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 and Replacing Wiper
BladesCaution: Wiper blades do not lock into a lifted position. When cleaning or
replacing a wiper blade, lift the wiper arm
only a short distance from the windshield,
just far enough to access the blade. Do
not lift a wiper arm beyond its intended
position. Doing so can cause damage that
is not covered by the warranty.
To make wiper blades easy to access, turn offthe wipers, shift Model S into Park, then use
the touchscreen to move them to the service
position. Touch Controls > Settings > Service &
Reset > Service Mode > ON.
Note: Wipers automatically return to their
normal position when you shift Model S out of Park.
Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper blade and check the rubber for cracks,
splits and roughness. If damaged, replace the blade immediately to prevent damage to the
glass.
Contaminants on the windshield, or on the wiper blades, can reduce the
effectiveness of
the wiper blades. Contaminants include ice,
wax spray from car washes, washer
fluid with
bug and/or water repellent, bird droppings,
tree sap, and other organic substances.
Follow these guidelines for cleaning:
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
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