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
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
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
The position of the windshield washers is set at the factory and should never need adjusting.
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 S. Windshield washer fluid can
irritate eyes and skin. Read and observe the
washer fluid manufacturer
Parts, Accessories, and
Modifications
Use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories. Tesla
performs rigorous testing on parts to ensure their
suitability, safety, and reliability. Purchase these parts
from Tesla, where they are professionally installed and
where you can receive expert advice about
modifications to Model S. Accessories are available for
purchase from Tesla stores or online at
www.tesla.com.
NOTE: Some accessories may not be available in your
market region.
Tesla is unable to assess parts manufactured by other distributors and therefore accepts no responsibility if
you use non-Tesla parts on
Model S.
WARNING: Installing non-approved parts and
accessories, or performing non-approved
modifications, can affect the performance of
Model S and the safety of its occupants. Any
damage caused by using or installing non-
approved parts, or by performing non-approved
modifications, is not covered by the warranty.
WARNING: Tesla does not accept liability for
death, personal injury or damage that occurs if you
use or install non-approved accessories or make
non-approved modifications.
Body Repairs
If your Model S is in a collision, contact Tesla or a Tesla-
approved Body Shop to ensure that it is repaired with genuine Tesla parts. Tesla has selected and approved
body shops that meet strict requirements for training, equipment, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Some repair shops and insurance companies might
suggest using non-original equipment or salvaged parts
to save money. However, these parts do not meet Tesla
DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH
WHEELS ON THE GROUND
The front and rear motors in Model S generate power
when the wheels spin. Always transport
Model S 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 S 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 S. The
vehicle can face either direction when using a
flatbed.
If Model S 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
faces forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.
NOTE: Transporting Model S with the front wheels on
dollies is not recommended, but may be done if an
external
steering yoke (or steering wheel) lock is applied
and care is taken to prevent the front wheels from
spinning.
CAUTION: DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE
IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF ANY OF THE
WHEELS SPINNING.
CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate
Transport Mode on page 203) before winching
Model S onto a flatbed truck. 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 S,
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 S 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 203. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to
significant damage and overheating that is not covered
by the warranty.
WARNING: Model S is equipped with high voltage
components that may be compromised as a result
of a collision (see High Voltage Components on
page 159). Before transporting Model S, 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.
Instructions for Transporters
202MODEL S Owner