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 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:
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
W
walk-away locking 7
Wall Connector 132
warning
flashers 55
washer fluid, topping up 156
washer jets, cleaning 152
washers, using 56
weight
specifications 163
wheel chocks 174
wheelsalignment 140
replacing 141
specifications 167
torque 167
Wi-Fi, connecting to 128
windshield washer fluid, topping up 156
winter tires 142
wiper blades, replacing 152
wipers and washers 56
wipers, de-icing 56
Work location 122
Index
186Model S Owner