Have you ever wondered why your Tesla makes noise even when it is off? You may think that something is wrong with your car, but don’t worry, it’s actually normal and expected.
Your Tesla has a smart cooling system that keeps working after you park your car. The noise you hear is the sound of the cooling system doing its job.
In this article, we will address the question “Why does my Tesla make noise when off”. So, let’s get started!
Why Does Tesla Need a Cooling System?
Tesla needs a cooling system to keep the battery working at peak performance. Thermal regulation is necessary for batteries because they give off heat. As a result, they require a cooling mechanism to safeguard against any harm caused by excessive heat.
Tesla battery packs are rated for a specific temperature range. If the temperature goes over that range, the battery will fail.
The battery pack contains thousands of lithium-ion cells. They are connected in an alternating pattern to form modules. These modules come equipped, with cooling systems that help maintain the cells at a temperature range.
How Much Heat Tesla’s Battery Can Generate?
Tesla batteries can get as hot as 131 °F (55 °C), although this temperature is when the battery overheats. The average temp for a fully charged Tesla battery is 104 °F (40 °C).
The temperature of the battery also depends on factors such as speed, road surface, and ambient temperature. Driving at high speeds, on rough roads, or in hot weather can increase the heat generation of the battery.
How Does Tesla’s Cooling System Work? Know the Basics
Tesla uses a liquid-to-air heat exchanger to cool its battery. This device works by moving heat from a liquid into the air through convection or forced airflow. The coolant used is a combination of water and ethylene glycol, which is commonly found in antifreeze well.
When you plug in your car or charge it with a high-voltage home charger, the battery begins to heat up as it stores electrical energy.
The cooling system for Tesla batteries consists of a pump, a heat exchanger, and an expansion tank. The pump circulates the coolant through the battery cells to remove heat from the cells.
This cooling process takes place inside the Tesla battery pack. The Tesla battery pack cools down with glycol inside. It absorbs heat from the cells during charging and releases it through an external radiator into the air.
Are you facing trouble unlocking your Tesla with the phone? You can find detailed solutions in this article.
Why Does My Tesla Make Noise When Off?
Tesla is a quiet car when it is running, but it can make some noise when it is parked. This noise is not a sign of a problem, but rather a result of the car’s advanced features and functions.
Here are some of the main causes of noise in a parked Tesla:
1. Coolant system:
The coolant system is responsible for keeping the battery and other components at optimal temperature. It can make noise when it is working, especially when the car is charging or after a long drive.
2. HVAC compressor:
The HVAC compressor is part of the climate control system that regulates the temperature and humidity of the cabin. It compresses and expands refrigerant to create cool or warm air.
The HVAC compressor can run even when the car is off to cool the battery or maintain the cabin temperature. It can make noise when it is running, especially when it is hot outside.
3. Battery management system:
The battery management system (BMS) is a software that monitors and controls the battery pack. It balances the voltage and temperature of each cell, optimizes the charging and discharging process.
The BMS can make noise when it is performing various tasks, such as balancing the cells, maintaining the 12V battery, or preparing for charging.
4. Contactors:
Contactors are switches that connect or disconnect the high voltage battery from the rest of the car. They are used to isolate the battery when the car is off or in an emergency situation.
They can make noise when they open or close, which sounds like a loud click or clunk.
5. Fans:
Fans are used to cool down various components of the car, such as the motor, the inverter, and the charger. They can make noise when they are spinning, which sounds like a whirring or humming.
You may also hear dripping or splashing noises caused by a clogged AC condensate drain pipe. This allows internal condensation to leak out underneath instead of properly draining.
There could be some other reasons for noise in a Tesla. You can watch this video to learn more about it.
How to Reduce Tesla Noise When Off?
If you find the noise of your Tesla when off annoying or disturbing, there are some ways to reduce it. Here are some tips:
- Park your car in a shaded or cool area: This will reduce the need for cooling and lower the noise level.
- Turn off Climate when you leave your car: This will stop the HVAC compressor from running and save energy.
- Adjust your charging schedule: You can set your car to charge at night or during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and cooler.
- Use noise reduction kits or sound deadening materials: You can buy kits that are designed to reduce wind and road noise in your Tesla by adding rubber seals, foam pads, or insulation mats to your car’s doors, windows, or floor.
- Improve cabin construction: You can improve the sound insulation of your car by applying liquid sound deadener to the metal in the wheel well, installing rubber trim on the car, or replacing thin glass with thicker glass.
You can also control the Cabin Overheat Protection noise by following the instructions in this video.
Hope you found this article useful and informative. However, if you notice any abnormal noise from your parked vehicle, please reach out to Tesla Support for help and repair.
Read Also: Tesla Air Conditioning Smell – Causes and Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How loud is Tesla’s noise when off?
13 dB to 62 dB depending on various factors such as vehicle state, ambient temperature, and charging status.
How long does the noise from parked Tesla last?
It can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Can I turn off the Tesla noise when off?
No, you cannot turn off Tesla noise completely. However, you can reduce it.
Is Tesla noise when off harmful for my car or my health?
No, Tesla noise when off is not harmful for your car or your health.
Does Tesla noise when off affect my car’s battery life or range?
No, it does not affect your car’s battery life or range. In fact, it helps to extend your battery life and range by keeping it at optimal temperature.
