It’s without a doubt that Tesla has received quite a lot of coverage in recent years, and for good reason: They’re leading the pack of electric cars and sustainable transportation.
But if you’re thinking of making the switch to a Tesla, there are a few things you should consider.
Here’s some expert advice on everything from Tesla insurance coverage to how to charge your Tesla. We’ll also cover some basics for beginners, like range per charge, so you can make an informed decision about your purchase.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Tesla
Before deciding whether to take the plunge and buy a Tesla, the first thing you should look at is whether or not a Tesla suits your lifestyle. Moving from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric one is a huge lifestyle change, and it’s not for everyone.
If you’re someone who frequently drives long distances or spends a lot of time on the road, a Tesla might not be the best fit. The standard Tesla battery has a range of about 267 miles per charge, so unless you’re only using your car for short trips around town, you’ll need to factor in time for charging.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Tesla cars are more expensive than your average vehicle. The Rear-Wheel Drive trim of the Tesla Model 3 starts at $46,990 MSRP, and the prices go up from there. So, you’ll need to make sure you can afford not only the car itself but also things like Tesla insurance and charging stations.
Navigating Tesla insurance
Tesla insurance works a little differently than your standard car insurance policy. Because Tesla cars are such new technology, there aren’t a lot of insurance companies that offer Tesla-specific coverage yet. This means you might have to get creative with your coverage options.
One option is to go through your current car insurance provider and add Tesla coverage to your existing policy. This might raise your rates, but it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you’re covered in the event of an accident.
Another option is to get Tesla’s own insurance, which is available to owners in select U.S. states. These policies include things like “Real-Time Driving Behavior” to evaluate your premium based on your actual driving habits.
What You Need to Know About Charging Your Tesla
One of the most important things to consider when you’re buying a Tesla is how you’re going to charge it. Tesla cars come with a home charging station that you can install in your garage, but you’ll also need access to public charging stations when you’re out and about.
Tesla has a Supercharger Network that is also open to its competition. These are spread out across the country. These high-powered charging stations can charge your Tesla in a matter of minutes, rather than hours.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of long-distance driving in your Tesla, it’s important to know where the nearest Superchargers are so you can plan your route accordingly.
How much range will I get?
One of the most common questions people have about Tesla cars is how far they can go on a single charge. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the model of Tesla you have, what kind of battery it has, and how you’re driving.
The Tesla Model S, for example, has a range of up to 315 miles per charge. This is with the 100 kWh battery option. If you choose the smaller 75 kWh battery, your range will be limited to about 250 miles.
Of course, your range will also be affected by how fast you’re driving and whether or not you have the air conditioning on. So, if you’re planning on doing a lot of long-distance driving in your Tesla, it’s important to factor in time for charging.
Tips for Driving a Tesla (or Letting It Drive Itself)
One of the coolest things about Tesla cars is that they come with some pretty amazing features, like Autopilot and Tesla’s Summon feature.
Autopilot is Tesla’s semi-autonomous driving system. It can handle things like lane changes and highway cruising for you, so you can relax on long drives. Just be sure to keep your hands on the wheel and be prepared to take over at any time.
Tesla’s Summon feature is pretty nifty, too. With this, you can park your Tesla in tight spots without even being in the car. You can activate Tesla’s Summon feature using your key fob or the Tesla app.
How to Care for Your Tesla
Caring for your Tesla is pretty similar to caring for any other car. You’ll need to do things like keep it clean, change the oil, and rotate the tires.
One thing you might not have to worry about as much with a Tesla is tune-ups. Tesla cars are designed to last longer between tune-ups than traditional cars. Tesla recommends getting a tune-up every 12,500 miles or so.
What to Do if Your Tesla Has Mechanical Issues
If you do have any issues with your Tesla, the best thing to do is to take it to a Tesla service center. Tesla has service centers all over the country, so there’s likely one near you.
You can also take your Tesla to a Tesla-certified body shop if you need repairs after an accident. These shops have Tesla-trained technicians who know how to repair Tesla cars properly.
Ready to buy your first Tesla?
There are a lot of things to consider before buying your dream car Tesla, but if you do your research and plan ahead, it can be a great way to move away from fossil fuels and towards the likely future of transportation.
Tesla cars are more expensive than your average vehicle, but they offer features and benefits that traditional cars don’t.
If you’re considering buying a Tesla, be sure to factor in things like insurance, charging, and range.
Tesla cars are a great option for people who are looking for an environmentally-friendly way to get around, but they’re not right for everyone. Do your research and decide if a Tesla is the right car for you.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, ExpertInsuranceReviews.com. His passions include insurance and studying environmentally friendly methods of travel.
