DOCUMENT APPLICABILITY
Features released in the most recent versions of software may not be described in this document but are
described in Release Notes. Display Release Notes on the touchscreen by touching the Tesla “T” at the top
center of the touchscreen, then touching the Release Notes link. If information provided in this document
conflicts with information in the Release Notes, the Release Notes take precedence.
ILLUSTRATIONS
The illustrations provided in this document are for demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle options,
software version and market region, the information displayed on the touchscreen in your Model S may appear
slightly different.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
All specifications and descriptions contained in this document are verified to be accurate at the time of printing.
However, because continuous improvement is a goal at Tesla, we reserve the right to make product
modifications at any time.
ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions in this document, please send an email to:
ownersmanualfeedback @teslamotors.com.
©2012-2014 TESLA MOTORS, IN C. All rights reserved.
All information in this document and all MODEL S® software is subject to copyright and other intellectual property
rights of Tesla Motors, Inc. and its licensors. This material may not be modified, reproduced or copied, in whole or in
part, without the prior written permission of Tesla Motors, Inc. and its licensors. Additional information is available
upon request. The following are trademarks or registered tr ademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. in the United States and
other countries:
HOMELINK® and the HOMELINK® house icon are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc. Bluetooth® is a
registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. iPhone® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Android™ and
Google Maps™ are trademarks of Google, Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM
Radio Inc. Pandora is a registered trad emark of Pandora Media, Inc. Spotify is a registered trademark of the Spotify
Group. All other trademarks contained in this document are the property of their respective owners and their use
herein does not imply sponsorship or endorsement of their products or services. The unauthorized use of any
trademark displayed in this document or on the vehicle is strictly prohibited. TESLA TESLA MOTORS TESLA
ROADSTER MODEL S
The full Owner’s Manual and Warranty documents are on
your Model S touchscreen (touch Controls > Settings >
Manual ). These digital versions will continuously update as
the software on your car updates, ensuring that the latest
features are properly document ed long after your purchase.
More information about your Model S is available at
www.teslamotors.com/mytesla .
To contact Tesla, call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752).
Cover.fm Page 2 Wednesday , December 18, 2013 12:42 PM
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
SAFETY INFORMATION17
Warnings - Tesla Child Seats
WARNING: The Tesla built-in rear facing
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37” (94 cm) tall
and weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to
35.2 kg).
WARNING: Do not use supplemental
child restraint systems, including booster
seats, in the Tesla built-in rear facing child seats.
WA R N I N G: A l ways e n s u re t h at t he to p o f
the child’s head cannot touch the
vehicle’s headliner and that the child is seated
comfortably with the seat belts correctly
fastened.
WARNING: Follow all instructions and
heed all warnings related to the rear
facing child seats. Failure to do so can
compromise occupant safety.
WARNING: Read all safety warnings and
labels attached to the seats.
WARNING: Do not leave children
unattended in Model S, even if the child is
secured in a child safety seat or a Tesla built-in
rear facing child seat. In hot weather, the
interior temperature can reach dangerous
levels that can result in dehydration, serious
injury or death.
WARNING: Do not remove or replace the
fabric on a Tesla built-in rear facing child
seat. The covers are an integral part of the
restraint’s performance and should not be
removed or replaced with any other type than
those supplied by Tesla.
WARNING: If the Tesla built-in rear facing
child seats have been used in an accident,
they must be inspected or replaced by Tesla,
even if damage is not obvious.
WARNING: Before allowing a child to ride
in the Tesla built-in rear facing child seats,
check that the seat is securely held in the
upright position by trying to pull the seat back
toward you.
WARNING: Do not remove the built-in
rear facing child seats for any reason,
including cleaning. To ensure safety of
occupants, removal and installation must be
performed by qualified Tesla service
technicians. WARNING: Do not make modifications or
additions that can interfere with the
operation of the Tesla built-in rear facing child
seats.
WARNING: To prevent injury, ensure all
loose items (bags, luggage, etc.) are
secured. In an accident, or during hard braking
and sharp turns, loose items could cause injury.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 17 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
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.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 19 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
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
WARRANTY31
WARRANTY (NORTH AMERICA)
General Warranty Provisions .................................................................................. 32
Warranty Coverage ................................................................................................... 33
Exclusions and Limitations ...................................................................................... 34
Obtaining Warranty Service ................................................................................... 36
Warranty Enforcement Laws and Dispute Resolution ..................................... 37
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 31 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
Warranty (North America)Warranty (North America)
32MODEL S
WARRANTY (NORTH AMERICA)
Warranty (North America)General Warranty Provisions
Tesla Motors, Inc. (“Tesla”) will provide repairs to a Model S vehicle during the applicable warranty
period in accordance with the terms, conditions and limitations defined in this New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Who is the Warrantor?
What Vehicles are Covered?
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty applies to a Model S vehicle sold by Tesla in the Tesla North
America Warranty Region. For purposes of this New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the Tesla North
America Warranty Region is defined as all 50 states of the United States of America, the District of
Columbia, and all 13 provinces and territories of Canada, provided that you return to the North
America Warranty Region in order to receive wa rranty service. Any subsequent purchaser or
transferee must return to the North America Warran ty Region in order to obtain warranty service
regardless of the country in which such purchaser or transferee may have purchased the vehicle.
Multiple Warranty Conditions
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty contains warranty terms and conditions that may vary
depending on the part or system covered. A warranty for specific parts or systems is governed by
the coverage set forth in that warranty section as well as other provisions in this New Vehicle Limited
Wa r ra n t y.
Limitations and Disclaimers
This NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY MADE IN
CONNECTION WITH YOUR TESLA VEHICLE. Implied and express warranties and conditions arising
under applicable state or provincial laws or federal statute or otherwise in law or in equity, if any,
including, but not limited to, implied warranties an d conditions of merchantability or merchantable
quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, or those arising by a course of dealing or usage
of trade, are disclaimed to the fullest extent allowable by law, or limited in duration to the term of
this New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Some states or provinces do not allow limitations on implied
warranties or conditions and/or how long an im plied warranty or condition lasts, so the above
limitations may not apply to you.
THE PERFORMANCE OF NECESSARY REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENT BY TESLA IS THE
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES. Tesla does not authorize any person or entity to create for it any other obligations
or liability in connection with this New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The decision of whether to repair
or replace a part or to use a new or remanufactured part will be made by Tesla, in its sole discretion.
Your Rights Under State Law
This New Vehicle Limited Warranty gives you specif ic legal rights. You may also have other rights
that vary from state to state.
Vehicles registered in the U.S.:
Tesla Motors, Inc.
3500 Deer Creek Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
Attention: Vehicle Service Vehicles registered in Canada:
Tesla Motors Canada, Inc
.7175 Tranmere Road, Unit #2
Mississauga, Ontario L5S 1N4
Attention: Vehicle Service
1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752) 1-877
-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 32 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;
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 34 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM