2008 TESLA ROADSTER brakes

Important notes about your vehicle1-2
Introduction and consumer information
Introduction and consumer information
Important notes about your vehicleElectric vehicle precautions
WA R N I N G : HIGH VOLTAGE. The Tesla
Roadster
TM has both AC and DC high
voltage systems in addition to a normal 12V
DC system. High voltage is very dangerous
and can cause personal injury including
electric shock, severe burns and even fatal
injury. Always observe and obey the
instructions on all labels attached to
components on your vehicle - they are there
for your safety. Do not touch, remove or
replace any high voltage parts. If your vehicle
is involved in an accident, do not touch any
high voltage wiring (identified by the orange
outer sleeving), the connectors or the
components connected to the wiring.
S
California Proposition 65
WARNING: Certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles
and certain products of component wear
contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
S
WA R N I N G : C e r t a i n c o m p o n e n t s o f t h i s
vehicle such as airbag modules and
seat belt pretensioners may contain
Perchlorate Material. Special handling may be
required for service or vehicle end of life
disposal. See
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/per
chlorate.
S
Vehicle modifications
WARNING: The fitting of non-approved
parts and accessories, or the
implementation of non-approved
modifications to any vehicle components,
including any “hacking” of the vehicle’s
software, may be dangerous and could affect
the safety of your vehicle and its occupants
and also invalidate the terms and conditions
of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
S
WA R N I N G : Te s l a M o t o r s
TM will not
accept any liability for death, personal
injury or damage to property which may
occur as a direct or indirect result of
non-approved modifications or the fitment of
non-approved accessories.
S
If you have a disability which requires
modification to your vehicle, consult Tesla
Motors before making these modifications.Service data recordingService data recorders in your vehicle are
capable of collecting and storing diagnostic
information about your vehicle. This
potentially includes information about the
performance or status of various systems and
control modules in your vehicle such as
motor, accelerator, or brakes. To properly
diagnose and service your vehicle, Tesla
Motors and service facilities may access
vehicle diagnostic information through a
direct connection to your vehicle.
Change of address or
ownershipIf you change your address, it is in your best
interest to notify Tesla Motors so we can
contact you should the need arise. Send in
the “Change of Address Notice” found in the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty” booklet, or
simply call Tesla Motors.
If you sell your vehicle, leave all original
owners package materials in the vehicle to
make it available for the next owner.
If you bought this vehicle used, either fill in
the “Change of Address Notice” found in the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty booklet, or
simply call Tesla Motors.
Roadster OHB.book Page 2 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM

Driving basics
6-5
Driving your vehicle
Hand brake
WARNING: Do not apply the hand
brake when the vehicle is moving. This
could result in a loss of control and may
damage the rear brakes.
S
The hand brake operates on the rear wheels
only, and is totally independent of the foot
operated hydraulic brake system.
To apply the hand brake, pull the lever fully
upwards.
If the starter switch is in the ON
position and the hand brake is
applied, the warnin g indicator in the
instrument panel illuminates and the Touch
Screen will display the main Parked screen.
Caution: If the hand brake is applied
when the brakes are hot (such as after
prolonged or frequent hard use), care should
be taken that the hand brake is securely
engaged. As the brake discs cool, the amount
of brake force applied by the lever will
reduce. To release the hand brake, pull the lever up
slightly, depress the button (shown in
illustration) and fully lower the lever. The
warning indicator will extinguish and the
Touch Screen will display a Drive screen.
Braking
WARNING: After driving through heavy
rain, some loss of braking response may
be experienced. As soon as safety permits,
apply the brakes to generate heat and dry the
brake components. Never drive the vehicle
through deep water - doing so can cause
damage and void the New Vehicle Limited
Wa r ra n t y.
S
The brakes operate through dual circuits. If
one circuit fails, the other continues to
function, but brakin g performance is
reduced. If greater pedal effort, or longer
stopping distances are experienced, the car
should not be driven and Tesla Motors should
be contacted as soon as possible. The brakes are servo-assisted, but only when
the starter switch is in the ON position and
the electrical systems are operating. Without
servo assistance, greater pedal effort is
required to control the vehicle, resulting in
longer stopping distances.
Regenerative brakingWhenever the vehicle is moving and your
foot is off the accelerator, regenerative
braking slows the vehicle and feeds energy
back to the battery. By anticipating your
stops and simply removing your foot from
the accelerator to slow down, you can take
advantage of the energy gains of
regenerative braking. A visual display on the
instrument panel provides real-time
feedback of the vehicle’s regenerative
braking. See
LCD panel, page 6-11 .Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS)
WARNING: ABS cannot overcome the
physical limitations such as stopping
the vehicle in too short a distance, turning the
vehicle at high speeds, or the lack of grip on
the road’s surface.
S
WARNING: Do not take risks when
driving in the hope that ABS will correct
errors of judgement. In all cases it is the
driver's responsibility to drive with due care
and attention.
S
Your vehicle is equipp ed with an anti-lock
braking system (ABS) that prevents the
wheels from locking when maximum brake
BRAKE
TR0005
Roadster OHB.book Page 5 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM

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
Roadster OHB.book Page 6 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM

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.
Roadster OHB.book Page 2 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM

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
Roadster OHB.book Page 1 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM

Subsystem specifications11-18
Technical specifications
Front suspension
Rear suspension
BrakesTypeIndependent. Upper and lower unequal length wishbones.
Co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper. Sway bar.
Alignment optimum0.1 mm toe-in
tolerance 0.5 mm toe-out to 0.7mm toe-in. overall
Maximum side to side 0.3 mm
Camber optimum- 0.1°
tolerance + 0.1° to - 0.3°. Maximum side/side 0.2°
Castor optimum+ 3.8°
tolerance + 3.5° to 4.1°. Maximum cross castor 0.35°Type Independent. Upper and lower unequal length wishbones.
Co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper. Sway bar.
Alignment optimum3.0 mm toe-in
tolerance 2.4 mm toe-in, to 3.6 mm toe-in.
Maximum side to side 0.3 mm
Camber optimum- 1.8°
tolerance - 1.6° to - 2.0°. Maximum side to side 0.2°Type Hydraulically operated. Tandem master cylinder with vacuum servo and Anti-lock
Braking System.
Discs Ventilated front and rear discs.
Hand brake Cable operation of rear calipers. Self adjusting for pad wear.Roadster OHB.book Page 18 Thursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM

Index
AAccessing your vehicle.................................... 4-2
Accessory power socket .................................7-7
Air conditioning.................................................. 7-4
Air distribution .................................................... 7-4
Air recirculation .................................................. 7-4
Air vents .................................................................7-5
AirbagsDeactivation ..................................................3-7
Deployment effects ................................... 3-6
Disposal information ................................. 3-8
General information .................................. 3-6
Obstruction of air bags .............................3-7
Safety information ..................................... 3-6
Service information ................................... 3-8
Warning indicator .......................................3-7
Warning labels..............................................3-7
Warnings ....................................................... 3-6
Alarm system Indicator light .............................................. 4-7
Operation ...................................................... 4-7
PIN code ........................................................ 4-8
Switching off ................................................ 4-7
Ammeter display................................................ 6-11
Antifreeze .................................................. 9-5, 11-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ................. 6-5
Anti-theft alarm .................................................. 4-7
Audio system ....................................................... 8-1BBattery ....................................................................5-2 Coolant ........................................................... 9-5
Environmental Note ...................................5-2
Fluid check and top-up ............................ 9-5
Preserving ..................................................... 5-3
Range .............................................................. 6-3
Specifications............................................. 11-19 Battery Life
Overview ........................................................ 5-2
Body Cleaning ......................................................... 9-7
Covering......................................................... 9-8
Polishing ......................................................... 9-8
Removing tar spots ................................... 9-7
Repairs ............................................................ 9-8
Brake warning indicator .................................. 6-5
Brake warning indicator light .......................6-12
Brakes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)......... 6-5
Emergency braking ................................... 6-6
Fluid specification .................................... 11-14
Fluid top-up .................................................. 9-4
Foot brake ..................................................... 6-5
Parking brake ............................................... 6-5
Regenerative braking................................ 6-5
Specifications ............................................. 11-18
Breakdown recovery ..................................... 10-13
Bulb replacement............................................. 10-9
Bulb specifications .......................................... 10-9
CCalifornia Proposition 65 ................................. 1-2
Car covers ............................................................. 9-8
Car washes ........................................................... 9-7
Cargo capacity.................................................... 11-7
Central door locking ......................................... 4-4
Chains ................................................................... 11-10
Change of ownership ........................................ 1-2
Charge level display.........................................6-12
Charging Charge level .................................................. 5-2
Charge settings ........................................... 5-4
Charge types ................................................ 5-4
Cost .................................................................. 5-5
Current limit.................................................. 5-4 High Power Connector ............................. 5-6
Performance setting .................................. 5-4
Range setting ............................................... 5-4
Standard setting ......................................... 5-4
Storage setting ............................................ 5-4
Storing your vehicle................................... 5-3
Charging indicator light ................................. 6-12
Charging port ...................................................... 5-6
Child passengers ................................................ 3-5
Child restraints .................................................... 3-5
Child seat air bag hazard ................................ 3-7
Child seats............................................................. 3-5
Cleaning Exterior ........................................................... 9-7
Interior............................................................. 9-8
Removing tar ................................................ 9-7
Roof.................................................................. 9-7
Underbody .................................................... 9-7
Wheels ............................................................ 9-8
Windshield, windows and mirrors ........ 9-8
Wiper blades ................................................ 9-8
Climate control.................................................... 7-4
Contacting NHTSA ............................................. 1-4
Coolant Battery ............................................................ 9-5
Specification ............................................... 11-14
Cost of charging ................................................. 5-5
Covering the vehicle ......................................... 9-8
Cruise control ...................................................... 6-9
Cruise control indicator lig ht ....................... 6-12
Cup holder ............................................................ 7-8
Current limit ......................................................... 5-4
DDashboard overview ......................................... 2-5
Data recording ..................................................... 1-2
Defrosting ............................................................. 7-5
Dimensions ......................................................... 11-15
Roadster OHB.book Page 1 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM

Index
Locking your vehicle ........................................ 4-2
Low tire pressure indicator light ................ 6-12
Lumbar support...................................................3-2MMaintenanceBrake fluid ..................................................... 9-4
Cleaning the exterior ................................ 9-7
Cleaning the interior ................................. 9-8
Daily checks.................................................. 9-2
Fluids ............................................................... 9-4
Owner maintenance .................................. 9-2
Paint repair ................................................... 9-8
Removing tar ............................................... 9-7
Routine maintenance ................................ 9-2
Service internal indicator ........................ 9-2
Underbody .................................................... 9-7
Washer fluid ................................................. 9-5
Washer jets ................................................... 9-6
Weekly checks............................................. 9-2
Windshield wiper........................................ 9-6
Master door locking switch............................ 4-4
Mileage................................................................... 6-3
Mirrors .....................................................................7-3
Modifying your vehicle ......................................1-2
Motor specifications ........................................11-17NNavigation system.............................................. 8-1
NHTSA .................................................................... 1-4OOdometer display ............................................. 6-12
Opening the doors Inside the vehicle........................................ 4-4
Outside the vehicle .................................... 4-4
Ownership change ..............................................1-2
PPaint code ............................................................. 11-2
Paint damage....................................................... 9-8
Parking brake ...................................................... 6-5
Passenger airbag deactivation ..................... 3-7
Performance charge setting .......................... 5-4
PIN code ................................................................ 4-8
PIN lock ................................................................ 4-10
Polishing the bodywork................................... 9-8
Power socket ....................................................... 7-7
Power windows .................................................. 7-2
Pressure washers ............................................... 9-7
Programming the key fob .............................. 4-3
Proposition 65 ...................................................... 1-2RRaising the vehicle........................................... 10-11
Range charge setting ....................................... 5-4
Rear suspension specifications .................. 11-18
Rear view mirrors............................................... 7-3
Recovery eye ....................................................10-14
Regenerative braking ....................................... 6-5
Regenerative braking visual display ...........6-11
Removing the hard-top ..................................7-14
Replacement bulbs.......................................... 10-9
Reporting safety defects ................................. 1-4
Roof Hard-top........................................................ 7-13
Soft-top .......................................................... 7-11SSafety compliance certification label......... 11-3
Safety defects ...................................................... 1-4
Safety instructionsChild seats ............................................ 3-5, 3-7
Jacking the vehicle .................................. 10-11
Lifting the vehicle .................................... 10-12 Obstruction of airbags.............................. 3-7
Seat belts ....................................................... 3-3
Tire repair .................................................... 10-4
Wearing seat belts when pregnant ..... 3-4
Windows ........................................................ 7-2
Seat belts Care .................................................................. 3-4
Cleaning.......................................................... 9-8
General information ................................... 3-3
Pre-tensioners .............................................. 3-4
Reminder............................................. 3-4, 6-12
Safety instructions ..................................... 3-3
Testing ............................................................ 3-4
Wearing .......................................................... 3-3
Wearing when pregnant .......................... 3-4
Seat heater controls.......................................... 7-4
Seat heaters ......................................................... 7-6
Seats Adjustment.................................................... 3-2
Child seats and restraints ........................ 3-5
Lumbar support........................................... 3-2
Security .................................................................. 4-7
Security code .......................................................4-8
Service data recording...................................... 1-2
Soft top Installing ....................................................... 7-10
Removing .......................................................7-11
Specifications Antifreeze .................................................... 11-14
Battery .......................................................... 11-19
Brake fluid.................................................... 11-14
Brakes............................................................ 11-18
Coolant ......................................................... 11-14
Electrical....................................................... 11-19
Fluids ............................................................. 11-14
Front suspension ...................................... 11-18
Motor ............................................................. 11-17
Rear suspension ........................................ 11-18
Roadster OHB.book Page 3 Th ursday, October 2, 2008 8:59 AM