A Tesla needs to go to the repair shop far less often than a combustion engine vehicle – that's how Tesla advertises its cars, and therefore they don't prescribe any service intervals. But what happens if there's major accident damage or other bodywork is needed?
Then it goes into a Tesla Body ShopIn this article, we explain what a Tesla workshop is and where you can find a Tesla workshop near you.
This is a Tesla Body Shop
A Body Shop is an independent workshop officially certified by Tesla and operating on behalf of the electric vehicle pioneer. This certification allows it to use the name "Tesla Approved Body Shop." To maintain this title, the workshop participates in training courses and is regularly audited by Tesla.
In a body shop, you can therefore assume that work is always carried out professionally and to a high standard – this is in the interest of Tesla and of course also of the workshop itself, which would like to retain its certification.
As the name suggests, body shops are primarily responsible for bodywork and painting; that is, for larger jobs, such as those that arise especially after an accident or other damage.
This distinguishes them from the Tesla Service Centers, which are operated directly by Tesla and are responsible for repairs and service other than bodywork.
Incidentally, minor repairs or malfunctions at Tesla are handled by mobile “rangers“taken over, who come directly to your home.”
Why should I go to a Tesla service center?
Why should you go to a Tesla Body Shop in case of damage instead of simply going to an independent Tesla repair shop? Independent repair shops are not tied to any manufacturer and accept vehicles of all makes, which usually makes them more suitable for a wide range of customers. a cheaper alternative. They can also repair minor damage and, upon request, usually obtain genuine Tesla parts.
However, when it comes to larger repairs and structural, i.e. load-bearing and safety-relevant areas of the body are affected, Tesla wants the work to be carried out in the hands of a certified body shop.
Therefore, you may lose your vehicle warranty if such repairs are not carried out by an authorized body shop. Furthermore, only an authorized body shop receives genuine Tesla parts for structural body components.
How do I find a Tesla service center nearby?
If you are looking for a Tesla Body Shop nearby, a look at the official [website/directory] will help. List of all certified Body Shops, which is provided on the Tesla website. There you can also enter your current location and display the nearest service centers.
So, for example, if you don't want to leave Munich to visit a Tesla Body Shop, enter "Munich" as your location and you'll find that you only need to drive to Neutrudering or Moosach to find a suitable workshop. The process is similar for every Tesla Body Shop in Germany, Europe, and worldwide.
How do I book an appointment at The Body Shop?
Unusually for Tesla, neither the app nor the website is sufficient to book an appointment at the Body Shop. Instead, you have to call the workshop the old-fashioned way and schedule a time – because although the workshops are "Tesla approved," they are still independent businesses. At least you can find the phone number and website of each Body Shop directly in the Tesla list.
Which tasks can I do myself?
You don't need to visit a Tesla Body Shop for everything you want to do (or have done) to your Tesla. Smaller jobs, such as changing tires or replacing the cabin air filter, can be done yourself or at an independent garage.
Even for typical maintenance work such as checking the brakes and brake fluid, or servicing the air conditioning, there is no requirement to use a specific workshop. However, when it comes to the vehicle's structure, to structural components, it is advisable to consult a body shop.
For which issues should I visit the Tesla Service Center?
The Tesla Service Center is your first point of contact for all matters concerning your Tesla – unless you can find the answer online or in the owner's manual. Only if it is absolutely clear that only bodywork is needed should you go directly to the Body Shop.
The Tesla Service Center employs staff who are directly contracted by Tesla. They typically handle all non-body repairs and routine maintenance. While Tesla doesn't mandate these services, as mentioned earlier, you can always contact them via the... Tesla App Book an appointment for a voluntary inspection. Cost: approximately €200.
How much does a Tesla repair shop cost?
Visiting an officially certified body shop is usually not a cheap undertaking. No wonder, since "Tesla Approved" body shops are an elite circle that is happy to charge for their painstakingly acquired certification. Even Tesla's own service centers charge €159 per hour, and according to numerous Tesla customers, body shops rarely charge less.
Therefore, there's no shame in doing the repairs yourself whenever possible, or at least finding an independent garage. The internet is full of DIY repair guides for many types of damage and problems. After all, most of the damage a car owner experiences isn't major structural damage, but rather minor dents or scratches that, in the best-case scenario, can even be repaired with a... Tesla touch-up pen can be repaired.
Furthermore, since 2021, independent repair shops have also had access to all diagnostic data in Teslas. This is made possible by the... Tesla Service Mode, a system diagnostic program that runs directly on the infotainment screen and is accessible to everyone.
Why doesn't Tesla operate its own body shops?
Tesla has always done many things differently than established manufacturers. However, why exactly bodywork is outsourced to partners, while service centers and rangers are available for everything else, will probably remain the secret of the electric car pioneer.
One reason, however, could be Tesla's pursuit of efficiency: Workshops with the necessary expertise and equipment for complex body repairs already exist worldwide. So why not partner with these companies instead of painstakingly developing the capability themselves?
This contradicts Tesla's approach of keeping as much control as possible, but perhaps they felt that control was sufficiently maintained through the instruments of certifications and ongoing audits.
Tesla Body Shop: Conclusion
Tesla does not offer major bodywork repairs, especially those that are structurally and therefore safety-relevant, in its own service center workshops, but rather in partner workshops.Tesla trains and tests these partners, called "Body Shops," at regular intervals to ensure that work on Tesla vehicles is always carried out professionally and to the highest standards.
Tesla Body Shops naturally charge for the certification and the associated costs, making it one of the more expensive options. Wherever possible, it's therefore worthwhile to check with an independent garage that is not affiliated with Tesla (or other manufacturers) – or you could simply address the problem yourself.
However, for those who do need a Tesla Body Shop, the following is available: The US automaker provides a list on its website where you can find the nearest repair shops. The network of body shops is a global one. Tesla has definitely arrived in the class of the "big players."
Have you taken your Tesla to a body shop? Share your experiences in the comments below.
