tow TESLA MODEL 3 2018 User Guide
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When Transporting Model 3Always transport Model 3 with all four tires
offthe ground. A flatbed truck or comparable
transport vehicle is recommended. A wheel lift
and dolly can be used only when transporting
Model 3 for a maximum of 15 miles (25 km),
provided the driving speed does not exceed
45 mph (70 km/h). When transporting,
whether on a
flatbed truck or using a wheel
lift and dolly, Model 3 can face either direction.
Do not transport Model 3 using any other
method unless
specified by Tesla. Follow the
steps provided and observe all warnings and
cautions. Damage caused by transporting your
vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
Note: The following illustrations are for
demonstration purposes only.
Never tow Model 3 with the tires contacting
the ground, even for short distances. Doing so
can cause
significant damage. In addition,
before pulling Model 3 onto a flatbed truck,
you must use the touchscreen to enable
Transport Mode. Transport Mode keeps Model
3 in Neutral, allowing the tires to turn freely.
Transport Mode also prevents damage that
would be caused when the tires turn as you
pull Model 3 onto a
flatbed truck. Do not
attempt to use Transport Mode to tow Model 3
with the tires on the ground. Transport Mode can prevent damage only when used for a
limited time and speed, and for a very short
distance, such as when you pull Model 3 onto a
flatbed truck. If you are unable to activate
Transport Mode, you must use self-loading dollies or tire skates to prevent the tires from
turning as you pull Model 3 onto a
flatbedtruck.
Warning: TOWING MODEL 3 WITH THE
TIRES CONTACTING THE GROUND CAN
CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE REAR MOTOR.Warning: To prevent damage and
overheating of the rear motor when
rolling or winching Model 3 onto a
flatbedtruck, you must either enable Transport
Mode or use self-loading dollies or tire
skates. Do not allow the tires to turn
without Transport Mode enabled.
Note: Tesla is not responsible for any damage
caused by transporting Model 3, including personal or property damage caused by using
self-loading dollies or tire skates.
Warning: Model 3 is equipped with high
voltage components (see High Voltage
Components on page 105). Before
transporting Model 3 as a result of an
event (such as a collision) that may have
compromised a high voltage component, it is important to assume that these
components are energized. Always follow
high voltage safety precautions (wearing
personal protective 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 or death.
Activate Transport Mode
Transport Mode keeps Model 3 in Neutral
(which disengages the parking brake) while
preventing damage to the rear motor as the wheels turn when pulling Model 3 onto a
flatbed truck. The following are required to
enable Transport Mode:
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Caution: Transport Mode automatically
cancels and the parking brake is applied if
Model 3 is rolled faster than 5 mph
(8 km/h), 12V power is low, or if Transport
Mode has been continuously enabled for
20 minutes. Model 3 sounds its horn to warn you that Transport Mode is about tocancel.
Pull onto the Flatbed Truck
Note: If Model 3 has no 12V power, you need
an external 12V power supply to open the
hood or use the touchscreen. See If Model 3
Has No Power on page 148.
1. Activate Transport Mode.
2. Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located
under the carpet in the front trunk.
3. Release the tow eye cover by pressingfirmly on the top right perimeter of the
cover until it pivots inward, then gently pulling the raised section toward you.
Note: The tow eye cover is connected to
the vehicle
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tires (continued)balancing 114
chains 117
inspecting and maintaining 114
pressures, how to check 113
quality grading 141
replacing 115
replacing a tire sensor 118
rotation 114
specification 138
summer 116
temperature grades 141
tire markings 139
traction grade 141
treadwear grade 141
winter 116
toll system transponders, attaching 127
touch up body 120
touchscreenclean mode 120
cleaning 120
overview 4
restarting 36
software updates 104
tow eye, locating 147
towing a trailer 132
towing instructions 146
TPMSFCC certification 156
overview of 117
Tracking Disabled 95
traction control 51
trademarks 151
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 61
trailer hitches 132
transmission
specifications 136
transponders, attaching 127
Transport Canada, contacting 154
Transport Mode 146
transporting 146
Trip Planner 97
trunk, front 14
trunk, rear 12
TuneIn radio 91
turn signals 46
U ultrasonic sensors 58
uniform tire quality grading 141
Unlock On Park 10
unlocking 9
USB devicesconnecting 16
playing audio files from 92
USB ports 16
V
Valet mode 34
vehicle
certification label 131
Vehicle Hold 54
Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) 130
vehicle loading 131
ventilation 88
VIN (Vehicle
Identification Number) 130
volume control 4
volume control (media) 90
W Walk Away Lock 10
Wall Connector 106
warning
flashers 47
washer fluid, topping up 125
washer jets, cleaning 122
washers, using 48
weight
specifications 135
wheel chocks 147
wheelsaero covers, removing and installing 115
alignment 114
lug nut covers, removing and installing
116
replacing 115
specifications 138
torque 138
Wi-Fi, connecting to 103
windshield washer fluid, topping up 125
winter tires 116
wiper blades, replacing 122
wipers, using 48
Work location 98
Index
162Model 3 Owner