Table of Contents
For information on how to use the Touch Screen, the High Power Connector, and the audio and
navigation systems, refer to the separate manuals provided in your owners package.Introduction and consumer information
Important notes about your vehicle 1-2
Important notes about this manual 1-3
Consumer information 1-4
Your vehicle at a glance Exterior 2-2
Interior 2-4
Seating an d safety restraints
Seats 3-2
Seat belts 3-3
Airbag system 3-6
Doors, locks, and s ecurity
Keys 4-2
Do ors
4-4
Trunk 4-6
Vehicle security 4-7
Charging your vehicle General information about charging 5-2
Charge settings 5-4
Charging components 5-6
Driving your vehicle Driving basics 6-2
Switches and controls 6-7
Instruments 6-11
Comfort and convenience Power windows 7-2
Rear view mirrors 7-3
Interior temperature control 7-4
Interior accessories 7-7
Removable roof 7-9
HomeLink® 7-15Audio and navigation systems
8-1
Maintenance and care Maintenance 9-2
Fluid reservoirs 9-4
Windshield wiper and washer 9-6
Cleaning and vehicle care 9-7
Roadside emergencies Tool kit 10-2
Energy Depletion 10-3
Tire repair 10-4
Wheels 10-6
Fuse replacement 10-7
Bulb replacement 10-9
Raising the vehicle 10-11
Vehicle recovery 10-13
Technical specifications Vehicle identification 11-2
Wheels and tires 11-4
Approved fluids and capacities 11-14
Vehicle dimensions and weights 11-15
Subsystem specifications 11-17
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Important notes about this manual
1-3
Introduction and consumer information
Important notes about this manualRead this manual firstThis owners manual contains a great deal of
information you need to know about a Tesla
Roadster. We urge you to read it carefully and
familiarize yourself with the vehicle before
driving.
For your own safety, follow the instructions
and warnings contained in this manual.
Ignoring them could result in damage to the
vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow
instructions is not covered by the New
Ve h i c l e L i m i t e d Wa r ra n t y.
Keep this manual in your Roadster as a
reference for the safe and enjoyable use of
your Tesla Roadster. Should you sell your
vehicle, be sure to provide this manual to the
new owner.
All specifications and descriptions are
accurate at the time of printing. Because
improvement is a constant goal at Tesla
Motors, we reserve the right to make changes
at any time, without notice and without
obligation.
This manual applies to all 2008 Tesla
Roadsters. As a result, you may find some
explanations for equipment or options not
installed on your vehicle. When required,
Tesla Motors distributes an addendum to
provide updated information.
An effective way to find the information you
need is to use the index at the back of this
manual. If you are unable to find the
information you need, note that the following additional documents are included in your
owners package and therefore the content
may be elsewhere:
• Audio and Navigation Guides - describes
how to use the audio and navigation
systems
• Touch Screen Users Manual - describes
how to use the screens to display
important information while parking,
driving, and char ging the vehicle
• Charging Your Vehicle - describes how to
use the High Power Connector to charge
your vehicle.
• High Power Connector Installation
Manual - provides pla nning guidelines for
the installation of the High Power
Connector as well as step-by-step
installation instructions. This manual is
included with the delivery of the High
Power Connector.
• Roadside Assistance Guide - describes
the Tesla Motors Roadside Assistance
program and provides instructions on
how to transport the vehicle
• Warranty Booklet - details the New
Ve h i c l e L i m i t e d Wa r ra n t y
• Tire Warranty - details the warranty for
the vehicle’s tires
In addition to these documents, Tesla Motors
may include an addendum in your owners
package if your vehicle specifications differ
from those in this manual. If you are missing a
document, contact Tesla Motors.
Copyright and trademarks© 2008 TESLA MOTORS INC. All rights re-
served. This material may not be reproduced
or copied, in whole or in part, without the
written permission of Tesla Motors, Inc.
“Tesla MotorsTM” and “Tesla RoadsterTM” are
trademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. “HomeLink®”
is a registered trademark of Johnson
Controls, Inc. iPod® is a registered trademark
of Apple Computer, Inc. Havoline® is a
registered trademark of Chevron or its
affiliates. TORX® is a registered trademark of
Textron, Inc. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners. Symbols glossaryThe following symbols used within this
manual call your attention to specific types of
information:
WARNING: Indicates a situation in
which serious bodily injury or death
could result if the warning is ignored.
S
Caution: Indicates a situation in which
bodily injury or damage to your vehicle,
or both, could result if the caution is ignored.
Identifies items that must be disposed
of safely to prevent unnecessary
damage to the environment.
Note: A note provides useful supporting
information and sometimes suggests how to
make better use of your vehicle.
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Exterior
2-3
Your vehicle at a glance
Exterior overview1. Roof. See Removable roof, page 7-9 .
2. Charging port door. For details on vehicle charging, see the manual titled “Charging Your Vehicle” provided in your owners pack age.
3. Wheels and tires. See Wheels and tires, page 11-4.
4. Exterior door release. See Exterior door release, page 4-4.
5. Emergency door unlock. See Emergency unlocking, page 4-5.
6. Wheel bolts. See Removing the wheel, page 10-6.
7. Trunk lock. See Opening the trunk, page 4-6.
8. Vehicle recovery eye. See Attaching the vehicle recovery eye, page 10-14.
9. Headlights. See Exterior lights, page 6-7.
10. Exterior mirrors. See Exterior rear view mirrors, page 7-3.
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Driving basics6-4
Driving your vehicle
•Drive with the top on and the windows up
to minimize aerodynamic drag.
• Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
• Remove unnecessary belongings from
the trunk.
• Minimize the use of resources such as
heating and air conditioning. Using seat
heaters to keep warm is more efficient
than heating the cabin.
In addition to driv ing habits, energy
consumption is also increased based on
environmental conditions, such as cold
weather and hilly roads.
The Touch Screen’s Energy screen displays
precise real-time feedback on the amount of
energy you’re using. Energy feedback is also
displayed on the LCD display on the
instrument panel. Deep waterDo not drive through flooded areas, water of
unknown depth, or deep puddles. When
driving through even a relatively shallow
puddle, drive slowly to prevent water from
entering the vehicle. Carrying items in cabin areaThe trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects. In an accident, during hard braking,
or sudden maneuvers, loose items carried in
the vehicle’s cabin area can be thrown
around, and cause injury to occupants unless
securely fastened.Roadster OHB.book Page 4 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.
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Tire repair10-4
Roadside emergencies
Tire repairTire sealantYour vehicle has no spare tire. Instead, a tire
sealant is provided. This aerosol is located in
the trunk.
You must repair or replace a damaged tire as
soon as possible. Use of the aerosol is
temporary and is designed only to allow you
to drive the vehicle to the nearest repair
facility. The aerosol repairs only small
punctures in the tread. If damage is more
severe (such as punctures larger than 5 mm,
ripped tires, or tires that have separated from
t h e r i m ) , c a l l R o a d s i d e A s s i s t a n c e t o h a ve t h e
vehicle transported to a tire repair facility.
The tire sealant contains liquid latex and a
propellant. When injected into the tire
through the valve, the liquid latex penetrates
the puncture site and cures to form a
temporary repair. At the same time the propellant inflates the tire, allowing you to
drive the vehicle at low speed (less than 30
mph) to reach a tire repair facility.
Caution: Do not drive on a deflated tire
as this can seriously damage the wheel
and the vehicle.
Safety precautions
WARNING: Never exceed 30 mph (45
km/h) when driving with a repaired
tire. SWARNING: Never drive with a deflated
tire, vehicle handling and braking will
be compromised.
S
WARNING: Always read the directions
and warnings on the tire sealant before
starting a repair. Follow the directions on the
aerosol exactly and pay attention to the
following precautions.
S
WARNING: Always keep the tire sealant
out of the reach of children.
S
WARNING: The tire sealant contains
components which are harmful if
consumed or inhaled:
• If swallowed, do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical assistance immediately.
• If inhaled, breathe fresh air. If breathing is
affected, seek medical assistance
immediately.
• If the sealant comes into contact with the
eyes, immediately flush the eyes with
water. If irritation persists, seek medical
assistance. •
Do not breathe gas, fumes, vapor or spray
that may be emitted from the tire sealant.
Inhalation can cause drowsiness and
dizziness.
S
WARNING: Store the tire sealant in its
correct location in the trunk.
Temperatures in other locations may exceed
safe storage conditions. Never carry the tire
aerosol in the vehicle’s cabin area.
S
Repairing a tireIf possible, stop in a safe place away from
traffic. Always ask a passenger to wait in a
safe area away from traffic. Switch on the
hazard warning lights to alert other road
users, then follow these steps:
1. Inspect the deflated tire for cause of puncture. If possible, remove foreign
material (such as screws or nails) from the
tread.
2. Remove the tire sealant from the trunk.
TR0168
TR0167
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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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