
Tire Care and MaintenanceTire Care and Maintenance
7.6MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Using Tire Chains
Tesla has tested and approved Security Chain
Company (SCC) Model Z-563 chains for use on
the rear wheels. These chains must only be
used if your Model S has 245/45R19 rear tires
installed. Do not use chains on 21” tires.
When installing tire chains, follow the
instructions provided by the tire chain
manufacturer. Mount them as tightly as
possible.
When using tire chains:
•Drive slowly—do not exceed 48 km/h.
•Avoid heavily loading Model S (heavy loads
can reduce the clearance between the tires
and the body).
•Remove the tire chains as soon as
conditions allow.
NOTE: Tire chains are prohibited in some
jurisdictions. Check local laws before installing
tire chains.
CAUTION: Using non-recommended tire
chains, or using tire chains on other sized
tires, can damage the suspension, body,
wheels, and/or brake lines. Damage caused by
using non-recommended tire chains is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure that tire chains cannot
touch suspension components or brake
lines. If you hear the chains making
unusual noises that would indicate contact with
Model S, stop and investigate immediately.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Each tire should be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the recommended
pressures that are printed on the Tire and
Loading Information label located on the
driver’s door pillar (see page 7.3). If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, 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 displays a low tire pressure
telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
instrument panel when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the Tire Pressure indicator light displays
on the instrument panel alerting you of low tire pressure, stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure (see page 7.3). Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
If Model S detects a fault with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS),
this indicator flashes for one minute
whenever you power on Model S.
NOTE: Installing accessories that are not
approved by Tesla can interfere with the TPMS
system.
WARNING: The TPMS is not a substitute
for proper tire maintenance, including
manually checking tire pressures and regularly
inspecting the condition of tires. It is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level for the TPMS to trigger the
Tire Pressure Warning on the instrument panel.
TPMS Malfunction
Model S has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure indicator light. When
the system detects a malfunction, the indicator
light flashes for approximately one minute after
Model S powers on, and then remains
continuously lit. This sequence continues upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the TPMS malfunction indicator is on, the
system might not be able to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions can occur for a variety of reasons,
including installing replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check
the TPMS malfunction indicator light 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.
NOTE: If a tire has been replaced or repaired
using a different tire sealant than the one
available from Tesla, and a low tire pressure is
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Tire Care and Maintenance
MAINTENANCE7.7 detected, it is possible that the tire sensor has
been damaged. Contact Tesla to have the fault
repaired as soon as possible.
Replacing a Tire Sensor
If the Tire Pressure warning indicator displays
frequently, contact Tesla to determine if a tire
sensor needs to be replaced. Tire sensors must
be replaced by a Tesla service technician who
can perform a brief setup procedure. If a
non-Tesla service center repairs or replaces a
tire, the tire sensor will not work until Tesla
performs the setup procedure.
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Temporary Tire RepairTemporary Tire Repair
7.8MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Te m p o r a r y T i r e R e p a i rTire Repair Kit
Your Model S has no spare tire. Depending on
the legislations that apply to the region in
which you purchased Model S, a tire repair kit
may or may not be included. If a tire repair kit
was not provided in Model S upon delivery, you
can purchase one from Tesla.
The tire repair kit consists of a compressor and
a canister of tire sealant (enough to repair one
tire). When injected into a tire, the sealant can
penetrate a small puncture up to 6 mm to form
a temporary repair.
NOTE: For punctures larger than 6 mm, severe
tread damage, a damaged sidewall, ripped tires
or tires that have come off the rim, call
Roadside Assistance.
WARNING: The tire repair kit is a
temporary repair only. You must repair or
replace a damaged tire as soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not exceed 48 km/h when
driving with a tire that has been
temporarily repaired with sealant.
WARNING: Follow all directions and
warnings on the tire repair kit before
starting a repair.
CAUTION: Do not drive on a deflated tire
as this can cause serious damage.
Tire Sealant Canister
The tire sealant provided in the Tesla tire repair
kit is approved for use with Model S and is
designed not to damage the TPMS (Tire
Pressure Monitoring System) sensors.
Therefore, you must replace it only with one of
the same type and capacity (see page 7.11). Tire
sealant canisters can be purchased from Tesla.
The tire sealant has an expiration date printed
on the outside of the canister. If the expiration
date has passed, the sealant might not work as
expected. Always replace an expired tire
sealant canister.
WARNING: Do not use any tire sealant
other than the one available from Tesla.
Doing so could cause tire pressure sensors to
malfunction.
WARNING: Always read and follow the
safety and handling instructions printed
on the sealant canister.
WARNING: Keep tire sealant out of the
reach of children.
WARNING: Tire sealant can be harmful if
it contacts the eyes or if swallowed or
inhaled. If the sealant comes into contact with
your eyes, immediately flush with water and
seek medical attention if irritation persists. If
swallowed, do not induce vomiting and seek
medical assistance immediately. If inhaled,
breathe fresh air. Inhalation can cause
drowsiness and dizziness. If breathing is
affected, seek medical assistance immediately.
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Temporary Tire Repair
MAINTENANCE7.9
Inflating with Sealant and Air
If you have a Tesla tire repair kit as described on
page 7.8, follow these steps to temporarily
repair a small tire puncture (less than 6 mm).
1.Stop Model S in a safe place away from
traffic and ask passengers to wait in a safe
area.
2.Turn on the hazard warning flashers to alert
other road users.
3.If possible, position the wheel with the
puncture at the bottom.
4.Detach the power supply connector from
the back of the compressor and plug it into
the 12V power socket located on the front
of the center console.
5.Release the clear plastic hose from the tire
compressor.6.Remove the red cap and screw the end of
the hose onto the tire’s valve.
7.Attach the sealant kit’s black air hose to the
sealant valve and press the lever down to
secure it in place.
8.Ensure the compressor is lying on a level
surface with the pressure gauge facing to
the side as shown above.
9.Tu r n o n t h e c o m p r e s s o r.
NOTE: The pressure gauge initially shows a
high pressure while the compressor pushes
the sealant into the tire. Once the sealant is
completely dispersed into the tire, the
pressure quickly drops and starts to rise
again as the tire inflates with air only.
10.Inflate the tire to the recommended
pressure.
CAUTION: If you cannot reach the
required pressure within 8 minutes,
stop! The tire is too severely
damaged to be temporarily repaired using
sealant. Do not drive. Call Roadside
Assistance to have Model S transported.
11.Turn off the compressor and disconnect the
hose from the tire’s valve. Wipe any excess
sealant from the tire valve and wheel rim.
12.Immediately drive for 8 km to distribute the
sealant around the tire. Do not exceed
48 km/h.
13.Stop and check the tire’s pressure. If
necessary, inflate using the black air hose.
14.Have the tire repaired or replaced as soon
as possible.
15.Replace the tire repair sealant canister (see
page 7.11).
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Temporary Tire RepairTemporary Tire Repair
7.10MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Inflating with Air Only
If you have a Tesla tire repair kit as described in
page 7.8, follow these steps to inflate a tire with
air:
1.Detach the power supply connector from
the rear of the compressor and plug it into
the 12V power socket located in Model S on
the front of center console.
2.Release the black air hose from the
compressor.
3.Attach the air hose to the valve and press
the lever down to secure it in place.
4.Ensure the compressor is lying on a level
surface with the pressure gauge facing to
the side where you can read it.
5.To add air, turn on the compressor and
inflate until the desired pressure is reached.
6.To release air, turn off the compressor, then
press and hold the red button until the
desired pressure is reached.NOTE: For your convenience, the tire repair kit
includes a selection of adapters that allow you
to inflate other items. These adapters are
located in a compartment on the back of the
compressor.
CAUTION: To avoid overheating, do not
use the compressor continuously for
more than eight minutes. Allow the
compressor to cool for 15 minutes
between uses.
CAUTION: The compressor runs slowly
when overheated from excessive use.
Turn it off and allow it to cool.
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Vehicle Loading
SPECIFICATIONS8.3
Ve h i c l e L o a d i n gLoad Capacity Labeling
It is important to understand how much weight
your Model S can safely carry. This weight is
called the vehicle capacity weight and includes
the weight of all occupants, cargo and any
additional equipment added to your Model S
since it was manufactured.
There are two labels attached to Model S that
state how much weight it can safely carry.
These labels are located on the center door
post and are visible when the driver’s door is
open:
1.Tire and Loading Information label
2.Statutory Plate
WARNING: Overloading Model S has an
adverse effect on braking and handling,
which can compromise your safety or damage
Model S.
C A U T I O N : N e v e r l o a d m o r e t h a n 1 3 6 k g i n
the front trunk. Doing so can cause
damage.
CAUTION: Never store large amounts of
liquid in Model S. Significant liquid spills
can cause electrical components to
malfunction.
Tire and Loading Information Label
The Tire and Loading Information label
provides:
•The maximum number of occupant seating
positions.
•The maximum vehicle capacity weight.
•The size of the original tires.
•The cold inflation pressures for the original
front and rear tires. These pressures are
recommended to optimize ride and
handling characteristics.
NOTE: Never change this label, even if you use
different tires in the future.
If Model S is loaded to its full capacity, double
check all tires to ensure they are inflated to
their recommended pressure levels.
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Wheels and Tires
SPECIFICATIONS8.9
Tire Specifications
Tire TypeLocationSize
19” wheels: Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 All P245/45R19 98V
21” wheels on standard vehicles:
Michelin Pilot Sport All P245/35R21 96Y
21” wheels on Performance Plus vehicles:
MichelinFront
RearP245/35R21 96Y
P265/35R21 101Y
Tire pressures vary depending on the type of tires fitted on Model S. Refer to the tire pressures
printed on the Tire and Loading Information label. This label is located on the driver’s door pillar
and is visible when the driver’s door is open (see page 7.3).
Winter tires (Pirelli Sottozero or Nokian Studded - P245/45R19) can be purchased from a Tesla
store.
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Wheels and Tires
SPECIFICATIONS8.11 1 Tire category. P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles.
2 Tire width. This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall edge
to sidewall edge.
3 Aspect 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 is 102 mm.
4 Tire 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.
6 Load index. This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This number is not
always shown.
7 Speed rating. When stated, indicates the maximum speed (in mph) at which the tire can be
used for extended periods.
Q 99 T 118 V 149
R106 U124W168
S112 H130 Y186
8 Tire 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.
10 Maximum permissible inflation pressure. This pressure should not be used for normal
driving.
11 U.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 number 1712 is used to represent 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.
12 Treadwear 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, lasts twice as long as a tire rated at 200.
13 Traction 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.
14 Temperature 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.
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