How to Check Tesla Battery Degradation: Essential Tips
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, ensuring the longevity of the battery becomes a crucial concern for Tesla owners. After all, what good is a sleek and stylish ride without a reliable source of power?
But fear not! In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Tesla battery degradation.
Brace yourself for some eye-opening insights as we explore the causes behind this phenomenon and uncover the secrets to maintaining optimum battery health. From avoiding certain charging habits to harnessing the power of third-party apps, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to keep your Tesla’s battery running strong.
So, buckle up and get ready to navigate the road to battery longevity!
how to check tesla battery degradation
To check Tesla battery degradation, there are a few methods you can consider. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid regularly charging the battery to 100% and allowing the state of charge to drop below 10%.
Additionally, protecting the battery from high temperatures is crucial for maintaining its health. While there is currently no accurate way of determining the current battery capacity, third-party apps like the Stats app can be utilized to track battery health.
Another option is to take the used Tesla to a Tesla service center for a professional evaluation of the battery. If this is not possible, charging the car to 100% and testing the estimated range can provide some insight into the battery’s health.
It’s worth noting that the Tesla energy app can provide a more accurate range than the one displayed on the screen. If there is a decrease in range of about 10% after a test drive, it may indicate battery degradation.
Finally, if the used Tesla is still under warranty, the cost of replacing the battery due to degradation may not be significant.
Key Points:
- Avoid regularly charging the battery to 100% and letting the charge drop below 10%
- Protect the battery from high temperatures
- Use third-party apps like Stats app to track battery health
- Get a professional evaluation from a Tesla service center
- Test the estimated range by charging the car to 100%
- Check for a decrease in range of about 10% after a test drive
Sources
https://evsguy.com/how-to-check-tesla-battery-health-battery-degradation/
https://insideevs.com/news/516137/recalibrate-tesla-battery-range/
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/the-most-accurate-way-to-measure-battery-degradation.170883/
https://tesla-info.com/blog/battery-degradation.php
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💡 Pro Tips:
1. Monitor your charging habits: Keep track of how often you charge your Tesla to 100% and try to avoid doing so regularly. This can help prevent battery degradation over time.
2. Optimize your charging schedule: Set your Tesla to charge during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This way, you can avoid excessive charging and reduce stress on the battery.
3. Use scheduled charging: Take advantage of the scheduled charging feature on your Tesla. This allows you to plan your charging sessions ahead of time and avoid constantly leaving your car plugged in for long periods.
4. Park in shaded areas: Whenever possible, park your Tesla in shaded areas or use a car cover to protect it from direct sunlight. High temperatures can accelerate battery degradation, so keeping it cool can help maintain its health.
5. Consider a battery health check: If you’re concerned about your Tesla’s battery health, consider getting a professional battery health check at a Tesla service center. They can provide accurate diagnostics and advice on preserving your battery’s lifespan.
Tesla Battery Management System (BMS) Reset
Maintaining the health of the battery in a Tesla vehicle is crucial for maximizing its performance and lifespan. One method recommended by Tesla is to perform a Battery Management System (BMS) reset.
This reset helps calibrate the BMS, ensuring it accurately measures the state of charge and capacity of the battery.
To perform a BMS reset, follow these steps:
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Park your Tesla in a safe and secure location.
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Ensure that the vehicle is plugged into a charger.
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Access the vehicle’s settings through the touchscreen display.
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Go to ‘General’ and select ‘Power Off.’
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Wait for the vehicle to fully power off and then turn it back on. 6.
After the reboot, your Tesla’s BMS should be reset and recalibrated.
Performing a BMS reset periodically can help prevent battery degradation caused by inaccurate state of charge measurements. It is an easy and effective method for maintaining the health of your Tesla’s battery.
Three Key Tips For Maintaining Battery Health
In addition to performing a BMS reset, there are three key tips for maintaining the health of your Tesla’s battery:
- Avoid regularly charging to 100%: While it may be tempting to always charge your Tesla to its maximum capacity, doing so can accelerate battery degradation.
The ideal range for regular charging is between 20% and 80%. Charging to 100% should be reserved for long trips.
- Avoid regularly letting the state of charge drop below 10%: Keeping your Tesla’s battery above a 10% state of charge helps maintain its overall health.
Frequent deep discharges can lead to irreversible capacity loss.
- Protect the battery from high temperatures: Exposure to high temperatures can negatively impact the performance and lifespan of the battery.
Whenever possible, park your Tesla in shaded areas or garages, especially during hot weather conditions.
By following these three key tips, you can significantly prolong the life of your Tesla’s battery and minimize the chances of battery degradation.
Tracking Battery Health With Third-Party Apps
While Tesla does not provide an accurate way of determining the current battery capacity, there are third-party apps that can help monitor and track the health of your Tesla’s battery. One popular app is the Stats app, which provides detailed information about your battery, including its capacity over time.
Using such apps can give you valuable insights into the performance of your Tesla’s battery and help you identify any potential degradation. It is important to note that these apps rely on the data reported by your Tesla and may not provide absolute accuracy.
However, they can still give you a good indication of your battery’s health and help you take necessary steps to maintain it.
Evaluating Battery Health At A Tesla Service Center
For a more accurate assessment of your Tesla’s battery health, it is recommended to take your vehicle to a Tesla service center. Tesla technicians have access to diagnostic tools that can analyze the battery’s performance and provide a comprehensive evaluation.
At a Tesla service center, the technicians can measure the battery’s state of health, check for any anomalies, and provide recommendations for improving battery longevity. They can also assess the effectiveness of any previous maintenance measures you may have taken.
Taking your Tesla to a service center for battery health evaluation is especially important when considering the purchase of a used vehicle. It ensures that you have a clear understanding of the battery’s condition and can make an informed decision.
Determining Battery Health With A 100% Charge And Estimated Range Test
If visiting a Tesla service center is not feasible, there are alternative methods to evaluate your Tesla’s battery health. One such method involves charging the car to 100% and then testing the estimated range.
After a full charge, take note of the estimated range displayed on the touchscreen. This estimated range provides an indication of the battery’s capacity.
It is important to remember that the displayed range may not always be precise due to factors such as driving conditions and temperature.
For a more accurate range, you can use the Tesla Energy app, which provides a more precise estimate compared to the one displayed on the touchscreen. This app takes into account factors such as outside temperature, driving style, and recent usage patterns to calculate a more reliable range.
If you notice a significant decrease in the estimated range, around 10% or more, after a test drive, it may indicate battery degradation. However, it is essential to consider other factors that could affect range before concluding that degradation has occurred.
Warranty Coverage For Battery Replacement Due To Degradation
If you own a used Tesla and are concerned about potential battery degradation, you should take into account the warranty coverage provided by Tesla. Tesla’s warranty generally covers unexpected battery failures and significant reduction in battery capacity.
If your used Tesla is still covered by warranty, the cost of replacing the battery due to degradation may not be significant. However, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific warranty terms and conditions to understand the extent of coverage.
In conclusion, checking Tesla battery degradation requires a combination of preventive measures, periodic evaluation, and careful observation. Performing a BMS reset, following key charging habits, utilizing third-party apps for tracking, seeking professional evaluation, conducting range tests, and understanding warranty coverage are all essential steps to ensure the health and longevity of your Tesla’s battery.
By incorporating these tips into your battery maintenance routine, you can maintain optimal performance and prolong the lifespan of your Tesla’s battery.
