1.Exterior lights ( Lights on page 60)
2. Front doors ( Opening and Closing Front Doors from Outside Model X on page 7)
3. Falcon wing doors ( Doors on page 4)
4. Charge port ( Charging Instructions on page 157)
5. Active spoiler (optional) ( Active Spoiler on page 79)
6. Driver Assistance cameras ( About Driver Assistance on page 88)
7. Exterior mirrors ( Mirrors on page 50)
8. Radar sensor (hidden from view in the above image) ( About Driver Assistance on page 88)
9. Hood/Front trunk ( Front Trunk on page 15)
10. Wheels and tires ( Wheels and Tires on page 186)
11. Rear view camera ( Rear View Camera on page 78 and About Driver Assistance on page
88)
12. Rear trunk/liftgate ( Rear Trunk on page 13)
13. Ultrasonic sensors ( Park Assist on page 70 and About Driver Assistance on page 88)
Exterior Overview
Overview3
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 X braking system, contact Tesla
immediately.
Model X 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 X. 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 X, 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 109).
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 X 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 184.
Warning:
Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads damages the braking system
and can result in a braking hazard.
Regenerative Braking
Whenever Model X is moving and your foot is
off the accelerator, regenerative braking slows
down Model X 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 X (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
66Model X Owner
How It WorksThe traction control system constantly
monitors the speed of the front and rear
wheels. If Model X experiences a loss of
traction, the system minimizes wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure and motor power.
By default, the traction control system is on.
Under normal conditions, it should remain on
to ensure maximum safety.This indicator flashes on the
instrument panel whenever the
traction control system is actively
controlling brake pressure and motor
power to minimize wheel spin. If the
indicator stays on, a fault is detected with the traction control system.
Contact Tesla Service.Warning: If the above indicator remains
illuminated in situations in which you have
not enabled Slip Start (described next), the traction control system may not be
operating correctly. Contact Tesla Service immediately.Warning: Traction control cannot prevent
collisions caused by driving dangerously
or turning too sharply at high speeds.
Allowing Wheel Slip
To allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed,
you can enable Slip Start. Slip Start can be
enabled only when Model X is moving
48 km/h or slower. Slip Start automatically
disables when the speed exceeds 80 km/h.
Under normal conditions, Slip Start should not
be enabled. Enable it only in circumstances where you deliberately want the wheels tospin, such as:
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 X 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 X 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
Model X tires cannot be rotated, as tires are
asymmetrical and front tires are a
differentsize from rear tires.
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 yourspeed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy
braking or sharp steering and, when safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Arrange to have Model X
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 X 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 X is stationary for a long period in
high temperatures, tires can form
flat spots.
When Model X 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:
Replacing Tires and Wheels
Tires degrade over time due to the
effects of
ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures, high
loads, and environmental conditions. It is
recommended that tires are replaced every six
years, or sooner if required.
Wheel and tires are matched to suit thehandling characteristics of the vehicle.
Replacement tires must comply with the
original
specification. If tires other than thosespecified are used, ensure that the load and
speed ratings marked on the tire (see Understanding Tire Markings on page 187)
equal or exceed those of the original
specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the same time. If this is not possible, replace the
tires in pairs, placing the new tires on the rear.
Always balance the wheel after replacing a
tire.
If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System) sensors need to be reset to ensure they provide accurate warnings
when tires are under- or
over-inflated (see
Automatic Resetting of TPMS Sensors on
page 167).
For the
specification of the original wheels
and tires installed on Model X, see Wheels and
Tires on page 186.
Warning:
For your safety, use only tires
and wheels that match the original
specification. Tires that do not match the
original specification can affect the
operation of the TPMS.
Warning: Never exceed the speed rating
of your vehicle
Removing and Installing Lug Nut Covers
If your Model X is equipped with lug nut
covers, you must remove them to access the
lug nuts.
To remove a lug nut cover:
1. Insert the curved part of the lug nut cover
tool (located in your glovebox) into the hole at the base of the Tesla "T".
2. Maneuver the lug nut cover tool so that it
is fully inserted into the hole in the lug nut
cover.
3. Twist the lug nut cover tool so that the
curved part is touching the middle of the
lug nut cover.
4. Firmly pull the lug nut tool away from the
wheel until the lug nut cover is released.
To install the lug nut cover, align it into
position and push firmly until it fully snaps into
place.
Seasonal Tire Types
Summer Tires
Your Model X may be originally equipped with
high performance summer tires, all season
tires, or winter tires. Summer tires and all
season tires are designed for maximum dry
and wet road performance but are not designed to perform well in winter conditions.
Tesla recommends using winter tires if driving
in cold temperatures or on roads where snow
or ice may be present. If not equipped with
winter tires, contact Tesla for winter tire
recommendations.Warning: In cold temperatures or on
snow or ice, summer tires do not provide adequate traction. Selecting and installingthe appropriate tires for winter conditions
is important to ensure the safety and
optimum performance of your Model X,
even when equipped with dual-motors.
All-Season Tires
Your Model X may be originally equipped with
all-season tires. These tires are designed to provide adequate traction in most conditions
year-round, but may not provide the same level of traction as winter tires in snowy or icy
conditions. All-season tires can be
identifiedby “ALL SEASON" and/or "M+S” (mud and
snow) on the tire sidewall.
Winter Tires
Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy
or icy conditions. When installing winter tires,
always install a complete set of four tires at
the same time. Winter tires must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all four wheels. Contact Tesla for winter tire
recommendations.
When equipped with winter tires, refer to the
tire warning label on the door pillar.
Winter tires can be identified by amountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire
Replacing a Tire SensorIf the Tire Pressure warning indicator displaysfrequently, contact Tesla to determine if a tire
sensor needs to be replaced. If a non-Tesla Service Center repairs or replaces a tire, the
tire sensor may not work until Tesla performs
the setup procedure.
TPMS Malfunction
Model X has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the tire pressure
indicator light. When the system
detects a malfunction, the indicator
flashes for approximately one minute
after Model X powers on, and then
remains continuously lit. This
sequence continues upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the
TPMS malfunction indicator is on,
the system might not be able to
detect or signal under- and
over-
inflated tires as intended.
TPMS malfunctions can occur for a variety of
reasons, including installing replacement or
alternate tires or wheels that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check
the TPMS malfunction indicator light after replacing one or more tires or wheels on yourvehicle to ensure that the replacement tires or
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Note: If a tire has been replaced or repaired
using a
different tire sealant than the one
available from Tesla, and a low tire pressure is
detected, it is possible that the tire sensor has
been damaged. Contact Tesla to have the fault repaired as soon as possible.
Tire Care and Maintenance
168Model X 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 X 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 X:
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 X 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 X. 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 X.
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 X 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 X is charging. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning
Maintenance169