Tesla recuperation always good? Therefore brake normally!

One of the major advantages of electric cars, which you immediately notice when driving a Tesla, is regenerative braking. The vehicle uses its electric motor as a generator to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. Or, in short: the battery is recharged when braking.

This is not only good for the range, but also reduces the wear and tear on ordinary brake discs and makes so-called "one-pedal driving" possible, i.e. driving without using the brake pedal.

But is it wise to rely solely on regenerative braking and never use the mechanical brakes? Find out in this article.

Tesla recuperation: Efficiency is increased

Another enormous advantage of recuperation lies in its environmental friendliness. If energy already expended for movement can be recovered as soon as the vehicle needs to decelerate, the vehicle's efficiency increases. This efficiency describes what percentage of the energy used can actually be converted into forward motion.

Previously, it was even possible to adjust the strength of Tesla's regenerative braking, but unfortunately this is no longer possible. Nevertheless, the efficiency of electric vehicles is significantly higher than that of combustion engine vehicles, not least because of regenerative braking – and the less energy is wasted, the better it is for the environment.

Tesla brakes: Only recuperation in the long run harmful

However, the use of regenerative braking doesn't only have advantages. The low wear on the brakes is, in a sense, also the technology's Achilles' heel. If brake discs and pads are hardly used, rust can form, which can significantly reduce braking performance.

If more braking force is needed than recuperation alone can provide, for example during emergency braking, this can have fatal consequences.

You'll notice how quickly rust forms even in winter or wet weather. If you park your car in the evening after driving, you'll find in the morning that the handbrake is difficult to release. – it's rusted solid. We've compiled some other things you can look out for in winter. here Compiled for you.

How can you protect the Tesla brake?

Fortunately, preventing brakes from rusting is quite simple: just use them. Braking firmly every few days removes the rust before it can cause serious problems.

The best way to brake while driving is to put the car in neutral (N), as this will deactivate recuperation and only use the normal brakes.

With minimal effort, you can keep the brake discs in good condition – and they'll look better too.

To help you keep wear and tear on the rest of your Tesla to a minimum, you'll find all sorts of things at Teslabs. Accesories for protection and care.

Image source: Robin van Greenen via Unsplash