How Park Assist Works
Model S is designed to detect the presence of objects.
When driving slowly in Drive or Reverse (for example,
when parking), the vehicle alerts you if an object is
detected in close proximity of your
Model S. Objects are
only detected in your chosen direction; front objects in Drive, rear objects in Reverse.
WARNING: You may not be alerted if Model S rolls
freely in the opposite direction (for example, Park
Assist does not display an alert if Model S rolls
backwards down a hill while in Drive).
Park Assist is activated when driving slower than 5 mph
(8 km/h).
WARNING: Never depend on Park Assist to inform
you if an area you are approaching is free of
objects and/or people. Several external factors can
reduce the performance of Park Assist, causing
either no readings or false readings (see
Limitations and False Warnings on page 71).
Therefore, depending on Park Assist to determine
if Model S is approaching an obstruction can result
in damage to the vehicle and/or objects, and can
potentially cause serious injury. Always inspect the
area with your own eyes. When reversing, perform
shoulder checks and use all mirrors. Park assist
does not detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
animals, or objects that are moving, protruding,
located too far above or below the sensors (if
equipped) or cameras, or too close or too far from
the sensors or cameras. Park Assist is for guidance
purposes only and is not intended to replace your
own direct visual checks. It is not a substitute for
careful driving.
Visual and Audio Feedback
When you shift to Reverse, the Park Assist view displays on the
left side of the instrument panel, showing objects
that are in close proximity to the front and rear of
Model S. This view closes when you shift into Drive
unless an object is detected close to the front of
Model S, in which case the Park Assist view closes
automatically when your driving speed exceeds
5 mph
(8 km/h). When reversing, visual feedback also displays
on the touchscreen (see
Rear Facing Camera(s) on page
77). You can manually close the park assist view on the
touchscreen by touching the
X.
When driving with the Camera app displayed on the
touchscreen, you can switch to the Park Assist view
when driving at speeds below
5 mph (8 km/h). Touch
the button located in the upper left corner of the Camera app screen. This is useful if you need assistance
with parallel parking.
If chimes are turned on (see Controlling Audible
Feedback on page 71), an audible beep sounds as you
approach an object.
You can temporarily mute the chime
by touching the speaker icon on the bottom corner of
the Park Assist view.
NOTE: If Park Assist is unable to provide feedback, the
instrument panel displays an alert message.
Park Assist
70MODEL S Owner
CAUTION: Keep sensors (if equipped) and
cameras clean from dirt, debris, snow, and ice.
Avoid using a high pressure power washer on the
sensors and cameras, and do not clean a sensor or
camera with a sharp or abrasive object that can
scratch or damage its surface.
CAUTION: Do not install accessories or stickers on
or near the sensors (if equipped) or cameras.
Controlling Audible Feedback
You can use Park Assist with or without audible feedback. To turn chimes on or
off, touch Controls >
Safety > Park Assist Chimes.
To mute the chimes temporarily, touch the speaker icon in the bottom corner of the Park Assist view. The chimes
are muted until you shift or drive over
5 mph (8 km/h).
Limitations and False Warnings
Park Assist may not function correctly in these situations: