2020 TESLA MODEL Y warning

NOTE: Installing winter tires with aggressive compound
and tread design may result in temporarily-reduced regenerative braking power. However, your vehicle is
designed to continuously recalibrate itself, and after changing tires it will increasingly restore regenerative
braking power after some moderate-torque straight-line accelerations. For most drivers this occurs after a short period of normal driving, but drivers who normally
accelerate lightly may need to use slightly harder accelerations while the recalibration is in progress.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

1. Place the curved part of the lug nut cover tool (located in the glovebox for some vehicles, or you can use a small allen wrench) into the lowered
perimeter around the middle of the lug nut cover.
NOTE: The lug nut cover tool can also be purchased
at an auto parts store or through online retailers.
2.
Twist the lug nut cover tool so that the end of the curved part is facing away from the Tesla "T".
3.
Firmly pull the lug nut tool away from the wheel until the lug nut cover is released.
To install the lug nut cover:
1.
Align the lug nut cover into position.
2.
Push firmly on the lug nut cover until it fully snaps
into place.
CAUTION: Make sure the lug nut cover is fully
secure before driving to prevent it from falling
off.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the recommended pressures that are printed
on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the
driver’s door pillar (see Maintaining Tire Pressures on
page 164). If your vehicle has tires of a different size
than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that displays a tire pressure telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
touchscreen when
one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the Tire Pressure indicator light
displays on the
touchscreen to alert you about tire
pressure, stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure (see Maintaining
Tire Pressures on page 164). Driving on a significantly

under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces range
e

WARNING: Do not depend on TPMS sensors to
accurately determine pressures and trigger alerts.
It is the driver

Tire SizeRecommended Chain21"KONIG K-SUMMIT XXL K66CAUTION: If your Model Y is equipped with aero
covers, you must remove them before installing
tire chains (see Removing and Installing Aero
Covers on page 166). Failure to do so can cause
damage not covered by the warranty.
When installing tire chains, follow the instructions and warnings provided by the tire chain manufacturer. Mount
them evenly and as tight as possible.
When using tire chains:

Cleaning the Exterior
To 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 Y 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.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation, or obstructions. Occasionally remove any buildup of dirt by
wiping the components with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. These substances can cause autopilot and safety features to stop working (see
Cleaning Cameras
and Sensors on page 82).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model
Y:
1.
Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle
using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells 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 the
vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
2.
Hand Wash
Hand wash Model Y using a clean soft cloth and cold
or lukewarm water containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
CAUTION: Some cleaners and car shampoos
contain chemicals that can cause damage or
discoloration, especially to plastic trim pieces,
lamps, or camera lenses. For example, some car
cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other
highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can
damage exterior components. Damage or
discoloration resulting from cleaning products
is not covered by the warranty.
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. If necessary, dry the brakes by going on a
short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.
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 wash in direct sunlight.CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids.

Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and
cause a chattering sound.
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a
distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the
nozzle and the surface of Model Y. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly on the camera(s) or parking
sensors (if equipped). Also do not clean a sensor
or camera lens with a sharp or abrasive object that
can scratch or damage its surface. Keep the nozzle
moving and do not concentrate the water jet on
any one area.
CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses directly at
windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic
modules or exposed cabling.
CAUTION: To avoid corrosive damage that may
not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any
road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel
wells, and brakes. After cleaning the vehicle, dry
the brakes by going on a short drive and applying
the brakes multiple times.
CAUTION: Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality
microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
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 Y. Some touchless car washes use caustic
solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration
of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to
soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check
the product label or ask the staff at the car wash.
Damage caused by improper washing is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model Y to avoid the risk of damaging the
wipers.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical based wheel
cleaners or pre-wash products. These can damage
the finish on the wheels.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity
(for example, if using a pressure washer) towards
the charge port while Model Y is charging. Failure
to follow these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning
170MODEL Y OWNER

Cleaning the Interior
Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its
appearance and to prevent premature wear. If possible, immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For general cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft cloth (such as
microfiber) dampened with a mixture of warm
water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a concealed area before use). To avoid streaks, dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on
glass or mirrored surfaces. This can damage the
reflective surface of the mirror and the heating elements
in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag cover. This could
affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the dashboard. Polished surfaces are
reflective and could interfere with
your driving view.
Polyurethane Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft cloth
moistened with warm water and non-detergent soap.
Wipe gently in a circular motion. After cleaning, allow the seats to air dry.
Be careful with dyes, such as from clothing or denim,
that come into contact with the seats. Dyes can
diffuse

into the seat material over time and cause staining.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of seat sensors and may
cause staining or damage.
Cloth Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft cloth
moistened with warm water and non-detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free cloth. Vacuum the seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
Carpets
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled areas, use
a diluted upholstery cleaner.
Seat Belts
Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type of
detergent or chemical cleaning agent. Allow the belts to dry naturally while extended, preferably away from
direct sunlight.
Touchscreen
Clean the touchscreen using a soft lint-free cloth
specifically designed to clean monitors and displays. Do
not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) and do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically-charged cloth (such as a recently washed
microfiber). To wipe the touchscreen
without activating buttons and changing settings, you
can enable Screen Clean Mode. Touch
Controls > Display
> Screen Clean Mode. The display darkens to make it
easy to see dust and smudges. To exit Screen Clean
Mode, press and hold
HOLD TO EXIT.
Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners or hard cloths can damage the
finish on chrome and metal surfaces.
Cautions for Interior Cleaning
CAUTION: Using solvents (including alcohol),
bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based products
or additives on interior components can cause
damage.
CAUTION: Statically-charged materials can cause
damage to the touchscreen.
WARNING: If you notice any damage on an airbag
or seat belt, contact Tesla immediately.
WARNING: Do not allow any water, cleaners, or
fabric to enter a seat belt mechanism.
WARNING: Exposure to chemical cleaners can be
hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin. Read and
observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the chemical cleaner.
Polishing, Touch Up, and Body
Repair
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body, you
can occasionally treat the paint surfaces with an approved polish containing:

Regularly inspect the exterior paint for damage. Treat minor chips and scratches using a paint touch-up pen (available for purchase from Tesla). Use the touch-up
pen after washing but before polishing or waxing.
Repair rock chips, fractures or scratches. Refer to
https://www.tesla.com/support/body-shop-support for
more information on repair locations and available
services.
CAUTION: Do not use cutting pastes, color
restoration compounds, or polishes containing
harsh abrasives. These can scour the surface and
permanently damage the paint.
CAUTION: Do not use chrome polish or other
abrasive cleaners.
Using a Car Cover
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body when
Model Y is not being used, use a genuine Tesla car
cover. Car covers can be purchased from Tesla. See
Parts and Accessories on page 177.
CAUTION: Use only a Tesla-approved car cover
when Model Y is plugged in. Using a non-Tesla car
cover can prevent the Battery from being
adequately cooled during charging.
Floor Mats
To extend the life of your carpet and make them easier
to clean, use genuine Tesla
floor mats (see Parts and
Accessories on page 177). Maintain floor mats by
regularly cleaning them and checking that they are
properly attached. Replace
floor mats if they become
excessively worn.
WARNING: To avoid potential interference with a
foot pedal, ensure that the driver’s floor mat is
securely fastened, and never place an additional
floor mat on top of it. Floor mats should always
rest on top of the vehicle carpeting surface and
not on another floor mat or other covering.
Cleaning
172MODEL Y OWNER

Removing the Maintenance Panel
To check fluid levels, remove the maintenance panel:
1.
Open the hood.
2.
Pull the maintenance panel upward to release the clips that hold it in place.
3.
If checking the Battery coolant, remove the cabin intake trim panel by pulling it upwards to release the clips that hold it in place.
CAUTION: The maintenance panel protects the
front trunk from water. When re-attaching, make
sure it is fully seated.
Checking Battery Coolant
Your Battery coolant should not need to be replaced for the life of your vehicle under most circumstances. However, if the quantity of
fluid in the cooling system
drops below the recommended level, the
touchscreen
displays a warning message. Stop driving Model Y as
soon as safety permits and contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
DO NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT ADD
FLUID. Doing so can result in damage not covered by
the warranty.
Do Not Top Up Battery Coolant
WARNING: Battery coolant can be hazardous and
can irritate eyes and skin. Under no circumstances
should you remove the filler cap and/or add
coolant. If the touchscreen warns you that the
fluid level is low, contact Tesla immediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the Battery, the cooling system uses a
specific mixture of G-48
ethylene-glycol coolant (HOAT). Contact Tesla for more
specific information about the coolant.
Checking Brake FluidWARNING: Contact Tesla immediately if you
notice increased movement of the brake pedal or
a significant loss of brake fluid. Driving under
these conditions can result in extended stopping
distances or complete brake failure.
A red brake indicator on the
touchscreen 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.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake fluid. 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