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 Y braking system,
contact Tesla immediately.
Model Y 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 briefly flashes yellow
on the
touchscreen when you first start
Model Y. 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. Drive cautiously and avoid
heavy braking.
If the touchscreen displays this red brake
indicator at any time other than
briefly
when you first start Model Y, a brake
system fault is detected, or the level of
the brake
fluid is low. Contact Tesla
immediately. Apply steady pressure and
keep the brakes
firm to bring the vehicle
to a stop when safe to do so.
If the touchscreen displays this yellow
brake indicator at any time, a brake booster fault is detected. Apply steady
pressure and keep the brakes
firm to
bring the vehicle to a stop when safe to do so. Hydraulic Boost Compensation will be active (see
Hydraulic Boost
Compensation on page 61).
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 be aware 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 is designed to automatically brake in situations where a collision is
considered imminent (see
Automatic Emergency
Braking on page 115).
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.
CAUTION: In emergency situations, if the brakes
are not functioning properly, press and hold the
Park button on the drive stalk to bring the vehicle
to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the
vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
Brake Disc Wiping
To ensure your brakes remain responsive in cold and
wet weather,
Model Y is equipped with brake disc
wiping. When cold and wet weather is detected, this
feature repeatedly applies an imperceptible amount of brake force to clear away water from the surface of the brake discs.
Hydraulic Fade Compensation
Your vehicle is also equipped with hydraulic fade
compensation. This feature assists in monitoring brake
system pressure and ABS activity for instances of lower
brake performance. If lower brake performance is
detected (for example, as a result of brake fade, or cold
or wet conditions), you may feel the brake pedal pull away from your foot, detect some noise, and notice a strong increase in vehicle braking. Continue to press the
brake pedal without releasing or "pumping" them
