Tires and WheelsTires and Wheels
18MODEL S
Tires and WheelsMaintaining 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 does not
immediately turn off when you adjust tire
pressure. After inflating the tire to the
recommended pressure, you must drive over 25
mph (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 21).
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. Recheck pressure by removing and
reattaching 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.
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.
The Tire Pressure indicator light on
the instrument panel alerts you if
one or more tires is under- or
over-inflated.
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Tires and Wheels
SAFETY INFORMATION19
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 1/16”
(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.
WARNING: Defective tires are dangerous.
Do not drive if a tire is damaged,
excessively worn, or is inflated to an incorrect
pressure. The safety of the vehicle and
occupants can be adversely affected. Check
tires regularly for wear and to ensure there are
no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/cord
structure.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel
Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every
5000 miles (8000 km). 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 a Tesla service center, or to a
nearby tire repair center.
In some cases, you can temporarily repair small
tire punctures (under 1/4”/6 mm) using an
optional tire repair kit available from Tesla. This
allows you to slowly drive Model S to a Tesla
service center or to a nearby tire repair facility.
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 warm up 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 is reduced 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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Tires and WheelsTires and Wheels
20MODEL S
Improving Tire Mileage
To improve the mileage you get from your tires,
maintain tires at the recommended tire
pressures (see page 18), 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 22)
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 rebalance and check the
alignment of wheels.
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.
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 30 mph
(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.
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Tires and Wheels
SAFETY INFORMATION21
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
d r i ve r ’s d o o r p i l l a r (s e e p a g e 1 8 ) . I f yo u r ve h i c l e
has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle pl acard 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 18). 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
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 wa rning 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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Tires and WheelsTires and Wheels
24MODEL S
Wheels and Tires Glossary
Accessory
We i g h tThe combined weight (in excess of those items replaced) of items available as
factory installed equipment.
Bead
The 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
Pressure The air pressure in a tire that has been
standing in excess of three hours, or
driven for less than one mile.
Curb Weight The weight of a standard vehicle, including any optional equipment fitted, and with the correct fluid levels.
Gross Vehicle
We i g h tThe 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/in2).
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
We i g h t The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Production
Options Weight
The combined weight of options installe
d 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/in2) Pounds per square inch (the unit used to measure tire pressure).
Recommended
Tire Inflation
Pressure Tire inflation pressure, established by Tesl
a, 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 labe l located on the driver’s side door
pillar.
Rim The metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Vehicle Capacity
We i g h tThe number of seats multiplied by 150 lb plus the rated amount of
load/luggage.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 24 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
Vehicle Loading
SAFETY INFORMATION25
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. 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. Significant spillage of
liquids 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.
If Model S is loaded to its full capacity, double
check all tires to ensure they are inflated to
their recommended pressure levels.
Vehicle Certification Label
The Vehicle Certification label provides: • GVWR - Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The
maximum allowable total mass of Model S.
This is calculated as the weight of Model S,
all passengers, fluids, and cargo.
• GAWR FRT and GAWR RR - Gross Axle
Weight Rating for the front and rear axles.
The GAWR is the maximum distributed
weight that each axle can support.
United States:
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Disclaimers
SAFETY INFORMATION27
DisclaimersVehicle Telematics/Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with electronic
modules that monitor and record data from
various vehicle systems, including the motor,
Battery, braking and electrical systems. The
electronic modules record information about
various driving and vehicle conditions,
including braking, acceleration, trip and other
related information regarding your vehicle.
These modules also record information about
the vehicle’s features such as charging events
and status, the enabling/disabling of various
systems, diagnostic trouble codes, VIN, speed,
direction and location.
The data is stored by the vehicle and may be
accessed, used and stored by Tesla service
technicians during vehicle servicing or
periodically transmitted to Tesla wirelessly
through the vehicle’s telematics system. This
data may be used by Tesla for various purposes,
including, but not limited to: providing you with
Tesla telematics services; troubleshooting;
evaluation of your vehicle’s quality,
functionality and performance; analysis and
research by Tesla and its partners for the
improvement and design of our vehicles and
systems; and as otherwise may be required by
law. In servicing your vehicle, we can potentially
resolve issues remotely simply by reviewing
your vehicle’s data log.
Tesla’s telematics system wirelessly transmits
vehicle information to Tesla on a periodic basis.
The data is used as described above and helps
ensure the proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Additional Model S features may use your
vehicle’s telematics system and the information
provided, including features such as charging
reminders, software updates, and remote
access to, and control of, various systems of
your vehicle.
Tesla does not disclose the data recorded in
your vehicle to any third party except when:
• An agreement or consent from the vehicle’s
owner (or the leasing company for a leased
vehicle) is obtained.
• Officially requested by the police or other
authorities.
• Used as a defense for Tesla in a lawsuit.
• Ordered by a court of law. •
Used for research purposes without
disclosing details of the vehicle owner or
identification information.
• Disclosed to a Tesla affiliated company,
including their successors or assigns, or our
information systems and data management
providers.
In addition, Tesla does not disclose the data
recorded to an owner unless it pertains to a
non-warranty repair service and in this case,
will disclose only the data that is related to the
repair.
Quality Control
You might notice a few miles/kms on the
odometer when you take delivery of your
Model S. This is a result of a comprehensive
testing process that ensures the quality of your
Model S.
The testing process includes extensive
inspections during and after production. The
final inspection takes place at Tesla Motors and
includes a road test conducted by a Tesla
technician.
California Proposition 65
WARNING: Certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
WARNING: Certain components of this
vehicle such as airbag modules and seat
belt pre-tensioners may contain Perchlorate
Material. Special handling may be required for
service or vehicle end of life disposal. See
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 27 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
Reporting Concerns
SAFETY INFORMATION29
Reporting ConcernsContacting Tesla
For detailed information about your Model S,
go to www.teslamotors.com, click the
MYTESLA link, then enter your login credentials
(or sign up to get these credentials).
If you have any questions or concerns about
your Model S, call 1-877-79TESLA
(1-877-798-3752).
Reporting Safety Defects - US
If you believe that Model S has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying Tesla Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation. If it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order
a recall and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer, or Tesla
Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC
20590. You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.
Reporting Safety Defects - Canada
If you believe that your Model S has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause injury
or death, you should immediately inform
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying Tesla.
To contact Transport Canada, call their toll-free
number: 1-800-333-0510.
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