Tesla vehicles can now diagnose themselves and even pre-order parts for service

Tesla vehicles can now diagnose themselves with repair and maintenance issues and they can even automatically pre-order parts for repairs.

Earlier this year, CEO Elon Musk said that “service is his number one priority” this quarter:

“I want to note that one of our major priorities this quarter is improving service operations. Really, from my standpoint, when I think about what my priorities are this quarter, it’s improving service in North America.”

Tesla announced a series of initiatives to improve service including the automation of some processes:

“Live issue detection to automatically call a tow truck and loaner vehicle before the vehicle even come to a stop.”

Musk says that owners would be able to cancel it right away if they think it’s not necessary, but Tesla wants to automate emergency service and repairs.

A recurring problem with Tesla’s service was the availability of parts, but now Tesla is addressing the issue by automatically ordering the parts as soon as they diagnose the issue remotely:

https://twitter.com/AskDrStupid/status/1124584418432245760

The Model 3 owner received a ‘Service Request’ on the center screen of his vehicle:

“An unexpected condition has been detected with the Power Conversion System on your Model 3. A replacement part has been pre-shipped to your preferred Tesla Service Center. Please use your Tesla Mobile App or your Tesla account to schedule a service visit appointment now.”

Tesla confirmed the new feature:

“Our cars can keep tabs on certain components to let you know if they need replacing and order parts ahead of your next service visit.”

The automaker compared the feature to “skipping the doctor and going right to the pharmacy.”

Also as part of Tesla’s effort to improve service, the company also opened new service centers in Sarasota, Florida, Pearl, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee.

Electrek’s Take

I always like to see Tesla leverage the high level of connectivity in its vehicles and this is a great example.

Tesla’s service really needs improvements because wait times are simply unacceptable in many markets.

I don’t know if this is going to make a big difference right now, but it’s a step in the right direction. Combined with better part distribution and improved self-diagnostic capability, I can see it making a good difference long-term.