2017 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 89).
Warning: Automatic Emergency Braking
is not designed to prevent a collision. At best, it can minimize the impact of a
frontal collision by attempting to reduce
your driving speed. Depending on Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a
collision can result in serious injury or death.
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.
Brakes must be periodically inspected visually by removing the tire and wheel. For detailed
specifications and service limits for rotors and
brake pads, see Brakes on page 165.
Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads results in damage to the
braking system and can create a braking
hazard.
Brakes
Driving57

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 use 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
Maintenance149

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 154).
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) 57
absolute speed limit 91
Acceleration (dual-motor) 98
access panel, removing 154accessoriesinstalling 158
plugging into power socket 115
adaptive headlights 54
air circulation 106
air conditioning 105
air distribution 106
air
filter 108
air suspension 111
air vents 108
airbag, front passenger, disabling 35
airbags 33
alarm 125
all-season tires 142
always connected, setting 65
anti-lock braking (ABS) 57
audioplaying files 112
steering wheel buttons 39
volume control 112
Auto High Beam 54
Auto Lane Change 79
auto-raising suspension 110
automatic emergency braking 88
Autopark 81
Autopilot 68
Autosteer 76
average range 65
B
backup camera 67
battery (12V)complete discharge 133specifications 165Battery (high voltage)care of 133
coolant 154
specifications 166
temperature limits 133
battery (key), replacing 5
blind spot warning 86
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 115
general information 117
phone, pairing and using 117
body repairs 158
body touch up 151
brake
fluid replacement 138
brakesautomatic in emergencies 88fluid level 155brakes (continued)overview of 57specifications 165
brightness of displays 101
C Cabin Overheat Protection setting 101
cabin temperature control 105
Calendar app 124
camera 68
camera (rear view) 67
car cover 151
car status, displaying 39, 40
car washes 149
cargo volume 163
carpets, cleaning 150
CE
certifications 179
CHAdeMO 132
chains 142
change of ownership 104
charge port 134
charge port light 135
chargingcharge settings 135
components and equipment 131
instructions 134
public charging stations 132
scheduling 135
status of 137
charging locations, finding 120
child protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9child seatscleaning 150
disabling front passenger airbag 35
installing and using 22
Tesla built-in rear facing 29
cleaning 149
climate controls 105
Cold Weather controls 98
collision avoidance assist 88
console12V power socket 115
cup holders 16
USB ports 115
consumption chart 65
contact informationroadside assistance 170coolantBattery, checking level of 154
Battery, replacement interval 138
copyrights 175, 176
Creep 98
cruise control 70
cup holders 16
Index
Index181

D
DAB radio 113
dashboard overview 2
data recording 177
day mode 101
declarations of conformity 179
delivery mileage 177devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 115
connecting 115
playing audio
files from 115
dimensions 162
display brightness 101
dome (map) lights 51
door handles 6
door labels 160
Door Unlock Mode 6
doors 4
doors, opening 4
Drive gear 44
drive-away locking 7
driverprofiles 37
seat adjustment 17driver assistanceAuto Lane Change 79
automatic emergency braking 88
Autopark 81
Autosteer 76
blind spot warning 86
collision avoidance assist 88
forward collision warning 88
overtake acceleration 70
overview 68
settings for 101
side collision avoidance 86
side collision warning 86
speed assist 91
speed limit warning 91
staying inside lane markings 86
staying within speed limits 91
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 70
drivingseating position 17
starting 43
tips to maximize range 65
E
electric parking brake 58
emergency
flashers 55
emergency rear door opening 8
energygained from regenerative braking 58
range information 45
energy & charging setting 101
Energy app 65
energy saving mode
65
Erase & Reset 104
event data recording 177exteriorcar cover 151
cleaning 149
dimensions 162
lights 51
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 151
F
factory defaults, restoring 104
factory reset 104
fan speed, interior 106
favorite destinations 122
Favorites 119
Favorites (Media Player) 114
FCC
certifications 179
features, downloading new 129
ferries, avoiding 120
firmware (software) updates 129flash drives, playing audio files from 115flashers, warning 55flat tire repair 145floor mats 151
fluidsreplacement intervals 138
reservoirs, checking 154
fog lights 51
forward collision warning 88
front passenger detection 35
front trunk 12
G
garage doors, opening 126
gates, opening 126
GAWR 160
gears 44
glove box 14
Gross Axle Weight Rating 160
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 160
ground clearance 162
GVWR 160
H hazard warning
flashers 55
head supports 18
headlightsadaptive 54
after exit 54
high beams 54
heated wipers 56
Index
182Model S Owner

heating 105height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 110
automatic and manual settings 111
disabling (Jack mode) 111
high beam headlights 54
high voltageBattery specifications 166
components 131
safety 138
hills, stopping on 62
hitches 161
Home location 122
HomeLinkFCC certification 180
programming and using 126
hood 12
horn 39, 41
I
IC
certifications 179identification labels 159
Insane setting (dual-motor) 98
instant range 65
instrument panelcharging status 137
cleaning 150
overview of 45interiorcleaning 150
dimensions 162
lights 51
overview 2
temperature control 105
Internet radio 114
intrusion detection 125
ISOFIX child seats, installing 26
J
J1772 132
Jack mode 111
jacking 157
K
keyFCC and IC certifications 179
how to use 4
key not inside 43
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry 4
LlabelStatutory Plate 160
Tire and Loading Information 160
lane assist 86
lane change flash 55
lane change, automatic 79
lane departure warning 86
Language & Units 101
language setting 101
Launch Mode 63
liftgateadjust opening height 10
opening 10
lifting 157
lightsadaptive headlights 54
hazard warning 55
headlights after exit 54
turn signals 54
load limits 160
location-based suspension 110
locking and unlocking doors 4
Ludicrous setting (dual-motor) 98
lumbar support 17
M
maintenancebrake fluid, checking 155
cleaning 149
daily and monthly checks 138
fluid replacement intervals 138
panel, removing 154
replacing wiper blades 152
service intervals 138
tires 139
washer
fluid, topping up 156
washer jets, cleaning 152
map updates 123
maps 119
mats 151
Max Battery Power 98
media 112
mileage upon delivery 177
mirrors 42
mobile app 130
Mobile Connectordescription 132
using 134
modifications 158
N
naming 104
navigation 119
Index
Index183