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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Available 24 hours every day
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRANSPORTERS CONTINUED
Connect the Tow Chain
The method used to connect the tow chain depends on whether Model S is equipped with a towing eye.
Attach the tow chains to the large hole on each of
the rearmost lower suspension arms , underneath
the front of the vehicle.
Pl
ace a 2” x 4” piece of wood between the tow
chains and the underbody.
CAUTION: Before pulling, position the wood
between the tow chain and the underbody to
protect the underbody from any damage that
could be caused by the tow chain.
Lower Suspension Arms
Remove the nose cone by inserting a plastic
pry tool into the top right corner, then gently
prying the nose cone toward you. When the
clip releases, pull the nose cone toward you,
without twisting or bending it, to release the
three remaining clips.CAUTION: Do not use a metal object
(such as a screwdriver). Doing so can
damage the nose cone and the
surrounding area.
Towing Eye (if equipped)
Fully insert the towing eye (found in the front
trunk) into the opening on the right side, then
turn it counter-clockwise until securely
fastened. When secure, attach the tow chain
to the towing eye.
CAUTION: Before pulling, make sure
the towing eye is securely tightened.
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Call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TRAN SPORTERS CONTINUED
Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure the Wheels
Secure wheels using chocks and tie-down straps.
Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do
not contact painted surfaces or the face of the
wheels.
Do not place straps over body panels or through
the wheels.
CAUTION: Attaching straps to the chassis,
suspension or other parts of the vehicle
body may cause damage.
CAUTION: To prevent damage, do not
transport Model S with the tires directly on
the ground.
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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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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.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 29 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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Warranty (North America)Warranty (North America)
36MODEL S
Although Tesla does not require you to perform all service or repairs at a Tesla Service Center or
Tesla authorized repair facility, this New Vehicle Limited Warranty may be voided or coverage may
be excluded due to improper maintenance, service or repairs. Tesla Service Centers and Tesla
authorized repair facilities have special training, expertise, tools and supplies with respect to your
vehicle and, in certain cases, may employ the only persons or be the only facilities authorized or
certified to work on certain parts of your vehicle. Tesla strongly recommends that you have all
maintenance, service and repairs done at a Tesla Serv ice Center or Tesla authorized repair facility in
order to avoid voiding, or having coverage excluded under, this New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
The following will also void this New Vehicle Limited Warranty:
• Vehicles that have had the VIN defaced or alte red or the odometer or other related system
disconnected, altered or rendered inoperative so th at it is difficult to determine the VIN number
or actual mileage;
• Vehicles that have been labeled or branded as dismantled, fire-damaged, flood-damaged, junk,
rebuilt, salvage, reconstructed, irreparable or a total loss; and
• Vehicles that have been determined to be a total loss by an insurance company.
Damages
Tesla hereby disclaims any and all indirect, incide ntal, special and consequential damages arising out
of or relating to your vehicle, including, but not limited to, transportation to and from a Tesla Service
Center, loss of vehicle value, loss of time, loss of income, loss of use, loss of personal or commercial
property, inconvenience or aggravation, emotional di stress or harm, commercial loss (including but
not limited to lost profits or earnings), towing char ges, bus fares, vehicle rental, service call charges,
gasoline expenses, lodging expenses, damage to tow vehicle, and incidental charges such as
telephone calls, facsimile transmissions, and mailing expenses.
Tesla shall not be liable for any direct damages in an amount that exceeds the fair market value of
the vehicle at the time of the claim.
The above limitations and exclusions shall apply whether your claim is in contract, tort (including
negligence and gross negligence), breach of warr anty or condition, misrepresentation (whether
negligent or otherwise) or otherwise at law or in equity, even if Tesla is advised of the possibility of
such damages or such damages are reasonably foreseeable. Some states or provinces do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of indirect, direct, spec ial, incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
Obtaining Warranty Service
To obtain warranty service, you must notify Tesla within the applicable warranty period, and deliver
the vehicle, at your expense, duri ng regular business hours to a Tesla Service Center, or such other
repair facility designated by Tesla in the Tesla No rth America Warranty Region. The location of the
nearest Tesla Service Center may be obtained by visiting www.teslamotors.com. The location of
Tesla Service Centers is subject to change at any time and without prior notice.
Please be prepared to provide the VIN, which is lo cated on the upper dashboard on the driver’s side
of the vehicle and visible through the windshield and is also available on the vehicle registration and
title documentation, vehicle delivery date, current mileage and a description of the defect when you
contact Tesla.
In the event of a change of your address, plea se contact Tesla at the address or phone number
specified in the section of this New Vehicle Li mited Warranty titled “Who is the Warrantor?”.
Payment of Tax for Repairs
Some jurisdictions and/or local governments may requ ire that tax be collected on warranty repairs.
Where applicable law allows, you are responsible for payment of these taxes.
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Warranty (North America)
WARRANTY37
Reasonable Time for Repairs
You must allow Tesla a reasonable time for completion of repairs and/or service. Upon notification
by Tesla of the completion of the vehicle repairs and/or service, you are responsible for immediately
picking up the vehicle, at your own expense.
Roadside Assistance (North America)
Tesla provides complimentary roadside assistance emergency services, including towing services to
the nearest Tesla Service Center or your home provided they are within 50 miles (80 km) of your
vehicle, for 4 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km), wh ichever comes first, for vehicles covered by this
New Vehicle Limited Warranty at the time of the occurrence, subject to the exclusions and
limitations described in your Roadside Assistan ce documentation. You are responsible for any
roadside assistance emergency services for vehicles or repairs not covered by this New Vehicle
Limited Warranty, which will have a minimum charge of US$300 or CAD$300, as applicable
depending upon the location of the vehicle, and for any charges for transportation beyond the first
50 miles (80 km). Roadside assistance is not prov ided under this New Vehicle Limited Warranty but
is a service intended to minimize inconvenience wh en your Tesla vehicle is inoperable. Please refer
to your Roadside Assistance documentation for details.
Modifications and Waivers
No person or entity, including, but not limited to , a Tesla employee or authorized representative, can
modify or waive any part of this New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Tesla may occasionally offer to pay
a portion or all of the cost of certain repairs that are no longer covered by this New Vehicle Limited
Warranty for specific vehicle models, which some st ates may refer to as “adjustment programs.” In
such circumstances, Tesla will notify all known registered owners of affected vehicles. You may also
inquire to Tesla directly regarding the applicability of such programs, if any, to your vehicle. Tesla
may also occasionally offer to pay a portion or all of the cost of certain vehicle repairs that are no
longer covered by this New Vehicle Limited Warr anty on an ad hoc case-by-case basis. Tesla
reserves the right to do the above and to make changes to vehicles manufactured or sold by Tesla
and the applicable warranties, at any time, without incurring any obligation to make the same or
similar payment or changes for vehicles Tesla previously manufactured or sold, or applicable
warranties including this New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Nothing herein shall imply that any Tesla
vehicle is free of defects.
Warranty Enforcement Laws and Dispute Resolution
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law which governs this New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Many jurisdictions have laws, commonly called “Lemon Laws,” that provide you with
certain rights if you have problems with your new vehicle. These laws vary depending on the state,
province or territory. Your new vehicle and its safe ty items comply with applicable provincial and
territorial motor vehicle laws.
To the fullest extent allowed by the law of your jurisdiction, Tesla requires that you first provide
Tesla, during the applicable warranty period spec ified in this New Vehicle Limited Warranty, with
written notification of any defects you have experi enced within a reasonable time to allow Tesla an
opportunity to make any needed repairs, and to submit to our dispute settlement program, before
you pursue any remedy under these laws.
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