PSA clean your radiators.

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https://service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/en-us/GUID-230ED983-A599-4787-9D8D-902BD3ECBA56.html#:~:text=Release%20the%20spring%20clips%20(x2)%20to%20disconnect%20the%20%3Cem%3Eradiator%3C%2Fem%3E%20inlet%20and%20outlet%20coolant%20hoses%20from%20the%20%3Cem%3Eradiator%3C%2Fem%3E Perhaps add this next year, saves people from struggling.

This is amazingly helpful, thank you!!

Tesla will do it for $225

Nice, last quote I got a year ago was 400ish so I opted to do it myself, but 225 is not bad at all. because it takes me atleast 3 hours end to end

I gave mine a nice thorough rinse while replacing my upper control arms, and got a ton of crap out of there. While this definitely seems like a good thing to do periodically, 20k seems excessive to me (I drive 20k/year). I would probably recommend every 40k miles.

Wait, three hours?? I can’t imagine this service taking that long. You can just remove the frunk tub and undo some clips…

After you clean it, you should invest in this to keep further debris from entering Legacy 3 [https://amzn.to/49VlmJ1](https://amzn.to/49VlmJ1) Highland [https://amzn.to/4b0acnj](https://amzn.to/4b0acnj)

Proper cleaning is removing the front bumper and undertray

Agree 1000%. They should come from factory with these.

What! I was told the only maintenance was adding window washer fluid! What other secret landmines are lurking!

I just cleaned mine, 80k miles https://preview.redd.it/2hyxplk2gfdg1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8949b8ee8c0d0337505c0e38ba246b6ea28f8a7

Well In theory if the radiator is super clogged, your car should still function. It just won't be as efficient.

The what?!

So is there an easy way to do it?

And it will get mega loud in the summer trying to cool down.

Mine is mega loud and it's brand new. I don't want to hear it dirty.

I used a vacuum with a brush attachment. I don't think it needs washing, just remove the leaves and dirt, and be careful to not bend the fins.

Not really, in my 2019 the majority is between the two radiators.

What exactly makes this the time of year to do this?

Yea I cleaned mine out last year and totally took care of my issue with the heat quiting randomly during the winter. Was crammed full of hay and debris, it's a bit of a handful to get to but it's totally doable if you got some basic tools and a jack.

You ever have a issue with that getting full of snow during the winter at all?

Yea took me about the same amount of time the first time, I could maybe do it faster now that I probably don't have to tear it down completely to the radiator but skill definitely makes it quicker

They lied to us💔

How much does this impact airflow though? I almost bought ours this exact one, but decided against it after feeling just how much air these cars suck through. I've never seen or felt a vehicle have literal suction on the front end used for cooling (and heating) like our Tesla. My concern is that mesh might be too restrictive.

So the car has two fans an intake / blower for the hvac And the radiator fan. Both have distinct sounds Also check if your have cabin overheat protection on which will force your hvac and radiator fans to run.

Post winter / fall is always a good time, but also given its the beginning of the year it's a good reminder to put it on the list of todo things.

Mine is just because it's 10 degrees out and it's trying to warm the car up.

It cost me 500.00 when my radiator was so clogged it wouldn't cool. There's a cover for the lower intake I highly suggest everyone get to keep small shit from getting in the radiator. It's got a fine screen so it keeps bugs and debris out of the radiator.

I'm sure it's relatively the same, but I tried looking up the steps under the Highland service manual, I came up empty. Clean Radiator Page isn't even listed for it.

Wait for a YouTube DIY. While the procedure might be identical, parte changes sometimes add hidden clips or bolts you dont want to break

Also officially, brake caliper lube. Tesla wants to sell it as a maintenance free vehicle but it still needs some of the standard vehicle maintenance such as brake fluid quality check and change, wheel alignment, etc. it is just not as often as the typical cars. I think the radiator cleaning depends on the environment. I’m sure if the ICE radiator or A/C coolers is clogged, it will need cleaning.

No issues at all. I have this on my MY and have other people that have installed it on their M3/MY with no negative effects.

Not at all. I have this on my MY and have had no issues over the past 2 years that it's been installed, even with snow accumulation.

https://preview.redd.it/qjsolvkkmpdg1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff56f70abc0ac60aa64aafa06370bf8ad8e6bf5d Just cleaned all the leaves out of mine but no vacuum will get all these tiny rocks out of the vanes. Any ideas?

Really gentle air jets or try a non corrosive / ph neutral aluminum safe foaming cleanser and rinse it out, do not pressure wash That debrisbforsure is inhibiting your efficiency whoa, glad you got to it

Is AC compressor cleaner for the fins a good option?

Make sure it's ph neutral, non corrosive No way to confirm without looking at there label

I installed this after I cleaned my radiator about 4 months ago. There is ZERO impact on airflow and it works as advertised

Yes, I have on my M3

Has anyone cleaned the radiator on their 2024+ Model 3 (Highland)? u/RawPeanut99 pointed to the Service Manual for earlier models; I cannot find a "Clean Radiator" section in the manual for 2024+ models.

The procedure is more or less identical.