Tesla extends software trials and subscriptions during repairs

Tesla is stopping subscription and trial charges when cars go in for repairs that last more than one business day. Owners of Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Premium Connectivity, Wheel and Tire Protection, and Windshield Protection will see their paid time extended if their vehicle is stuck in service longer than expected.

How the policy works

When a Tesla repair takes more than a day, monthly and trial subscriptions get extra time added. Tesla does this automatically. Customers don’t need to make calls or fill out forms. Tesla’s software takes care of it as soon as the service visit runs longer than one business day. Owners get updates in the Tesla app that say, “If your repair requires more than one business day, any active subscriptions or free trials will be extended accordingly.” Still, every extension is handled in the background so users don’t have to worry about lost days.​

Which subscriptions are affected

The policy covers popular options, including:

• Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
• Premium Connectivity
• Wheel and Tire Protection
• Windshield Protection​

If the car needs a battery replacement, collision repair, or complex troubleshooting and sits in a service center, the clock stops. For example, losing five days of a $99 FSD subscription could mean throwing away $16.50. That’s not fair to owners, and Tesla recognizes this. Still, the move does not extend traditional warranties or their Extended Service Plans. Those follow different rules.​

No one wants to pay for features they can’t use. Before, Teslas in service kept racking up subscription fees even though owners got no value. Customers had to contact support or debate about possible refunds. Now, Tesla’s software tracks downtime, quickly pauses subscriptions, and adds unused days so customers get what they paid for. The process is smooth and automatic.​

Tesla can offer this because their systems connect everything under one roof. Most automakers rely on independent shops, so billing and service rarely sync up. Tesla’s in-house setup lets it spot long repairs and fix subscription timing with no extra hassle.

This year, Tesla added monthly windshield protection and new wheel and tire plans. The policy came with expansion into Australia and New Zealand.

Tesla’s system uses real-time tracking to manage subscription pauses, so it handles customer data carefully. The company follows privacy rules from California, Europe, and other places.

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