Call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRANSPORTERS
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Roadside AssistanceTesla Roadside Assistance is available to you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, throughout the United
States and Canada for the duration of your warran ty period. To contact Roadside Assistance, call
1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752) .
Advise the representative of the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, mileage,
your location, and the nature of the problem. The VIN is on the upper dashboard on the driver’s side
of your vehicle and is visible through the windshield.
Roadside Assistance covers transportation of Model S for up to 50 miles in the event of a flat tire.
However, owners are responsible for transportation expenses if the Battery is over-discharged. For
a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Tesla Roadside Assistance Program, refer
to the policy that was provided to yo u by Tesla when you purchased Model S.
It is your responsibility to provide vehicle transporters with instructions on how to transport Model S.
Use a Flatbed Only
Use a flatbed trailer only, unless otherwise specified by
Tesla. Do not transport Model S with the tires directly on
the ground. To transport Model S, follow the instructions
exactly as described.
Damage caused by transporting Model
S is not covered by the warranty.
Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension vehicles only)
If Model S is equipped with Active Air Suspension, it automatically self-levels, even when power is
off. To prevent damage, use the touchscreen to ac tivate Jack mode, which disables self-leveling:
1. To u c h CONTROLS on the bottom left of the touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Controls > Driving > Very High to maximize height.
3. To u c h Jack.
When Jack mode is active, Model S displays this indicator light on the instrument
panel, along with a message telling you that active suspension is disabled.
NOTE: Jack mode cancels when Model S is driven over 4.5 mph (7 km/h).
C A U T I O N : Fa i l u re t o a c t i v a t e J a c k m o d e o n a M o d e l S e q u i p p e d w i t h a c t i ve a i r s u s p e n s i o n c a n
result in the vehicle becoming loose during transport, which may cause significant damage.
Activate Tow Mode
Model S may automatically shift into Park when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle, even if it has
previously been shifted into Neutral. To keep Model S in Neutral (which disengages the parking
brake), you must use the touchscreen to activate Tow mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Press the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > E-Brake & Power Off >
To w M o d e .
When Tow mode is active, Model S displays this indicator light on the instrument panel,
along with a message telling you that Model S is free-rolling.
NOTE: Tow mode cancels when Model S is shifted into Park.
CAUTION:
If the electrical system is not working, an d you therefore cannot release the electric
parking brake, attempt to quick start the 12V battery. For instructions, call the number noted
on the previous page. If a situ ation occurs where you cannot disengage the parking brake, use
tire skids or transport Model S for the shortest possible distance using wheeled dollies. Before doing
so, always check the dolly manufacturer’s sp ecifications and recommended load capacity.
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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 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 Wheels
SAFETY INFORMATION23
1 Tire category. P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles.
2 Tire width. This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge.
3 Aspect ratio. This 2-digit number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the tread width. So, if the tread width is 205 mm, and the aspect ratio is 50, the sidewall height is 102 mm.
4 Tire construction. R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction. 5 Wheel diameter. This 2-digit number is th e diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
6 Load index. This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This number is not always shown.
7 Speed rating. When stated, indicates the ma ximum speed (in mph) at which the tire can
be used for extended periods. Q=99 mph (1 60 km/h), R=106 mph (170 km/h), S=112 mph
(180 km/h), T=118 mph (190 km/h), U=124 mph (200 km/h), H=130 mph (210 km/h), V=149
mph (240 km/h), W=168 mph (270 km/h), Y=186 mph (300 km/h).
8 Tire composition and materials. The number of plies in both the tread area and the sidewall
area indicates how many layers of rubber coated material make up the structure of the tire.
Information is also provided on the type of materials used.
9 Maximum tire load. The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.
10 Maximum permissible inflation pressure. This pressure should not be used for normal
driving.
11 U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN). Begins with the letters DOT and indicates that
the tire meets all federal standards. The next 2 digits/letters represent the plant code
where it was manufactured, and the last 4 digits represent the week and year of
manufacture. For example, the number 1712 is us ed to represent the 17th week of 2012. The
other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer’s discretion. This information
can be used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
12 Treadwear grade. This number indicates the tire’s wear rate. The higher the treadwear
number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down. A tire rated at 400, for
example, lasts twice as long as a tire rated at 200.
13 Traction grade. Indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet roads. A higher graded tire should allow you to stop your vehicle in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction
is graded from highest to lowest as AA, A, B, and C.
14 Temperature grade. The tire’s resistance to heat is grade A, B, or C, with A indicating the greatest resistance. This grading is provided fo r a correctly inflated tire, which is being used
within its speed and loading limits.
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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.
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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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