Note: The parking brake operates on the rear
wheels only, and is independent of the pedal-
operated brake system.
Warning: In snowy or icy conditions the
rear wheels may not have sufficient
traction to prevent Model 3 from sliding
down a slope, particularly if not using winter tires. Avoid parking on hills in
snowy or icy conditions. You are always responsible for parking safely.Warning: Your Model 3 may display an
alert if the road is too steep to safely park
on, or if the parking brakes are not
properly engaged. These alerts are for
guidance purposes only and are not a
substitute for the driver’s judgment of safe parking conditions, including specific
road or weather conditions. Do not
depend on these alerts to determine
whether or not it is safe to park at any location. You are always responsible for
parking safely.When you use the touchscreen to
manually apply the parking brake,
the red parking brake indicator lights
up on the touchscreen.If the parking brake experiences an
electrical issue, the amber parking brake indicator lights up and a fault
message displays at the top of the
touchscreen.Caution: In the unlikely event that Model 3
loses electrical power, you cannot access
the touchscreen and are therefore unable to release the parking brake without first
jump starting Model 3 (see Instructions
for Transporters on page 199).Brake Wear
Model 3 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 Subsystems on page 188.
Additionally, Tesla recommends cleaning and
lubricating the brake calipers every year or
12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area where
roads are salted during winter months.Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads damages the braking system
and can result in a braking hazard.
Braking and Stopping
68Model 3 Owner
Subsystems
Transmission
TypeSingle speed fixed gearGearbox Ratio9:1
Steering
TypeRack and pinion with electronic power
steering, speed sensitiveNumber of turns lock to lock2.00Turning Circle (curb to curb)38.8 ft (11.8 m)
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 systemCalipersFront: Four piston fixed
Rear: Integrated Electronic Parking Brake
Sliding
Rotor Diameter (ventilated)
Front (non-Performance): 12.6"/320 mm
Front (Performance): 13.98"/355 mm
Rear (non-Performance): 13.2"/335 mm Rear (Performance): 13.2”/335 mmFront Rotor thicknessNew: 0.98"/25 mm
Service limit: 0.91”/23 mmRear Rotor thicknessNew: 0.79"/20 mm
Service limit: 0.71”/18 mmNon-Performance Front Brake Pad Thickness
(excluding back plate)New: 0.393"/10 mm
Service limit: 0.110"/2.8 mmNon-Performance Rear Brake Pad Thickness
(excluding back plate)New: 0.354"/9 mm
Service limit: 0.078"/2 mmPerformance Front Brake Pad Thickness (excluding
back plate)New: 0.393"/10 mm
Service limit: 0.085"/2.15 mmPerformance Rear Brake Pad Thickness (excluding
back plate)New: 0.393"/10 mm
Service limit: 0.071"/1.8 mmParking brakeElectrically actuated parking brake
integrated into rear caliper
Subsystems
188Model 3 Owner
