Inflating with Air Only
If you have a Tesla tire repair kit, 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 arelocated in a compartment on the back of thecompressor.
Caution: To avoid overheating, do not use
the compressor continuously for more than eight minutes. Allow the compressorto cool for 15 minutes between uses.Caution: The compressor runs slowly
when overheated from excessive use.
Turn it off and allow it to cool.
Temporary Tire Repair
Maintenance107
Cleaning the InteriorFrequently inspect and clean the interior to
maintain its appearance and to prevent premature wear. If possible, immediately wipe
up spills and remove marks. For general
cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft cloth (such as micro fiber) dampened with amixture of warm water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a
concealed area before use). To avoid streaks,
dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. This can
damage the reflective surface of the mirror
and the heating elements in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag
cover. This could affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the
dashboard. Polished surfaces are reflective
and could interfere with your driving view.
Leather Seats
Leather is prone to dye-transfer which can cause discoloration, particularly on light
colored leather. White and tan leather is
coated with an anti-soiling treatment. Wipe
spills as soon as possible using a soft cloth
moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Using detergents or commercially
available leather cleaners and conditioners is
not recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
Cloth Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft cloth moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Vacuum the seats as needed to remove
any loose dirt.
Carpets
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled
areas, use a diluted upholstery cleaner.Seat Belts
Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type
of detergent or chemical cleaning agent. Allow the belts to dry naturally while
extended, preferably away from direct sunlight.
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
Vacuum the seats to remove any loose dirt.
Wipe the seats with a soft cloth dampened
with warm water. You can also use an
upholstery cleaner designer for automotive use. Extend the belts to wipe. Allow the belts
to dry naturally, preferably away from direct
sunlight.
Touchscreen and Instrument Panel
Clean the touchscreen and instrument panel using a soft lint-free cloth specificallydesigned to clean monitors and displays. Donot use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) and
do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically- charged cloth (such as a recently washed
microfiber). To wipe the touchscreen without
activating buttons and changing settings, you
can enter screen cleaning mode. Touch
Controls > Displays > Enter Screen Cleaning .
The display darkens to make it easy to see
dust and smudges.
Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners or hard cloths can
damage the finish on chrome and metal surfaces.
Cautions for Interior CleaningWarning: If you notice any damage on an
airbag or seat belt, contact Tesla
immediately.Warning: Do not allow any water,
cleaners, or fabric to enter a seat belt
mechanism.Caution: Using solvents (including
alcohol), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or
silicone based products or additives on
interior components can cause damage.
Cleaning
110Model S Owner's Manual
Polishing, Touch Up, and Body
Repair
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
body, you can occasionally treat the paint
surfaces with an approved polish containing:
• Very mild abrasive to remove surface contamination without removing or
damaging the paint.
• Filling compounds that fill scratches and reduce their visibility.
• Wax to provide a protective coating between the paint and environmental
elements.
Regularly inspect the exterior paint for
damage. Treat minor chips and scratches
using a paint touch up pen (available for
purchase from Tesla). Use the touch-up pen
after washing but before polishing or waxing.
Repair rock chips, fractures or scratches. Body
repairs should be performed only by a Tesla approved body repair facility. Contact Tesla
for a list of approved facilities.Caution: Do not use cutting pastes, color
restoration compounds, or polishes
containing harsh abrasives. These can
scour the surface and permanently
damage the paint.Caution: Do not use chrome polish or
other abrasive cleaners.Using a Car Cover
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
body when Model S is not being used, use a
genuine Tesla car cover. Car covers can be purchased from Tesla.Caution: Use only a Tesla-approved car
cover when Model S is plugged in. Using
a non-Tesla car cover can prevent the
Battery from being adequately cooled
during charging.
Floor Mats
To extend the life of your carpet and make
them easier to clean, use genuine Tesla floor mats. Maintain mats by cleaning them
regularly and replacing them if they become
excessively worn.
Warning: To avoid potential interference
with a foot pedal, ensure that the driver’s
floor mat is securely fastened, and never place an additional floor mat on top of it.
Cleaning
Maintenance111
Checking and Replacing Wiper
BladesCaution: Wiper blades do not lock into a
lifted position. When cleaning or
replacing a wiper blade, lift the wiper arm
only a short distance from the windshield,
just far enough to access the blade. Do not lift a wiper arm beyond its intendedposition. Doing so can cause damage thatis not covered by the warranty.
To make wiper blades easy to access, turn offthe wipers, shift Model S into Park, then use
the touchscreen to move them to the service
position. Touch Controls > Settings >
Vehicle > Service Mode > ON .
Note: Wipers automatically return to their
normal position when you shift Model S out of
Park.
Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper blade and check the rubber for cracks,splits and roughness. If damaged, replace the
blade immediately to prevent damage to the glass.
Contaminants on the windshield, or on the wiper blades, can reduce the effectiveness of
the wiper blades. Contaminants include ice,
wax spray from car washes, washer fluid with
bug and/or water repellent, bird droppings,
tree sap, and other organic substances.
Follow these guidelines for cleaning:
• Clean the windshield using non-abrasive glass cleaner.
• Lift the wiper arm a short distance away from the windshield, just far enough toaccess the wiper blade, then wipe the
blade clean using isopropyl (rubbing)
alcohol or washer fluid.
If the wipers remain ineffective after cleaning,
replace the wiper blades.
For optimum performance, wiper blades
should be replaced at least once a year.
To replace wiper blades:
1. Turn off the wipers, shift Model S into
Park, then use the touchscreen to move
the wipers to the service position. Touch
Controls > Settings > Vehicle > Service
Mode > ON .
Note: Wipers must be in the OFF position
before turning on Service Mode.
2. Lift the wiper arm a short distance away
from the windshield, just far enough to access the wiper blade.
3. Hold the wiper arm (the wiper arm does
not lock into a lifted position) and press
the locking tab while sliding the blade
down the arm.
4. Align the new blade on the wiper arm and
slide it toward the hooked end of the arm
until it locks into place.
5. Place the wiper arm against the
windshield.
If the problem persists with new blades, clean
the windshield and wiper blades using a soft
cloth or sponge and warm water with non-
detergent soap. Then, rinse the windshield
and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean when water beads do not
form.
Caution: Only use cleaning products
approved for use on automotive glass and rubber. Inappropriate products can
cause damage or smears, and create
glare on the windshield.Caution: Only install replacement blades
that are identical to the original blades.
Using inappropriate blades can damage
the wiper system and affect the operation of the rain sensor.
Cleaning Washer Jets
The position of the windshield washers is set
at the factory and should never need adjusting.
If a windshield washer becomes blocked, use a
thin strand of wire to clear any blockages
from the nozzle.
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets
112Model S Owner's Manual
Removing the Maintenance Panel
To access fuses and check fluid levels, remove the maintenance panel:
1. Pull the rear edge of the maintenance
panel upward to release the five clips that
hold the panel in place.
2. Maneuver the maintenance panel toward
the windshield to remove.Caution: The maintenance panel protects
the front trunk from water. When re- attaching, make sure it is fully seated.Checking Battery Coolant
If the quantity of fluid in the cooling system
drops below the recommended level, the
instrument panel displays a warning message.
Stop Model S as soon as safety permits and
contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the Battery coolant 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 Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 114).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir. DO
NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage
not covered by the warranty.
The fluid level should be between the MIN and
the MAX marks. If you notice that the fluid
level has dropped significantly, contact Tesla before using Model S.
Topping Up the Battery Coolant
Under no circumstances should you add coolant. If the instrument panel warns youthat the fluid level is low, contact Teslaimmediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the Battery, the cooling system uses a specific
type of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant (HOAT).
Contact Tesla for more specific information
about the coolant.
Fluid Reservoirs
114Model S Owner's Manual
Checking Brake FluidWarning: 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 orcomplete 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.
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 Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 114.
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 always be
between the MIN and the MAX marks.
Note: Although brake fluid level drops slightly
during normal use as a result of brake pad wear, it should not drop below the MIN mark.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
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 andfuture 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 apreviously 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 accidentalconsumption, 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.
Fluid Reservoirs
Maintenance115
Load Capacity LabelingIt 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
pillar and are visible when the driver’s door is open:
1. Tire and Loading Information label
2. Vehicle Certification label
Warning:
Overloading Model S has an
adverse effect on braking and handling,
which can compromise your safety or
damage Model S.Caution: Never load more than 300 lbs
(136 kg) in the front trunk. Doing so can
cause damage.Caution: Never store large amounts of
liquid in Model S. A significant spill 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.
United States:
Canada:
Never change this label, even if you use different tires in the future.
Note: If Model S is loaded to its full capacity,
double check all tires to ensure they are
inflated to their recommended pressure levels.
Vehicle Loading
Specifications127
Wheels and Tires GlossaryAccessory WeightThe combined weight (in excess of those items replaced) of
items available as factory installed equipment.BeadThe inner edge of a tire that is shaped to fit to the rim and form an air tight seal. The bead is constructed of steel wires which
are wrapped, or reinforced, by the ply cords.Cold Tire PressureThe air pressure in a tire that has been standing in excess of three hours, or driven for less than one mile.Curb WeightThe weight of a standard vehicle, including any optional
equipment fitted, and with the correct fluid levels.Gross Vehicle WeightThe maximum permissible weight of a vehicle with driver,
passengers, load, luggage, and equipment.kPa (kilo pascal)A metric unit used to measure pressure. One kilo pascal equals
approximately 0.145 psi.Maximum Inflation PressureThe maximum pressure to which the tire should be inflated. This pressure is given on the tire side wall in psi (lbf/in).Caution: This pressure marked on the tire is the maximum
allowed by the tire manufacturer. It is not the pressure Tesla recommends using for Model S.Maximum Loaded Vehicle
WeightThe sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.Production Options WeightThe combined weight of options installed which weigh in
excess of 3 lb more than the standard items that they replaced, and are not already considered in curb or accessory weights.PSI (lbf/in)Pounds per square inch (the unit used to measure tirepressure).Recommended Tire Inflation
PressureTire inflation pressure, established by Tesla, which is based on the type of tires that are mounted on the vehicle at the factory.
This information can be found on the Tire and Loading
Information label located on the door pillar.RimThe metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the
tire beads are seated.Vehicle Capacity WeightThe number of seats multiplied by 150 lbs plus the rated amount of load/luggage.
Wheels and Tires
140Model S Owner's Manual