Service Intervals
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring
the continued reliability and
efficiency of your
Model 3.
Rotate the tires every 6,250 miles
(10,000 km). Maintain the correct tire
pressures. It is also important to perform the
daily and monthly checks described below.
Note: View tire pressures in the "Cards" area,
located toward the bottom on the left side of the touchscreen, as described in Touchscreen
Overview on page 4.
Model 3 should be serviced by
Tesla-certifiedtechnicians. Damages or failures caused by
maintenance or repairs performed by non-
Tesla
certified technicians are not covered by
the warranty.
Daily Checks
driven 15 mph (25 km/h) for longer than 10
minutes.
Replacing a Tire Sensor
If the Tire Pressure warning indicator displays frequently, contact Tesla to determine if a tire
sensor needs to be replaced. If a non-Tesla Service Center repairs or replaces a tire, the
tire sensor may not work until Tesla performs
the setup procedure.
TPMS Malfunction
Model 3 has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the tire pressure
indicator light. When the system
detects a malfunction, the indicator
flashes for approximately one minute
after Model 3 powers on, and then
remains continuously lit. This
sequence continues upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the
TPMS malfunction indicator is on,
the system might not be able to
detect or signal under- and
over-
inflated tires as intended.
TPMS malfunctions can occur for a variety of
reasons, including installing replacement or
alternate tires or wheels that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check
the TPMS malfunction indicator light after replacing one or more tires or wheels on yourvehicle to ensure that the replacement tires or
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Note: If a tire has been replaced or repaired
using a
different tire sealant than the one
available from Tesla, and a low tire pressure is
detected, it is possible that the tire sensor has been damaged. Contact Tesla to have the fault
repaired as soon as possible.
Tire Care and Maintenance
118Model 3 Owner
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
3 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 3:
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 the vehicle.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model 3 using a clean soft
cloth and cold or lukewarm water
containing a mild, high-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 or
detergents.Caution: 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 3. 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 3.
Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.Caution: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model 3 to avoid the risk of damaging the wipers.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 camera(s) 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.Warning: Never spray liquid at a high
velocity (for example, if using a pressure
washer) towards the charge port while
Model 3 is charging. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning
Maintenance119
Removing the Maintenance PanelTo check
fluid levels, remove the maintenance
panel:
1. Open the hood.
2. Pull the maintenance panel upward to
release the clips that hold it in place.
3. If checking the battery coolant, remove
the cabin intake trim panel by pulling it
upwards to release the clips that hold it in
place.
Caution: The maintenance panel protects
the front trunk from water. When re-
attaching, make sure it is fully seated.
Checking Battery Coolant
If the quantity of
fluid in the cooling system
drops below the recommended level, the
touchscreen displays a warning message. Stop
driving Model 3 as soon as safety permits and
contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
DO NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO
NOT ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage not covered by the warranty.
Do Not Top Up Battery Coolant
Warning: Battery coolant can be
hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin.
Under no circumstances should you
remove the
filler cap and/or add coolant.
If the touchscreen warns you that the
fluid level is low, contact Tesla
immediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the
Battery, the cooling system uses a specificmixture of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant
(HOAT). Contact Tesla for more specificinformation about the coolant.
Checking Brake FluidWarning: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice increased movement of the brake pedal or a
significant loss of brakefluid. Driving under these conditions can
result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.
The Brake indicator on the
touchscreen 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.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake
fluid. The following
instructions are provided for information purposes and future reference only:
1. Clean the
filler cap before removing it to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Unscrew the cap and remove it.
3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark
using the appropriate brake
fluid.4. Replace the filler cap, ensuring it is fully
secured.
Warning: Only use new fluid from a
sealed air-tight container. Never use
previously used
fluid or fluid from a
previously opened container
Topping Up Washer FluidThe only reservoir into which you can add
fluidis the washer fluid reservoir, which is located
behind the front trunk. When the level is low, a
message displays on the touchscreen.
Caution: Do not add formulated washerfluids 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.
See Wipers and Washers on page 48.
To top up the washer
fluid:
1. Open the hood.
2. Clean around the filler cap before opening
it to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
3. Open the
filler cap.
4.Fill the reservoir until the fluid level is
visible just below the filler neck.
5. 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 3.
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 touchscreen that one of these
fluidlevels is low, stop driving Model 3 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
7.When external 12V power is no longer
required, disconnect both cables from the
terminals on the 12V battery, beginning
with the black negative (-) cable.
8. Replace the cabin intake trim panel by
placing it back in its original location and
pressing down until it is secure.
9. Replace the maintenance panel by placing
it back in its original location and pressing
down until it is secure.
10. Close the hood.
Instructions for Transporters
Roadside Assistance149
Home location 98HomeLinkFCC certification 156
programming and using 101
hood 14
horn 37
hub caps 115
I
IC
certifications 155identification labels 130
interiorcleaning 120
dimensions 134
lights 45
overview 2
temperature control 86
Internet radio 91
J
J1772 106
jacking 126
jump starting 148
K
keyFCC and IC certifications 155
key card 7
keyless entry 9
keysdeleting phone authenticated phones 7
displaying a list of 7
overview 6
L
labelTire and Loading Information 131
vehicle certification 131
lane assist 74
lane change, automatic 70
lane departure warning 74
LATCH child seats, installing 26
lifting 126
lightshazard warning 47
headlights after exit 46
turn signals 46
load limits 131
location tracking 95
locking 9
lug nut covers 116
lumbar adjustment (premium)
18
Mmaintenancebrake fluid, checking 124
cleaning 119
daily and monthly checks 112
fluid replacement intervals 112
panel, removing 124
replacing wiper blades 122
service intervals 112
tires 113
washer
fluid, topping up 125
washer jets, cleaning 122
map orientation 95
map updates 98
mats 121
media 90
mileage upon delivery 153
mirrors 38
mobile app 7
Mobile Connectordescription 106
using 108
modifications 127
my car does what? 150
N naming 85
navigating 95
NCC
certifications 155
Neutral gear 41
NHTSA, contacting 154
O occupancy sensor 32
odometer 5
offset from speed limit 79
Online Routing 97
opening hood without power 148
overhang dimensions 134
overtake acceleration 61
Owner Information, about 151
P Park Assist 52
Park gear 41
parking brake 50
parking, automatic 72
parts replacement 127
passenger detection 32
Index
160Model 3 Owner