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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
Adequate tread depth is important for proper
tire performance. Tires with a tread depth less
than 4/32” (3 mm) are more likely to
hydroplane in wet conditions and should not
be used. Tires with a tread depth less than
5/32” (4 mm) do not perform well in snow and
slush and should not be used when driving in
winter conditions.
Model S is originally
fitted with tires that have
wear indicators molded into the tread pattern. When the tread has been worn down to 4/32”(3 mm), the indicators start to appear at thesurface of the tread pattern, producing the
effect of a continuous band of rubber across
the width of the tire. For optimal performance and safety, Tesla recommends replacing tires
before the wear indicators are visible.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every
5000 miles (8000 km).
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as
vibration through the steering wheel)
affectvehicle 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.
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 yourspeed. 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, or to a nearby tire
repair center.
Note: 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 Tesla or to a nearby tire repair
facility.Warning: Do not drive with a punctured
tire, even if the puncture has not causedthe tire to
deflate. A punctured tire candeflate suddenly 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
flat spots during storage, inflatetires to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire wall. Then, before driving, release airto adjust tire pressure to the recommended
levels.
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:
Page 138 of 190
Winter Tires
Your Model S is not originally equipped with
winter tires. To increase traction in snowy or
icy conditions, consider installing winter tires.
When installing winter tires, always install a
complete set of four tires at the same time.
Winter tires must be the same size, brand,
construction and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Contact Tesla for winter tire
recommendations.Winter tires can be identified by amountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire
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Uniform Tire Quality GradingThe 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
Page 189 of 190

T
telematics 180telephonesteering wheel controls for 38
using 114temperatureBattery (high voltage), limits 129
cabin, controls for 104
outside 37, 43
tires 172
tie-down straps 177
tilt detection 121
Tire and Loading Information label 161
tire noise 138
Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemFCC certification 183
overview of 138
tire pressures, checking 135
tire repair kitinflating with air only 142inflating with sealant 141
replacing the sealant canister 143tiresall-season 137
balancing 136
chains 138
industry glossary of terms 173
inspecting and maintaining 136
pressures, how to check 135
quality grading 172
replacing 137
replacing a tire sensor 139
rotation 136
specification 169
summer 137
temperature grades 172
tire markings 170
tire sealant 140
traction grade 172
treadwear grade 172
winter 138
torque specifications 166
touch up body 146
touchscreenclean mode 145
cleaning 145
Controls 94
overview 90
Settings 99
software updates 125
Tow mode 175
towing 175
towing a trailer 162
towing eye, locating 176
towing instructions 175
TPMSFCC certification 183
overview of 138traction control 56
trademarks 178, 179
traffic alerts 112Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 68
trailer hitches 162
transmission
specifications 166
Transport Canada, contacting 181
transporting 175
trip chart 62
trip information 61
trip overview 116
trip planner 116
trunk, front 12
trunk, rearchild protection lock 7
disabling interior handle 7
TuneIn 111
turn signals 51
U ultrasonic sensors 65
uniform tire quality grading 172
Units & Format 99
Unlock on Park 4
unlockingtrunk, front 12
trunk, rear 10
unlocking and locking doors 4
unlocking when key doesn
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weight specifications 165
wheel chocks 177wheelsalignment 136
replacing 137
specifications 169
Wi-Fi, connecting to 124
windshield washer fluid, topping up 151
winter tires 138
wiper blades, replacing 147
wipers and washers 53
wipers, de-icing 53
X
XM radio 110
Index
190Model S Owner