2014 TESLA MODEL S warning

Battery InformationBattery Information
6.4MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Battery InformationAbout the Battery
Model S has one of the most sophisticated
battery systems in the world. The most
important way to preserve the Battery is to
LEAVE YOUR MODEL S PLUGGED IN when you
are not using it. This is particularly important if
you are not planning to drive Model S for
several weeks. When plugged in, Model S wakes
up when needed to automatically maintain a
charge level that maximizes the lifetime of the
Battery.
There is no advantage to waiting until the
Battery’s level is low before charging. In fact,
the Battery performs best when charged
regularly.
Battery Care
Never allow the Battery to fully discharge. Even
when Model S is not being driven, its Battery
discharges very slowly to power the onboard
electronics. On average, the Battery discharges
at a rate of 1% per day. Situations can arise in
which you must leave Model S unplugged for an
extended period of time (for example, at an
airport when traveling). In these situations,
keep the 1% in mind to ensure that you leave the
Battery with a sufficient charge level. For
example, over a two week period (14 days), the
Battery discharges by approximately 14%.
Discharging the Battery to 0% may
permanently damage the Battery. To protect
against a complete discharge, Model S enters a
low-power consumption mode when the
charge level drops to 5%. In this mode, the
Battery stops supporting the onboard
electronics to slow the discharge rate to
approximately 4% per month. Once this
low-power consumption mode is active, it is
important to plug in Model S within two months
to avoid Battery damage.
NOTE: When the low-power consumption
mode is active, the auxiliary 12V battery is no
longer being charged and can completely
discharge within 12 hours. In the unlikely event
that this occurs, you may need to jump start or
replace the 12V battery before you can charge.
In this situation, contact Tesla.
Temperature Limits
Do not expose Model S to ambient
temperatures above 60° C or below -30° C for
more than 24 hours at a time.
Battery Warnings and Cautions
WARNING: The Battery has no parts that
an owner or a non-Tesla authorized
service technician can service. Under no
circumstances should you open or tamper with
the Battery. Always contact Tesla to arrange for
Battery servicing.
CAUTION: If the Battery’s charge level
falls to 0%, you must plug it in. If you leave
it unplugged for an extended period, it may not
be possible to charge Model S or use the
vehicle without jump starting or replacing the
12V battery. Leaving Model S unplugged for an
extended period can also result in permanent
Battery damage. If you are unable to charge
Model S, contact Tesla immediately.
CAUTION: The Battery requires no owner
maintenance. Do not remove the filler cap
and do not add fluid. If the instrument panel
warns you that the fluid level is low, contact
Tesla immediately.
At the end of its service life, the Battery
should be recycled. Contact Tesla for
recycling arrangements.
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Maintenance ScheduleMaintenance Schedule
7.2MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance ScheduleService Intervals
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring the
continued reliability and efficiency of your
Model S.
Take Model S to Tesla at the regularly scheduled
maintenance intervals of every 12 months, or
every 20,000 kms, whichever comes first.
Model S must be serviced by Tesla-certified
technicians. Damages or failures caused by
maintenance or repairs performed by non-Tesla
certified technicians are not covered by the
warranty.
Fluid Replacement
Do not change or top up Battery coolant and
brake fluid yourself. Tesla service technicians
replace fluids at the regularly scheduled service
intervals:
•Brake fluid - every 2 years or 40,000 kms,
whichever comes first.
•Battery coolant - every 4 years or
80,000 kms, whichever comes first.
NOTE: Any damage from opening the Battery
coolant reservoir is excluded from the warranty.
Daily and Monthly Checks
In addition to the regularly scheduled
maintenance performed by Tesla, you should
carry out a few simple checks more frequently.
Daily Checks
•Check the Battery’s charge level, displayed
on the instrument panel.
•Check that all exterior lights, horn, turn
signals, and wipers and washers are
working.
•Check the operation of the brakes,
including the parking brake.
•Check the operation of the seat belts
(see page 3.5).
•Look for fluid deposits underneath Model S
that might indicate a leak. It is normal for a
small pool of water to form (caused by the
air conditioning system’s dehumidifying
process).
Monthly Checks
•Check the condition and pressure of each
tire (see page 7.3).
•Check washer fluid level and top up if
necessary (see page 7.18).
•Check that the air conditioning system is
operating (see page 5.9).
CAUTION: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice any significant or sudden drop
in fluid levels or uneven tire wear.
High Voltage Safety
Your Model S has been designed and built with
safety as a priority. However, be aware of these
precautions to protect yourself from the risk of
injury inherent in all high-voltage systems:
•Read and follow all instructions provided on
the labels that are attached to Model S.
These labels are there for your safety.
•The high voltage system has no
user-serviceable parts. Do not disassemble,
remove or replace high voltage
components, cables or connectors. High
voltage cables are colored orange for easy
identification.
•If an accident occurs, do not touch any high
voltage wiring, connectors, or components
connected to the wiring.
•In the unlikely event that a fire occurs,
immediately contact your local fire
emergency responders.
WARNING: Always disconnect the charge
cable before working underneath
Model S, even if charging is not in progress.
WARNING: Keep your hands and clothing
away from cooling fans. Some fans
operate even when Model S is powered off.
WARNING: Some fluids (battery acid,
Battery coolant, brake fluid, windshield
washer additives, etc.) used in motor vehicles
are poisonous and should not be inhaled,
swallowed, or brought into contact with open
wounds. For your safety, always read and follow
instructions printed on fluid containers.
Dispose of used fluids and other
chemicals at authorized waste disposal
sites. It is illegal to pollute drains, waterways or
soil.
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Tire Care and Maintenance
MAINTENANCE7.3
Tire Care and MaintenanceMaintaining Tire Pressures
Keep tires inflated to the pressures shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label located
on the driver’s door pillar (even if it differs from
the pressure printed on the tire itself).
The Tire Pressure indicator light on the
instrument panel alerts you if one or
more tires is under- or over-inflated.
The Tire Pressure indicator light does not
immediately turn off when you adjust tire
pressure. After inflating the tire to the
recommended pressure, you must drive over
40 km/h for more than 10 minutes to activate
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS),
which turns off the Tire Pressure indicator light.
If the indicator light flashes for one minute
whenever you power on Model S, a fault with
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is
detected (see page 7.6).
Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressures
Follow these steps when tires are cold and
Model S has been stationary for over three
hours:
1.Remove the valve cap.
2.Firmly press an accurate tire pressure
gauge onto the valve to measure pressure.
3.If required, add air to reach the
recommended pressure.
4.Re-check pressure by removing and
re-attaching the tire gauge.
5.If you added too much air, release air by
pressing the metal stem in the center of the
valve.
6.Recheck the pressure with the tire gauge
and adjust if necessary.
7.Replace the valve cap to prevent dirt from
entering. Periodically check the valve for
damage and leaks.
WARNING: Under-inflation is the most
common cause of tire failures. It 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.
WARNING: 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 hot
weather can also affect tire pressures. If you
must check warm tires, expect increased
pressures. Do not 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.
WARNING: Do not use any tire sealant
other than the type provided in a Tesla
tire repair kit. Other types can cause tire
pressure sensors to malfunction. If your
Model S did not include a tire repair kit, you can
purchase one from Tesla Motors.
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Tire Care and MaintenanceTire Care and Maintenance
7.4MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Inspecting and Maintaining Tires
Regularly inspect the tread and side walls for
any sign of distortion (bulges), cuts or wear.
WARNING: Do not drive Model S if a tire
is damaged, excessively worn, or inflated
to an incorrect pressure. Check tires regularly
for wear, and ensure there are no cuts, bulges or
exposure of the ply/cord structure.
Tire Wear
Model S is originally fitted with tires that have
wear indicators molded into the tread pattern.
When the tread has been worn down to 1.6 mm,
the indicators start to appear 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
Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every
8000 kms. After rotating, always check and
adjust tire pressures.
NOTE: Do not rotate tires on the Performance
Plus models.
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as
vibration through the steering wheel) affect
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.
Punctured Tires
A puncture eventually causes the tire to lose
pressure, which is why it is important to check
tire pressures frequently. Permanently repair or
replace punctured or damaged tires as soon as
possible. Do not drive with a punctured tire,
even if the puncture has not caused the tire to
deflate. 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 a
tire is 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 Model S
transported to Tesla or to a nearby tire repair
center.
In some cases, you can temporarily repair small
tire punctures (under 6 mm) using an optional
tire repair kit available from Tesla. This allows
you to slowly drive Model S to Tesla or to a
nearby tire repair facility (see page 7.8).
WARNING: Do not drive Model S with a
punctured tire. Even if the punctured tire
has not deflated, it can suddenly deflate at any
time.
Flat Spots
If Model S is stationary for a long period in high
temperatures, tires can form flat spots. When
Model S 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, release air
to adjust tire pressure to the recommended
levels.
Driving in Low Ambient Temperatures
Tire performance reduces in low ambient
temperatures, resulting in reduced 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 for winter tire
recommendations.
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Tire Care and Maintenance
MAINTENANCE7.5
Improving Tire Mileage
To improve the mileage you get from your tires,
maintain tires at the recommended tire
pressures (see page 7.3), observe speed limits
and advisory speeds, and avoid:
•Pulling away quickly, or hard acceleration.
•Fast turns and heavy braking.
•Potholes and objects in the road.
•Hitting curbs when parking.
•Contaminating tires with fluids that can
cause damage.
Replacing Tires and Wheels
Tires 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 the
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 marked on the tire (see
page 8.10) equal or exceed those of the original
specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the
same time. If this is not possible, replace the
tires in pairs (both front or both rear). When
replacing tires, always re-balance and check
the alignment of wheels.
For the specification of the original wheels and
tires installed on Model S, see page 8.8.
WARNING: For your safety, use only tires
and wheels that match the original
specification. Tires that do not match the
original specification can affect the operation
of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Asymmetric Tires
Model S tires are asymmetric and must be
mounted on the wheel with the correct sidewall
facing outward. The sidewall of the tire is
marked with the word OUTSIDE. When new
tires are installed, make sure that the tires are
correctly mounted on the wheels.
WARNING: Road holding is seriously
impaired if the tires are incorrectly
installed on the wheels.
Winter Tires
In snowy and icy conditions, consider installing
winter tires. Winter tires must be the same size,
brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels. For recommendations on winter
tires, contact Tesla.
WARNING: On dry roads, winter tires
could have less traction than the
originally installed tires.
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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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