WARNING: Although the instrument panel shows surrounding traffic, some vehicles may not be displayed. Never rely on the instrument panel to determine if a vehicle is present (for example, in your blind spot). Always use your mirrors and perform shoulder checks.
9.
Your Model S.
10.
The energy bar (a thin horizontal line at the bottom center of the instrument panel) displays
real-time energy usage. The bar is colored gray (or white if the display is in Dark mode) and moves to the right to represent energy being used during acceleration. The bar is green and
moves to the left to represent energy being gained through regenerative braking.
11.
When Autosteer is active and detects the driving lane, it is highlighted in blue (see Autosteer on page 93). Depending on the current driving scenario, you may see
neighboring lanes.
NOTE: In situations where Autosteer is unable to detect lane markings, the driving lane is
determined based on the vehicle you are following.
NOTE: If Navigate on Autopilot is active, the driving lane displays as a single blue line in
front of Model S (see Navigate on Autopilot on page 98).
Indicator Lights
Indicator lights display along the top of the
instrument panel to show status and alert you
of
specific vehicle conditions.
IndicatorDescriptionA brake system fault is
detected or the brake fluid
level is low. See Braking and Stopping on page 66. Contact Tesla
immediately.
A brake booster fault has
been detected. See
Braking and Stopping on page 66.
An ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System) fault is detected.
See
Braking and Stopping on page 66. Contact
Tesla immediately.
A parking brake fault is
detected. Contact Tesla.
See
Parking Brake on page 68.
IndicatorDescription
The parking brake is
manually applied. See
Parking Brake on page 68.
Tire pressure warning. The
pressure of a tire is out of
range. If a fault with the
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) is
detected, the indicator
flashes. For a TPMS fault,
contact Tesla. See Tire Care and Maintenance on page 188.
A seat belt for an
occupied seat is not
fastened. See
Seat Belts on page 29.
NOTE: Depending on the
date of manufacture, rear seating positions may not be equipped with a seat
belt reminder.
Instrument Panel
62MODEL S Owner
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).
NOTE: Automatic Emergency Braking (see Automatic Emergency Braking on page 123)
may intervene to automatically brake in
situations where a collision is considered
imminent. 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. .
Brake Disc Wiping
To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold
and wet weather, Model S is equipped with
brake disc wiping. When cold and wet
weather is detected, this feature repeatedly
applies an imperceptible amount of brake
force to remove water from the surface of the
brake discs.
Hydraulic Fade Compensation
Model S is also equipped with hydraulic fade
compensation. This feature assists in
monitoring brake system pressure and ABS
activity for instances of reduced brake
performance. If reduced brake performance is detected (for example, as a result of brake
fade, or cold or wet conditions), you may hear
a sound, feel the brake pedal pull away from
your foot, and notice a strong increase in
braking. Brake as you normally would and
continue to press the brake pedal without
releasing or "pumping".
CAUTION: If brakes are not functioning properly, stop the vehicle when safety permits and contact Tesla Service.
WARNING: Always maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you and exercise caution when driving conditions are hazardous. Brake disc wiping and hydraulic fade compensation is not a substitute for adequately applying the brakes.
Hydraulic Boost Compensation
Model S is equipped with a brake booster that
activates the brakes when the brake pedal is pressed. Hydraulic boost compensation
provides mechanical assistance if the brake
booster fails. If a brake booster failure is
detected, the brake pedal feels
stiffer to press
and you may hear sound when you press the
brake pedal. To stop
Model S, apply steady
force to the brake pedal without releasing or
pumping. Drive cautiously and maintain a safe
distance from other road users
Maintaining Tire Pressures
Keep tires inflated to the pressures shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label, even if
it
differs from the pressure printed on the tire
itself. The Tire and Loading Information label is located on the center door pillar and is
visible when the front door is open.
The Tire Pressure indicator
light on the instrument panel alerts you if one or
more tires is under- or over-inflated.
The Tire Pressure indicator light does not immediately turn off when you adjust tire pressure. After inflating the tire to the
recommended pressure, you must drive over
15 mph (25 km/h) for more than 10 minutes to
activate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), which turns
off the Tire Pressure
indicator light.
If the indicator light flashes for one minute
whenever you power on Model S, a fault with
the TPMS is detected (see TPMS Malfunction on page 192).
You can display tire pressures on the touchscreen by opening Controls > Service.
You can also choose whether you want to
display tire pressures using Bar or PSI by opening
Controls > Display > Tire Pressure.
WARNING: Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failures and can cause a tire to overheat, resulting in severe tire cracking, tread separation, or blowout, which causes unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased risk of injury. Under-inflation also reduces the vehicle
Inspecting and Maintaining
Tires
Regularly inspect the tread and side walls for
any sign of distortion (bulges), foreign
objects, cuts or wear.
WARNING: Do not drive Model S if a tire is damaged, excessively worn, or inflated to an incorrect pressure. Check tires regularly for wear, and ensure there are no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/cord structure.
Tire Wear
Adequate tread depth is important for proper
tire performance. Tires with a tread depth less
than
4/32” (3 mm) are more likely to
hydroplane in wet conditions and should not be used. Tires with a tread depth less than
5/32” (4 mm) do not perform well in snow
and slush and should not be used when driving in winter conditions.
Model S is originally fitted with tires that have
wear indicators molded into the tread
pattern. When the tread has been worn down
to
4/32” (3 mm), the indicators start to
appear at the surface of the tread pattern,
producing the
effect of a continuous band of
rubber across the width of the tire. For
optimal performance and safety, Tesla
recommends replacing tires before the wear indicators are visible.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel
Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or if tread depth difference is 2/32 in (1.5 mm) or greater,
whichever comes first.
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as
vibration through the steering yoke) affect
vehicle handling and tire life. Even with
regular use, wheels can get out of balance.
Therefore, they should be balanced as
required.
If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire
only) or becomes abnormally excessive,
check the alignment of wheels.
NOTE: When replacing only two tires, install
the new tires on the rear if your vehicle
Replacing a Tire Sensor
If the Tire Pressure warning indicator displays
frequently, contact Tesla to determine if a tire
sensor needs to be replaced. If a non-Tesla
Service Center repairs or replaces a tire, the
tire sensor may not work until Tesla performs
the setup procedure.
TPMS Malfunction
Model S has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with
the tire pressure indicator
light. When the system
detects a malfunction, the
indicator
flashes for
approximately one minute,
then remains continuously
lit. This sequence continues
upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When
the TPMS malfunction
indicator is on, the system
might not be able to detect
or signal under-
or over-inflated tires as intended.
TPMS malfunctions can occur for a variety of reasons, including installing replacement or
alternate tires or wheels that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction indicator light
after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement tires or wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
NOTE: If a tire has been replaced or repaired
using a different tire sealant than the one
available from Tesla, and a low tire pressure is
detected, it is possible that the tire sensor has
been damaged. Contact Tesla to have the
fault repaired as soon as possible.
Seasonal Tire Types
Summer Tires
Your vehicle may be originally equipped with
high performance summer tires or all season
tires. Tesla recommends using winter tires if
driving in cold temperatures or on roads
where snow or ice may be present. Contact
Tesla for winter tire recommendations.
WARNING: In cold temperatures or on snow or ice, summer tires do not provide adequate traction. Selecting and installing the appropriate tires for winter conditions is important to ensure the safety and optimum performance of your Model S.
All-Season Tires
Your Model S may be originally equipped with
all-season tires. These tires are designed to
provide adequate traction in most conditions year-round, but may not provide the same level of traction as winter tires in snowy or icy
conditions. All-season tires can be
identified
by “ALL SEASON" and/or "M+S” (mud and
snow) on the tire sidewall.
Winter Tires
Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy
or icy conditions. When installing winter tires,
always install a complete set of four tires at
the same time. Winter tires must be the same
diameter, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Contact Tesla for
winter tire recommendations.
Winter tires can be identified by a mountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire
Wheel Specifications (Factory)
Wheel TypeLocationSizeOffset19" CardenioFront9.5J x 1940 mmRear10.5J x 1945 mm21" ArachnidFront9.5J x 2140 mmRear10.5J x 2145 mmLug Nut Torque129 lb. ft (175 Nm)Lug Nut Socket Size21 mm
NOTE: For instructions on how to jack/lift Model S, see Jacking and Lifting on page 201.
Tire Specifications (Factory)
Tire TypeLocationSize19" All-SeasonFrontRear255/45R19 104W XL
285/40R19 107W XL19” SummerFront Rear255/45R19 104Y XL
285/40R19 107Y XL21" SummerFront Rear265/35ZR21 101(Y) XL
295/30ZR21 102(Y) XLTire pressures vary depending on the type of tires fitted. Refer to the tire pressures printed on
the Tire and Loading Information label. This label is located on the center door pillar and is
visible when the
driver
Load ratingThe maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.Maximum load
ratingThe load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure
for that tire.Measuring rimThe rim on which a tire is fitted for physical dimension requirements.Open spliceAny parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or inner liner that extends
to the cord material.Outer diameterThe overall diameter of an inflated new tire.Overall widthThe linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, including elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands
or ribs.PlyA layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.Ply separationA parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.Pneumatic tireA mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other
materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the
traction and contains the gas or
fluid that sustains the load.
Radial ply tireA pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid
at substantially 90 degrees to the center line of the tread.Reinforced tireA tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding standard tire.Section widthThe linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.SidewallThe portion of a tire between the tread and bead.Sidewall
separationThe parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the
sidewall.Snow tireA tire that attains a traction index equal to or greater than 110, compared
to the ASTM E1136-93 (re-approved 2003, incorporated by reference, see
While your vehicle is OK to drive when this alert is present, there is a chance that an issue affecting the primary power source could cause your vehicle to shut down unexpectedly.
It is recommended that you schedule service at your earliest opportunity, so the backup power source for the electrical system can be restored.
(VCSEC_a221)
Air pressure below recommendation for tires
Check pressure and refill air as needed
This alert does NOT indicate that there is a flat tire.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has detected that the air pressure in one or more of your tires is at least 20% lower than the recommended cold tire pressure. This recommended
pressure should be displayed on the Tire and Loading information label.
See Maintaining Tire Pressures on page 188 for detailed information on how to keep the tires
properly inflated.
This alert may appear in cold weather because the air in your tires naturally contracts when it
becomes cold, decreasing tire pressures.