how to improve fuel economy in my Tesla Model S Original (2012-2020)

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

1-2 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

498 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to improve fuel economy in your Tesla Model S Original (2012-2020) with effective driving habits, tire maintenance, and software updates.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

1-2 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is parked safely when checking tire pressure or making any adjustments.

Symptoms

•Decreased range per charge
•Increased frequency of charging
•Higher electricity bills associated with charging
•Excessive energy consumption reported on the vehicle's energy display
•Noticeable changes in driving behavior affecting energy use

Diagnostic Steps

1
Review the vehicle's energy consumption data from the touchscreen display.
2
Check for software updates and ensure the vehicle's firmware is current.
3
Inspect tire pressure and tread condition; ensure they are within manufacturer specifications.
4
Analyze driving habits using the Tesla app to identify energy-heavy behaviors.
5
Evaluate climate control settings and usage.
6
Assess the weight of any added cargo or permanent installations affecting aerodynamics.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Digital tire pressure gauge
•Tesla mobile app for monitoring energy consumption

Parts Required

•None required for improvements, but consider new tires if the current ones are worn.

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Review the vehicle's energy consumption data from the touchscreen display.
2
Check for software updates and ensure the vehicle's firmware is current.
3
Inspect tire pressure and tread condition; ensure they are within manufacturer specifications.
4
Analyze driving habits using the Tesla app to identify energy-heavy behaviors.
5
Evaluate climate control settings and usage.
6
Assess the weight of any added cargo or permanent installations affecting aerodynamics.

Solution

1. Optimize Driving Habits

Sub-steps:
- Adopt a smoother acceleration and deceleration style.
- Use regenerative braking effectively to recover energy.
- Limit high-speed driving, which increases energy consumption significantly.

2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Sub-steps:
- Check tire pressure weekly using a digital tire pressure gauge.
- Inflate tires to the recommended PSI found in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s door jamb.
- Rotate tires regularly to ensure even wear and optimal performance.

3. Reduce Weight and Drag

Sub-steps:
- Remove unnecessary items from the trunk or frunk.
- Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Ensure that any modifications to the vehicle do not adversely affect aerodynamics.

4. Manage Climate Control

Sub-steps:
- Use seat heaters instead of cabin heating when possible to minimize energy use.
- Precondition the vehicle while it's still plugged in to reduce battery drain while driving.
- Set the climate control to a moderate temperature to minimize energy consumption.

5. Update Software

Sub-steps:
- Navigate to the software update section on the touchscreen.
- Download and install any available updates, which can improve efficiency and performance.
- Enable energy-saving features in the settings menu.