Tesla’s roadside policy has evolved over the years. The basic program still comes with every new car, but the details have changed. Here’s what’s different in 2026 and what hasn’t for LA County Tesla owners.
What’s the same
The basic program still includes lockouts, tire changes for cars with run-flats, and tows to a Tesla Service Center. The basic program is still included for the first four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The third-party dispatch network still routes the call to a contractor. The contractor still decides on the call what to bring. Most contractors in LA County still carry a flatbed.
What’s changed
The out-of-range tow coverage has tightened in recent years. Long-distance tows may not be covered under the basic program. A driver who runs out of charge on the Grapevine or in the Antelope Valley may pay out of pocket for the tow across the county.
The third-party contractor network has consolidated. Fewer contractors cover more ground. The dispatch time on a busy weekend is longer than the dispatch time on a weekday morning.
The Tesla app’s roadside flow has improved. The app shows the assigned help and the estimated time of arrival. The driver tracks the help on the map. The app experience is more polished than it was a few years ago.
What about Lockouts
The Tesla app can unlock the car remotely in many cases. This is the same as it has been. The driver uses the app to unlock the doors without a contractor visit. This is faster and free under the basic program.
A driver with a dead 12V can’t use the app to unlock. The contractor needs to come out and access the car manually. The contractor may break a window to access the car if the manual release isn’t accessible. Tesla reimburses the window repair in some cases.
Tesla locked out and the pack looks dead: rescue steps covers the locked-out version in more detail.
What about Tire Changes
The basic program covers tire changes for cars with run-flat tires. The Model S and Model X with run-flats get on-site changes. The Model 3 and Model Y without run-flats get a tow to a tire shop.
The tire repair kit is still included with every Tesla. The driver can fix small punctures with the kit. The repair is temporary. The driver should still take the car to a tire shop for a permanent fix.
Do Teslas have run-flat tires, and what that means on the shoulder covers the run-flat situation in more detail.
What about Tow Coverage
The basic program covers tows to a Tesla Service Center for a fault. The cost is covered under the basic program if the fault is mechanical.
The basic program covers tows to a charger as a courtesy. The cost isn’t always guaranteed. Long-distance out-of-range tows may not be covered.
A driver who runs out of charge in a location far from a charger gets a courtesy tow if the distance is short. A driver who runs out of charge far from any charger pays out of pocket.
What about 12V Jumps
The basic program covers 12V jumps in some cases. The contractor decides on the call whether to bring a jump pack. Most contractors carry one.
A driver with a dead 12V gets a jump at the pin or a tow to a Service Center. The dispatch is uneven. Some contractors bring a charger, others bring a flatbed.
Tesla 12V is dead: how to tell, then how to jump it covers the diagnosis and jump path in more detail.
What local mobile rescue adds
A local mobile rescue fills the gaps the basic program leaves. The local operator brings a charger to the car. The driver gets 10 to 20 miles at the curb.
We’re a referral line for Los Angeles County. We match stranded EV drivers with independent local operators. The pros we connect you with are licensed and insured. We hold no license for the work. We own no trucks and employ no technicians. We set no prices and publish no arrival time.
The operator quotes you before they start. They bill you directly. No dollar figure belongs here. They quote you on the phone and confirm access before they roll.
Tesla, AAA, or a local mobile rescue: how the three actually differ compares the three columns in more detail.
The combined answer
Tesla’s basic roadside still covers lockouts, tire changes for cars with run-flats, and tows to a Service Center. The out-of-range tow coverage has tightened. The third-party contractor network has consolidated. The app experience has improved. A local mobile rescue fills the gap when the basic program sends a tow instead of a charger.
The number to call is (213) 410-1991. We’ll match you with a local operator. They quote before any cable goes in.