Opening the Charge Port
The charge port is located on the left side of Model 3,
behind a door that is part of the rear tail light assembly.
Park
Model 3 to ensure that the charge cable easily
reaches the charge port.
With Model 3 unlocked (or an authenticated phone is
within range) and in Park, press and release the button on the Tesla charge cable to open the charge port door.
NOTE: The following image is provided for
demonstration purposes only. Depending on market
region, your charge port may be slightly different.
You can also open the charge port door using any of these methods:
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 3 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. These substances can cause unclear pictures or Autopilot and safety features to stop working (see
Cleaning a Camera on page 167).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model
3:
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 3 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.
Car Wash Mode
When taking Model 3 to a car wash, Car Wash Mode
closes all windows, locks the charge port door, and disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes. To enable, touch
Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. Your vehicle
must be in Park and not actively charging.
If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps
your vehicle in Neutral and prevents
Model 3 from
applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver
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 3. 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: If washing in an automatic car wash,
make sure the vehicle is locked. In addition, avoid
using controls on the touchscreen that can result
in accidentally opening doors or trunks while the
vehicle is being washed. Any damage caused is
not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model 3 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 3 is charging. Failure
to follow these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
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.
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.
If equipped with polyurethane seats, be careful with dyes, such as from clothing or denim, that come into contact with the seats. Over time, dyes can
diffuse into
the seat material and cause staining.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat
CCS (Combo): 152
CE certifications: 203
CHAdeMO: 152
chains: 166
change of ownership: 122
charge port: 154
charge port light: 155
charge port manual release: 156
charge port release cable: 156
charging: 151, 152, 154, 156
charge settings: 156
charging status: 156
components and equipment: 151
instructions: 154
public charging stations: 152
scheduling: 156
charging locations, finding: 130
child protection: 13
disabling rear window switches: 13
child seats: 30
installing and using: 30
child-protection locks: 12
cleaning: 167
climate controls: 123
coat hangers: 21
cold weather best practices: 74
collision avoidance assist: 112
connecting to Wi-Fi: 147
console: 19, 21
12V power socket: 21
opening: 19
rear: 19
USB ports: 19
consumption chart: 68
contact information: 194, 203
roadside assistance: 194
Tesla: 203
copyrights: 199
cruise control: 81
D
dashboard overview: 4
Dashcam: 70
data recording: 200
data sharing: 200
declarations of conformity: 203
delivery mileage: 201
devices: 134
Bluetooth, playing audio files: 134
playing audio files from: 134
dimensions: 182
Dog Mode: 125
dome (map) lights: 51
door handles: 11
door labels: 180
doors: 11, 12
Child Lock: 12
exterior door handles: 11
interior locking and unlocking: 12
locking: 11
opening from exterior: 11
opening from interior: 11
Unlock on Park: 12
unlocking: 11
doors function: 12
Walk-Away Door Lock: 12
drive away locking: 12
Drive gear: 50
driver: 43
profiles: 43
driving: 23, 48, 67
seating position: 23
starting: 48
tips to maximize range: 67
E
Easter Eggs: 197
easy entry, driver profile: 43
EDR (event data recorder): 200
electric parking brake: 60
emergency braking: 112
emergency flashers: 53
Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance: 109
emission label: 179
energy: 54, 59
gained from regenerative braking: 59
range information: 54
Energy app: 68
energy use predictions (navigating): 131
Entertainment: 197
Erase & Reset: 122
event data recording: 200
exterior: 2, 51, 167, 169, 182
car cover: 169
cleaning: 167
dimensions: 182
lights: 51
overview: 2
polishing, touch up, & repair: 169
Index
tires: 189
Teslacam: 70
tie-down straps: 195
tilt/intrusion detection: 140
Tire and Loading Information label: 180
tire noise: 166
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: 164
overview of: 164
tire pressures, checking: 161
tires: 161, 162, 165, 166, 186, 187, 189
all-season: 165
balancing: 162
chains: 166
inspecting and maintaining: 161
pressures, how to check: 161
quality grading: 189
replacing: 162
replacing a tire sensor: 165
rotation: 162
specification: 186
summer: 165
temperature grades: 189
tire markings: 187
traction grade: 189
treadwear grade: 189
wheel configuration: 161
winter: 165
toll system transponders, attaching: 174
torque specifications: 184
touch up body: 169
touchscreen: 4, 45, 148, 168
cleaning: 168
overview: 4
restarting: 45
software updates: 148
towing a trailer: 181
towing instructions: 194
Toybox: 197
TPMS: 164
overview of: 164
Track Mode: 65
Tracking Disabled: 128
traction control: 61
trademarks: 199
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: 94
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: 81
trailer hitches: 181
transmission specifications: 184
transponders, attaching: 174
Transport Canada, contacting: 203
Transport Mode: 194
transporting: 194
trip chart: 68
Trip Planner: 131
trunk, adjust opening height: 14
trunk, front: 16
trunk, rear: 14
turn signals: 53
U
ultrasonic sensors: 78
uniform tire quality grading: 189
Unlock On Park: 12
unlocking: 11
USB devices: 19, 134
connecting: 19
playing audio files from: 134
USB flash drive: 140
USB ports: 19
V
Valet mode: 43
vehicle certification label: 180
Vehicle Hold: 64
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): 179
vehicle loading: 180
ventilation: 125
videos and recording: 70, 142
videos and recording (Track Mode): 65
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): 179
volume control: 4
volume control (media): 133
W
Walk-Away Door Lock: 12
Wall Connector: 152
warning flashers: 53
washer fluid, topping up: 171
washer jets, cleaning: 170
washers, using: 57
weight specifications: 184
wheel chocks: 195
wheels: 162, 163, 186
aero covers, removing and installing: 163
alignment: 162
lug nut covers, removing and installing: 163
replacing: 162
specifications: 186
torque: 186
Wi-Fi, connecting to: 147
Index