Real-time Visualization
The image of your Model S on the Suspension screen
provides a real-time visualization of the status of the air suspension system. In addition to visually showing changes to the ride height, it displays Compression and Rebound lines that
reflect how the suspension system is
controlling the dampers for each wheel based on your
chosen settings and changing road conditions. Both are controlled simultaneously. Touch
Show Suspension Data
to display detailed information about the dampers for
each wheel, including ride height, compression and
rebound values, and body accelerations.
Auto-Raising Locations
Whenever you raise the suspension to High or Very
High, the location is automatically saved. By saving the
location, you do not need to manually raise the
suspension every time you arrive at a frequently-used location where you have previously raised the
suspension. When you return to the saved location,
Model S raises the suspension and the instrument panel
displays a message indicating that the suspension is being raised.
When saving locations, Model S also saves the Keep until
XX mph setting (if specified).
NOTE: When returning to a saved location and driving
faster than the
High and Very High suspension settings
allow, the suspension does not raise until
Model S slows
down.
NOTE: After leaving a saved location, the suspension
automatically lowers. However, it may not lower until
Model S meets the speed and distance threshold at
which the suspension lowers.
NOTE: If Model S reaches a saved location and the
existing suspension setting is already higher than the level that has been saved for that location, the ride height is not adjusted.
To remove an auto-raising location
If you do not want the suspension to automatically raise
at a location, touch to deselect
Always raise at this
location in the popup that appears when you arrive at a
saved location.
Or, when using the Raise Suspension
shortcut on the main Controls window, touch to deselect
Location Saved.
Self-Leveling
Model S equipped with air suspension automatically self-
levels, even when power is
off. To prevent damage when
jacking or lifting the vehicle, you must activate
Jack
Mode to disable self-leveling (press the brake pedal and
touch
Controls > Service > Jack Mode). For more
details, see
Jack Mode on page 184.
Air Suspension
130MODEL S Owner
USB Connected Flash Drives
Insert a flash drive into a front USB port (see USB Ports
on page 25). Touch Media Player > USB, and then touch
the name of the folder that contains the song you want to play. After you display the contents of a folder on the USB connected
flash drive, you can touch any song in
the list to play it. Or use the previous and next arrows in
Media Player to scroll through your songs. You can also
scroll to next/previous songs using the left scroll button on the
steering yoke (or steering wheel).
NOTE: To play media from a USB connection, Model S
recognizes flash drives only. To play media from other
types of devices (such as an iPod), you must connect the device using Bluetooth.
NOTE: Media Player supports USB flash drives with
exFAT formatting (NTFS is not currently supported).
NOTE: Use a USB port located at the front of the center
console. The USB connections at the rear of the console are for charging only.
Bluetooth Connected Devices
If you have a Bluetooth-capable device such as a phone that is paired and connected to
Model S (see Pairing a
Bluetooth Phone on page 126), you can play audio files
stored on it. Choose Media Player
Overview
NOTE: Entertainment options vary by market region.
The touchscreen displays the Entertainment screen when you choose any of the following apps:
Theater: Play various video streaming services (such as Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc.) while parked.
Available only if
Model S is connected to WiFi, or is equipped with premium connectivity and a cellular
signal is available.
Arcade: Want to game? Depending on the game, you may need to use the steering yoke (or steering
wheel) buttons or a Bluetooth or USB controller to play. See Gaming Controllers on page 157.
Toybox: Play in the Toybox while parked.WARNING: Use these features only when Model S is parked. Always pay attention to road and traffic
conditions when driving. Using these features while driving is illegal and very dangerous.
NOTE: You can also use voice commands to access these features (see Voice Commands on page 131).
Toybox
Your vehicle
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.
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.
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
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