Tesla coolant: what coolant does Tesla use?

Updated 22 October 2026 · Independent, sourced reference

Quick answer

Tesla coolant: Tesla specifies Tesla G-48, a phosphate- and nitrate-free ethylene-glycol 50/50 premix (do not add water). Tesla warranties no other coolant, and advises owners to contact Tesla service rather than topping up themselves.

Disclaimer: General information only, not professional advice. Always use the coolant specified in your vehicle owner's manual. Using the wrong coolant can damage an engine.

Key takeaways

  • Tesla coolant facts here are quoted from cited Tesla documents or labelled as coolant-maker claims.
  • 1 products list a Tesla-family spec code. 0 more name Tesla in their application text (guidance only).
  • Your owner's manual decides. Specs vary by model, engine, market and year.
  • Do not choose by colour.
  • Independent; not affiliated with Tesla.

What coolant does Tesla use?

Independent; not affiliated with or endorsed by Tesla. Coolant.com is an independent reference. Tesla is named only to identify its products, as the owner of the name. We use no logos and earn nothing from links. Every product detail below is copied from Tesla's own pages or data sheets, or from the source named on each product page, checked 22 October 2026. "Not published" means the source does not state it.

Tesla coolant: Tesla specifies Tesla G-48, a phosphate- and nitrate-free ethylene-glycol 50/50 premix (do not add water). Tesla warranties no other coolant, and advises owners to contact Tesla service rather than topping up themselves.

  • Tesla's Model 3 service manual says the cooling system "contains an ethylene glycol (phosphate and nitrate free) based coolant". It lists 1029320-00-A (50/50, 1 gal) for North America and 1119779-00-A (G48, 50/50, 1 l) for EMEA. [1]
  • "G-48 coolant is a pre-mixed 50/50 solution of ethylene glycol and water. The coolant is ready to use. Do not add water." [1]
  • "Tesla cannot provide warranties for any type of coolant other than Tesla G-48 coolant." The manual adds that LC100 (blue) coolant from Gigafactory Shanghai "can be mixed with G48 (blue) coolant as needed". [1]

Numbers in brackets refer to the sources at the end of this page. Lines without a number summarise coolant makers' literature rather than an Tesla document.

Genuine Tesla coolant in our directory

These are coolants sold by the vehicle maker or its parts brand. Each product page shows exactly what the source publishes, with "not published" where it is silent.

ProductBrandChemistryColourFormWhy it is listed
Tesla G-48 Ethylene Glycol Coolant 50/50Teslanot publishedBluePremix 50/50Genuine / OE parts brand

Tesla spec codes listed by coolant makers

These Tesla-family codes appear in the manufacturer data of the 1 products in our directory that list them. A code here means at least one coolant maker states its product meets it. Your manual tells you which code, if any, applies to your vehicle.

Spec codeProducts whose maker lists it
Tesla G-481

Coolants that list a Tesla spec (per their manufacturer)

Each row reads "meets [code] per [brand]". The wording ("approved", "meets or exceeds", "recommended") is quoted on the product page. Open it before you buy.

ProductBrandChemistryColourFormWhy it is listed
Tesla G-48 Ethylene Glycol Coolant 50/50Teslanot publishedBluePremix 50/50Lists Tesla G-48

Not sure which coolant your car takes?

Find your coolant →

Colour and chemistry

Among the 2 products on this page, the listed colours are Blue (2), and the listed chemistries are not published. Colour is a dye chosen by each maker, so two coolants of the same colour can be chemically different, and the same chemistry can come in different colours. Match the spec or the named factory coolant, not the colour. See coolant colours explained and OAT vs HOAT vs IAT.

Topping up and mixing

If the reservoir is low, top up only with the coolant your manual specifies, and use the same premix or concentrate ratio. Mixing chemistries can reduce corrosion protection and shorten coolant life. Some makers (Mopar, Mercedes-Benz) explicitly say not to mix specs. If an unknown coolant has been added, a flush and refill is safer than topping up. Use the mixing checker and our coolant flush guide. Never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap.

Varies by model and year

Check your owner's manual. Coolant specs vary by model, engine, market and year. This page summarises what the vehicle maker publishes and what coolant makers claim. It is not a fitment guarantee for your vehicle. We make no year, make or model fitment claims. If your manual, the label on your reservoir cap or your dealer says something different, follow them.

Tesla has changed coolant specs over the years, and a spec can differ by engine and market (for example North America vs Europe). Electric and hybrid models may use separate loops with their own fluids. This page does not tell you which code applies to your vehicle. Your owner's manual, the reservoir cap label or a dealer does.

When to see a mechanic

See a dealer or qualified mechanic if the coolant looks rusty, oily or sludgy, if the engine overheats or the coolant warning light comes on, or if you cannot identify the correct spec. See coolant warning light and coolant leaks.

Frequently asked questions

What coolant does Tesla use?

Tesla coolant: Tesla specifies Tesla G-48, a phosphate- and nitrate-free ethylene-glycol 50/50 premix (do not add water). Tesla warranties no other coolant, and advises owners to contact Tesla service rather than topping up themselves.

Which coolants meet Tesla specs?

1 products in our directory list a Tesla-family spec code, including Tesla G-48 Ethylene Glycol Coolant 50/50. Each product page quotes the maker's wording.

Can I use a universal coolant in my Tesla?

Only if your owner's manual allows it, or if the product's maker states it meets the exact spec your manual names. "Universal" or "all makes" wording is not the same as a listed Tesla spec.

What colour is Tesla coolant?

Colour varies by product and era and is not a spec. Products on this page are listed as Blue. Match the spec or named coolant instead.

Is Coolant.com affiliated with Tesla?

No. Coolant.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tesla. We use the name only to say which vehicles a spec relates to.

New to cooling systems? Start with how a car cooling system works. Looking for a product? Search the coolant directory or match your manual's spec with Find my car coolant. See also coolant by car make and coolants by brand.

Sources

  1. Tesla Model 3 (2024+) Service Manual: Fluids and Capacities