Tesla strongly advises against push-starting their cars. Pushing a Tesla can cause damage to the powertrain, which allows the wheels and braking system to regenerate the batteries. This damage may not be covered under warranty, so it’s best to avoid push-starting your Tesla altogether.
Quick Look:
- Push-starting a Tesla is strongly discouraged as it can harm the powertrain and might not be covered by warranty.
- You can push a Tesla by hand when the battery is depleted but ensure the car wheels are unblocked
- Tesla powertrain components like the battery pack and drive unit are covered by an 8-year warranty, but if expired, replacement costs can vary from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on the component and condition.
However, what happens when your Tesla runs out of charge? Can you push a Tesla like a regular car? This article will answer these questions and more and provide some helpful information for Tesla owners.

What Should You Know Before Pushing a Tesla?
First of all, let’s clarify what pushing a car means. Pushing a car can refer to two different scenarios:
- Pushing a car by hand, either by yourself or with the help of others, to move it to a nearby location or out of the way of traffic.
- Pushing a car with another vehicle, using a tow strap or a bumper, to move it to a farther location or a service station.
Pushing Tesla by Hand
According to the Tesla owner’s manual, you can push a Tesla by hand if the battery is completely depleted and if the car is in neutral mode. However, there are some important precautions to take before doing so:
- Make sure the car is in neutral mode, not park mode. To put the car in Neutral mode, press the brake pedal and tap the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel until you see the “N” icon on the touchscreen.
- If the car is in park mode, you cannot move it and may damage the parking brake.
- Make sure the wheels are not locked or blocked by anything. If the wheels are locked, you cannot steer the car, and may damage the tires.
- If the wheels are blocked by something, such as a curb or a rock, you will need to remove them before pushing the car.
- Make sure you have enough people to help you push the car safely. Tesla cars are heavy and weigh between 1,800 kg and 2,300 kg depending on the model and battery size. You will need at least two or three people to push the car, and more if you are going uphill or on uneven terrain.
- Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and traffic conditions. Pushing a car on a busy road can be dangerous and illegal in some areas. You should only push the car if there is no other option and if you can do it safely and quickly.
- Also, you should use your hazard lights and place warning triangles or cones behind the car to alert other drivers.
Pushing Tesla with Another Vehicle
According to the Tesla owner’s manual, you can also push a Tesla with another vehicle if the battery is completely depleted and if the car is in neutral mode. However, this method is not recommended and should only be used as a last resort.
Pushing a Tesla with another vehicle can cause damage to both cars and may void your warranty. Here are some tips to minimize the risks:
- Use a tow strap or a chain that is strong enough to handle the weight of both cars. Do not use ropes, cables, or belts that may break or snap.
Attach the tow strap or chain securely to the designated tow hooks on both cars. Do not attach it to any other part of the car that may bend or break.
- Use a vehicle that is similar in size and weight to your Tesla. Do not use a vehicle that is too small or too large for your Tesla. A small vehicle may not have enough power to move your Tesla and may overheat or damage its engine.
A large vehicle may exert too much force on your Tesla and may damage its body or suspension.
- Drive slowly and carefully. Do not exceed 15 mph (24 km/h) when pushing your Tesla with another vehicle. Do not accelerate or brake suddenly or make sharp turns.
Keep a safe distance between both cars and communicate with each other using hand signals or radios.
- Stop as soon as possible and disconnect the tow strap or chain. Do not push your Tesla for longer than necessary. As soon as you reach your destination or a service station, stop both cars and disconnect the tow strap or chain.
Check both cars for any signs of damage and contact Tesla for assistance.
What Would be the Replacement Cost of the Powertrain If It Gets Damaged Due to Pushing a Tesla?
The Tesla car’s powertrain consists of the battery pack and the drive unit, which are covered by an 8-year warranty for most models. However, if the warranty is expired or voided, the replacement cost can vary depending on the model, year, and condition of the car.
The cost of replacing a Tesla powertrain can vary depending on the model and the severity of the damage. However, the replacement cost for the battery pack should be between $20,000 to $30,000.
Also, it is important to note that Tesla’s battery packs have been known to last a long time and, in some cases, third-party shops have been able to fix issues by repairing or replacing individual battery modules instead of the whole pack, which can reduce the cost to about $5,000.
The cost of a drive unit replacement can range from $3,000 to $20,000. Therefore, the replacement cost of a Tesla car’s powertrain can vary widely depending on the situation, but it is generally a very expensive procedure that should be avoided if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can you push-start a Tesla?
Pushing it to start will cause damage to the powertrain that allows the wheels and braking system to regenerate your batteries.
Can you push a Tesla if it dies?
Yes, it is possible to push a Tesla significantly shorter distances, as long as you have the physical capability and energy to do it.
Can you tow a Tesla?
Yes, but to tow a Tesla car successfully, one would have to get the wheels completely off the ground to forestall overheating and possible damage.