Parts, Accessories, and
Modifications
Use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories.Tesla performs rigorous testing on parts to
ensure their suitability, safety, and reliability. Purchase these parts from Tesla, where they
are professionally installed and where you can receive expert advice about modifications toModel S.
Tesla is unable to assess parts manufactured by other distributors and therefore accepts no
responsibility if you use non-Tesla parts on
Model S.Warning: Installing non-approved parts
and accessories, or performing non-
approved modifications, can affect the performance of Model S and the safety of
its occupants. Any damage caused by using or installing non-approved parts, orby performing non-approved
modifications, is not covered by the
warranty.Warning: Tesla does not accept liability
for death, personal injury or damage that
occurs if you use or install non-approved accessories or make non-approvedmodifications.
Body Repairs
If Model S is in a collision, contact Tesla to
ensure that it is repaired with genuine Tesla
parts. Tesla has selected and approved body
shops that meet strict requirements for
training, equipment, quality, and customer
satisfaction.
Some repair shops and insurance companies
might suggest using non-original equipment
or salvaged parts to save money. However,
these parts do not meet Tesla's high
standards for quality, fit and corrosion
resistance. In addition, non-original equipment and salvaged parts (and any damage or
failures they might cause) are not covered by
the warranty.
Parts and Accessories
Maintenance133
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
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the tire
grading system developed by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by tread wear,
traction and temperature performance. Tires
that have deep tread, and winter tires, are
exempt from these marking requirements.
Where applicable, quality grades are found on
the tire’s sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:
• TREADWEAR 180
• TRACTION AA
• TEMPERATURE A
The quality grades are described next. Note: In addition to the marking requirements,
passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 wears one and
a half times better on a government test
course than a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends on the actual
conditions of their use, however, and can depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices, road characteristics, and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are: AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent a
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C might have poor traction performance.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.Warning: The traction grade assigned to
the tire is based on straight-ahead
braking tests, and doesn’t include:acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance tothe generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature cancause the tire to degenerate and reduce tirelife, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to the minimum
level of performance that all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel that exceed the
minimum requirements.
Warning: A tire’s temperature grade is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
Wheels and Tires
Specifications147
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
Vehicle 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 companyfor 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/km on the
odometer when you take delivery of your Model S. This is a result of a comprehensivetesting process that ensures the quality ofyour 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
technician.
California Proposition 65Warning: 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.
Disclaimers
Consumer Information155
Bluetooth, playing audio files 86
connecting 87
playing audio files from 86
dimensions 138
display brightness 77
dome (map) lights 47
door handles 6
door labels 135
doors 4
Drive gear 42
drive-away locking 7driverprofiles 36
seat adjustment 17driver assistanceforward collision warning 58
overtake acceleration 60
staying inside lane markings 57drivingseating position 17
starting Model S 41
tips to maximize range 70
E
electric parking brake 53
emergency flashers 50
emergency rear door opening 8
emission label 134
energygained from regenerative braking 53
range information 43
tips to minimize usage of 70
energy & charging setting 77
energy app 70
energy saving mode 70
Erase & Reset 79
event data recording 155
exteriorcar cover 120
cleaning 118
dimensions 138
lights 47
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 120F
factory defaults, restoring 79
factory reset 79
fan speed, interior 81
favorites, adding and removing 86
FCC certifications 157
features, downloading new 99
firmware (software) updates 99
flash drives, playing audio files from 86
flashers, warning 50
flat tire repair 114
floor mats 120fluidsreplacement intervals 108
reservoirs, checking 123
fog lights 47
forward collision warning 58
front passenger detection 34
front trunk 12
fuseslocation of 126
removing access panel 123
G
garage doors, opening 96
gates, opening 96
GAWR 136
gears 42
glove box 14
Gross Axle Weight Rating 136
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 136
ground clearance 138
GVWR 136
H
hazard warning flashers 50
head supports 19
headlightsafter exit 50
cornering lights 50
heated wipers 51
heating 80
height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 83
automatic and manual settings 84
disabling (Jack mode) 84high voltageBattery specifications 142
components 101
safety 108
Hill Start Assist 68
hitches 137
HomeLink
Index
Index161