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.
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 1 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
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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SAFETY INFORMATION5
SAFETY INFORMATION
Seat Belts
Wearing Seat Belts ................................................................................................................................................6
Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant ........ ..................................................................... .................. ................6
Seat Belt Pre-tensioners ....................................................................................................... ............................... 7
Testing Seat Belts ............................................................................................................. ..................................... 7
Seat Belt Warnings ............................................................................................................. ................................... 7
Child Safety Seats
Guidelines for Seating Children ................................................................................................ ........................9
Choosing a Child Safety Seat ................................................................................................... .........................9
Seating Larger Children ........................................................................................................ ............................. 10
Installing Child Safety Seats.................................................................................................. ........................... 10
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats ...................................................................................... .............. 10
Installing LATCH Child Seats ................................................................................................... ......................... 11
Attaching Upper Tether Straps .......................................................................................... ............................ 12
Testing a Child Safety Seat .................................................................................................... .......................... 12
Warnings - Child Safety Seats .................................................................................................. ...................... 12
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child SeatsUsage Restrictions ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Opening .......... .............................................................................................................. ........................................... 14
Storing ........................................................................................................................ .............................................. 15
Seating a Child ................................................................................................................ ...................................... 16
Warnings - Tesla Child Seats ................................................................................................... ........................ 17
Tires and WheelsMaintaining Tire Pressures ................................................................................................................................ 18
Inspecting and Maintaining Tires ............................................................................................... .................... 18
Replacing Tires and Wheels.... ......................................................................................... ............................... 20
Using Tire Chains.............................................................................................................. ................................... 20
Tire Pressure Monitoring ....................................................................................................... ............................ 21
Understanding Tire Markings .................................................................................................... ..................... 22
Wheels and Tires Glossary ... ............................................................ ....................................... ........................ 24
Vehicle Loading
Load Capacity Labeling ......................................................................................................... ........................... 25
Calculating Load Limits ..... ................................................................................................... ............................ 26
Towing a Trailer ............................................................................................................... .................................... 26
DisclaimersVehicle Telematics/Data Recorders .............................................................................................. .............. 27
Quality Control ................................................................................................................ ..................................... 27
California Proposition 65..................................... ............................................................................................. 27
Declarations of Conformity................................................................................................................. 28
Reporting Concerns
Contacting Tesla............................................................................................................... ................................... 29
Reporting Safety Defects - US .................................................................................................. ..................... 29
Reporting Safety Defects - Canada .............................................................................................. ............... 29
Model S Quick Guide - NA Rev C.book Page 5 Wednesday, December 18, 2013 12:40 PM
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
22MODEL S
Understanding Tire Markings
Laws require tire manufacturers to place
standardized information on the sidewall of all
tires. This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of the tire. It also provides the tire identification number
(TIN) for safety standard certification and in
case of a recall.
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