WARNING: Do not drive Model 3 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 3 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.
To improve vehicle handling characteristics and minimize
hydroplaning in wet conditions, put tires with the most tread on the rear of the car.
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.
Tire rotation is an essential part of tire maintenance. It helps maintain an even treadwear pattern which enhances the tire
If tires need to be replaced early, for example due to a
flat tire, we recommend replacing the tires in pairs
unless the other tires are within
2/32 in (1.5 mm) of tread
depth of the new tire. When replacing tires, it is important to match the brand and model of the older
tires. Always place a pair of new tires on the rear if all four tires are the same size. Always balance the wheel and tire after replacing a tire. Consult with a professional tire retailer and installer for further guidance.
If you
replace your tires or install different ones, reset the tire
configuration (see Tire Configuration on page 179). This
resets the learned tire settings and improves the driving
experience on your new tires.
NOTE: Regardless of the number of tires replaced, a
complete set of matching tires is recommended for optimum performance.
If tires other than those specified are used, ensure that
the load and speed ratings marked on the tire
(see
Understanding Tire Markings on page 214) equal or
exceed those of the original
specification.
For the specification of the original wheels and tires
installed on
Model 3, see Wheels and Tires on page 213.
If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors need to be reset to ensure they provide accurate warnings when tires are under-
or
over-inflated (see Automatic Reset of TPMS Sensors on
page 180).
NOTE: Installing winter tires with aggressive compound
and tread design may result in temporarily-reduced regenerative braking power. However, your vehicle is
designed to continuously recalibrate itself, and after changing tires it will increasingly restore regenerative
braking power after some moderate-torque straight-line accelerations. For most drivers this occurs after a short period of normal driving, but drivers who normally
accelerate lightly may need to use slightly harder accelerations while the recalibration is in progress. Go to
Service > Wheel & Tire Configuration > Tires to select
winter tires and quicken this process.
WARNING: For your safety, use only tires and
wheels that match the original specification. Tires
that do not match the original specification can
affect the operation of the TPMS.
WARNING: Never exceed the speed rating of your
vehicle
Cautions for Exterior CleaningCAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight.CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids.
Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and
cause a chattering sound.
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a
distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the
nozzle and the surface of Model 3. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly at parking sensors (if
equipped). Keep the nozzle moving and do not
concentrate the water jet on any one area.
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 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 and chemical residues from interior surfaces 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.
Although seating surfaces are designed to repel stains, Tesla recommends regular cleaning to maintain
performance and an as-new appearance. Promptly treat
dye transfer from clothing, such as indigo-dyed denim.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including certain cosmetics. Never use cleaners containing alcohol or bleach. Spot-test cleaners on an inconspicuous area
before applying to visible surfaces.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat
Seat Belts
Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type of
detergent or chemical cleaning agent. Allow the belts to dry naturally while extended, preferably away from
direct sunlight.
Door Seals
Wipe door seals with a damp cloth to remove any debris. Excessive debris on the door seals can cause
paint damage when contacting surrounding surfaces. Avoid using alcohol wipes or any chemical products that can potentially deteriorate the coating on the door seals.
Touchscreen
Clean the touchscreen using a soft lint-free cloth
specifically designed to clean monitors and displays. Do
not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) or alcohol- based gel products (such as hand sanitizer) and do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically-charged cloth (such as a recently washed
microfiber). To wipe the touchscreen
without activating buttons and changing settings, you
can enable Screen Clean Mode. Touch
Controls > Display
> Screen Clean Mode. The display darkens to make it
easy to see dust and smudges. To exit Screen Clean
Mode, press and hold
HOLD TO EXIT.
Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners, alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer), and hard cloths can damage the
finish on chrome and metal surfaces.
Cautions for Interior Cleaning
CAUTION: Using solvents (including alcohol),
alcohol-based gel products (such as hand
sanitizer), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based
products or additives on interior components can
cause damage.
CAUTION: Statically-charged materials can cause
damage to the touchscreen.
WARNING: If you notice any damage on an airbag
or seat belt, contact Tesla immediately.
WARNING: Do not allow any water, cleaners, or
fabric to enter a seat belt mechanism.
WARNING: Exposure to chemical cleaners can be
hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin. Read and
observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the chemical cleaner.
Polishing, Touch Up, and Body
Repair
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body, you
can occasionally treat the paint surfaces with an approved polish containing:
Floor Mats
To extend the life of your carpet and make them easier to clean, use genuine Tesla
floor mats (see Parts and
Accessories on page 190). Maintain floor mats by
regularly cleaning them and checking that they are
properly attached. Replace
floor mats if they become
excessively worn.
WARNING: To avoid potential interference with a
foot pedal, ensure that the driver
Topping Up Windshield Washer
Fluid
The only reservoir into which you can add fluid is the
windshield washer
fluid reservoir, which is located
behind the front trunk. When the level is low, a message
displays on the
touchscreen.
To top up the washer fluid:
1.
Open the hood.
2.
Clean around the filler cap before opening it to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
3.
Open the filler cap.
4.
While avoiding spilling, fill the reservoir until the fluid
level is visible just below the filler neck. The reservoir
has a capacity of 3.2 liters.
5.
Wipe up any spills immediately and wash the
affected area with water.
6.
Reinstall the filler cap.
CAUTION: Use only windshield washer fluid meant
for automotive vehicles. Using other substances,
such as untreated water, can result in bacterial
growth within the climate control system resulting
in odor or potential damage that is not covered by
warranty.
NOTE: Some national or local regulations restrict the use
of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are commonly used as antifreeze in washer
fluid. Use a
washer
fluid with limited VOC content only if it provides
adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which you drive
Model 3.
CAUTION: Do not add formulated washer fluids
that contain water repellent or bug wash. These
fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and
squeaking or other noises.
WARNING: In temperatures below 40
3. Lift the wiper arm a short distance away from the windshield, just far enough to access the wiper blade.CAUTION: Wiper blades do not lock into a lifted
position. Do not lift a wiper arm beyond its
intended position.
4.
Place a towel between the wiper arm and windshield to avoid scratching or cracking the windshield.
5.
Hold the wiper arm and press the locking tab while sliding the blade down the arm.
6.
Align the new wiper blade on the wiper arm and slide
it toward the end of the wiper arm until it locks into place.
7.
Turn Wiper Service Mode off to return the wipers to
their normal position.
Cleaning Washer Jets
If a windshield washer becomes blocked, use a thin
strand of wire to clear any blockages from the nozzles.
WARNING: Do not operate the washers while
cleaning Model 3. Windshield washer fluid can
irritate eyes and skin. Read and observe the
washer fluid manufacturer
Jacking Procedure
Follow the steps below to lift Model 3. Ensure that any
non-Tesla repair facility is aware of these lifting points.
1.
Position Model 3 centrally between the lift posts.
2.
Position the lift arm pads under the designated body lift points at the locations shown.
WARNING: DO NOT position the lift arm pads
under the Battery or side rails.
3.
Adjust the height and position of the lift arm pads to ensure that they are correctly located.
4.
With assistance, raise the lift to the desired height, ensuring the lift arm pads remain in their correct positions.
5.
Engage any lift safety locks. Follow the lift
manufacturer