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
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:
data recording 177
day mode 98
declarations of conformity 179
delivery mileage 177devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 111
connecting 111
playing audio
files from 110
dimensions 161
display brightness 98
dome (map) lights 48
door handles 6
door labels 159
Door Unlock Mode 6
doors 4
doors, opening 4
Drive gear 42
drive-away locking 7
driverprofiles 35
seat adjustment 17driver assistanceAuto Lane Change 76
automatic emergency braking 85
Autopark 78
Autosteer 73
blind spot warning 83
collision avoidance assist 85
forward collision warning 85
overtake acceleration 67
overview 65
settings for 98
side collision avoidance 83
side collision warning 83
staying inside lane markings 83
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 67
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 158
energygained from regenerative braking 55
range information 43
energy & charging setting 98
Energy app 62
energy saving mode 62
Erase & Reset 101
event data recording 177
exteriorcar cover 150
cleaning 148exterior (continued)dimensions 161
lights 48
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 150
F
factory defaults, restoring 101
factory reset 101
fan speed, interior 103
favorite destinations 118
Favorites 115
Favorites (Media Player) 110
FCC
certifications 179
features, downloading new 126
ferries, avoiding 117
firmware (software) updates 126flash drives, playing audio files from 110flashers, warning 52flat tire repair 144floor mats 150
fluidsreplacement intervals 137
reservoirs, checking 153
fog lights 48
forward collision warning 85
front passenger detection 33
front trunk 12
G
garage doors, opening 123
gates, opening 123
GAWR 159
gears 42
glove box 14
Gross Axle Weight Rating 159
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 159
ground clearance 161
GVWR 159
H hazard warning
flashers 52
head supports 18
headlightsadaptive 51
after exit 51
high beams 51
heated wipers 53
heating 102
height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 106
automatic and manual settings 107
disabling (Jack mode) 107
Index
182Model S Owner
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
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