservoir. In cold climates, ensure freeze protection is adequate to prevent reservoir or line damage.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

Not applicable. The Model Y is an electric vehicle and uses no DEF.

Additional notes and best practices

• High-voltage safety: The thermal system and drive units interface with high-voltage components. Do not open or service these systems without proper EV high-voltage training and PPE.
• Seals and O-rings: If any cooling component is replaced, use new Tesla-approved seals/O-rings and follow torque specs. Mixed elastomer compatibility with non-G-48 coolant can cause leaks.
• Service information: When in doubt, verify capacities and the latest specifications in the Tesla owner’s manual or OEM service information for your exact VIN and configuration.

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