Braking SystemsWARNING: Properly functioning braking systems
are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a
problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, or
any component of a Model 3 braking system,
contact Tesla immediately.
Model 3 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 amber on
the
touchscreen when you first start Model
3. 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 3, 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.
The touchscreen displays this amber brake
indicator if a brake booster fault is detected. Apply steady pressure and keep the brakes
firm to stop the vehicle when
safety permits. 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).
CAUTION: Automatic Emergency Braking (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 112) 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.
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.
Dynamic Brake Lights (if equipped)
If you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h) and brake
forcefully
(or if Automatic Emergency Braking engages),
the brake lights
flash quickly to warn other drivers that
Model 3 is rapidly slowing down. If Model 3 stops
completely, the hazard warning lights
flash. Flashing
continues until you press the accelerator or manually press the hazard lights button to turn them
off (see
Hazard Warning Flashers on page 55).
NOTE: Dynamic brake lights will not flash while Track
Mode is enabled (see
Track Mode on page 69).
NOTE: When towing a trailer (if applicable), the brake
lights on the trailer also operate as described above,
even when the trailer is not equipped with a separate
braking system.
WARNING: When towing a trailer (if applicable),
always increase your following distance. Sudden
braking may result in skidding, jack-knifing, and
loss of control.
Brake Disc Wiping
To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold and wet
weather,
Model 3 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.
Braking and Stopping
60MODEL 3 Owner
Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Acceleration to
adjust the amount of acceleration you experience when driving
Model 3:
Camera Location
Model 3 is equipped with a rear view camera located
above the rear license plate.
Whenever you shift into Reverse, the touchscreen displays the view from the camera. Lines show your
driving path based on the position of the
steering wheel.
These lines adjust as you move the
steering wheel.
Model 3 also displays images from the side cameras (if
equipped). Simply swipe up or down to hide or show the
side camera views.
NOTE: Visual feedback from Park Assist also appears on
the
touchscreen (see Park Assist on page 65).
To display the view from the rear view
cameras at any time, open the app
launcher and touch the Camera app.
If a black screen appears on the touchscreen instead of the rear view camera feed when in Reverse, use the rear view mirrors and ensure your surroundings are safe
before continuing to Reverse. If inoperability of the rear
view camera persists, use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment.
WARNING: Never depend on the cameras to
inform you if the area behind you is free of objects
and/or people. The cameras may not detect
objects or barriers that can potentially cause
damage or injury. In addition, several external
factors can reduce the performance of the
cameras, including a dirty or obstructed lens.
Therefore, depending on the cameras to determine
if Model 3 is approaching an obstruction can result
in damage to the vehicle and/or objects and can
potentially cause serious injury. Always inspect the
area with your own eyes. When reversing, perform
shoulder checks and use all mirrors. Use the
cameras for guidance purposes only. It is not
intended to replace your own direct visual checks
and is not a substitute for careful driving.
Cleaning a Camera
To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens must be clean
and free of obstructions. Remove any build-up of dirt or debris by spraying water onto the camera lens with a
spray bottle.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove dirt or debris
by wiping an exposed lens with your hands or a
cloth. This debris can damage the surface of the
lens when rubbed against it during wiping.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive
cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the
lens.
Rear Facing Camera(s)
72MODEL 3 Owner
How It Works
Your Model 3 includes the following components that actively monitor the surrounding area:
1.
A camera is mounted above the rear license plate.
2.
Ultrasonic sensors (if equipped) are located in the front and rear bumpers.
3.
A camera is mounted in each door pillar.
4.
Three cameras are mounted to the windshield above the rear view mirror.
5.
A camera is mounted to each front fender.
6.
Radar (if equipped) is mounted behind the front bumper.
Model 3 is also equipped with high precision electronically-assisted braking and steering systems.
NOTE: Ensure all cameras and sensors (if equipped) are clean before each drive. See Cleaning Cameras and Sensors
on page 79 for more information. Dirty cameras and sensors, as well as environmental conditions such as rain and
faded lane markings, can
affect Autopilot performance.
About Autopilot
77Autopilot
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Autosteer, or the
feature may not operate exactly as described.
NOTE: Autosteer is a BETA feature.
Autosteer builds upon Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (see
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on page 80), intelligently
keeping
Model 3 in its driving lane when cruising at a set
speed.
Autosteer also allows you to use the turn signals
to move Model 3 into an adjacent lane (see Auto Lane
Change on page 87). Autosteer detects lane markings
and the presence of vehicles and objects to
steer Model
3.
NOTE: To display more details about the roadway and its
surroundings, such as road markings, stop lights, objects (such as trash cans and poles), etc., touch
Controls >
Autopilot > Full Self-Driving Visualization Preview (if
equipped).
CAUTION: Ensure all cameras and sensors (if
equipped) are clean. Dirty cameras and sensors, as
well as environmental conditions such as rain and
faded lane markings, affect performance.
WARNING: Autosteer is a hands-on feature. You
must keep your hands on the steering wheel at all
times.
WARNING: Autosteer is intended for use on
controlled-access highways with a fully attentive
driver. When using Autosteer, hold the steering
wheel and be mindful of road conditions and
surrounding traffic. Do not use Autosteer in
construction zones, or in areas where bicyclists or
pedestrians may be present. Never depend on
Autosteer to determine an appropriate driving
path. Always be prepared to take immediate
action. Failure to follow these instructions could
cause damage, serious injury or death.
Operating Autosteer
Before you can operate Autosteer, you must enable it by touching
Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer (Beta).
To indicate that Autosteer is available (but
not actively steering
Model 3), the top
corner of the touchscreen displays a gray
Autosteer icon
next to the driving gear.
To initiate Autosteer, move the drive stalk fully down
twice in quick succession.
To indicate that Autosteer is now actively
steering
Model 3, the touchscreen displays
the Autosteer icon in blue. When Autosteer is able to detect lane markings, it also
displays the driving lane in blue.
Autosteer briefly displays a message on the touchscreen
reminding you to pay attention to the road and be ready
to take over at any time.
The speed at which you can initiate Autosteer can vary depending on various conditions and whether or not a vehicle is detected ahead of you. When no vehicle is
detected ahead of you, you must be driving at least
18 mph (30 km/h), unless certain vehicle and
environmental conditions are met, in which case, you
may be able to initiate it at lower speeds. When a
vehicle is detected ahead of you, you can initiate
Autosteer at any speed, even when stationary, provided
Model 3 is at least 5 feet (150 cm) behind the detected
vehicle.
NOTE: Auto High Beam is automatically enabled when
Autosteer is engaged and the maximum cruising speed is
85 mph (140 km/h).
CAUTION: If available in your market region, Model
3 detects lights from an emergency vehicle when
using Autosteer at night on a high speed road, the
driving speed is automatically reduced and the
touchscreen displays a message informing you of
the slowdown. You will also hear a chime and see a
reminder to keep your hands on the steering
wheel. When the light detections pass by or cease
to appear, Autopilot resumes your cruising speed.
Alternatively, you may tap the accelerator to
resume your cruising speed.
WARNING: Never depend on Autopilot features to
determine the presence of emergency vehicles.
Model 3 may not detect lights from emergency
vehicles. Keep your eyes on your driving path and
always be prepared to take immediate action.
In situations where Autosteer is temporarily unavailable, the Autosteer icon disappears. For example, your driving speed is not within the speed required for Autosteer to operate. Autosteer may also be unavailable if it is not receiving adequate data from the camera(s).
NOTE: In low light conditions (dusk or dark), Autosteer
aborts or is unavailable if headlights are set to
Off. For
best results, set headlights to
Auto.
If unable to detect lane markings, Autosteer may determine the driving lane based on a vehicle you are
following.
In most cases, Autosteer attempts to center Model 3 in
the driving lane. However, there may be situations in which Autosteer may steer
Model 3 in a driving path that
is
offset from the center of the lane (for example,
detection of guard rails).
Autosteer
85Autopilot
NOTE: If Autosteer cancels because you started steering
manually, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control remains active.
Disengage
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control as you normally
would, by pressing the brake pedal
moving the drive
stalk upward.
NOTE: If you move the drive stalk upward and hold it up
for more than one second,
Model 3 shifts into Neutral
after canceling Autosteer.
To disable Autosteer so it is no longer available, touch
Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer (Beta).
Auto Lane Change
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Auto Lane
Change, or the feature may not operate exactly as
described.
When Autosteer is active, engage a turn signal to move
Model 3 into an adjacent lane (moving the steering
wheel would cancel Autosteer).
WARNING: It is the driver
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle
configuration, options purchased, and software version,
your vehicle may not be equipped with Navigate on
Autopilot, or the feature may not operate exactly as
described.
NOTE: Navigate on Autopilot is a BETA feature.
When using Autosteer on a controlled-access highway (a main highway on which road users enter and exit
using on-ramps and
off-ramps). Navigate on Autopilot
guides
Model 3 to off-ramps and interchanges based on
your navigation route. Along the highway portion of a navigation route, Navigate on Autopilot also changes
lanes to prepare for exits (route-based lane changes) and to minimize the driving time to your destination (speed-based lane changes).
WARNING: Navigate on Autopilot does not make
driving autonomous. You must pay attention to the
road, keep your hands on the steering wheel at all
times, and remain aware of your navigation route.
WARNING: As is the case with normal driving, be
extra careful around blind corners, interchanges,
and on-ramps and off-ramps - obstacles can
appear quickly and at any time.
WARNING: Navigate on Autopilot may not
recognize or detect oncoming vehicles, stationary
objects, and special-use lanes such as those used
exclusively for bikes, carpools, emergency vehicles,
etc. Remain alert at all times and be prepared to
take immediate action. Failure to do so can cause
damage, injury or death.
Enabling and Customizing Navigate
on Autopilot
To enable Navigate on Autopilot, touch Controls >
Autopilot > Navigate on Autopilot (Beta). Then, to
customize how you want Navigate on Autopilot to operate, touch
Customize Navigate on Autopilot:
Traffic Lights
When driving with Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control engaged, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
enabled,
Model 3 is designed to respond as follows when approaching intersections controlled by a traffic light:
Type of Traffic LightVehicle Intended Response
At a solid green traffic light, or at a traffic light that is currently off (not
illuminated),
Model 3 slows down.
If you are following a car in front of you that continues through the intersection,
the
touchscreen displays a green stop line and provided your hands are detected
on the
steering wheel, Model 3 also continues. If a car is not in front of you, the
touchscreen displays a red stop line and you must confirm that you want to
continue through the intersection by
pressing down on the drive stalk or briefly
pressing the accelerator pedal. If you don