2008 TESLA ROADSTER battery

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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Fluid reservoirs9-4
Maintenance and care
Fluid reservoirsFluid reservoir locations1.Windshield washer fluid
2. Brake fluid
3. Battery coolant
Brake fluid
WARNING: Seek qualified assistance
immediately if brake pedal travel is
unusually long or if there is a significant loss
of brake fluid. Driving under such conditions
could result in extended stopping distances
or complete brake failure.
S
Fluid level checkCheck the brake fluid level weekly with the
vehicle on level ground. The fluid level can be
checked visually through the side of the
reservoir without removing the filler cap.
The brake fluid level should be between the
MIN and the MAX marks.
Topping up the fluid
WARNING: Brake fluid is highly toxic.
Keep containers sealed and out of the
reach of children. In the event of accidental
consumption, seek medical attention
immediately.
S
1. Clean the filler cap before removing to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Unscrew the cap and remove.
3. Top-up the reservoir to the MAX mark using brake fluid meeting DOT4
specification.
4. Replace the reservoir cap.
Caution: Brake fluid will damage
painted surfaces. Immediately soak up
any spills with an absorbent cloth and wash
the area with a mixtur e of vehicle shampoo
and water.
Caution: Only use new fluid from an
air-tight container. Do not use fluid
from previously opened containers or fluid
that has been previously bled from the
system - this fluid has absorbed moisture and
will decrease braking performance.
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3
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MAXMIN
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Fluid reservoirs
9-5
Maintenance and care
Windshield washer fluidTo ensure proper cleaning of the windshield
and to prevent freezing in cold weather check
the reservoir level weekly. If needed, top up
with windshield washer fluid.
Caution: Always follow the directions
provided by the windshield washer fluid
manufacturer. If the windshield washer fluid
requires dilution, carefully follow the
manufacturer’s directions and mix the
recommended quantities of water and
windshield washer fluid in a separate
container before topping up the reservoir.
Undiluted windshield washer fluid can cause
paint to discolor.
Battery coolantFluid level checkCheck the fluid level weekly with the vehicle
on level ground and when the vehicle is cool.
The fluid level can be checked visually
through the side of the reservoir without
removing the filler cap. The fluid level should
be between the MIN and the MAX marks.
If the level drops significantly, a leak may
exist. Contact Tesla Motors before using the
vehicle.
To p p i n g u p t h e c o o l a n t
The cooling system for your vehicle
contains a propylene glycol (PG) based
antifreeze. Compared to conventional
ethylene glycol based antifreezes, propylene
glycol is less toxic, sa fer for children, pets and
wildlife, and safer for the environment.
Top-up to the MAX mark with a 50% mix of
water and Havoline
® Extended Life antifreeze
Coolant-PG (Havoline XLC-PG).
Caution: Do not mix with any other type
of antifreeze! In an emergency, top up
with distilled water only and be aware of the
reduced frost and corrosion protection.
Antifreeze contains important corrosion
inhibitors. Maintain the antifreeze content of
the coolant between 50% and 60% year
round. Do not exceed 60% or cooling
efficiency will be impaired.
Ensure cap is replaced and fully tightened
after topping up.
Note: Change coolant every four years,
regardless of mileage.
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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.
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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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Energy Depletion
10-3
Roadside emergencies
Energy DepletionDealing with a discharged
BatteryWhen driving the vehicle, the Touch Screen
displays warning messages as the level of
charge approaches a low level. You’ll notice
the color of the charge level graph on the
Energy screen turn yellow, then red, to alert
you that you need to charge the vehicle.
If you ignore these warnings and continue to
drive the vehicle, the charge level will
eventually reach 0% and the car will stop. Pull
the vehicle over to a safe location and call
Roadside Assistance.
Caution: If the Battery’s charge level
falls to 0%, it must be plugged in
immediately. Failure to do so can
permanently damage the Battery and this
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Also, if you allow the
Battery to fall to a critically low level it may
not be possible to charge the vehicle. If you
are unable to charge the vehicle, contact
Te s l a M o t o r s . A few extra milesWhen the vehicle’s Battery is fully depleted
while driving, the vehicle switches to
RESERVE mode which provides you with the
opportunity to immedi ately get the vehicle
off the road. The distance you can drive in
RESERVE mode is very limited (depending
on energy being used it could be as little as 1
mile).
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11-1
Technical specifications
Vehicle identificationVehicle Identification Number 11-2
Safety compliance certification label 1 1-3
Wheels and tires Specifications and tire pressures 11-4
Tire markings 11-5
Tire placard/label 11-7
Uniform tire quality grading 11-7
Tire care 11-8
Tire Pressure Monitoring System 11 -11
Dynamic tire pressure monitoring 11-12
Wheels and tires glossary 11-13
Approved fluids and capacities Fluid specifications 11-14
Capacities 11-14
Vehicle dimensions and weights Exterior dimensions 11-15
Vehicle weights 11-16
Subsystem specifications Motor 11-17
Transmission 11-17
Steering 11-17
Front suspension 11-18
Rear suspension 11-18
Brakes 11-18
Electrical 11-19
Battery 11-19
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Wheels and tires11-4
Technical specifications
Wheels and tiresSpecifications and tire
pressuresWheel type
Location
Size
Forged light alloy - directional Front 6J x 16 Rear7.5J x 17
Tire type
Location
Size
Yokohama Neova AD07 LTS - directional Front 175/55 R16 Rear225/45 R17
Road wheel bolt torque 77 lbf.ft 105 Nm
Note: For details on where to position a jack to lift the vehicle, see Vehicle jacking points, page 10-11.Tire
Tire Pressure
Recommended
Comfort setting
Front 30 PSI (207 kPa)25 PSI (172 kPa)
Rear 40 PSI (276 kPa)36 PSI (248 KPa)
Note: The recommended tire pressures have been calculated to provide the best combination of vehicle range, tire life, ride comfort a nd road
handling.
Driving the vehicle with the tires inflated to the comfort setti ng will improve ride comfort and road handling, but will decrea se vehicle range (the
number of miles you can travel on a charge) and Battery life (see the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, provided in your owners pac kage, for details
on expected range of the Battery).
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