Driving basics6-6
Driving your vehicle
pressure is applied. This allows you to
maintain steering control during heavy
braking on most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure
according to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.
This demonstrates that ABS is operating and
is not a cause for concern. Keep firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsation.Emergency braking
WARNING: DO NOT pump the foot
brake. ABS does this for you and by
pumping the foot brake yourself, you are
interfering with ABS operation which may
result in an increase in braking distance.
S
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal
even when the road surface is slippery. ABS
will vary the braking pressure to each wheel
according to the amount of traction available.
This prevents the wheels from locking and
ensures that the vehicle stops as safely as
possible.
Note: ABS operates only when control of the
vehicle is jeopardized. It can not compensate
for driver error.ABS warning indicatorWhen the starter switch is turned to the ON
position, and also at frequent intervals while
driving, the ABS checks that all its
components are operating correctly. If a fault is detected, the warning
indicator in the instrument panel
flashes and the ABS shuts down. Contact
Tesla Motors as soon as possible.
The vehicle’s brakes remain fully operational
and are not affected by an ABS failure.
However, braking distances may increase and
wheels may lock under heavy braking.
Tra c t i o n c o n t ro l
WARNING: Traction control cannot
overcome the physical limitations of the
vehicle turning at too high a speed and
cannot prevent any accident which may
result. S
The traction control system constantly
monitors the difference in speed between the
front and rear wheels. If a loss of traction is
detected, it reduces torque to the rear wheels
to minimize wheel spin. When this happens,
you may notice the traction control warning
indicator on the instrument panel flash
quickly.
Traction control is automatically switched on
each time the starter switch is turned to the
ON position.Switching off traction controlIf required, traction control can be manually
switched off by pressing and holding the
switch on the center console for
approximately two seconds. When the
button is released, traction control will be
disabled. The warning indicator in the
instrument panel illuminates to inform
you that the vehicle is operating without the
advantages of traction control.
Under normal conditions, traction control
should be left on. The system should only be
switched off in circumstances where you
deliberately want the wheels to slip. As soon
as the circumstances requiring you to switch
traction control off have passed, press the
switch to turn traction control back on.BRAKE
TC
TC T CT C
T C
T C
D
R
N
TR0011
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Switches and controls6-8
Driving your vehicle
Turn signalsMove the left-hand steering column lever
down to operate the left turn signals or up to
operate the right turn signals. The turn
signals continue to operate until cancelled by
the steering wheel or by returning the lever to
its central position.Indicators in the instrument panel
illuminate green and flash to show
which turn signals are operating. An audible
ticking is also heard.
Note: The turn signals operate only when the
starter switch is in the ON position.
Windshield wiper and washerOperation of the windshield wiper and
washer is controlled by the right-hand
steering column lever. Move the lever to the
following positions to operate:
0. OFF
1. Intermittent operation of wiper
2. Wiper operates at normal speed
3. Wiper operates at fast speed
Note: The windshield wiper and washer
operate only if the starter switch is in the ON
position.
Windshield washerPull the lever towards you to operate the
windshield washer and wiper. The washer and
wiper continue to operate as long as the lever
is held in this position. When you release the
lever, the wiper blade operates for six sweeps
of the blade.
Caution: Do not operate the windshield
wiper on a dry screen.
Caution: In freezing or very hot
temperatures, ensure that the wiper
blade is not frozen or adhered to the
windshield before operating.
Caution: In winter, remove any snow or
ice from the windshield, wiper arm or
blade before operating.
R
O
TR0018
2
1
0 32103
TR0016
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Switches and controls6-10
Driving your vehicle
Hazard warningThe hazard warning switch is located in the
center console and operates even when the
key is not in the starter switch.
Press to operate. The hazard warning switch
and the front and rear turn signals will flash.
The turn indicators in the instrument panel
will also flash.
Note: Only use hazard warning lights in an
emergency to warn other road users of a
breakdown or other potential danger.
Remember to switch off when the hazardous
situation has been resolved.
HornPress either of the two horn symbols
embossed on the steering wheel to sound the
horn.
TR0063
TR0013
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Maintenance9-2
Maintenance and care
Maintenance and care
MaintenanceGeneral informationRegular maintenance is the key to ensuring
the continued reliability and efficiency of
your vehicle.
Maintenance is the owner's responsibility and
you must ensure that the appropriate
maintenance is carried out when required
and according to the recommendations
specified by Tesla Motors.Routine maintenanceTake your vehicle to Tesla Motors at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals of
every 12 months, or every 12,000 miles,
whichever comes first.
Maintenance and service must be performed
by Tesla-certified technicians. Damages or
failures caused by maintenance or repairs
performed by non-Tesla certified technicians
are not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Service interval indicatorWhen the key is inserted and the starter
switch turned to the ACC position, the Touch
Screen momentarily displays the distance to
the next service interval.
In addition, this information can be displayed
by selecting the Info icon on the Touch
Screen when the vehicle is parked. For
details, refer to the Touch Screen Users
Manual provided in your owners package.
Owner maintenance
WARNING: Any significant or sudden
drop in fluid levels, or uneven tire wear
should be rectified immediately.
S
In addition to the routine maintenance
performed by Tesla Motors, a few simple
checks must be carried out more frequently.
Advice is given on the pages that follow.Daily checks• Operation of lights, horn, turn indicators,
wipers, washers and warning indicators
• Operation of seat belts and brakes
• Check for fluid deposits underneath the
vehicle that might indicate a leakWe e k l y c h e c k s•Brake fluid level. Refer to Brake fluid,
page 10-4 .
• Windshield washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluid, page 10-5 .
• Battery coolant. Refer to Battery coolant,
page 10-5.
• Condition and pressure of each tire. Refer
to Wheels and tires, page 11-4 .
• Operation of the air conditioning. Refer to
Interior temperature control, page 7-4.
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Cleaning and vehicle care
9-7
Maintenance and care
Cleaning and vehicle careEnvironmental precautions
Some cleaning products contain
chemicals that are hazardous to the
environment. Always take precautions
to prevent fluids from spilling.
It is illegal to pollute drains, rivers and
waterways. Used toxic chemicals must be
disposed of at authorized waste disposal
sites only.
Cleaning the vehicle exteriorHand washing
Caution: Substances that are corrosive,
such as bird droppings, tree resin, dead
insects, tar spots, road salt and industrial
fall-out can damage the vehicle's paint.
Remove such deposits as soon as possible to
prevent damage. To preserve the paint finish, observe the
following:
• Before washing, use a hose to remove
heavy deposits of mud and dirt.
• Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the
touch” or during exposure to strong,
direct sunlight.
• Wash the body using cold or lukewarm
water containing a good quality wash and
wax shampoo.
• Never use strong household detergents
or soap. These products can discolor and
spot painted surfaces.
• For best results, always use a clean
sponge or car wash mitt with plenty of
water.
• After washing, rinse with clean water and
thoroughly wipe dry with a chamois. Do
not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Automatic car washers and pressure
washers
Caution: Tesla Motors recommends that
you hand wash your vehicle.
Do not use an automatic car washer or
pressure washer as these may damage your
vehicle’s paint finish, soft top, or other
components. The use of a pressure washer to
clean components in the Battery
compartment may damage critical seals on
the Battery and other electrical components.
Note: Vehicle or paint damage caused by
using an automatic car washer or pressure
washer is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Underbody maintenanceIf salt has been used on the highways (such as
during winter months), thoroughly remove all
traces of road salt. Use a hose to rinse salt
from the underside of the vehicle.
Flush away accumulations of mud in areas
where debris easily collects (such as wheel
arches and panel seams).Removing tar spotsUse denatured alcohol to remove tar spots
and stubborn grease stains from paint. After
cleaning, immediately wash the area with
soapy water to remove the alcohol.Washing the soft-top
Caution: Scrubbing or brushing with a
hard bristle brush will damage the
fibers of the fabric, causing fabric
deterioration and impairing its cosmetic
appearance.
When washing the soft-top, follow these
guidelines:
1. Before washing, vacuum the soft-top using a soft brush attachment to remove
dust and dirt.
2. Soften encrusted dirt using soap and water, then rinse with clean water.
3. Wash using mild soap and water. Never use solvent, petroleum or chemical-based
cleaners, detergents, or wash/wax
compounds.
TR0159
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Cleaning and vehicle care9-8
Maintenance and care
WheelsWash wheels with warm, fresh water
containing a good quality wash and wax
shampoo. Thoroughly rinse the wheels to
remove any soap residue.Windshield, windows and mirrorsRegularly clean all windows inside and out
using a window cleaning solution. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
After washing the vehicle with wash/wax
products, clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Mirror glass is particularly susceptible to
damage. Do not use abrasive cleaning
compounds.Wiper bladesClean wiper blades using mild soap and warm
water only. Do not use petroleum or
alcohol-based cleaners.
Polishing the bodyTo preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
body, occasionally apply a good quality
polish. A good polish should contain a very
mild abrasive that removes surface
contamination without damaging the
surface, a mild filling compound to reduce the
appearance of scratches, and wax to provide
a barrier between the cleaned body surface
and airborne contaminants.
Do not use cutting paste, color restoration
compounds, or polishes containing a harsh
abrasive. These can scour the surface and
permanently degrade the body.Using a car coverTo preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
body, you may want to use a car cover. Only
an approved Tesla Motors car cover should be
used. DONOT use the car cover when
charging the vehicle. Doing so can interfere
with adequate cooling during charging.Paint damage and rectificationTreat chips and scratches to the paint using a
paint touch-up pen. Use the touch-up pen
after washing but before polishing or waxing.
More extensive repairs to the body should
only be carried out by a facility approved by
Tesla Motors. Contact Tesla Motors for a list of
approved body repair facilities.
Cleaning the vehicle interiorPlastic materials
Caution: Do not polish the upper
surfaces of the dashboard. Polished
surfaces are reflective and may interfere with
the driver's view.
Clean with diluted upholstery cleaner, then
wipe with a damp cloth.
Carpet and fabricsClean with diluted upholstery cleaner. Test a
concealed area first.LeatherClean with warm water and a non-detergent
soap. Dry and polish with a dry, clean,
lint-free cloth.Seat beltsExtend the belts and clean with warm, soapy,
fresh water only. Do not use any type of
detergent or chemical cleaning agent. Allow
the belts to dry naturally while extended,
preferably away from direct sunlight.Instruments and display screensClean the instrument panel, Touch Screen,
and audio system screen using a damp cloth.
Do not use cleaning co mpounds or solutions.
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10-1
Roadside emergenciesTool kitTool kit location 9-2
Tool kit components 9-2
Energy Depletion Dealing with a discharged Battery 9-3
Getting a few extra miles 9-3
Tire repair Tire sealant 9-4
Safety precautions 9-4
Repairing a tire 9-4
Replacing the tire sealant 9-5
Wheels Removing the wheel 9-6
Replacing the wheel 9-6
Fuse replacement Replacing a fuse 9-7
Fuse specification chart 9-8
Bulb replacement Replacing a bulb 9-9
Interior light 9-9
Trunk light 9-10
License plate light 9-10
Raising the vehicle Vehicle jacking points 9-11
Vehicle lifting points 9-12
Vehicle recovery Transporting the vehicle 9-13
Transporter tie down straps 9-14
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Tool kit10-2
Roadside emergencies
Roadside emergencies
Tool kitTool kit locationThe tool kit is located in the storage space
beneath the trunk floor. To access the storage
space, pull the tab located at the rear edge of
the floor covering.TR0161
Tool kit components1.Hard-top Torx
® tool
2. Screwdriver
3. Wheel bolt extension tool
4. Locking wheel nut adapter
5. Ve h i c l e re c ove r y eye
TR0150
1
2
3
4
5
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