How Speed Assist Works
If Model S is equipped with Driver Assistance
components (see About Driver Assistance on
page 68), the forward looking camera detects
speed limit signs. The speed limit signs are
then analyzed and compared against GPS
data to determine the speed limit at your
current driving location. For routes where no
speed limit signs are present or cannot be detected, speed limits are determined using
GPS data (if available). Instead of determining
the speed limit based on speed limit signs and GPS data, you can also manually enter an
arbitrary speed limit.
When Speed Assist is turned on (described
below), the instrument panel displays a speed
limit sign. Warnings (described below) take
effect when you exceed this limit.
In situations where Speed Assist is unable to
detect a speed (for example, speed limit signs
and GPS data are not available at the current
location), or if Speed Assist is uncertain that
an acquired speed limit is accurate (for
example, although a speed limit sign was
initially detected, some time has passed
before a subsequent sign has been detected), the instrument panel may not display a speed
limit sign and warnings do not take
effect.
If you set the speed limit warning to Display
(see Controlling Speed Assist on page 91),
the speed limit sign on the instrumental panel
increases in size whenever you exceed the
speed limit.
If you set the speed limit warning to Chime (see Controlling Speed Assist on page 91)
and exceed the speed limit, you also hear a warning chime.
Note: Speed limit warnings go away after 10 seconds, or when Model S slows down below
the
specified limit.
Warning: Do not rely on Speed Assist to
determine the appropriate speed limit. Always drive at a safe speed based on
traffic and road conditions.
Controlling Speed Assist
To turn Speed Assist on or
off, and control
how it works, touch Controls > Settings > Driver Assistance > Speed Limit Warning ,
then choose one of these options:
5. Volume controlTouch the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the volume of the speakers. You can
also adjust the volume using the scroll wheel on the left side of the steering wheel.
6. Climate controls (see Climate Controls on page 105).
7. Controls
Touch to access all Model S controls and settings (doors, locks, lights, etc).
8. Reverse the position of the two currently displayed apps.Warning: Paying attention to road and traffic conditions must always be the driver
Overview of Climate Controls
The climate controls are always available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate control is set to Auto, which maintains optimum comfort in all but the most severe weather conditions. When you adjust the temperature, the system automatically adjusts the heating, air
conditioning, air distribution, air circulation, and fan speed to maintain your selected temperature. To override these settings, touch Auto (see Customizing Climate Control on page 106).
The fan, heating, and air conditioning systems are powered by the Battery. Therefore, prolonged
use decreases driving range.
Note: The following illustration is provided for demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle
options, software version, market region, and settings, the information displayed may be slightly
different.
1. The front seats are equipped with heating pads that operate at three levels from 3 (highest) to
1 (lowest).
When operating, the indicator turns red and displays the setting number.
Note: If Model S is equipped with the optional cold weather package, you can also control seat heaters in the rear seats, heated wipers, and heated steering wheel by touching Controls > Cold Weather (see Controls on page 98). When equipped with the optional executive rear
seats, you can control the seat and the backrest separately in each second row passenger
seat.
2. Touch the up or down arrow to set the cabin temperature. To apply a temperature setting to both the driver and passenger side at the same time, touch SYNC TEMP on the temperaturepopup that appears when you touch an arrow.
3. Automatic/Manual climate control (see Customizing Climate Control on page 106).
4. The windshield defroster distributes air
flow to the windshield. Touch once to turn on, touch a
second time to operate the heating and fan at their maximum level, and touch a third time to
turn
off and restore the air distribution, heating, and fan to their previous settings.
5. Turn climate control system on/off.6. The rear window defroster warms up the rear window for 15 minutes, then automatically shutsoff. Exterior side mirrors are also heated.
Note: Depending on date of manufacture and options selected at time of purchase, some vehicles are not equipped with a heaters in the exterior side mirrors.
Warning: To avoid burns resulting from prolonged use, individuals who have peripheral neuropathy, or whose capacity to feel pain is limited because of diabetes, age, neurologicalinjury, or some other condition, should exercise caution when using the climate control
system and seat heaters.
Climate Controls
Using the Touchscreen105
place it immediately below the 12V power
socket where Model S can best detect it.Warning: The power socket and an
accessory
High Voltage Components
1. Front Motor (dual-motor vehicles only)
2. AC Compressor
3. Battery Coolant Heater
4. Forward Junction Box
5. High Voltage Cabling
6. On-board Charger
7. DC-DC Converter
8. Cabin Heater
9. Battery
10. Charge Port
11. Rear Motor
Warning: The high voltage system has no user serviceable parts. Do not disassemble, remove or replace high voltage components, cables or connectors. High voltage cables are coloredorange for easy
identification.
Warning: Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model S.
These labels are there for your safety.Warning: In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fireemergency responders.
Electric Vehicle Components
Charging131
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
6250 miles (10,000 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 service center, 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 (see Temporary Tire Repair on page
145).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:
Replacing Tires and Wheels
Tires degrade over time due to the
effects of
ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures, high
loads, and environmental conditions. It is
recommended that tires are replaced every six
years, or sooner if required.
Wheel rims and tires are matched to suit the
handling characteristics of the vehicle.
Replacement tires must comply with the
original
specification. If tires other than thosespecified are used, ensure that the load and
speed ratings marked on the tire (see
Understanding Tire Markings on page 168)
equal or exceed those of the original
specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the same time. If this is not possible, replace the
tires in pairs (both front or both rear). When
replacing tires, always re-balance and check
the alignment of wheels.
If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System) sensors need to be reset to ensure they provide accurate warnings
when tires are under- or
over-inflated (see
Resetting the TPMS Sensors on page 143).
For the
specification of the original wheels
and tires installed on Model S, see Wheels and
Tires on page 167.
Warning: For your safety, use only tires
and wheels that match the original
specification (see Wheels and Tires on
page 167). Tires that do not match the
original
specification can affect the
operation of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Warning: Never exceed the speed rating
of your vehicle
Seasonal Tire Types
Summer Tires
Your Model S may be originally equipped with high performance summer tires. These tires
are designed for maximum dry and wet road
performance and not designed to perform
well in winter conditions. Tesla recommends
using winter tires if driving in cold
temperatures or on roads where snow or ice may be present. Contact Tesla for winter tire
recommendations.Warning: In cold temperatures or on snow
or ice, summer tires do not provide
adequate traction. Selecting and installing the appropriate tires for winter conditions
is important to ensure the safety and
optimum performance of your Model S,
even when equipped with dual-motors.
All-Season Tires
Your Model S may be originally equipped with
all-season tires. These tires are designed to
provide adequate traction in most conditions
year-round, but may not provide the same level of traction as winter tires in snowy or icy
conditions. All-season tires can be
identifiedby “ALL SEASON" and/or "M+S” (mud and
snow) on the tire sidewall.
Winter Tires
Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy
or icy conditions. 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