Instrument PanelInstrument Panel
4.10MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault is detected. See page 4.20. Contact Tesla
immediately.
A brake system fault is detected or the brake fluid level is low. See page 4.20. Contact
Tesla immediately.
Tire pressure warning. The pressure of a tire is out of range. If a fault with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is detected, the indicator flashes. For a TPMS
fault, contact Tesla. See page 7.3.
A door or trunk is open. See page 2.4.
Flashes green when the left turn signal is operating. Both turn signal indicators flash
green when the hazard warning flashers are operating.
Flashes green when the right turn signal is operating. Both turn signal indicators flash
green when the hazard warning flashers are operating.
Model S is in Tow mode and can roll freely. It does not automatically shift into Park
when you exit. See page 9.3.
Indicator Description
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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.
book.book Page 3 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM
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.
book.book Page 5 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM
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
book.book Page 6 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM
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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vi
INDEXINDEX
tires
asymmetric ........................................................ 7-5
balancing ............................................................7-4
chains ................................................................... 7-6
flat spots .............................................................7-4
inspecting .................................................7-4, 7-5
installing new .................................................... 7-5
pressure monitoring ....................................... 7-6
pressures, how to check ............................... 7-3
punctures ............................................................7-4
replacing ............................................................. 7-5
replacing a tire sensor ................................... 7-7
replacing tire sealant ......................................7-11
rotation of ...........................................................7-4
specification ......................................................8-8
tire sealant .......................................................... 7-8
understanding tire markings ..................... 8-10
wear patterns ....................................................7-4
winter ................................................................... 7-5
touch up body ..................................................... 7-14
touchscreen
brightness
........................................................... 5-2
cleaning ............................................................. 7-13
Controls ...............................................................5-4
overview .............................................................. 5-2
Settings ............................................................... 5-6
software updates .......................................... 5-24
tow chain, connecting ........................................ 9-3
Tow mode ............................................................... 9-3
towing
connecting the tow chain
............................. 9-3
Jack mode .......................................................... 9-3
keeping Model S in Neutral ..........................9-3
securing the wheels ....................................... 9-4
towing a trailer ......................................................8-4
towing instructions .............................................. 9-3
TPMS
malfunction
........................................................ 7-6
overview .............................................................. 7-6
replacing a tire sensor ................................... 7-7
traction control .................................................. 4-22
traffic alerts ........................................................... 5-14
trailer hitches .........................................................8-4
transmission specifications ...............................8-6
transporting
connecting the tow chain
............................. 9-3
Jack mode .......................................................... 9-3
keeping Model S in Neutral ..........................9-3
securing the wheels ....................................... 9-4
trip information ................................................... 4-18
trunk, front
closing
................................................................ 2-10
inside emergency release .............................2-11
opening .............................................................. 2-10
opening, no power ..........................................2-11trunk, rear
adjust opening height
....................................2-8
child protection locks .....................................2-5
closing ..................................................................2-8
disabling interior handle ...............................2-5
interior release ................................................. 2-9
opening ................................................................2-8
opening, no power ......................................... 2-9
Ttire and Loading Information label ..............8-3
TuneIn ...................................................................... 5-14
turn signals ............................................................4-14
U
Units & Format ...................................................... 5-6
unlocking
passive
.................................................................2-2
trunk, front ........................................................ 2-10
trunk, rear ...........................................................2-8
using the touchscreen ................................... 2-4
when key does not work ...............................2-5
with key ...............................................................2-2
USB devices
connecting
........................................................ 5-16
playing audio files from ............................... 5-15
USB ports ............................................................... 5-16
V
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) .............8-2
vehicle loading
determining load limit
................................... 8-4
general information .........................................8-3
information label ..............................................8-3
load calculation examples ........................... 8-4
vent, sunroof ......................................................... 2-12
ventilation ................................................... 5-9, 5-10
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) .............8-2
volume control ............................................ 4-3, 5-2
W
walk-away locking ................................................2-5
warning flashers ..................................................4-14
warning lights
ABS
.................................................................... 4-20
air suspension ................................................... 5-11
airbag .................................................................. 3-18
Jack mode ......................................................... 5-11
summary of ....................................................... 4-9
tire pressure .......................................................7-3
traction control .............................................. 4-22
washer fluid, topping up .................................. 7-18
washer jets, cleaning ......................................... 7-15
washers ................................................................... 4-15
weight specifications ...........................................8-5
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