Roadside Assistance......................2Contacting Roadside Assistance.......................... 2
Instructions for Transporters.................................. 3
Use a Flatbed Only 3Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension vehicles only) 3Activate Tow Mode 3Connect the Tow Chain 4Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure the Wheels 4
Safety Information..........................5Seat Belts....................................................................... 5
Wearing Seat Belts 5Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant 6Seat Belt Pre-tensioners 6Testing Seat Belts 7Seat Belt Warnings 7
Child Safety Seats....................................................... 8
Guidelines for Seating Children 8Choosing a Child Safety Seat 9Seating Larger Children 11Installing Child Safety Seats 11Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats 11Installing ISOFIXChild Seats 12Attaching Upper Tether Straps 12Testing a Child Safety Seat 13Warnings - Child Safety Seats 13
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats.............. 14
Usage Restrictions 14Opening 14Folding 15Seating a Child 16Warnings - Tesla Child Seats 17
Airbags.......................................................................... 18
Location of Airbags 18How the Airbags Work 19Types of Airbags 19Disabling the Passenger Front Airbags 20Inflation Effects 21Airbag Warning Indicator 21Airbag Warnings 21
Tire Care and Maintenance................................... 22
Maintaining Tire Pressures 22Inspecting and Maintaining Tires 23Replacing Tires and Wheels 24Using Tire Chains 25Tire Pressure Monitoring 25Understanding Tire Markings 27
Vehicle Loading.........................................................29
Load Capacity Labeling 29Calculating Load Limits 30Towing a Trailer 30Roof Racks 30
Disclaimers................................................................... 31
Vehicle Telematics/Data Recorders 31Quality Control 31
Declarations of Conformity.................................. 32
Key and Passive Unlocking System 32Tire Pressure Monitoring System 33Media Control Unit 33Radio Frequency Information 34
Reporting Concerns.................................................35
Contacting Tesla 35
Warranty..........................................36General Warranty Provisions............................... 36
Who is the Warrantor? 36What Vehicles are Covered? 36Multiple Warranty Conditions 36Limitations and Disclaimers 36Ownership Transfer 36Who Can Enforce this New Vehicle Limited Warranty? 37When Does the Warranty Period Begin and End? 37
Warranty Coverage................................................. 37
Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty 37Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty 37Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty 38
Exclusions and Limitations................................... 38
Warranty Limitations 38Additional Limitations and Exclusions 39Voided Warranty 40Damages 40
Obtaining Warranty Service................................ 40
Payment of Tax for Repairs 41Reasonable Time for Repairs 41Roadside Assistance (Japan) 41Modifications and Waivers 41
Dispute Resolution.................................................... 41Contents
Instructions for Transporters
Use a Flatbed Only
Use a flatbed trailer only, unless otherwise specified by Tesla. Do not transport Model Swith the tires directly on the ground.Caution: Damage caused by transporting
is not covered by the warranty.Caution: To transport Model S, follow the
instructions exactly as described next.
Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension
vehicles only)
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air Suspension, it automatically self-levels, evenwhen power is off. To prevent damage, youmust activate Jack mode to disable self-
leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Driving on the
touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very
High to maximize height.
3. Touch 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 7 km/h.
Warning: Failure to activate Jack mode
on a Model S equipped with Smart Air
Suspension can 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 intoNeutral. 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 > Tow Mode .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, and you therefore cannot
release the electric parking brake,
attempt to quick start the 12V battery.
For instructions, call Tesla. If a situation
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 specifications and recommended load
capacity.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance3
Connect the Tow Chain
1. Remove the nose cone.
Insert a plastic pry tool into the top right
corner, and gently pry the nose cone toward you. When the clip releases, pull
the nose cone toward you, without
twisting or bending, to release the three remaining clips.
2. Insert the towing eye.
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.
3. Attach the tow chain to the towing eye.
Caution:
Before pulling, make sure the
towing eye is securely tightened.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 orthe 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's
body may cause damage.Caution: To prevent damage, do not
transport Model S with the tires directly
on the ground.
Roadside Assistance
4Model S Quick Guide
Tire Care and Maintenance
Maintaining Tire Pressures Keep tires inflated to the pressures shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label, even if it differs from the pressure printed on the tireitself. The Tire and Loading Information labelis located on the center door pillar and is
visible when the driver’s door is open.The Tire Pressure indicator light on
the instrument panel alerts you if
one or more tires is under- or over-
inflated.
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
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 TPMS Malfunction on page
26).
Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressures
Follow these steps when tires are cold andModel 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. Re-check pressure by removing and re-
attaching 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 and 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 ofinjury. 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 about 1.6 kms 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 checkwarm 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.
Safety Information
22Model S Quick Guide
Inspecting and Maintaining TiresRegularly 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.
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
1.6 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.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 8000 km.
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.
Note: When replacing only two tires, always
install the new tires on the rear.
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.
Note: In some cases, you can temporarily
repair small tire punctures (under 6 mm) using
an optional tire repair kit available from Tesla. This allows you to slowly drive Model S to
Tesla 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 causea vibration which gradually disappears as thetires 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 kms until the tires warm up. Contact Tesla for winter tire
recommendations.
Safety Information
Safety Information23
Improving Tire Mileage
To improve the mileage you get from your
tires, maintain tires at the recommended tire pressures, 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 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 re-balance and check
the alignment of wheels.
If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire
Pressure Monitoring System) sensors need to
be reset to ensure they provide accurate
warnings when tires are under- or over-
inflated (see Resetting the TPMS Sensors on
page 25).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 thetire 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.
Safety Information
24Model S Quick Guide
Using Tire ChainsTesla 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 inch 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 48 km/h.
• Avoid heavily loading Model S (heavy loads can reduce the clearance betweenthe 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.Caution: Using non-recommended tire
chains, or using tire chains on other sized tires, can damage the suspension, body,wheels, and/or brake lines. Damagecaused 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
driver’s door pillar (see Maintaining Tire Pressures on page 22). If your vehicle has tires
of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard 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 tire pressuretelltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
instrument panel when one or more of your
tires is significantly under- or over-inflated.
Accordingly, when the Tire Pressure indicator
light displays on the instrument panel alerting
of tire pressure, stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure (see Maintaining TirePressures on page 22). 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- or
over-inflation has not reached the level
for the TPMS to trigger the Tire Pressure Warning on the instrument panel.
Resetting the TPMS Sensors
After replacing one or more wheels, the TPMS sensors must be reset to ensure tire pressurewarnings are accurate. However, note that theTPMS sensors do not need to be reset after
replacing a tire or rotating wheels.
Note: When changing to 21" wheels
(Performance Plus models), the TPMS may
generate false tire pressure warnings. Bring
Model S to a Tesla Service center for further
adjustment.
Note: Do not reset the TPMS sensors in an
attempt to clear tire pressure warnings.
Safety Information
Safety Information25
To reset TPMS sensors:
1. Inflate all tires to their recommend
pressures, as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label located on the
driver’s door pillar.
2. Get ready to drive for ten minutes, then,
on the Model S touchscreen, touch
Controls > Settings > Vehicle > Tire
Pressure Monitor > Reset Sensors .
3. Follow the onscreen instructions.
Replacing a Tire Sensor
If the Tire Pressure warning 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.
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 tire pressure
indicator light. When the system
detects a malfunction, the indicator
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 under- and over-
inflated tires as intended.
TPMS malfunctions can occur for a variety of
reasons, including installing replacement oralternate tires or wheels on the vehicle thatprevent 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.
Safety Information
26Model S Quick Guide