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
Checking and Replacing WiperBladesCaution: 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 3 into Park, then use the touchscreen to move them to the service
position. Touch Controls > Service > Wiper
Service Mode > ON .
Note: Wipers automatically return to their
normal position when you shift Model 3 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:
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
AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 49
absolute speed limit 79
access panel, removing 124accessoriesplugging into power socket 17
aero covers 115
air circulation 87
air conditioning 86
air distribution 87
air
filter 89
air vents 88
airbags 30
alarm 100
all-season tires 116
Always Show Estimated Round Trip Energy 97
ambient lights 45
anti-lock braking (ABS) 49
audioequalizer 90
immersive sound 90
playing
files 90
steering wheel scroll button 36
volume control 90
auto fold
38
Auto Lane Change 70
auto tilt 38
AUTO wipers 48
automatic emergency braking 77
Autopark 72
Autopilotautomatic emergency braking 76
Autopark 72
Autosteer 67
blind spot warning 74
collision avoidance assist 76
forward collision warning 76
overtake acceleration 61
overview 58
side collision warning 74
speed assist 79
speed limit warning 79
staying within speed limits 79
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 61
Autopilot components 58
Autosteer 67
B backup camera 56
battery (12V)complete discharge 107specifications 136Battery (high voltage)care of 107
coolant 124
specifications 136
Battery (high voltage) (continued)temperature limits 107
blind spot warning 74
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 92
general information 93
phone, pairing and using 93
body repairs 129
body touch up 120
brake
fluid replacement 112
brakesautomatic in emergencies 77fluid level 124
overview of 49
specifications 136
C
cabin camera 57
cabin temperature control 86
California Proposition 65 153
camera (rear view) 56
cameras (autopilot) 58
car cover 121
car washes 119
card 7
cargo area 12
cargo volume 135
carpets, cleaning 120
CE
certifications 155
CHAdeMO 106
chains 117
charge port 108
charge port light 109
chargingcharge settings 109
charging status 109
components and equipment 105
instructions 108
public charging stations 106
scheduling 109
charging locations, finding 96
child protectiondisabling rear window switches 11
child protection locks 10
child seatsinstalling and using 24
cleaning 119
climate controls 86
coat hangers 17
collision avoidance assist 76
console12V power socket 17
opening (premium package) 16
rear 17
USB ports 16contact informationroadside assistance 145
Index
158Model 3 Owner
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
tires (continued)balancing 114
chains 117
inspecting and maintaining 114
pressures, how to check 113
quality grading 141
replacing 115
replacing a tire sensor 118
rotation 114
specification 138
summer 116
temperature grades 141
tire markings 139
traction grade 141
treadwear grade 141
winter 116
toll system transponders, attaching 127
touch up body 120
touchscreenclean mode 120
cleaning 120
overview 4
restarting 36
software updates 104
tow eye, locating 147
towing a trailer 132
towing instructions 146
TPMSFCC certification 156
overview of 117
Tracking Disabled 95
traction control 51
trademarks 151
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 61
trailer hitches 132
transmission
specifications 136
transponders, attaching 127
Transport Canada, contacting 154
Transport Mode 146
transporting 146
Trip Planner 97
trunk, front 14
trunk, rear 12
TuneIn radio 91
turn signals 46
U ultrasonic sensors 58
uniform tire quality grading 141
Unlock On Park 10
unlocking 9
USB devicesconnecting 16
playing audio files from 92
USB ports 16
V
Valet mode 34
vehicle
certification label 131
Vehicle Hold 54
Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) 130
vehicle loading 131
ventilation 88
VIN (Vehicle
Identification Number) 130
volume control 4
volume control (media) 90
W Walk Away Lock 10
Wall Connector 106
warning
flashers 47
washer fluid, topping up 125
washer jets, cleaning 122
washers, using 48
weight
specifications 135
wheel chocks 147
wheelsaero covers, removing and installing 115
alignment 114
lug nut covers, removing and installing
116
replacing 115
specifications 138
torque 138
Wi-Fi, connecting to 103
windshield washer fluid, topping up 125
winter tires 116
wiper blades, replacing 122
wipers, using 48
Work location 98
Index
162Model 3 Owner