Wheel Specifications (Factory)
Wheel DiameterLocationWidth (in)Offset (mm)18"Front/Rear8.54019"Front/Rear8.54020Front/Rear9.034Lug Nut Torque129 lb. ft (175 Nm)Lug Nut Socket Size21 mm
NOTE: For instructions on how to jack/lift Model 3, see Jacking and Lifting on page 189.
Tire Specifications (Factory)
Tire SizeLocationSize18"Front/RearP235/45R1819"Front/RearP235/40R1920"Front/RearP235/35R20Tire 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
Understanding Tire Markings
Laws require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information
identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire. It also provides the tire identification number
(TIN) for certification of safety standards, and in case of a recall.
1.
Tire category: P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles.
2.
Tire width: This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge.
3.
Aspect ratio: This 2-digit number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the tread width. So, if the tread width is
205 mm, and the aspect ratio is 50, the sidewall height is 102 mm.
4.
Tire construction: R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction.
5.
Wheel diameter: This 2-digit number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
6.
Load index: This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This number is not always shown.
7.
Speed rating: When stated, indicates the maximum speed (in mph) at which the tire can be used for extended
periods. Q=99 mph (160 km/h), R=106 mph (170 km/h), S=112 mph (180 km/h), T=118 mph (190 km/h), U=124 mph (200 km/h), H=130 mph (210 km/h), V=149 mph (240 km/h), W=168 mph (270 km/h), Y=186 mph (300 km/h),
(Y)=vehicle
Tire and Loading Glossaries
General Wheel and Tire Terms
Accessory WeightThe combined weight (in excess of those items replaced) of items available as factory
installed equipment.BeadThe inner edge of a tire that is shaped to fit to the rim and form an air tight seal. The
bead is constructed of steel wires which are wrapped, or reinforced, by the ply cords.Cold Tire PressureThe air pressure in a tire that has been standing in excess of three hours, or driven for less than one mile.Curb WeightThe weight of a standard vehicle, including any optional equipment fitted, and with the
correct
fluid levels.
Gross Vehicle WeightThe maximum permissible weight of a vehicle with driver, passengers, load, luggage, and
equipment.kPa (kilo pascal)A metric unit used to measure pressure. One kilo pascal equals approximately 0.145 psi.Maximum Inflation
Pressure
The maximum pressure to which the tire should be inflated. This pressure is given on the
tire side wall in psi (lbf/in2).
CAUTION: This pressure marked on the tire is the maximum allowed by the tire
manufacturer. It is not the pressure Tesla recommends using for Model 3.
Maximum Loaded
Vehicle WeightThe sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight, and production options weight.Production Options
WeightThe combined weight of options installed which weigh in excess of 3 lb (1.4 kg) more
than the standard items that they replaced, and are not already considered in curb or
accessory weights.PSI (lbf/in2)Pounds per square inch (the unit used to measure tire pressure).Recommended Tire
Inflation Pressure
Tire inflation pressure, established by Tesla, which is based on the type of tires that are
mounted on the vehicle at the factory. This information can be found on the Tire
and
Loading Information label located on the door pillar.
RimThe metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the tire beads are seated.Vehicle Capacity
WeightThe number of seats multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus the rated amount of load/luggage.
Load Carrying Definitions
Normal occupant weight68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the number of occupants specified in the second column
of the tables for calculating load limits (see
Vehicle Loading on page 206).
Occupant distributionDistribution of occupants in a vehicle.Passenger car tireA tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that have a
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs (4536 kg) or
less.
Rim diameterNominal diameter of the bead seat.Rim size designationRim diameter and width.Rim type designationThe manufacturing industry
Vehicle normal load on the
tireLoad on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of
the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight and dividing by two.
Pneumatic Radial Tire Definitions
Bead separationA breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.Bias ply tireA pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles
substantially less than 90 degrees to the center line of the tread.CarcassThe tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, that when inflated, bears the load.ChunkingThe breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.CordThe strands forming the plies in the tire.Cord separationThe parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.CrackingAny parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.Extra load tireA tire designed to operate at higher loads and higher inflation pressure than the
corresponding standard tire.GrooveThe space between two adjacent tread ribs.Inner linerThe layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium
within the tire.Inner liner
separationThe parting of the inner liner from cord material in the carcass.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.
Wheels and Tires
218MODEL 3 Owner
DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH
WHEELS ON THE GROUND
The motor(s) in Model 3 generates power when the
wheels spin. Always transport
Model 3 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 3 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 3. The
vehicle can face either direction when using a
flatbed.
If Model 3 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
facing forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate
Transport Mode on page 221) before winching Model
3 onto a flatbed truck (see Pull onto the Flatbed
Truck on page 222). 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 3,
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 3 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 221. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to
significant damage and overheating that is not covered
by the warranty.
WARNING: Model 3 is equipped with high voltage
components that may be compromised as a result
of a collision (see High Voltage Components on
page 154). Before transporting Model 3, it is
important to assume these components are
energized. Always follow high voltage safety
precautions (wearing personal protection
equipment, etc.) until emergency response
professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can
accurately confirm that all high voltage systems
are no longer energized. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury.
Activate Transport Mode
Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged
while winching
Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. When
active, Transport Mode displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling. To enable
Transport Mode:
APP_w218
Autosteer speed limit exceeded
Take control of steering wheel
What this alert means:
Autosteer is unavailable because your vehicle has exceeded the maximum speed limit for this driver assistance
feature.
What to do:
Take immediate control of the steering wheel and maintain control until you reach your destination.
In most cases, Autosteer will not be available for the rest of your current drive. To reset it, bring the vehicle to a
complete stop and shift into Park. When you shift into Drive to travel to your next destination, Autosteer should be
available again.
NOTE: If this alert becomes active while you are driving in Germany, Autosteer should be available again once your
vehicle is traveling below the Autosteer speed limit.
If Autosteer is not available during your next drive, and remains unavailable throughout subsequent drives, schedule
service at your convenience. Your vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.
For more information, see Autosteer on page 85.
APP_w221
Cruise control unavailable
Reduced front radar visibility
What this alert means:
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer are unavailable because the radar located in the front bumper area of
your vehicle has no or low visibility.
This could be a temporary obstruction caused by factors like snow, ice, dirt, or mud.
What to do:
Continue to your destination. Your vehicle is OK to drive. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer will remain
unavailable as long as the radar lacks adequate visibility.
If the alert persists throughout your drive, examine the front bumper before your next planned drive and attempt to
clear any obstruction. See the About Autopilot on page 77 sections “How It Works” and “Cleaning Cameras and
Sensors” for more information on clearing dirt or debris from that area of the vehicle.
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives but no obstruction is visible on the front bumper where the radar
is located, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.
APP_w222
Cruise control unavailable
Reduced front camera visibility
What this alert means:
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.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer will remain unavailable while a front camera lacks adequate visibility.
Cameras can be blocked or blinded by:
Troubleshooting Alerts
228MODEL 3 Owner
UI_a013
Air pressure in tires very low
PULL OVER SAFELY - Check for flat tire
What this alert means:
This alert indicates that one or more of the tires on your vehicle is extremely low or flat.
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has detected that the air pressure in one or more of your tires is
significantly lower than the recommended cold tire pressure.
What to do:
You should pull over carefully as soon as possible. In a safe location, check for a flat tire.
You can request Tesla roadside assistance options (mobile tire, loaner wheel, tow) if required. See Contacting Tesla
Roadside Assistance on page 220 for more information.
In a non-emergency situation, it is recommended that you visit a local tire shop for assistance or schedule service
using your Tesla Mobile App.
See Maintaining Tire Pressures on page 176 for detailed information on where to find the recommended cold
pressure (RCP) for your vehicle
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): 60
absolute speed limit: 114
acceleration, chill: 68
acceleration, sport: 68
acceleration, standard: 68
accessories: 23
plugging into power socket: 23
adjacent lane speed: 85
aero covers: 178
air conditioning: 116
air filter: 120
air vents: 119
airbag safety information: 44
airbags, location: 38
alarm: 127, 131
all-season tires: 181
Always Show Estimated Round Trip Energy: 146
ambient lights: 53
anti-lock braking (ABS): 60
apps: 5
Arcade: 151
audio: 47, 148, 151
playing files: 148, 151
settings: 148
steering wheel scroll button: 47
volume control: 148
auto fold: 49
auto high beam: 54
Auto Lane Change: 87
auto tilt: 49
AUTO wipers: 59
automatic emergency braking: 112
automatic navigation: 142
navigating: 142
Autopark: 100
autopilot: 108
side collision warning: 108
Autopilot: 77, 80, 85, 87, 100, 102, 111, 114
Auto Lane Change: 87
automatic emergency braking: 111
Autopark: 100
Autosteer: 85
collision avoidance assist: 111
forward collision warning: 111
overtake acceleration: 80
overview: 77
speed assist: 114
speed limit warning: 114
staying within speed limits: 114
Summon: 102
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: 80
Autopilot components: 77
Autosteer: 85
average range: 165
B
backup camera: 72
Battery (high voltage): 156, 211
care of: 156
specifications: 211
temperature limits: 156
battery (key), replacing: 12
battery (low voltage): 156, 211
complete discharge: 156
specifications: 211
Blind Spot Camera: 108
Blind Spot Collision Warning: 108
Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime: 108
Bluetooth: 122, 149
devices, playing audio files from: 149
general information: 122
phone, pairing and using: 122
body repairs: 192
body touch up: 185
Boombox: 151, 152
brakes: 60, 112, 210
automatic in emergencies: 112
overview of: 60
specifications: 210
Bumper Clearance (Summon): 102
C
cabin air filter: 120
cabin camera: 115
cabin temperature control: 116
Calendar: 122, 124
calibrating windows: 16
California Proposition 65: 283
camera, rear-facing: 72
cameras (autopilot): 77
Camp: 118
car cover: 185
car wash mode: 183
car washes: 184
Caraoke): 149
card: 10
cargo area: 18
cargo volume: 210
Index