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 S. 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 S 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 S 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 leather seats, note that
leather is prone to dye-transfer which can
cause discoloration, particularly on light
colored leather. White and tan leather is
coated with an anti-soiling treatment. Using
detergents or commercially available leather
cleaners and conditioners is not
recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
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.
Cleaning
195Maintenance
Motor Type
Motor TypeLong RangePlaidFront and rear
motorAC permanent magnet
synchronous motor, liquid-
cooled, with variable frequency
driveAC permanent magnet synchronous motor, carbon-fiber-wrapped rotor, liquid-cooled,
with variable frequency drive (2x motors in
the rear)
Transmission
TypeLong RangePlaidFront transmissionSingle speed fixed gear,
7.5:1Single speed fixed gear, 7.5:1. Enhanced
lubricationRear transmissionSingle speed fixed gear,
9.0:1Independent single speed fixed gear, 7.5:1.
Dry sump lubrication
Steering
SteeringSpecificationsTypeVariable ratio rack and pinion with electronic power steering,
speed sensitiveNumber of turns lock to lock2.33Turning Circle (curb to curb)40.3 ft/12.3 m
Brakes
BrakesSpecifications
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, fixedRear: Single piston, floatingRotor Diameters (ventilated)Front: 14.96”/380 mmRear: 14.37”/365 mmFront Rotor thicknessNew: 1.26”/32 mmService limit: 1.18”/30 mmRear Rotor thicknessNew: 1.10”/28 mm
Subsystems
208MODEL S Owner
DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH
WHEELS ON THE GROUND
The front and rear motors in Model S generate power when the wheels spin. Always
transport Model S with all four tires off the
ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to
spin at any time during transport.
WARNING: NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.
Do not transport Model S using any method
that is not specified by Tesla. Adhere to the
instructions provided in the following sections
and observe all warnings and cautions provided. Damage caused by improper transporting of your vehicle is not covered by
the warranty.
NOTE: Tesla is not liable or responsible for
reimbursing services not dispatched through
Tesla Roadside Assistance.
Approved Methods for
Transporting
A flatbed truck or comparable transport
vehicle is the recommended method of
transporting
Model S. The vehicle can face
either direction when using a flatbed.
If Model S must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must
be used to ensure that all four wheels are off
of the ground. This method may only be used
for a maximum of 35 miles (55 km), and must
not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of
the dollies. With this method, Tesla
recommends the vehicle faces forward so that
the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels
are on dollies.
NOTE: Transporting Model S with the front
wheels on dollies is not recommended, but
may be done if an external
steering yoke lock
is applied and care is taken to prevent the
front wheels from spinning.
CAUTION: DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF ANY OF THE WHEELS SPINNING.
CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate Transport Mode on page 219) before winching Model S onto a flatbed truck. If Transport Mode is not available or the touchscreen is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model S, including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
NOTE: Transport Mode is only intended to
allow for winching Model S onto a flatbed truck or repositioning the vehicle out of a
parking space. While in Transport Mode, the
tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under
3 mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance
(less than 30 feet or 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode on page 219. Exceeding
these boundaries can lead to significant
damage and overheating that is not covered
by the warranty.
Instructions for Transporters
218MODEL S Owner
3.
Fully insert the tow eye into the opening,
then turn it counter-clockwise until
securely fastened.
4.
Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
CAUTION: Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely tightened.
5.
Activate Transport Mode.
6.
Pull Model S slowly onto the flatbed truck.
Pull onto the Flatbed Truck
From Front (Without Tow Eye)
CAUTION: To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.
WARNING: If the vehicle is pulled onto the flatbed truck using this method, all suspension fasteners should be checked for proper torque and all components should be visually inspected for damage prior to driving the vehicle again. If a fastener is loose, or if any damage is found, the affected component(s) should be replaced.
It is strongly recommended that you connect
the winch to your vehicle
(APP_w222)
Cruise control unavailable
Reduced front camera visibility
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer are unavailable because one or more of the front
cameras in your vehicle is blocked or blinded by external conditions. Continue to your
destination. Your vehicle is OK to drive.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer will remain unavailable while a front camera lacks
adequate visibility. Cameras can be blocked or blinded due to many factors that include:
See Drive to Calibrate Cameras on page 85 for more information.
When calibration is complete, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer should be available.
If the alert persists and camera calibration has not completed after your vehicle has driven 100
miles (160 km) or more, or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer remain unavailable
despite successful camera calibration, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your
vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.
(APP_w304)
Camera blocked or blinded
Clean camera or wait for it to regain visibility
One or more of the vehicle cameras is blocked or blinded due to external conditions. When the cameras cannot provide accurate visual information, some or all Autopilot features may be
temporarily unavailable.
Cameras can be blocked or blinded due to many factors, including:
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): 66
absolute speed limit: 126
access panel, removing: 199
accessories: 24
plugging into power socket: 24
Active Road Noise Reduction: 25
adaptive headlights: 58
adjacent lane speed: 119
aero covers: 190
air conditioning: 135
air filter: 140
air vents: 138
airbags: 38
alarm: 161
all-season tires: 192
Always Show Estimated Round Trip Energy: 146
anti-lock braking (ABS): 66
apps: 6
audio: 149, 152
playing files: 149, 152
settings: 149
volume control: 149
auto fold: 50
Auto High Beam: 57
Auto Lane Change: 95
auto tilt: 50
AUTO wipers: 65
automatic emergency braking: 123
automatic navigation: 142
Autopark: 109
autopilot: 119
blind spot collision warning: 119
side collision warning: 119
Autopilot: 84, 87, 93, 95, 109, 111, 122, 126
Auto Lane Change: 95
automatic emergency braking: 122
Autopark: 109
Autosteer: 93
collision avoidance assist: 122
forward collision warning: 122
overtake acceleration: 87
overview: 84
speed assist: 126
speed limit warning: 126
staying within speed limits: 126
Summon: 111
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: 87
Autopilot components: 84
Autosteer: 93
B
backup camera: 76
battery (12V): 177, 210
complete discharge: 177
specifications: 210
Battery (high voltage): 177, 199, 210
care of: 177
coolant: 199
specifications: 210
temperature limits: 177
battery (key), replacing: 12
blind spot collision warning: 119
Bluetooth: 150, 154
devices, playing audio files from: 150
general information: 154
phone, pairing and using: 154
body repairs: 202
body touch up: 196
Boombox: 153
brakes: 66, 123, 199, 208
automatic in emergencies: 123
fluid level: 199
overview of: 66
specifications: 208
Bumper Clearance (Summon): 111
C
cabin air filter: 140
cabin camera: 25
cabin temperature control: 135
Calendar: 154, 157
California Proposition 65: 227
camera (rear view): 76
cameras (autopilot): 84
Camp Mode: 139
car cover: 197
Index
car washes: 194
card: 10
cargo area: 18
cargo volume: 208
carpets, cleaning: 196
CCS (Combo): 176
CE certifications: 229
CHAdeMO: 176
chains: 193
charge port: 179
charge port light: 181
charging: 175, 176, 180
components and equipment: 175
instructions: 180
public charging stations: 176
charging locations, finding: 145
charging stations, displaying on map: 142
child protection: 16
disabling rear window switches: 16
child seats: 32
installing and using: 32
child-protection locks: 15
cleaning: 194
climate controls: 135
coat hangers: 24
cold weather best practices: 81
collision avoidance assist: 122
connecting to Wi-Fi: 169
console: 22, 23, 24
12V power socket: 24
opening: 22
rear: 22
USB ports: 23
contact information: 218, 229
roadside assistance: 218
Tesla: 229
copyrights: 224
cruise control: 87
D
dashboard overview: 4
Dashcam: 77
data recording: 226
data sharing: 226
declarations of conformity: 229
delivery mileage: 227
devices: 150
Bluetooth, playing audio files: 150
dimensions: 206
Dog Mode: 139
dome (map) lights: 56
door handles: 14
door labels: 204
doors: 14, 15
Child Lock: 15
interior locking and unlocking: 15
locking: 14
opening from interior: 14
Unlock on Park: 15
unlocking: 14
doors function: 15
Walk-Away Door Lock: 15
Drag Strip Mode: 72
drive away locking: 15
Drive gear: 55
driver: 26, 44
profiles: 44
seat adjustment: 26
driving: 26, 51, 74
seating position: 26
starting: 51
tips to maximize range: 74
E
easy entry, driver profile: 44
EDR (event data recorder): 226
electric parking brake: 68
emergency braking: 122
emergency flashers: 58
Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance: 119
emission label: 203
energy: 60, 67
gained from regenerative braking: 67
range information: 60
energy use predictions (navigating): 146
event data recording: 226
exterior: 3, 56, 194, 196, 197, 206
Index