2023 TESLA MODEL S Owners Manual

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.
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 195) equal or
exceed those of the original
specification.
For the specification of the original wheels and tires
installed on
Model S, see Wheels and Tires on page 194.
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 176).
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

the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that displays a tire pressure telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
instrument panel
when one or more of your tires is significantly under- or
over-inflated. Accordingly, when the Tire Pressure
indicator light displays on the
instrument panel to alert
you about tire pressure, stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure
(see
Maintaining Tire Pressures on page 173). Driving on
a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also
reduces range
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle

Summer and All-Season Tires
Summer tires and all season tires are designed for
maximum dry and wet road performance but are not designed to perform well in winter conditions. All-
season 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.
If driving in cold temperatures or on roads where snow
or ice may be present, Tesla recommends using winter tires. If not equipped with winter tires, contact Tesla for winter tire recommendations.
WARNING: In cold temperatures or on snow or ice,
summer and all-season 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.
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

Cleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately remove
corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until
Model S is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove tar spots
and stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation, or obstructions. These substances can cause unclear pictures or Autopilot and safety features to stop working (see
Cleaning a Camera on page 178).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of
Model S:
1.
Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle
using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during winter months), thoroughly
rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of the
vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
2.
Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a clean soft cloth and cold
or lukewarm water containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
CAUTION: Some cleaners and car shampoos
contain chemicals that can cause damage or
discoloration, especially to plastic trim pieces,
lamps, or camera lenses. For example, some car
cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other
highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can
damage exterior components. Damage or
discoloration resulting from cleaning products
is not covered by the warranty.
3.
Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4.
Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly with a chamois. If necessary, dry the brakes by going on a
short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.
Window Cleaning and Treatments
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass
cleaner. Do not scrape or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid

on glass or mirrored surfaces. Follow the directions in
Cleaning the Exterior on page 178 for best practices in
cleaning the exterior glass.
To add a hydrophobic coating to 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 S. 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 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 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.
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.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat

CAUTION: The front seats are equipped with
microphones (see Active Road Noise Reduction on
page 27) that must not be exposed to liquids. To
prevent damage to these microphones when
cleaning, do not over-saturate the area of the seats
where these microphones are located.
Carpets
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled areas, use
a diluted upholstery cleaner.
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, Rear Touchscreen, and
Instrument Panel
Clean the touchscreen and instrument panel 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 or instrument panel.
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:

CAUTION: Use only a Tesla-approved car cover
when Model S is plugged in. Using a non-Tesla car
cover can prevent the Battery from being
adequately cooled during charging.
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 185). 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
instrument panel.
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.
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 S.
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