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 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:
Topping Up Washer FluidThe only reservoir into which you can add
fluid is the washer fluid reservoir, which is
located behind the front trunk. When the level
is low, a message displays on the instrument panel.
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 58.
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 S.
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 instrument panel that one of these
fluid levels is low, stop driving Model S 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 theaffected area with water.Warning: In temperatures below 4
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
USB ports 122
V Valet mode 40
Vehicle Hold 66
Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) 164
vehicle loading 165
vent, sunroof 16
ventilation 115
VIN (Vehicle
Identification Number) 164
voice commands 41
volume control 99
volume control (media) 119
W
walk-away locking 7
Wall Connector 139
warning
flashers 57
washer fluid, topping up 161
washer jets, cleaning 157
washers, using 58
weight
specifications 168
wheel chocks 180
wheelsalignment 149
replacing 150
specifications 171
torque 171
Wi-Fi, connecting to 135
windshield washer fluid, topping up 161
winter tires 151
wiper blades, replacing 157
wipers, de-icing 58
wipers, using 58
Work location 129
Index
Index193