Page 149 of 188

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
148Model S Owner
Page 152 of 188

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:
Page 153 of 188
Warning: Do not operate the washers
while cleaning Model S. Windshield
washer
fluid can irritate eyes and skin.
Read and observe the washer fluidmanufacturer
Page 156 of 188

Topping Up Washer Fluid
The only reservoir into which you can add
fluidis the washer fluid reservoir located under the
front trunk. When the level is low, a message
displays on the instrument panel.
Do not use formulated washer
fluids that
contain water repellent or bug wash. These
fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and
squeaking or other noises.
Operate the washers periodically to check that
the nozzles are clear and properly directed.
To top up washer
fluid:
1. Clean the filler cap before opening to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Open the
filler cap.
3. Fill the reservoir until the fluid level is
visible just below the filler neck.
4. Replace the filler cap.
Note: Some national or local regulations
restrict the use of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are commonly
used as antifreeze in washer
fluid. Use a
washer fluid with limited VOC content only if it
provides adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which you drive Model S.
Caution: Under no circumstances do you
need to inspect or top up other fluidreservoirs. Two additional fluid reservoirs
are located next to the washer fluid, but
underneath the maintenance panel. In the
unlikely event that you see a message on the instrument panel that one of these
fluid levels is low, stop Model S as soon as
safe to do so, and contact Tesla.
Caution: Do not spill washer fluid on body
panels. Doing so can cause damage. Wipe
up spills immediately and wash the
affected area with water.
Warning: In temperatures below
40
Page 184 of 188

high beam headlights 51high voltageBattery specifications 165
components 128
safety 137
hills, stopping on 59
hitches 160
Home location 118
HomeLinkFCC certification 180
programming and using 123
hood 12
horn 37, 39
I
IC
certifications 179
Ideal range 98
identification labels 158
Insane setting (dual-motor) 95
instant range 62
instrument panelcharging status 136
cleaning 149
overview of 43interiorcleaning 149
dimensions 161
lights 48
overview 2
temperature control 102
Internet radio 109
intrusion detection 122
J
J1772 129
Jack mode 107
jacking 156
K
keyFCC and IC certifications 179
how to use 4
key not inside 41
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry 4
L
labelTire and Loading Information 159
vehicle certification 159lane assist 83
lane change flash 52
lane change, automatic 76
lane departure warning 83
language setting 98
LATCH child seats, installing 25
Launch Mode 60liftgateadjust opening height 10
opening 10
lifting 156
lightsadaptive headlights 51
hazard warning 52
headlights after exit 51
turn signals 52
load limits 159
location-based suspension 106
locking and unlocking doors 4
Ludicrous setting (dual-motor) 95
lumbar support 17
M
maintenancebrake fluid, checking 154
cleaning 148
daily and monthly checks 137
fluid replacement intervals 137
panel, removing 153
replacing wiper blades 151
service intervals 137
tires 138
washer
fluid, topping up 155
washer jets, cleaning 151
map updates 119
maps 115
mats 150
Max Battery Power 95
media 108
mileage upon delivery 177
mirrors 40
mobile app 127
Mobile Connectordescription 129
using 131
modifications 157
motor specifications 163
N naming 101
navigation 115
NCC
certifications 179
Neutral gear 42
NHTSA, contacting 178
night mode 98
Index
Index183
Page 187 of 188
vehicle loading 159
vent, sunroof 15
ventilation 105
VIN (Vehicle
Identification Number) 158
voice commands 37
volume control 90
volume control (media) 108
W walk-away locking 7
Wall Connector 129
warning
flashers 52
washer fluid, topping up 155
washer jets, cleaning 151
washers, using 53
weight
specifications 162
wheel chocks 174
wheelsalignment 139
replacing 140
specifications 166
Wi-Fi, connecting to 125
windshield washer fluid, topping up 155
winter tires 141
wiper blades, replacing 151
wipers and washers 53
wipers, de-icing 53
Work location 118
Index
186Model S Owner