Coolant for Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 is one of the most common Teslas in Georgia, and many were imported from the United States, often after front-end repair. That is exactly when the question of which fluid to use comes up. The answer is in the manual: G-48 type ethylene glycol, phosphate-free. Valvoline's sheet lists Zerex G48 as meeting the Tesla specification.
Photographs come from the manufacturer's official materials.
Cooling system volume (litres) 14.6 to 18.4 litres from dry, depending on version
One fluid for the whole car
In a Model 3 one and the same fluid cools the battery, the drive unit and the electronics, and in winter it also carries heat to the battery. The battery cold plates, the chiller and the radiator are aluminium, so corrosion protection here is a question of battery life, not engine life.
Tesla asks for 50 to 60 per cent ethylene glycol. Mix Zerex G48 concentrate exactly 50/50 with distilled water. The details are on the Tesla page.
How much you will need
According to Tesla's service manual, a Model 3 system fills from dry like this:
| Model | Version | Litres, fill from dry | Zerex G48 bottles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | RWD, LFP battery | 14.6 | 2 |
| Model 3 | RWD, 2170 cells | 16.3 | 3 |
| Model 3 | AWD, 2170 cells | 16.7 – 18.4 | 3 |
When a pump, radiator or hose is replaced the system is not fully drained, and one bottle is often enough. A fill from dry is done with a vacuum refill tool.