Tesla announces 8-year warranty for Australian owners
Model S and Model X models get 96-month/160,000km warranty and roadside assistance.
What will you be doing in eight years time? That's a tricky one to answer. But, if you purchase a Tesla Model S or X today, your warranty will be just about to expire.
Starting on 30 March 2018, Tesla announced it is offering an eight-year factory warranty, which is the longest available on the automotive market. In doing so, they have outdone Kia with its seven-year promise. Previously, the Tesla range came with a four-year warranty.
The small print
Of course, the warranty comes with a few caveats.
Unlike Kia’s policy, which covers a vehicle for unlimited kilometres, Tesla owners face a limit of 160,000km or 20,000km per year to last the full eight-year term.
What’s covered?
The warranty covers the entire vehicle bumper-to-bumper for defects or premature failure. That means its electric parts and mechanical components, the body, interior, the lot. Naturally, the coverage doesn't extend to consumables.
The powertrain and battery are subject to an eight-year, unlimited kilometre coverage. However, owners of a Tesla with a 60 kWh battery pack have a 200,000km restriction. Tesla will also honour the repair of any damage as a result of battery fire, even if the driver was at fault.
If you sell the car within the warranty period, the remainder transfers to the new owner as the coverage is tied to the car, not the buyer.
Eight years of breakdown cover
Tesla even includes eight years of roadside assistance and flat-tyre support. The company said that it didn’t matter where the owner was throughout Australia. Should you burst a tyre, a "Ranger" will come out, swap your damaged wheel for a loan tyre and take yours away.
However, you’ll need to head to a Tesla service centre to then swap the temporary wheel for yours with a new tyre fitted. This service is crucial, as the Model X and S don’t have a spare wheel.
Yearly service
Teslas are also pretty reasonable on servicing costs. With electric motors requiring minimal upkeep, the servicing checklist concentrates on the battery pack, wheel alignment and condition, as well as inspecting consumables like wiper blades. At the time of service, technicians may also update the car's software. Tesla services cost between $500 and $975.
If you are thinking of buying an electric car, we’ve created a Tesla buying guide. We’ve also looked at four Tesla alternatives.
Latest car headlines
Picture: Shutterstock
