If you have the unpleasant feeling that someone forgot a Saint-Nectaire in your Tesla, rest assured. There is a reason and a solution to fix it. We’ll explain it to you.
You are the proud owner of a Tesla Model 3, whether since its release or more recently. You enjoy its infotainment systemof all its options and, if you have given in, of the autonomous driving. In short, the electric car gives you complete satisfaction. However, there is something that bothers you a little. You have nothing to complain about the vehicle itself, but this little thing makes driving rather unpleasant: a increasingly unbearable smell in the passenger compartmentbetween the cheese and the feet after a 6 hour hike in hot weather.
The problem is that you don’t know where it comes from. Not from you, that’s for sure. Nor of a rat which would have taken up residence in the car before dying there. The reason is however known to Tesla owners, the problem being unfortunately quite widespread. The culprits are the air filters in the cabin. These parts are there to “prevent pollen, industrial pollutants, road dust and other particles from entering the cabin through the ventilation vents”, we read on the Tesla website. Over time, they become less effective and bad smells arrive.
How to get rid of bad smells in your Tesla
The solution is obvious: we must change air filters in question. You can of course ask Tesla to do it, but it will cost you more than doing it yourself. The car manufacturer is in fact pushing for Do It Yourself (do it yourself) and offers to many tutorials for repairing your car. Replacing air filters in the cabin is no exception. The process detailed in the previous link may seem intimidating since it gives the impression of having to disassemble the vehiclebut rest assured, it remains simple.
You will of course need to obtain new filters first. On the Tesla website, it will cost you €26 for the Model 3 or Model Y. Note that contrary to what the explanatory video shows (in English only), you can get away with a simple screwdriver. If possible, get help from someone who can enlighten you. Tesla recommends changing the air filters in the cabin every two yearsbut don’t hesitate to do it beforehand if necessary.