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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:
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Exterior DimensionsAOverall Length196 in4,970 mmBOverall Width (including mirrors)Overall Width (excluding mirrors)86.2 in 77.3 in2,189 mm
1,964 mmCOverall Height56.9 in*1,445 mm*DWheel Base116.5 in2,960 mmEOverhang - Front36.9 in929 mmFOverhang - Rear42.55 in1,081 mmGGround Clearance - Coil
Suspension (single motor vehicle)5.5 in*139.7 mm*GGround Clearance - Coil
Suspension (dual motor vehicle)5.3 in*134.6 mm*GGround Clearance - Air Suspension4.6 - 6.3 in116.8 - 160 mmHTrack - Front
Track - Rear65.4 in
66.9 in1,662 mm
1,700 mm*Values are approximate. The dimensions can vary depending on vehicle configuration and
various other factors.
Interior Dimensions
Head RoomFront Rear38.8 in35.3 in986 mm 897 mmLeg RoomFront Rear42.7 in
35.4 in1,085 mm 899 mmShoulder RoomFrontRear57.7 in 55 in1,466 mm1,397 mmHip RoomFront Rear55 in
54.7 in1,397 mm
1,389 mm
Dimensions and Weights
Specifications167
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Wheel SpecificationsWheel TypeLocationSizeOffset
19"
Front8.0J x 191.575"
40 mmRear8.0J x 191.575"
40 mm21" - Silver (standard)Front8.5J x 211.575"
40 mm21" - Grey (standard)Rear8.5J x 211.575"
40 mm21" - Silver and Grey (optional) Performance
Plus vehiclesRear9.0J x 211.575"
40 mmLug Nut Torque129 lb. ft (175 Nm)Lug Nut Socket Size21 mmNote: For instructions on how to jack/lift Model S, see Jacking and Lifting on page 162.
Tire Specifications
Tire TypeLocationSize19" wheelsAllP245/45R1921" wheelsFront
RearP245/35R21
P265/35R21**On a performance dual-motor Model S, the width of the rear tires may vary depending on date
of manufacture. Some vehicles may be equipped with P245/35R21 tires on both front and rear.Tire pressures vary depending on the type of tires fitted. Refer to the tire pressures printed on
the Tire and Loading Information label. This label is located on the center door pillar and is
visible when the driver
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Understanding Tire MarkingsLaws require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. Thisinformation
identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire.
1Tire category. P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles.2Tire width. This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge.3Aspect ratio. This 2-digit number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the tread
width. So, if the tread width is 205 mm, and the aspect ratio is 50, the sidewall height is 102 mm.4Tire construction. R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction.5Wheel diameter. This 2-digit number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.6Load index. This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This number is
not always shown.7Speed rating. When stated, indicates the maximum speed (in mph) at which the tire can be used for extended periods. Q=99 mph (160 km/h), R=106 mph (170 km/h), S=112 mph (180 km/h), T=118 mph (190 km/h), U=124 mph (200 km/h), H=130 mph(210 km/h), V=149 mph (240 km/h), W=168 mph (270 km/h), Y=186 mph (300 km/h).8Tire composition and materials. The number of plies in both the tread area and thesidewall area indicates how many layers of rubber coated material make up the structure of the tire. Information is also provided on the type of materials used.9Maximum tire load. The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.
Wheels and Tires
172Model S Owner
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Rim diameterNominal diameter of the bead seat.Rim size designationRim diameter and width.Rim type designationThe manufacturing industry
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Overall widthThe linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of aninflated tire, including elevations due to labeling, decorations,
or protective bands or ribs.PlyA layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.Ply separationA parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.Pneumatic tireA mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other materials, that, when mounted on an automotive
wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or
fluid that
sustains the load.
Radial ply tireA pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees to the center line of the tread.Reinforced tireA tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higherinflation pressures than the corresponding standard tire.Section widthThe linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of aninflated tire, excluding elevations due to labeling, decoration, or
protective bands.SidewallThe portion of a tire between the tread and bead.Sidewall separationThe parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in
the sidewall.Snow tireA tire that attains a traction index equal to or greater than 110,
compared to the ASTM E1136-93 (re-approved 2003,
incorporated by reference, see