2016 TESLA MODEL S brake fluid

Braking Systems
Model S has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking when
you apply maximum brake pressure. This
improves steering control during heavy
braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure according
to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.
This demonstrates that the ABS is operating
and is not a cause for concern. Keep
firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator flashes briefly on
the instrument panel when you firststart Model S. If this indicator lights
up at any other time, an ABS fault
has occurred and the ABS is not
operating. Contact Tesla. The braking system remains fully operational and
is not
affected by an ABS failure.
However, braking distances may increase.
If the instrument panel displays this
indicator at any time other than
displaying
briefly when you first start
Model S, a brake system fault is
detected or the brake
fluid level is
low. Contact Tesla immediately.
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal
and maintain
firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. The ABS varies the braking
pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.
Warning: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.Warning: Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you and be
aware of hazardous driving conditions.
While the ABS can improve stopping
distance, it cannot overcome the laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of
water prevents direct contact between the tires and the road).
If Model S is equipped with Autopilot
hardware, Automatic Emergency Braking
automatically applies full braking in situations
where a collision is considered imminent (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 86).
Brake Wear Model S brake pads are equipped with wear
indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal
strip attached to the brake pad that squeals as it rubs against the rotor when the pad wears
down. This squealing sound indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their
service life and require replacement. To stop
the squealing, contact Tesla Service.
Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads results in damage to the
braking system and can create a braking
hazard.
Brakes
54Model S Owner

Cleaning the ExteriorTo prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,
industrial fallout, etc). Do not wait until
Model S is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove
tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then
immediately wash the area with water and a
mild, non-detergent soap to remove the
alcohol.
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model S:
1. Rinse Thoroughly Before washing,
flush grime and grit from
the bodywork using a hose. Flush away
accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel
arches and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during
winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of thevehicle.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a clean soft
cloth and cold or lukewarm water
containing a mild, good quality car
shampoo.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly
with a chamois.
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape,
or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.
Cautions for Exterior CleaningCaution: Do not use windshield treatmentfluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper
friction and cause a chattering sound.Caution: Do not use hot water and
detergents.Caution: In hot weather, do not wash in direct sunlight.Caution: If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm)
between the nozzle and the surface of
Model S. Keep the nozzle moving and do
not concentrate the water jet on any one
area.Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly
at window, door or hood seals, or through
wheel apertures onto brake components.Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or
rough cloths, such as washing mitts.Caution: If washing in an automatic car
wash, use Touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes,
etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model S.
Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.Caution: Do not used chemical based
wheel cleaners. These can damage the
finish on the wheels.
Caution: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the rear view camera or
parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
or damage its surface.
Cleaning
144Model S Owner

Checking Brake FluidWarning: Contact Tesla immediately if you
notice increased movement of the brake
pedal or a
significant loss of brake fluid.Driving under these conditions can result in extended stopping distances or
complete brake failure.
The Brake indicator on the
instrument panel alerts you if the
quantity of
fluid in the brake
reservoir drops below the
recommended level. If it displays
while driving, stop as soon as safety
permits by gently applying the
brakes. Do not continue driving.
Contact Tesla immediately.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the brake
fluid level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To
check it yourself, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 149).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir
without removing the
filler cap.
The brake
fluid level should always be
between the MIN and the MAX marks.
Note: Although brake
fluid level drops slightly
during normal use as a result of brake pad
wear, it should not drop below the MIN mark.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake
fluid. Tesla service
does this when you bring Model S in for
regular servicing. The following instructions
are provided for information purposes and future reference only:
1. Clean the filler cap before removing to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Unscrew the cap and remove.
3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark using brake
fluid meeting DOT3specifications.4. Replace the filler cap.
Warning: Only use new fluid from a sealed
air-tight container. Never use previously
used
fluid or fluid from a previously
opened container

AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 54
Acceleration (dual motor) 94
access panel, removing 149accessoriesinstalling 159
plugging into power socket 113
air circulation 105
air conditioning 104
air distribution 105
air
filter 107
air suspension 109
air vents 107
airbags 31
alarm 121
all-season tires 137
always connected, setting 62
anti-lock braking (ABS) 54
audioplaying files 110
steering wheel buttons 37
volume control 110
Auto High Beam 51
Auto Lane Change 77
auto-raising suspension 108
automatic emergency braking 85
Autopark 79
Autopilot 65
Autosteer 74
B backup camera 64
battery (12V)complete discharge 129specifications 167Battery (high voltage)care of 129
coolant 149
specifications 168
temperature limits 129
battery (key), replacing 5
blind spot warning 83
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 112
general information 114
phone, pairing and using 114
body repairs 159
body touch up 146
brake
fluid replacement 134
brakesautomatic in emergencies 85fluid level 150
overview of 54
specifications 167
brightness of displays 99
C
cabin temperature control 104
calendar 119
California Proposition 65 180
camera (rear view) 64
car cover 146
car washes 144
cargo volume 164
carpets, cleaning 145
CE
certifications 182
CHAdeMO 128
chains 138
change of ownership 103
charge port 130
charge port light 131
chargingcharge settings 132
components and equipment 127
instructions 130
public charging stations 128
scheduling 132
status of 133child protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9child seatscleaning 145
installing and using 22
Tesla built-in rear facing 27
cleaning 144
climate controls 104
climate ionizer 99
clock 37
Cold Weather controls 94
collision avoidance assist 85
console12V power socket 113
cup holders 16
USB ports 113contact informationroadside assistance 174
Tesla 181coolantBattery, checking level of 149
Battery, replacement interval 134
copyrights 178, 179
Creep 94
cruise control 68
cup holders 16
customizing 99
D
dashboard overview 2
data recording 180
day mode 99
declarations of conformity 182
Index
Index185

delivery mileage 180devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 112
connecting 113
playing audio
files from 112
dimensions 163
display brightness 99
dome (map) lights 48
door handles 6
door labels 161
Door Unlock Mode 7
doors 4
doors, opening 4
Drive gear 42
drive-away locking 7
driverprofiles 35
seat adjustment 17driver assistanceAuto Lane Change 77
automatic emergency braking 85
Autopark 79
Autosteer 74
blind spot warning 83
collision avoidance assist 85
forward collision warning 85
overtake acceleration 68
overview 65
settings for 99
side collision avoidance 83
side collision warning 83
staying inside lane markings 83
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 68
drivingseating position 17
starting 41
tips to maximize range 62
E
electric parking brake 55
emergency
flashers 52
emergency rear door opening 8
emission label 160
energygained from regenerative braking 55
range information 43, 46
tips to minimize usage of 62
energy & charging setting 99
energy app 62
energy saving mode 62
Erase & Reset 103
event data recording 180
exteriorcar cover 146
cleaning 144
dimensions 163
lights 48exterior (continued)overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 146
F
factory defaults, restoring 103
factory reset 103
fan speed, interior 105
favorites, adding and removing 112
FCC
certifications 182
features, downloading new 125
firmware (software) updates 125flash drives, playing audio files from 112flashers, warning 52flat tire repair 140floor mats 146
fluidsreplacement intervals 134
reservoirs, checking 149
fog lights 48
forward collision warning 85
front passenger detection 33
front trunk 12
fuseslocation of 152
removing access panel 149
G
garage doors, opening 122
gates, opening 122
GAWR 161
gears 42
glove box 14
Gross Axle Weight Rating 161
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 161
ground clearance 163
GVWR 161
H
hazard warning
flashers 52
head supports 18
headlightsafter exit 51
high beams 51
heated wipers 53
heating 104
height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 108
automatic and manual settings 109
disabling (Jack mode) 109
high beam headlights 51
high voltageBattery specifications 168
Index
186Model S Owner

high voltage (continued)components 127
safety 134
hills, stopping on 59
hitches 162
HomeLinkFCC certification 184
programming and using 122
hood 12
horn 39
I IC
certifications 182
Ideal range 99
identification labels 160
Insane setting (dual motor) 94
instrument panelcharging status 133
cleaning 145
overview of 43, 46interiorcleaning 145
dimensions 163
lights 48
overview 2
temperature control 104
Internet radio 111
intrusion detection 121
ionizer 99
J
J1772 128
Jack mode 109
jacking 158
K
keyFCC and IC certifications 182
how to use 4
key not inside 41
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry 4
L
labelTire and Loading Information 161
vehicle certification 161
lane assist 83
lane change flash 52
lane change, automatic 77
lane departure warning
83
language setting 99
LATCH child seats, installing 25
Launch Mode 60liftgateadjust opening height 10
opening 10
lifting 158
lightshazard warning 52
headlights after exit 51
turn signals 51
load limits 161
location-based suspension 108
locking and unlocking doors 4
lumbar support 17
M
maintenancebrake fluid, checking 150
cleaning 144
daily and monthly checks 134
fluid replacement intervals 134
panel, removing 149
replacing fuses 152
replacing wiper blades 147
service intervals 134
tires 135
washer
fluid, topping up 151
washer jets, cleaning 147
maps 116
mats 146
media 110
mileage upon delivery 180
mirrors 40
mobile app 126
Mobile Connectordescription 128
using 130
modifications 159
motor specifications 166
N naming 102
navigation 116
NCC
certifications 182
Neutral gear 42
NHTSA, contacting 181
night mode 99
nose cone, removing 176
O occupancy sensor 33
Index
Index187