2015 TESLA MODEL S port

Load Capacity LabelingIt 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
pillar 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. A significant spill 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.
Note: If Model S is loaded to its full capacity,
double check all tires to ensure they are
inflated to their recommended pressure levels.
Vehicle Loading
Specifications135

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:
Canada:
Caution: To prevent damage, never load
Model S so that it is heavier than GVWR
or exceeds the individual GAWR weights.Calculating Load Limits
1. Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your
vehicle’s “Tire and Loading Information”
label.
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
the vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs (see Step 1).
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs (635 kg) and
there will be five 150 lb (68 kg)
passengers in the vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage capacity is
650 lbs (1400 ‑ 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs) or
295 kg (635 ‑ 340 (5 x 68) = 295 kg.
5. Determine the combined weight of cargo
and luggage being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight must not exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.Warning: The front and rear trunks are
the preferred places to carry objects. In
an accident, or during hard braking and sharp turns, loose items in the cabin
could injure occupants.
Example Load Limit Calculations
How much cargo you can carry in Model S
depends on the number and weight of
passengers. The following are typical
examples of calculated load limits. These
examples assume passengers weighing 150 lbs (68 kg). If the passengers weigh more or less,
the available cargo and luggage load capacity decreases or increases respectively.
Driver and one passenger
DescriptionTotalVehicle capacity weight954 lbs
(433 kg)Subtract occupant weight
(2 x 150 lbs/68 kg)300 lbs
(136 kg)Available cargo weight654 lbs
(297 kg)
Vehicle Loading
136Model S Owner's Manual

Driver and four passengersDescriptionTotalVehicle capacity weight954 lbs
(433 kg)Subtract occupant weight (5 x
150 lbs/68 kg)750 lbs
(340 kg)Available cargo weight204 lbs
(93 kg)
The available cargo or luggage weight should
then be distributed between the front and
rear trunks.
Caution: Do not exceed the maximum
front trunk load weight of 300 lbs
(136 kg).
Towing a Trailer
Warning: Do not use Model S for towing
purposes. Model S does not support a
trailer hitch. Installing one could cause
damage and increase the risk of an
accident.Caution: Using Model S for towing may
void the warranty.
Roof Racks
If Model S is equipped with the all glass
panoramic roof, you can carry up to 75 kg
using a Tesla-approved roof rack (see Parts
and Accessories on page 133). A Model S
equipped with a solid aluminum roof is incompatible with roof racks.
Caution: Damage caused by roof racks is
not covered by the warranty.Caution: Do not use roof racks, or place
any load, on the roof of a Model S that is equipped with a solid aluminum roof.Doing so can cause significant damage.
Vehicle Loading
Specifications137

1Tire category. P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles.2Tire width. This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge.3Aspect 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.4Tire construction. R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction.5Wheel diameter. This 2-digit number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.6Load index. This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This number is not always shown.7Speed rating. When stated, indicates the maximum speed (in mph) at which the tire
can be used for extended periods. Q=99 mph (160 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).8Tire 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.9Maximum tire load. The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.10Maximum permissible inflation pressure. This pressure should not be used for normal driving.11U.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 used 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.12Treadwear 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 200.13Traction 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.14Temperature grade. The tire’s resistance to heat is grade A, B, or C, with A indicating
the greatest resistance. This grading is provided for a correctly inflated tire, which is
being used within its speed and loading limits.
Wheels and Tires
146Model S Owner's Manual

Wheels and Tires GlossaryAccessory WeightThe combined weight (in excess of those items replaced) of
items available as factory installed equipment.BeadThe 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 PressureThe air pressure in a tire that has been standing in excess of three hours, or driven for less than one mile.Curb WeightThe weight of a standard vehicle, including any optional
equipment fitted, and with the correct fluid levels.Gross Vehicle WeightThe 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/in).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
WeightThe sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.Production Options WeightThe combined weight of options installed 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/in)Pounds per square inch (the unit used to measure tirepressure).Recommended Tire Inflation
PressureTire inflation pressure, established by Tesla, 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 label located on the door pillar.RimThe metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the
tire beads are seated.Vehicle Capacity WeightThe number of seats multiplied by 150 lbs plus the rated amount of load/luggage.
Wheels and Tires
148Model S Owner's Manual

Tesla Roadside Assistance is available to you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for the duration of
your warranty 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 thedriver’s side of your vehicle and is visible through the windshield.
Roadside Assistance covers transportation of Model S for up to 50 miles (80 kms) 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 RoadsideAssistance Program, refer to the policy that was provided to you by Tesla when you purchasedModel S.
It is your responsibility to provide vehicle transporters with instructions on how to transport
Model S (see Instructions for Transporters on page 150).
Contacting Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance149

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.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, even when power is off. To prevent damage, you
must activate Jack mode to disable self- leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Suspension 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 4.5 mph (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 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 > Settings >
Service & Reset > 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.
Instructions for Transporters
150Model S Owner's Manual

Connect the Tow Chain
The method used to connect the tow chain depends on whether Model S is equipped with
a towing eye (located in the front trunk).
If not equipped with a towing eye:
1. Attach the tow chains to the large hole on
each of the rearmost lower suspension arms underneath the front of the vehicle.
2. To protect the underbody from any
damage that could be caused by the tow
chains, place 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 ensure the underbody is protected from any damage that couldbe caused by the tow chain.If equipped with a towing eye:
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.
Instructions for Transporters
Roadside Assistance151