2018 TESLA MODEL S brake fluid

IndicatorDescription
Parking lights (side marker lights, tail lights, and license plate lights) are on. See
Lights on page 53.Front fog lights (optional). See Lights on page 53.Rear fog lights. See Lights on page 53.Adaptive Front Lighting (if equipped). See Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
on page 56.Electronic stability control systems are actively minimizing wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure and motor power (indicator flashes). See Traction
Control on page 63. If this indicator stays illuminated, a fault is detected (contact
Tesla immediately).A Smart Air Suspension fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See Smart Air Suspension
on page 117.A brake system fault is detected or the brake fluid level is low. See Brakes on page
60. Contact Tesla immediately.Airbag safety. If this indicator does not flash on briefly when Model S prepares to
drive, or if it remains on, contact Tesla immediately. See Airbag Warning Indicator
on page 37.An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault is detected. See Brakes on page 60.
Contact Tesla immediately.Instrument Panel
48Model S Owner

Braking SystemsWarning: Properly functioning braking
systems are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a problem with the brake
pedal, brake caliper, or any component of
a Model S braking system, contact Tesla
immediately.
Model S has an anti-lock braking system
(ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking
when you apply maximum brake pressure. This
improves steering control during heavy
braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure according
to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.
This demonstrates that the ABS is operating
and is not a cause for concern. Keep
firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator flashes briefly on
the instrument panel when you firststart Model S. If this indicator lights
up at any other time, an ABS fault
has occurred and the ABS is not
operating. Contact Tesla. The braking
system remains fully operational and
is not
affected by an ABS failure.
However, braking distances may
increase.
If the instrument panel displays this
indicator at any time other than
displaying
briefly when you first start
Model S, a brake system fault is
detected or the brake
fluid level is
low. Contact Tesla immediately.
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal and maintain
firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. The ABS varies the braking
pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.
Warning: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.Warning: Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you and beaware of hazardous driving conditions.
While the ABS can improve stopping
distance, it cannot overcome the laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of
water prevents direct contact between the tires and the road).
Automatic Emergency Braking automatically
applies full braking in situations where a
collision is considered imminent (see Automatic Emergency Braking on page 94).
Warning: Automatic Emergency Braking
is not designed to prevent a collision. At best, it can minimize the impact of a
frontal collision by attempting to reduce
your driving speed. Depending on Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a
collision can result in serious injury or death.
Brake Wear
Model S brake pads are equipped with wear
indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal
strip attached to the brake pad that squeals as
it rubs against the rotor when the pad wears
down. This squealing sound indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their service life and require replacement. To
replace the brake pads, contact Tesla Service.
Brakes must be periodically inspected visually by removing the tire and wheel. For detailed
specifications and service limits for rotors and
brake pads, see Brakes on page 170.
Warning:
Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads damages the braking system
and can result in a braking hazard.
Regenerative Braking
Whenever Model S is moving and your foot is
off the accelerator, regenerative braking slows
down Model S and feeds any surplus energy
back to the Battery.
By anticipating your stops and reducing or
removing pressure from the accelerator pedal
to slow down, you can take advantage of regenerative braking to increase driving range.
Of course, this is no substitute for regular
braking when needed for safety.
Note: If regenerative braking is aggressively
slowing Model S (such as when your foot is
completely
off the accelerator pedal at
highway speeds), the brake lights turn on to
alert others that you are slowing down.
Brakes
60Model S 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 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, 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 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: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model S 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 S is charging. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning
154Model S Owner

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

AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 60
absolute speed limit 97
Acceleration (dual-motor) 104
Acceleration settings 67
access panel, removing 159accessoriesplugging into power socket 122
adaptive headlights 56
air circulation 112
air conditioning 111
air distribution 112
air
filter 115
air suspension 118
air vents 115
airbag, front passenger, disabling 37
airbags 35
alarm 132
all-season tires 151
always connected, setting 70
anti-lock braking (ABS) 60
audioplaying files 119
steering wheel buttons 41
volume control 119
Auto High Beam 56
Auto Lane Change 85
auto-raising suspension 117
automatic emergency braking 94
Autopark 87
Autopilot components 73
Autosteer 82
average range 70
B backup camera 72
battery (12V)complete discharge 140specifications 170Battery (high voltage)care of 140
coolant 159
specifications 170
temperature limits 140
battery (key), replacing 5
blind spot warning 91
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 122
general information 124
phone, pairing and using 124
body repairs 163
body touch up 156
brake
fluid replacement 147
brakesautomatic in emergencies 94fluid level 160brakes (continued)overview of 60specifications 170
brightness of displays 107
C
Cabin Overheat Protection setting 107
cabin temperature control 111
Calendar app 131
camera (rear view) 72
cameras (autopilot) 73
car cover 156
car status, displaying 41, 42
car washes 154
cargo area 11
cargo volume 168
carpets, cleaning 155
CE
certifications 185
CHAdeMO 139
chains 151
change of ownership 110
charge port 142
charge port light 143
chargingcharge settings 144
components and equipment 138
instructions 142
public charging stations 139
scheduling 144
status of 145
charging locations, finding 127
child protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9child seatscleaning 155
disabling front passenger airbag 37
installing and using 24
Tesla built-in rear facing 31
Chill acceleration 67
cleaning 154
climate controls 111
Climate Timer 114
Cold Weather controls 104
collision avoidance assist 93
console12V power socket 122
cup holders 17
USB ports 122
consumption chart 70
contact informationroadside assistance 177coolantBattery, checking level of 159
Battery, replacement interval 147
copyrights 182
Creep 104
Index
188Model S Owner

cruise control 76
cup holders 17
D
DAB radio 120
dashboard overview 2
data recording 183
data sharing 183
day mode 107
declarations of conformity 185
delivery mileage 183devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 122
connecting 122
playing audio
files from 122
dimensions 167
display brightness 107
dome (map) lights 53
door handles 6
door labels 165
Door Unlock Mode 6
doors 4
doors, opening 4
Drive gear 46
drive-away locking 7
driverprofiles 39
seat adjustment 18driver assistanceAuto Lane Change 85
automatic emergency braking 93
Autopark 87
Autosteer 82
blind spot warning 91
collision avoidance assist 93
forward collision warning 93
overtake acceleration 76
overview 73
settings for 107
side collision warning 91
speed assist 97
speed limit warning 97
staying inside lane markings 91
staying within speed limits 97
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 76
drivingseating position 18
starting 45
tips to maximize range 70
E
Easter Eggs 181
easy entry, driver
profile 39
EDR (event data recorder) 183
electric parking brake 61
emergency braking
93
emergency flashers 57
emergency rear door opening 8energygained from regenerative braking 60
range information 47
energy & charging setting 107
Energy app 70
energy saving mode 70
Erase & Reset 110
event data recording 183
exteriorcar cover 156
cleaning 154
dimensions 167
lights 53
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 156
F
factory defaults, restoring 110
factory reset 110
fan speed, interior 112
favorite destinations 129
Favorites 126
Favorites (Media Player) 121
FCC
certifications 185
features, downloading new 136
ferries, avoiding 128
firmware (software) updates 136flash drives, playing audio files from 122flashers, warning 57floor mats 156
fluidsreplacement intervals 147
reservoirs, checking 159
fog lights 53
forward collision warning 93
front passenger detection 37
front trunk 13
G
garage doors, opening 133
gates, opening 133
GAWR 165
gears 46
glove box 15
Gross Axle Weight Rating 165
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 165
ground clearance 167
GVWR 165
Index
Index189

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