Inspecting and Maintaining TiresRegularly inspect the tread and side walls for
any sign of distortion (bulges), foreign objects,
cuts or wear.Warning: Do not drive Model S if a tire is
damaged, excessively worn, or inflated to
an incorrect pressure. Check tires
regularly for wear, and ensure there are
no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/
cord structure.
Tire Wear
Adequate tread depth is important for proper
tire performance. Tires with a tread depth less
than 3 mm are more likely to hydroplane in
wet conditions and should not be used. Tires
with a tread depth less than 4 mm do not
perform well in snow and slush and should not
be used when driving in winter conditions.
Model S is originally
fitted with tires that have
wear indicators molded into the tread pattern. When the tread has been worn down to 3 mm,
the indicators start to appear at the surface of
the tread pattern, producing the
effect of a
continuous band of rubber across the width of
the tire. For optimal performance and safety,
Tesla recommends replacing tires before the
wear indicators are visible.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every
10,000 km.
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as
vibration through the steering wheel)
affectvehicle handling and tire life. Even with regular
use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire
only) or becomes abnormally excessive, check
the alignment of wheels.
Note: When replacing only two tires, always
install the new tires on the rear.
Punctured Tires
A puncture eventually causes the tire to lose
pressure, which is why it is important to check tire pressures frequently. Permanently repair
or replace punctured or damaged tires as
soon as possible.
Your tubeless tires may not leak when
penetrated, provided the object remains in the
tire. If, however, you feel a sudden vibration or
ride disturbance while driving, or you suspect a tire is damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy
braking or sharp steering and, when safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Arrange to have Model S
transported to a Tesla Service Center, or to a nearby tire repair center.
Note: In some cases, you can temporarily
repair small tire punctures (under 6 mm) using
an optional tire repair kit available from Tesla.
This allows you to slowly drive Model S to Tesla or to a nearby tire repair facility.Warning: Do not drive with a punctured
tire, even if the puncture has not caused the tire to
deflate. A punctured tire candeflate suddenly at any time.
Flat Spots
If Model S is stationary for a long period in
high temperatures, tires can form
flat spots.
When Model S is driven, these flat spots cause
a vibration which gradually disappears as the
tires warm up and regain their original shape.
To minimize
flat spots during storage, inflatetires to the maximum pressure indicated on the tire wall. Then, before driving, release airto adjust tire pressure to the recommended
levels.
Improving Tire Mileage To improve the mileage you get from your
tires, maintain tires at the recommended tire
pressures, observe speed limits and advisory
speeds, and avoid:
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 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:
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
instrument panel 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.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the brake
fluid level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To
check it yourself, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 159).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir
without removing the
filler cap.
The brake
fluid level should always be
between the MIN and the MAX marks.
Note: Although brake
fluid level drops slightly
during normal use as a result of brake pad
wear, it should not drop below the MIN mark.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake
fluid. Tesla service
does this when you bring Model S in for
regular servicing. 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
Brakes
Type
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
with Electronic Brake Force Distribution,
Integrated Advanced Stability Control and
Electronic Accelerator pedal actuated
regenerative braking systemCalipersFour piston fixedRotor Diameters (ventilated)Front: 13.98”/355 mm
Rear: 14.37”/365 mmFront Rotor thicknessNew: 1.26”/32 mm
Service limit: 1.18”/30 mmRear Rotor thicknessNew: 1.10”/28 mm
Service limit: 1.02”/26 mmFront Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)0.393”/10 mmRear Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)Base: 0.354”/9 mmParking brakeElectrically actuated parking brake
calipers
Suspension
FrontIndependent, double wishbone, air spring
or coil spring/telescopic damper, sway barRearIndependent, multi-link, air spring or coil
spring/telescopic damper, sway bar (air
suspension vehicles only)
Battery - 12V
Rating33 amp hour or higherVoltage and Polarity12V negative (-) ground
Battery - High Voltage
TypeLiquid-cooled lithium ion (Li-ion)Rating60, 70, 75, 85, 90, or 100 kWh (at
beginning of life)Nominal Voltage - 85, 90, and 100 kWh
Nominal Voltage - 60, 70, and 75 kWh350 V DC
300 V DCTemperature RangeDo not expose Model S to ambient
temperatures above 60
When Transporting Model SAlways transport Model S with all four tires
offthe ground. A flatbed truck or comparable
transport vehicle is recommended. A wheel lift
and dolly can be used only when transporting
Model S for a maximum of 15 miles (25 km), provided the driving speed does not exceed45 mph (70 km/h). When transporting,
whether on a
flatbed truck or using a wheel
lift and dolly, Model S can face either direction.
Do not transport Model S using any other method unless
specified by Tesla. Follow the
steps provided and observe all warnings and
cautions. Damage caused by transporting your
vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
Note: The following illustrations are for
demonstration purposes only.
Warning: Model S is equipped with high
voltage components (see High Voltage
Components on page 138). Before
transporting Model S as a result of an
event (such as a collision) that may have
compromised a high voltage component, it is important to assume that these
components are energized. Always follow
high voltage safety precautions (wearing
personal protective equipment, etc.) until
emergency response professionals have
evaluated the vehicle and can accurately
confirm that all high voltage systems are
no longer energized. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury or death.
Disable Self-Leveling (air
suspension vehicles only)
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air
Suspension, it automatically self-levels, even
when power is
off. To prevent damage, you
must activate Jack mode to disable self- leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the
touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very
High to maximize height.
3. Touch Jack.
Note:
Jack mode cancels when Model S is
driven over 4 mph (7 km/h).Warning: Failure to activate Jack mode
on a Model S equipped with Smart Air
Suspension can result in the vehicle
becoming loose during transport, which
may cause
significant damage.
Activate Tow Mode
Model S may automatically shift into Park
when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle,
even if it has previously been shifted into
Neutral. To keep Model S in Neutral (which
disengages the parking brake), you must use
the touchscreen to activate Tow mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Chock the tires or otherwise ensure
Model S is stable.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, then on
the touchscreen touch Controls >
Settings > Service & Reset > Tow Mode >
ON .
When Tow mode is active, Model S
displays this indicator light on the
instrument panel, along with a
message telling you that Model S is
free-rolling.
To cancel Tow Mode, shift Model S into Park.
Caution: If the electrical system is not
working, and you therefore cannot release
the electric parking brake, attempt to
jump start the 12V battery. For
instructions, call Tesla Roadside
Assistance. If a situation occurs where
you cannot disengage the parking brake,
use a self-loading dolly or tire skates.
Before doing so, always check the
manufacturer
H
hazard warning
flashers 57
head restraints 19
head supports 19
headlightsadaptive 56
after exit 56
high beams 56
heated wipers 58
heating 111
height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 117
automatic and manual settings 118
disabling (Jack mode) 118
high beam headlights 56
high voltageBattery specifications 170
components 138
safety 147
hills, stopping on 66
hitches 166
Home location 129
HomeLinkFCC certification 186
programming and using 133
hood 13
horn 43
I
IC
certifications 185identification labels 164
Insane acceleration (performance dual motor) 67
Insane setting (dual-motor) 104
instant range 70
instrument panelcharging status 145
cleaning 155
overview of 47interiorcleaning 155
dimensions 167
lights 53
overview 2
temperature control 111
Internet radio 121
intrusion detection 132
ISOFIX child seats, installing 27
J
J1772 139
Jack mode 118
jacking 162
KkeyFCC and IC certifications 185
how to use 4
key not inside 45
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry 4
L
labelStatutory Plate 165
Tire and Loading Information 165
lane assist 91
lane change flash 57
lane change, automatic 85
lane departure warning 91
Language & Units 107
language setting 107
Launch Mode (performance dual motor) 67
liftgateadjust opening height 10
opening 10
lifting 162
lightsadaptive headlights 56
hazard warning 57
headlights after exit 56
turn signals 56
load limits 165
location-based suspension 117
locking and unlocking doors 4
Ludicrous acceleration (performance dual
motor) 67
Ludicrous setting (dual-motor) 104
lumbar support 18
M
maintenancebrake fluid, checking 160
cleaning 154
daily and monthly checks 147
fluid replacement intervals 147
panel, removing 159
replacing wiper blades 157
service intervals 147
tires 148
washer
fluid, topping up 161
washer jets, cleaning 157
map updates 130
maps 126
mats 156
Max Battery Power 104
Index
190Model S Owner
Max Battery Power (performance dual motor)67
media 119
mileage upon delivery 183
mirrors 44
mobile app 137Mobile Connectordescription 139
using 142
modifications 163
motor torque, reduced 95
my car does what? 181
N
naming 110
navigation 126
NCC
certifications 185
Neutral gear 46
night mode 107
O odometer 69
offset from speed limit 97
overhang dimensions 167
overtake acceleration 76
Owner Information, about 182
P Park Assist 64
Park gear 46
parking brake 61
parking, automatic 87
parts replacement 163
Passive Entry 107
Pedal Misapplication Mitigation 93
personal data, erasing 110
phonesteering wheel buttons 42
using 124
PIN 40
power management 70
power socket 122
power windows 9
powering on and
off 45
Preconditioning 107
preferences, setting 107
public charging stations 139
R
radar 73
radio 119
Radio Frequency information
185rangedisplayed on instrument panel 47
driving tips to maximize 70
regenerative braking 60
range assurance 70
Range mode 70
Range Mode 104
Rated range 107
re-routing 128
rear seats, folding and raising 19
rear view camera 72
rear window switches, disabling 9
Recent (Media Player) 121
Recents 126
regenerative braking 60
region format 107
relative speed limit 97
release notes 136
restarting the touchscreen 45
Reverse gear 46
RFID transponders 163
roadside assistance 177
roof racks 166
rotating tires 149
route overview 128
S
safety informationairbags 37
child seats 29
rear facing child seats 34
seat belts 22seat beltscleaning 155
in a collision 22
overview of 21
pre-tensioners 22
wearing when pregnant 21
seat covers 20
seat heaters 111
seating capacity 165
seatsadjusting 18
heaters 111
Tesla built-in rear facing 31
security settings 132
sensors 73
service data recording 183
service intervals 147
Settings 107
Settings, erasing 110
shifting gears 46
Show Commute Advice 128
side collision warning 91
slip start 63
Smart Preconditioning 107
Index
Index191