BrakesBrakes
4.20MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
BrakesBraking Systems
Model S has an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
that prevents the wheels from locking when
you apply maximum brake pressure. This
improves steering control during heavy braking
in 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 not
a cause for concern. Keep firm and steady
pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing
the pulsing.
The ABS indicator flashes briefly on the
instrument panel when you first start
Model S. If this indicator displays at any
other time, an ABS fault has occurred
and ABS is not operating. Contact Tesla.
The braking system remains fully
operational and is not affected by an
ABS failure. However, braking distances
may increase.
If the instrument panel displays this
indicator at any time other than
displaying briefly when you first start
Model S, a brake system fault is
detected or the brake fluid level is low.
Contact Tesla immediately.
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal
and maintain firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. ABS varies the braking
pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.
WARNING: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.
WARNING: Always maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front of you
and be aware of hazardous driving conditions.
While ABS can improve stopping distance, it
cannot overcome the laws of physics. It also
does not prevent the danger of hydroplaning
(where a layer of water prevents direct contact
between the tires and the road).
Brake Wear
Model 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 indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their
service life and require replacement. To stop
the squealing, contact Tesla Service.
Brakes must be periodically inspected visually
by removing the tire and wheel. For detailed
specifications and service limits for rotors and
brake pads, see page 8.6.
WARNING: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads will result in damage to the
braking system and can create a braking
hazard.
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Media and AudioMedia and Audio
5.12MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Media and AudioOverview
Touch the Media icon to listen to the radio or play audio files. The touchscreen displays the
Media Player. Use the Browse tab to select what you want to play and use the Now Playing
tab to view and control what is currently playing. You can play AM, FM radio, and DAB radio
(if Model S is equipped with the optional sound package). You can also play Internet radio,
and audio files from a connected Bluetooth or USB device.
1.Favorites
Display the list of your favorite stations or
media files.
2.Recently Played
Display the list of stations or music files you
have recently listened to.
3.Browse
Display media sources or browse audio
files.
4.Audio Settings
5.Source Picker
Choose a different media source.
6.Station Information
Depending on the frequency being
received, information about the currently
selected station or radio service may be
displayed.
7.Add/Delete Favorite
Add the currently playing station to your
Favorites list. A blue icon indicates the
station has already been added and
touching it again removes it. NOTE: If an empty preset is available
(see item 14), adding a station to your
Favorites also assigns it to a preset.
8.Signal Strength Indicator
9.DAB Controls
When listening to a DAB radio channel,
touching the service name displays a popup
that allows you to choose from a list of
services that are available within the
currently selected DAB channel. Or touch
the left (back) and right (forward) arrows to
scroll through the service list.
10.Station Frequency/Channel Selector
Drag the selector bar left or right to
manually select a channel.
11.Seek Previous
12.Seek Next
13.Presets
Touch and hold to assign the currently
playing radio station to the associated
preset. When assigned, the preset displays
the station or channel name. You can store
up to six presets for each radio source.
book.book Page 12 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM
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.
book.book Page 7 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM
Fluid Reservoirs
MAINTENANCE7.17
Checking Brake Fluid
WARNING: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice increased movement of the
brake pedal or a significant loss of brake fluid.
Driving under these conditions can result in
extended stopping distances or complete
brake failure.
The Brake indicator on the instrument
panel alerts you if the quantity of fluid in
the brake reservoir drops below the
recommended level. If it displays while driving,
stop as soon as safety permits by gently
applying the brakes. Do not continue driving.
Contact Tesla immediately for assistance.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the brake fluid level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To
check it yourself, park Model S on level ground.
When Model S is cool, remove the maintenance
panel (see page 7.16).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir
without removing the filler cap.
The brake fluid level should be between the MIN
and the MAX marks.
NOTE: The brake fluid level drops slightly
during normal use, as a result of brake pad
wear, but should not be allowed to drop below
the MIN mark.
To p p i n g U p t h e B r a k e F l u i d
Do not top up your brake fluid. Tesla service
does this when you bring Model S in for regular
servicing. The following instructions are
provided for information purposes and future
reference only:
1.Clean the filler cap before removing to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2.Unscrew the cap and remove.
3.Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark using
brake fluid meeting DOT3 or DOT4
specifications.
4.Replace the filler cap.
WARNING: Only use new fluid from a
sealed air-tight container. Never use
previously used fluid or fluid from a previously
opened container—fluid absorbs moisture
which decreases braking performance.
WARNING: Brake fluid is highly toxic.
Keep containers sealed and out of the
reach of children. In the event of accidental
consumption, seek medical attention
immediately.
CAUTION: Brake fluid damages painted
surfaces. Immediately soak up any spills
with an absorbent cloth and wash the
area with a mixture of car shampoo and
water.
book.book Page 17 Friday, July 19, 2013 12:53 PM
v
INDEX
range
displayed on instrument panel ................... 4-8
driving tips to maximize ............................. 4-19
regenerative braking .................................... 4-21
Rated range ............................................................ 4-8
rear facing child seats
folding
.................................................................3-12
opening ...............................................................3-11
safety information ......................................... 3-14
seating a child ..................................................3-13
usage restrictions ............................................3-11
rear seats
folding
.................................................................. 3-3
raising .................................................................. 3-3
rear view camera ............................................... 4-24
rear window switches, disabling .................... 2-7
regenerative braking ......................................... 4-21
release notes ....................................................... 5-24
remote window opening ................................... 2-7
reverse gear ............................................................ 4-7
roadside assistance ............................................. 9-2
S
safety information
airbags ................................................................3-18
child seats ........................................................ 3-10
rear facing child seats ................................. 3-14
seat belts ............................................................ 3-6
seat belts
cleaning
..............................................................7-13
fastening ............................................................. 3-4
in a collision ....................................................... 3-5
overview ............................................................. 3-4
pre-tensioners ................................................... 3-5
safety instructions ........................................... 3-6
testing .................................................................. 3-5
wearing ................................................................ 3-4
wearing when pregnant ................................ 3-4
seat covers .............................................................. 3-3
seat heaters ............................................................ 5-8
seating capacity .................................................... 8-3
seating position, driver ...................................... 3-2
seats
adjusting
............................................................. 3-2
heaters ................................................................. 5-8
rear facing, folding .........................................3-12
rear facing, opening ........................... 3-11, 3-12
rear facing, safety information ................. 3-14
rear facing, seating a child ..........................3-13
rear facing, usage restrictions ....................3-11
security settings .................................................5-22
service data recording ..................................... 10-2
service intervals .................................................... 7-2
Settings .................................................................... 5-6
shifting gears ......................................................... 4-7
software updates .............................................. 5-24specifications
12V battery
......................................................... 8-7
brakes ...................................................................8-6
dimensions .........................................................8-5
exterior ................................................................8-5
high voltage Battery ....................................... 8-7
motor ....................................................................8-6
steering ................................................................8-6
suspension .......................................................... 8-7
tires .......................................................................8-8
transmission .......................................................8-6
weights ................................................................8-5
wheels ..................................................................8-8
stability control .................................................. 4-22
starting Model S ................................................... 4-6
Statutory Plate ...................................................... 8-4
steering specifications ........................................8-6
steering wheel
adjusting position
............................................4-3
adjusting sensitivity ........................................4-3
controls, left .......................................................4-3
controls, right ................................................... 4-4
sunroof .................................................................... 2-12
suspension
automatic adjustments
................................. 5-11
indicator lights ................................................. 5-11
Jack mode ......................................................... 5-11
manual settings ............................................... 5-11
T
telematics .............................................................. 10-2
telephone
answering a call
............................................... 4-4
Bluetooth, general information ................ 5-17
call menu ........................................................... 5-18
connecting ........................................................ 5-18
displaying call menu ...................................... 4-4
instrument panel menu ............................... 5-18
making a call .................................................... 5-18
receiving a call ................................................ 5-18
steering wheel buttons ................................. 4-4
temperature
Battery (high voltage), limits
..................... 6-4
cabin, controls for ...........................................5-8
cabin, operating tips ..................................... 5-10
outside ................................................................ 4-8
tie-down straps .................................................... 9-4
tilt detection ........................................................ 5-22
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
malfunction
........................................................7-6
overview ..............................................................7-6
replacing a tire sensor ................................... 7-7
tire pressure, checking ....................................... 7-3
tire repair kit ........................................................... 7-8
inflating with air only .................................... 7-10
inflating with sealant ......................................7-9
replacing the sealant canister .................... 7-11
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