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How to Check Tesla Battery Health: 3 Ways, Including a Free Check
By Premium Autos · · 5 min read
189 used Teslas for sale today, from $12,980, at our Norco and South El Monte stores.
The short answer
There are three practical ways to check a Tesla's battery health: a free remote check that reads the car through your Tesla account in a few minutes, the battery health test built into the car, and a quick range comparison you can do on the screen. A healthy used Tesla usually shows 85% to 95% of its original capacity. Tesla's own warranty treats anything under 70% during the warranty period as a defect.
1. Free remote battery check (fastest)
A remote check signs in with your Tesla account, reads the battery data and gives a state of health percentage. You do not drive anywhere and the car does not need to be plugged in.
We offer this check free as the first step of our Battery4Life page. You get the score either way. If it is 80% or more, your car can qualify for lifetime battery coverage.
2. The battery health test in the car
Tesla has a battery health test in the car's service menu. It drains and recharges the battery to measure real capacity, so it is the most thorough test, but it takes time.
- Park at home on an AC charger, such as a Wall Connector, with the battery at a low state of charge.
- On the touchscreen open Controls, then Software, and press and hold the model name for a few seconds.
- Enter the word service as the access code to open Service Mode.
- Find the high-voltage battery section and start the Health Test.
- Leave the car plugged in. The test can take up to 24 hours, and the car cannot be driven while it runs.
Menu names move between software versions, and newer versions show battery health in more places. If you do not see the test, Tesla Service can run a battery check for you.
3. The range method (a rough estimate)
Set the battery display to distance, charge to 100%, and compare the miles shown with the car's original EPA range. A Model 3 Long Range rated at 310 miles when new that now shows 285 miles at full charge is at roughly 92%.
This is only an estimate. The number on the screen is a calculation that shifts with temperature and recent charging, so do not judge a car on one reading.
What is a good Tesla battery health number?
| State of health | What it means |
|---|---|
| 90% and up | Normal for a newer or lightly used car. |
| 80% to 89% | Normal for an older or higher-mileage Tesla. Still eligible for Battery4Life. |
| 70% to 79% | Noticeably less range. Worth asking questions before you buy. |
| Under 70% | Covered by Tesla if the battery warranty is still active. Out of warranty, it is the owner's cost. |
Most Tesla batteries lose a few percent in the first couple of years and then fade slowly.
Why the number matters after the warranty
Tesla's battery warranty lasts 8 years and 100,000 to 150,000 miles depending on the model. After that, a failed pack can cost $12,000 or more to replace. That is why it helps to know your number while the battery is still healthy.
Battery4Life is optional battery coverage that lasts as long as you own the car. If state of health falls below 60%, it pays up to $10,000 for a replacement battery plus up to $2,000 in labor per failure, after a $250 deductible. Coverage starts 60 days after purchase and the terms on the page apply.
Scored 80% or higher? Check if your EV qualifies for Battery4Life: the battery health check is free, and you can order online.
Common questions
Does fast charging hurt Tesla battery health?
Regular Supercharging can add a little wear over time, but the car manages battery temperature and charge speed to limit it. Daily charging to about 80% at home is the easy habit that helps most.
Can I check battery health before buying a used Tesla?
Yes. Ask the seller for a battery health report or the full-charge range. Our battery health page explains the estimates shown on our listings.
What if my battery scores under 80%?
You can still ask us. We can match the car with another battery plan from our partners, with year and mile limits.
Shopping for one? Browse used Teslas at Premium Autos in Norco and South El Monte.
Browse used Teslas for sale at our Norco and South El Monte stores.
