2012 TESLA MODEL S Owner Safety Information

15OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
BRAKING SYSTEMSModel S is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents
the wheels from locking when you apply maximum brake pressure. 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 no cause for concern. Keep firm and steady pressure on
the brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.
Model S continuously monitors its brake systems and alerts you if a fault is
detected:
An ABS fault is detected. The brakes remain fully
operational and are not affected by an ABS failure.
However, braking distances may increase and wheels
may lock under heavy braking. Contact Tesla.A brake system fault is detected or the brake fluid
level is low. Contact Tesla immediately.
BRAKE WEARModel S brake pads are equipped with wear indicators. A wear indicator is
a thin metal strip attached to the brake pad that squeals as it rubs against
the rotor when the pad wears down. This squealing sound serves as a
reminder that you need to replace your brake pads. To stop the squealing,
contact Tesla to have your brakes inspected, and if necessary to have new
brake pads installed. If you don’t replace the brake pads, you will soon
hear a grinding sound. This metal on metal grinding can damage your
braking system, and in turn, create a braking hazard.
WARNINGS:
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal. DO NOT pump the brake
pedal. ABS does this for you and by pumping the foot brake yourself, you
interfere with ABS operation, which can increase braking distance.
Contact Tesla if the movement of the brake pedal has increased, or if you
notice a significant loss of brake fluid. Driving under such conditions could
result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.
BRAKING SYSTEM

16OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
CHECK THESE LABELSTwo labels on the driver’s door pillar provide important tire pressure and
vehicle loading information.
1
2
1. TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
Specifies tire pressures (see page 17) and the maximum load your
vehicle can carry (see page 23).
2. VEHICLE CERTIFICATION
• GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The maximum allowable
total mass of the vehicle. This is calculated as the weight of the
vehicle, all passengers, fluids, and cargo.
• GAWR FR and GAWR RR - Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front and rear axles. The maximum distributed weight that may be
supported by each axle.
TIRE PRESSURES

17OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
MAINTAIN PROPER TIRE PRESSURESCheck tire pressures monthly when tires are cold and Model S has been parked
for over three hours. Inflate tires to the Tesla recommended inflation pressures,
printed on the Tire and Loading Information Label (see page 16). These
recommended pressures provide optimum ride and handling characteristics.
WARNINGS:Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failures and can cause a tire
to overheat, resulting in severe tire cracking, tread separation, or “blowout”,
which causes unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury.
Under-inflation also reduces Battery range and tire tread life.
Check tire pressures using an accurate pressure gauge when tires are
cold. It takes only one mile of driving to warm up the tires sufficiently to
affect tire pressures. Parking the vehicle in direct sunlight or in high ambient
temperatures can also affect tire pressures. If you must check warm tires,
expect increased pressures. Don’t let air out of warm tires in an attempt
to match recommended cold tire pressures. A hot tire at or below the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure is dangerously under-inflated.
To check and adjust tire pressures1. Remove the valve cap, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
2. If required, add air to reach the recommended pressure.
3. Re-check pressure by removing and re-attaching the tire gauge.
4. If you added too much air, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the
center of the valve. Re-check and adjust if necessary.
5. Screw the valve cap back on to prevent dirt from entering (periodically
inspect the valve cap for damage such as cracking).TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-iinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressures, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator light
to indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator light is combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the sytem detects a malfunction, the telltale flashes for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator light is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
The tire pressure warning on the instrument panel alerts you
if one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Stop
and check tire pressures as soon as possible, and inflate to
the recommended pressures
.
NOTE: The warning light does not turn off immediately after you adjust tire
pressures. It turns off when you drive Model S above 25 mph (40 km/h) for
more than 10 minutes with tires at the recommended pressures.
TIRE PRESSURES

18OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
Punctured tiresA puncture eventually causes the tire to lose pressure, which is why it’s
important to check tire pressures frequently. Permanently repair or replace
punctured or damaged tires as soon as possible. Don’t drive with a punctured
tire, even if it isn’t deflated. A punctured tire can deflate suddenly at any time.
Your tubeless tires may not leak when penetrated, provided the object remains
in the tire. If, however, you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while
driving, or you suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately
reduce your speed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy braking or sharp
steering and when safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Arrange to have the vehicle
transported to a tire repair center, or to Tesla, to have tires inspected and, if
necessary, repaired. Flat spotsIf the vehicle is stationary for a long period in high temperatures, tires can form
flat spots. When the vehicle is driven, these flat spots cause a vibration which
gradually disappears as the tires get warm and regain their original shape. To
minimize the flat spots during storage, inflate tires to the maximum pressure
indicated on the tire wall, then, before driving the vehicle, release air to adjust
tire pressure to the recommended levels. Driving In Low Ambient TemperaturesTire performance reduces in low ambient temperatures, resulting in less grip
and an increased susceptibility to damage from impacts. Performance tires
can temporarily harden when cold, causing you to hear rotational noise for
the first few miles until the tires warm up. Contact Tesla Motors for winter tire
recommendations.
WARNING: Defective tires are dangerous. Do not drive if a tire is damaged,
excessively worn, or is inflated to an incorrect pressure. The safety of the
vehicle and occupants will be adversely affected. Check tires regularly for wear
and to ensure there are no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/cord structure.
TEMPORARY TIRE REPAIRAs an option, you can purchase a tire repair kit from Tesla (this kit is included
only if you purchased your Model S in Maryland or Rhode Island). This kit is
designed to temporarily repair a small tire puncture just long enough for you to
drive slowly to the nearest tire repair location. Follow the instructions provided
on the kit and heed all warnings.
WARNING: Do not use any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant other than a tire
repair kit purchased as an accessory from Tesla. Other types can cause tire
pressure sensors to malfunction.
INSPECTING AND MAINTAINING TIRESTire wearThe Model S is originally fitted with tires that have wear indicators moulded
into the tread pattern. When the tread has been worn down to 1/16”, (1.6 mm)
the indicators start appearing at the surface of the tread pattern, producing
the effect of a continuous band
of rubber across the width of the
tire. Replace a tire as soon as an
indicator band becomes visible
or the tread depth reaches the
minimum permitted by law.Tire rotation, balance
and wheel alignmentTesla recommends rotating the tires every 6,000 miles. After rotating, always
check and adjust tire pressures.
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable
as vibration through the steering) affects vehicle handling and tire life. Even
with regular use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they should be
balanced as required. If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire only) or
becomes abnormally excessive, check the alignment of wheels.
TIRE MAINTENANCE

19OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
TIRE AND WHEEL SPECIFICATIONSWheel Specifi cationsWheel Option Location Size
19” Front 8.0J x 19
Rear 9.0J x 19
21” Silver
21” GreyFront 8.5J x 21
Rear 8.5J x 21
Road wheel nut torque 175 Nm (129 lbf.ft)Tire Specifi cationsTire Type Location Size
On 19” wheels:
Goodyear Eagle RS-A2All P245/45R19 98V
On 21” wheels:
Continental Extreme Contact DWSAll P245/35R21 96YContact Tesla for recommended winter tire specifications.
REPLACING TIRES AND WHEELSTires degrade over time due to the effects of ultraviolet light, extreme
temperatures, high loads, and environmental conditions. It is
recommended that tires are replaced every six years, or sooner if required.
Wheel rims and tires are matched to suit handling characteristics of the
vehicle. Replacement tires must comply with the original specification. If
tires other than those specified are used, ensure that the load and speed
ratings (shown on the tire side wall as described on page 20) equal or
exceed those of the original specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the same time. If this isn’t
possible, replace the tires in pairs (both front and both rear). When
replacing tires, always re-balance and check the alignment of wheels.Asymmetric tiresYour vehicle’s tires are asymmetric
and must be mounted on the wheel
with the correct sidewall facing
outwards. The sidewall of the tire is
marked with the words OUTSIDE.
When new tires are installed, make
sure that the tires are correctly
mounted on the wheels.
WARNING: Road holding will be seriously impaired if the tires are
incorrectly installed on the wheels.
OUTSIDE
TIRE MAINTENANCE

20OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
UNDERSTANDING TIRE MARKINGSFederal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information
on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides the tire
identification number (TIN) for safety standard certification and in case of
a recall.1 Tire category. P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles
2Tire width. This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from
sidewall edge to sidewall edge.
3Aspect ratio. This 2-digit number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the
tread width. So, if the tread width is 205 mm, and the aspect ratio is 50, the
sidewall height will be 102 mm.
4Tire construction. R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction.
5 Wheel diameter. This 2-digit number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
6Load index. This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This
number is not always shown.
7Speed rating. When stated, indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can
be used for extended periods.
Q 99 T 118 V 149
R 106 U 124 W 168
S 112 H 130 Y 186
8Tire composition and materials. The number of plies in both the tread area,
and the sidewall area, indicates how many layers of rubber coated material
make up the structure of the tire. Information is also provided on the type of
materials used.
9 Maximum tire load. The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.
10Maximum permissible inflation pressure. The maximum inflation pressure for
the tire. This pressure should not be used for normal driving.
11U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN). Begins with the letters DOT and
indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next 2 digits/letters
represent the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last 4 digits
represent the week and year of manufacture. For example, the numbers 1712
means the 17th week of 2012. The other numbers are marketing codes used
at the manufacturer’s discretion. This information can be used to contact
consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
12Treadwear grade. This number indicates the tire’s wear rate. The higher the
treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down. A
tire rated at 400 for example, will last twice as long as a tire rated at 200. See
page 21.
13Traction grade. Indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet roads. A higher graded
tire should allow you to stop your vehicle in a shorter distance than a tire with
a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as AA, A, B, and C.
See page 21.
14Temperature grade. The tire’s resistance to heat is grade A, B, or C, with A
indicating the greatest resistance. This grading is provided for a correctly
inflated tire, which is being used within its speed and loading limits. See page
21.
TIRE MARKINGS

21OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADINGThe following information relates to the tire grading system developed by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which will
grade tires by tread wear, traction and temperature performance. Tires
that have deep tread, and winter tires, are exempt from these marking
requirements.Quality gradesWhere applicable, quality grades can be found on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:TREADWEAR 180 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE AIn addition to the marking requirements, passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements.TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government
test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half times better on
a government test course than a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends on the actual conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are; AA, A, B, and C. These
grades represent a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNINGS:
Defective tires are dangerous. Do not drive if a tire is damaged, excessively
worn, or is inflated to an incorrect pressure. The safety of the vehicle and
occupants will be adversely affected. Check tires regularly for wear and to
ensure there are no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/cord structure.
The traction grade assigned to the tire is based on straight-ahead braking
tests, and doesn’t include: acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak
traction characteristics.
TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure.
The grade C corresponds to the minimum level of performance that all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel that exceed the minimum requirements.
Tire performance decreases at low ambient temperatures, resulting in
reduced grip and increased susceptibility to damage from impacts. In
temperatures below 15° F (-10° C), winter tires are recommended. Contact
Tesla for recommended winter tire specifications.
WARNING: A tire’s temperature grade is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
TIRE QUALITY GRADING

22OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
WHEELS AND TIRES GLOSSARYAccessory weightThe combined weight (in excess of those items replaced) of items available as factory installed equipment.
BeadThe inner edge of a tire that is shaped to fit to the rim and form an air tight seal. The bead is constructed of steel wires which are
wrapped, or reinforced, by the ply cords.
Cold tire pressureThe air pressure in a tire which has been standing in excess of three hours, or driven for less than one mile.
Curb weightThe weight of a standard vehicle, including any optional equipment fitted, and with the correct fluid levels.
Gross vehicle weightThe maximum permissible weight of a vehicle with driver, passengers, load, luggage, and equipment.
kPa (kilo pascal)A metric unit used to measure pressure. One kilo pascal equals approximately 0.145 psi.
Maximum inflation pressureThe maximum pressure to which the tire should be inflated. This pressure is given on the tire side wall in psi (lbf/in2).
This pressure is the maximum allowed by the tire manufacturer. It is not the pressure recommended for use.
Maximum loaded vehicle
weightThe sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight, and production options weight.
Production options weightThe combined weight of options installed which weigh in excess of 3 lbs more than the standard items that they replaced, and are not
already considered in curb or accessory weights.
PSI (lbf/in2)Pounds per square inch, unit of measure for pressure.
RimThe metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the tire beads are seated.
Vehicle capacity weightThe number of seats multiplied by 150 lbs plus the rated amount of load/luggage.
WHEELS AND TIRES GLOSSARY