2012 TESLA MODEL S sensor

3OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
LOCATION OF AIRBAGSAirbags are located in the approximate areas shown on the following
illustration. Airbag warning information is printed on the sun visors.Inflation of airbags depends on the rate at which your vehicle cabin
changes speed in a collision. The rate of deceleration determines whether
airbags inflate.
Airbags inflate instantly with considerable force accompanied by a loud
noise. The inflated bag, together with the seat belts, limits movement of
occupants, reducing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Front airbags are not ordinarily designed to inflate in the event of rear
collisions, rollovers, minor front or side collisions, heavy braking, or driving
over bumps and potholes. Therefore, significant superficial damage can
occur to the vehicle without the front airbags inflating or, conversely, a
relatively small amount of structural damage can cause airbags to inflate.
TYPES OF AIRBAGSAdvanced front
airbagsThe front airbags on the Model S are advanced
airbags designed to reduce airbag related injuries
to children or small adults who ride in front. On
the driver’s side, the front airbag works with a
seat position sensor that adjusts the inflation
level based on the size of the occupant. On
the passenger’s side, the airbag responds to
a sensing system in the seat that determines
whether or not the passenger side front airbag
inflates, and adjusts the inflation level based on
the size of the occupant (see page 4).
Knee airbags Knee airbags and the front airbags work together.
The knee airbags limit the forward motion of the
front seat occupants by restricting leg movement,
thereby positioning the occupants so that the front
airbags work more effectively.
Side airbags Side airbags protect the thorax region of the torso
and pelvis and will inflate only if a severe side
impact occurs. The airbags on the non-impacted
side will not inflate.
Curtain airbags Curtain airbags help to protect the head and
ordinarily inflate only if a severe side impact
occurs or if the vehicle rolls over. The airbags on
the non-impacted side will not inflate.
AIRBAGS

4OWNER SAFETY INFORMATIONAIRBAGS
FRONT PASSENGER DETECTIONModel S has an occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat that
controls the status of the airbags based on the weight of the occupant.
Passenger airbag status displays in the top right corner of the touchscreen
to indicate whether the airbag will inflate (ON) or not inflate (OFF) if a
collision occurs:Front passenger seat occupancy* Passenger airbag status
Empty OFF
Infant in child seat (up to 20 lbs) OFF
Child or small occupant (20-100 lbs) ON or OFF
Heavy object/occupant ON
*Note: Values are approximate. Occupants whose weight is close to the low weight
threshold can cause the status to occasionally switch on and off depending on
seating position and physique.If the status shows the airbag as permanently ON, even when the seat is
empty and the seat belt is unbuckled, contact Tesla immediately.
To make sure the sensing system can correctly detect occupancy status,
eliminate the following:
• Objects lodged underneath the seat.
• Heavy objects sitting on the seat (briefcase, large purse).• Objects wedged between the seat back and seat cushion.
• Cargo interfering with the seat.
• Rear passengers interfering with the seat.
• Aftermarket items attached to, or sitting on, the seat (covers, mats,
blankets, etc.).
These conditions can interfere with the occupancy sensor. If you’ve
eliminated the above possibilities, and the airbag status is still incorrect,
ask passengers to ride in the rear seat and contact Tesla to have the
airbag system checked.
NOTE: The front passenger seat’s sensing system affects the operation of
the front passenger airbag only. All other airbags, including the side airbag
and curtain airbag, are not affected.
AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT
The airbag warning on the instrument panel alerts you
of a malfunction of the airbag system. When Model S is
powered on, all components of the airbag system are
continuously monitored. Contact Tesla if this indicator light
stays on.

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