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.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 20 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
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.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 21 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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Vehicle LoadingVehicle Loading
26MODEL S
Canada:
CAUTION: To prevent damage, never
load Model S so that it is heavier than
GVWR or exceeds the individual GAWR
weights.
Calculating Load Limits
1. Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your
vehicle’s “Tire and Loading Information”
label.
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
the vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs
(see Step 1).
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be
f i v e 1 5 0 l b ( 6 8 k g ) p a s s e n g e r s i n t h e v e h i c l e ,
the amount of availa ble cargo and luggage
capacity is 650 lbs (1400 - 750
(5 x 150) = 650 lbs) or 294 kg (635 - 340
(5 x 68) = 294 kg.
5. Determine the combined weight of cargo
and luggage being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight must not exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
WARNING: The front and rear trunks are
the preferred places to carry objects. In
an accident, or during hard braking and sharp
turns, loose items in the cabin could injure
occupants.
Example Load Limit Calculations
How much cargo you can carry in Model S
depends on the number and weight of
passengers. The followin g are typical examples
of calculated load limits. These examples
assume passengers weighi ng 150 lbs (68 kg). If
the passengers weigh more or less, the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
decreases or increases respectively.
Example 1: Driver and one passenger
Example 2: Driver and four passengers
The available cargo or luggage weight should
then be distributed betw een the front and rear
trunks.
CAUTION: Do not exceed the maximum
front trunk load weight of 300 lbs
(136 kg).
Towing a Trailer
WARNING: Do not tow a trailer. Model S
does not support a trailer hitch. Installing
one could damage Model S and increase the
risk of an accident.
DescriptionTo t a l
Vehicle capacity weight 954 lbs
(433 kg)
Subtract occupant weight
(2 x 150 lbs/68 kg) 300 lbs
(136 kg)
Ava i l a b l e c a rg o we i g h t 654 lbs
(297 kg)
DescriptionTo t a l
Vehicle capacity weight 954 lbs
(433 kg)
Subtract occupant weight
(5 x 150 lbs/68 kg) 750 lbs
(340 kg)
Ava i l a b l e c a rg o we i g h t 204 lbs
(93 kg)
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 26 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
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
Warranty (North America)Warranty (North America)
34MODEL S
If your Battery requires warranty service, Tesla will repair the unit, or replace it with a factory
reconditioned unit that has an energy capacity at least equal to that of the original Battery before
the failure occurred. To provide you with even more assurance, this Battery Limited Warranty will
also cover damage to your vehicle from a Battery fire even if it is the result of driver error. (Coverage
will not extend to damage that had already been sustained before a Battery fire occurred, or to any
damage if the Battery fire occurred after your vehicle had already been totaled.) Your vehicle’s
Battery is covered under this Battery Limited Warranty for a period of 8 years or for the number of
miles/km specified below for your Battery configuration, whichever comes first:
• 60 kWh - 125,000 miles (200,000 km)
• 85 kWh - unlimited miles/km
Despite the breadth of this warranty, damage resulting from intentional actions (including
intentionally abusing or destroying your vehicle, or ignoring active vehicle warnings), a collision or
accident (excluding from Battery fires as specified above), or the servicing or opening of the Battery
by non-Tesla personnel, is not covered under this Battery Limited Warranty.
In addition, damage resulting from the following activities is not covered under this Battery Limited
Wa r ra n t y :
• Exposing the vehicle to ambient temperatures above 140°F (60°C) or below -22°F (-30°C) for
more than 24 hours at a time;
• Physically damaging the Battery, or intentio nally attempting, either by physical means,
programming, or other methods, to extend (other than as specified in your owner
documentation) or reduce the life of the Battery;
• Exposing the Battery to direct flame (excluding from Battery fires as specified above); or,
• Flooding of the Battery.
The Battery, like all lithium-ion batteries, will experience gradual energy or power loss with time and
use. Loss of Battery energy or power over time or due to or resulting from Battery usage, is NOT
covered under this Battery Limited Warranty. See your owner documentation for important
information on how to maximize the life and capacity of the Battery.
Exclusions and Limitations
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover any vehicle damage or malfunction directly or
indirectly caused by, due to or resulting from normal wear or deterioration, abuse, misuse,
negligence, accident, improper maintenance, operat ion, storage or transport, including, but not
limited to, any of the following:
• Failure to take the vehicle to a Tesla Service Center or Tesla authorized repair facility upon discovery of a defect covered by this New Vehicle Limited Warranty;
• Accidents, collisions, or objects striking the vehicle;
• Any repair, alteration or modification of the vehicl e, or the installation or use of fluids, parts or
accessories, made by a person or facility not authorized or certified to do so;
• Improper repair or maintenance, including use of fluids, parts or accessories other than those
specified in your owner documentation;
• Towing the vehicle;
• Improper winch procedures;
• Theft, vandalism, or riot;
• Fire, explosion, earthquake, windstorm, lightning, hail, flood, or deep water;
• Driving the vehicle off-road, over uneven, rough, damaged or hazardous surfaces, including but not limited to, curbs, potholes, unfinished roads, debris, or other obstacles, or in competition,
racing or autocross or for any other purposes for which the vehicle is not designed;
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