The Tesla is a model of an electric car that’s becoming increasingly more popular. With various technological capabilities that were once unheard of, such as car self-diagnosis of issues, self-driving, and no need to fill the tank with gas to drive, it’s no surprise that more and more people are considering getting a Tesla for their next car. If you have been driving a traditional gas-powered car all of your life, buying and driving a Tesla will be a completely new experience. Before you go out and buy a Tesla, whether you are planning to get a new model or a second-hand car, various things are worth being aware of. Some of the main things to know before you decide if this car is the best investment for you include:
Installing a Charger:
You will need to plug your Tesla in to charge the battery. Most Tesla owners do this on a nightly basis while they are sleeping to wake up the next morning to a full charge. Have a qualified electrician install a NEMA 14-50 outlet in your garage or outside your home before you get the car. Most people are fine with the charger that comes with the car, but you can get a high-speed one if you prefer.
Finding Local Charging Stations:
Just like you know where the best places are to get gas when you drive a gas-powered car, it’s a good idea to find local charging stations around the areas that you tend to go to often so that you always know where the nearest one is if you are running out of battery power. The good news is that you can find many electric car charging stations today at supermarket parking lots, gas stations, service stations, and more, so it should never be too difficult to find somewhere to get some juice.
Power Estimate Graphs:
It’s a good idea to spend some time figuring out how to read the power estimate graphs if you are thinking about purchasing a Tesla. The estimated range shown on the graphs can be quite optimistic, especially if you like to drive fast. If you’re driving at 70-80MPH, for example, you will use a lot more energy than estimated. But if you’re driving at an average speed, the estimates are usually quite accurate. You can save energy by driving in cruise control, which comes in handy if you have a long stretch in between charging points.
Roadside Assistance:
While you can get roadside assistance from Tesla, bear in mind that it does not cover running out of charge. It’s a good idea to invest in separate roadside assistance for your car, such as AAA Gold Plus. This will cover running out of charge, so you have peace of mind knowing that if you do end up running out of battery before you get to a charger, somebody can come to charge your car’s battery.
Braking:
Before you buy a new or used Tesla, it’s worth bearing in mind that the regenerative braking in a Tesla can be quite aggressive, and it may take some time for you to get used to it. However, most drivers do appreciate this feature. Since Tesla has discontinued the regenerative breaking feature for newer electric vehicle models, this may only be something you’ll need to get used to if you invest in a used car.
Insurance:
Just like any other car, a Tesla will need auto insurance. One of the best things about driving a Tesla or any other electric car is that they can often be cheaper to insure. If you’re getting a Tesla with many security and safety features, your insurance premiums are likely to drop even further due to the reduced risks. You can compare insurance quotes for buying a used Tesla at Compare.com. They work with over fifty different insurance companies to help you find the best price for you. Check it out at https://www.compare.com/.
Tire Rotation:
The 0-60 launches in a Tesla can be quite harsh on the tires. While the stock tires that come with a Tesla are all-season tires, drivers report that they tend to get fewer miles out of them than when driving a gas-powered car. It is important to rotate your tires regularly to keep your car and tires in the best shape.
Public Charging:
Public chargers are an ideal way to charge your car when you are on the go. You can often find them in parking lots and other public areas where your car might be parked for a while, allowing you to top up on battery power. If you like, you can get a hanger for your car to let other electric vehicle owners know that they can unplug your car if they need the charge more.
Plugshare:
If you plan to do any serious distance driving in your Tesla, it might be worth signing up for Plugshare. This community-based app will lead you to the nearest public charging location wherever you are in the world. It’s available for iOS, Apple Watch, and Android along with a browser version, and it is definitely worth having if you plan to drive long distances and will need to charge throughout your journey.
Charging:
Most of the time, you should charge your battery to 80%. The battery is set to work best when it stays between 20%-80%. You can do a range charge up to 100% every so often, but keep it at 80% charge for daily driving. You can easily do this with Tesla’s UI.
The Tesla is an increasingly popular electric car that’s definitely worth buying if you want one of the latest and best in new vehicle technology. Whether you want to buy new or second-hand, driving a Tesla can help you save money with no gas needed and cheaper maintenance. Before you invest in a Tesla, understanding, some of the key things about this car is important.
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