TESLA MODEL S 2014 Quick Guide (North America)
Page 11 of 44
Child Safety Seats
SAFETY INFORMATION9
Child Safety SeatsGuidelines for Seating Children
Your Model S seat belts in the front and second row seats are designed for adults and larger children.
You must restrain infants and small children in the second row seats only, and you must use a suitable
child safety seat appropriate for the child’s age, weight, and size. Carefully follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer of the child safety se at. Never use child safety seats in the front row
passenger seat.
If your Model S is equipped with Tesla built-in rear facing child seats, these seats are child safety
seats and are designed only for children within a specific height and weight range (see page 14).
Choosing a Child Safety Seat
All children age 12 and under should ride in the rear (second row) seats. Always use a child safety
seat suitable for a young child’s age and weight.
CAUTION: Laws that govern how and where chil dren should be carried when traveling in a
vehicle are subject to change. It is the driver’s re sponsibility to keep up to date on, and comply
with, all current regulations in th e region(s) where Model S is driven. To check the child passenger
safety laws for your state, go to: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/childsafety_laws.html.
InfantsToddlersYoung children
Age Birth to 1 year* Over 1 year* 4 years and older, and less
than 57” (145 cm) tall
Weight Up to at least 20 lbs
(9 kg)* Over 20 lbs (9 kg)
(minimum) and up to
40 lbs (18 kg)*Over 40 lbs (18 kg)
Ty p e o f c h i l d
safety seat
Rear facing (or
convertible) Forward facing (or
convertible)*Belt retained booster seat
Seat position Rear facing only* Forward facing*
Forward facing
Recommended
attachment
methodIf combined weight of
child and safety seat is up
to 65 lbs (29 kg), attach
the safety seat using
either LATCH (lower
anchor only) or the seat
belt only.**
If combined weight of
child and safety seat is
over 65 lbs (29 kg),
attach the safety seat
using the seat belt only.** If combined weight of
child and safety seat is up
to 65 lbs (29 kg), attach
the safety seat using
either LATCH (both lower
anchors and top tether
anchor), or the seat belt
and upper tether strap.**
If combined weight of
child and safety seat is
over 65 lbs (29 kg),
attach the safety seat
using the seat belt and
upper tether strap.**Attach booster seats
using the seat belt only.
* Many child safety seats currently available allow childr
en to ride rear-facing using the child safety seat’s
integrated 5-point harness for a longer period of time BASED UPON SPECIFIC HEIGHT AND WEIGHT LIMITS.
Keep your child in a rear facing seat for as long as possible. CHECK THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND CA REFULLY FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
**Subject to instructions provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.
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Page 12 of 44
Child Safety SeatsChild Safety Seats
10MODEL S
Seating Larger Children
If a child is too large to fit into a child safety
seat, but too small to safely fit into the standard
seat belts, use a booster seat appropriate for
the child’s age and size. Carefully follow the
manufacturer’s instructions to secure the
booster seat using the seat belts. Do not use
the LATCH system to secure booster seats,
even in situations where the booster seat is
equipped with the LATCH system.
Installing Child Safety Seats
There are two general methods used to install
child safety seats:
• Seat belt retained - these seats are secured
using the vehicle’s seat belts (see page 10).
• LATCH* retained - these seats can attach to
anchor bars built into the vehicle’s rear
seats (see page 11).
Check the child safety seat manufacturer’s
instructions and the table on page 9 to
determine which installation method to use.
Some child safety seats can be installed using
either method. Always follow the child safety
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
*LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children
Installing Seat Belt Retained Child
Seats
First, make sure that the child falls into the
correct weight range for the seat.
Avoid dressing the child in bulky clothing and
do not place any objects between the child and
the restraint system.
Adjust harnesses for every child, every trip.
Always follow the detailed instructions
provided by the child safety seat manufacturer.
General guidelines are provided below. 1. Place the child safety seat in Model S, route
the seat belt, and secure the buckle in
accordance with the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions. 2.
Allow the seat belt to retract, and remove
all slack in the seat belt while firmly pushing
the child safety seat into the Model S seat.
3. If the seat belt retained child safety seat has
an upper tether, attach it to the back of the
seat (see page 12) .
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Page 13 of 44
Child Safety Seats
SAFETY INFORMATION11
Installing LATCH Child Seats
Lower LATCH anchor positions are provided in
the second-row seats and are located between
the seat’s back rest and rear cushion. The exact
location of each anchor is identified by a child
safety seat identification button, illustrated
below. The button is located on the seat back,
directly above its associated anchor. Some
Model S vehicles have two LATCH seating
positions (outboard seating positions only),
whereas others have three.
On vehicles with the center LATCH position,
you can install two LATCH seats adjacent to
each other only if you install one of the seats on
the right (passenger side) and the other in the
center, as illustrated. To seat three children, use
a seat belt retained seat in the center position.
On vehicles without the center LATCH position,
install LATCH seats in the outboard seating
positions only, and always use a seat belt
retained seat in the center position. To install a LATCH retained child safety seat,
slide the safety seat latches onto the anchor
bars until they click into place. Carefully read
and follow the instructions provided by the
child safety seat manufacturer.
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Child Safety SeatsChild Safety Seats
12MODEL S
Once installed, test the security of the
installation before seating a child. Attempt to
twist the child safety seat from side to side and
try to pull it away from the seat, then check that
the anchors are still securely in place.
Attaching Upper Tether Straps
If an upper tether strap is provided, attach its
hook to the anchor point located on the back of
the rear seats. Always position the strap so that
it runs over the center of the Model S head support, except in cases where you are
installing a LATCH retained child safety seat in
the center position—in this case, run the strap
over the left hand side of the head support, as
shown. Tighten according to the child safety
seat manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: To prevent the strap from moving from
side to side, the top of the head support deforms.
Testing a Child Safety Seat
Before seating a child, always make sure the
child safety seat is not loose:
1. Hold the child safety seat by the belt path
and try to slide the safety seat from side to
side and front to back.
2.
If the seat moves more than one inch (2.5 cm),
it is too loose. Tighten the belt or reconnect
the LATCH retained child safety seat.
3. If you are unable to reduce slack, try a
different seat location or try another child
safety seat.
Warnings - Child Safety Seats
WARNING: Extreme hazard! Do not seat
a child on the front passenger seat even if
you are using a child safety seat. This seat has
an airbag in front of it. Even though Model S
disables this airbag when it detects a
lightweight passenger, do not rely on this
technology to protect your child.
WARNING: Do not use a forward facing
child safety seat until your child weighs
over 20 lbs (9 kg) and can sit independently. Up
to the age of two, a child's spine and neck are
not sufficiently developed to avoid injury in a
frontal impact.
WARNING: Do not allow a baby or infant
to be held on a lap. All children should be
restrained in an appropriate child safety seat at
all times.
WARNING: To ensure children are safely
seated, follow all instructions provided in
this document and by the manufacturer of the
child safety seat.
WARNING: Children should ride in a rear
facing child safety seat using the seat’s
integrated 5-point harness for as long as
possible.
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Child Safety Seats
SAFETY INFORMATION13
WARNING: When seating larger children,
make sure the child's head is supported
and the child’s seat belt is properly adjusted
and fastened. The shoulder portion of the belt
must be away from the face and neck, and the
lap portion must not be over the stomach.
WARNING: Never attach two child safety
seats to one anchor point. In a collision,
one anchor point may not be strong enough to
secure both seats.
WARNING: Child safety seat anchors can
withstand loads resulting only from
correctly fitted child safety seats. Do not use
these anchors for any other purpose.
WARNING: Always check harnesses and
tether straps for damage and wear.
WARNING: Never leave a child
unattended in Model S, even if the child is
secured in a child safety seat.
WARNING: Never use a child safety seat
that has been involved in an accident.
Have the seat inspected or replaced as a
described in the child safety seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
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Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child SeatsTesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
14MODEL S
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child SeatsUsage Restrictions
The Tesla built-in rear facing child seats are
child restraint systems and must only be used
for children over 37” (94 cm) tall and weighing
between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to 35.2 kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child is
seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. The child’s
pelvis must be held securely in place by the lap
belt. Follow all instructions provided and do
not use supplemental child safety seats in
these seats .
NOTE: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S instead
of recirculating the air. This draws more air into
the rear seating areas.
Opening
1.Remove the cover from the trunk floor and
pull the strap attached to the seat to lift the
seat assembly upward.
2. Push the seat assembly into position. 3.
Undo the Velcro strap.
4. Pull the handle to release the head supports
from the seat back, then pull the head
supports toward you to unfold them.
5. Raise the seat back to the upright position
and push until it locks into position. Visually
check to ensure that the retaining catches
are engaged.
6. Check that the seat back and seat base are
securely retained in the upright position by
trying to pull the seat back toward you.
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Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
SAFETY INFORMATION15
Storing
CAUTION: Before folding the seats,
fasten the seat belts to prevent them
from getting trapped in the seat
mechanism and being damaged.
1. Pull the handle to release the seat back and
pull the seat back fully forward.
2. Push the lever to release the head supports
from the seat back, then fold back onto the
seat.
3. Secure the Velcro strap. 4.
Pull the strap at the rear of the seat to fold
the seat assembly into the trunk floor.
5. Replace the cover on the trunk floor.
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Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child SeatsTesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
16MODEL S
Seating a Child
The Tesla built-in rear facing child seats are
child restraint systems and must only be used
for children over 37” (94 cm) tall and weighing
between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to 35.2 kg).
Always ensure the top of the child’s head
cannot contact the vehicle and that the child is
seated comfortably with the seat belts
positioned and latched correctly. The child’s
pelvis must be held securely in place by the lap
belt. Follow all instructions provided and do
not use supplemental child safety seats in
these seats .
NOTE: Whenever a child is seated in the Tesla
built-in rear facing child seats, it is
recommended that you set the climate control
system to draw outside air into Model S instead
of recirculating the air. This draws more air into
the rear seating areas.
1. Position the child in the seat with arms
through the loops of the seat belts.
2. Connect the two halves of the seat belt
tongue.
3. Insert the seat belt tongue into the buckle
and ensure it is securely fastened.
4. Adjust the shoulder belts so they run over
the top of the child’s shoulders and away
from the face.
5. Connect the chest clip and adjust it to be as
high as possible without causing the
shoulder belts to touch the child’s neck. 6.
Pull the lower straps until the child is
securely held in the seat.
7. Slide the shoulder clips into place to ensure
the upper portion of the belts remain
positioned over the child’s shoulders.
To release, press the button on the buckle,
release the chest clip, and separate the two
halves of the seat restraint.
4
5
4
66
77
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Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats
SAFETY INFORMATION17
Warnings - Tesla Child Seats
WARNING: The Tesla built-in rear facing
seats are child restraint systems and must
only be used for children over 37” (94 cm) tall
and weighing between 35 and 77 lbs (16.2 to
35.2 kg).
WARNING: Do not use supplemental
child restraint systems, including booster
seats, in the Tesla built-in rear facing child seats.
WA R N I N G: A l ways e n s u re t h at t he to p o f
the child’s head cannot touch the
vehicle’s headliner and that the child is seated
comfortably with the seat belts correctly
fastened.
WARNING: Follow all instructions and
heed all warnings related to the rear
facing child seats. Failure to do so can
compromise occupant safety.
WARNING: Read all safety warnings and
labels attached to the seats.
WARNING: Do not leave children
unattended in Model S, even if the child is
secured in a child safety seat or a Tesla built-in
rear facing child seat. In hot weather, the
interior temperature can reach dangerous
levels that can result in dehydration, serious
injury or death.
WARNING: Do not remove or replace the
fabric on a Tesla built-in rear facing child
seat. The covers are an integral part of the
restraint’s performance and should not be
removed or replaced with any other type than
those supplied by Tesla.
WARNING: If the Tesla built-in rear facing
child seats have been used in an accident,
they must be inspected or replaced by Tesla,
even if damage is not obvious.
WARNING: Before allowing a child to ride
in the Tesla built-in rear facing child seats,
check that the seat is securely held in the
upright position by trying to pull the seat back
toward you.
WARNING: Do not remove the built-in
rear facing child seats for any reason,
including cleaning. To ensure safety of
occupants, removal and installation must be
performed by qualified Tesla service
technicians. WARNING: Do not make modifications or
additions that can interfere with the
operation of the Tesla built-in rear facing child
seats.
WARNING: To prevent injury, ensure all
loose items (bags, luggage, etc.) are
secured. In an accident, or during hard braking
and sharp turns, loose items could cause injury.
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Tires and WheelsTires and Wheels
18MODEL S
Tires and WheelsMaintaining Tire Pressures
Keep tires inflated to the pressures shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label located
on the driver’s door pillar (even if it differs from
the pressure printed on the tire itself).
The Tire Pressure indicator light does not
immediately turn off when you adjust tire
pressure. After inflating the tire to the
recommended pressure, you must drive over 25
mph (40 km/h) for more than 10 minutes to
activate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), which turns off the Tire Pressure
indicator light.
If the indicator light flashes for one minute
whenever you power on Model S, a fault with
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is
detected (see page 21).
Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressures
Follow these steps when tires are cold and
Model S has been stationary for over three
hours:
1. Remove the valve cap.
2. Firmly press an accurate tire pressure
gauge onto the valve to measure pressure. 3.
If required, add air to reach the
recommended pressure.
4. Recheck pressure by removing and
reattaching the tire gauge.
5. If you added too much air, release air by
pressing the metal stem in the center of the
valve.
6. Recheck the pressure with the tire gauge
and adjust if necessary.
7. Replace the valve cap to prevent dirt from
entering. Periodically check the valve for
damage and leaks.
WARNING: Under-inflation is the most
common cause of tire failures. It can
cause a tire to overheat, resulting in severe tire
cracking, tread separation, or blowout, which
causes unexpected loss of vehicle control and
increased risk of injury . Under-inflation also
reduces Battery range and tire tread life.
WARNING: Check tire pressures using an
accurate pressure gauge when tires are
cold. It takes only one mile of driving to warm
up the tires sufficiently to affect tire pressures.
Parking the vehicle in direct sunlight or in hot
weather can also affect tire pressures. If you
must check warm tires, expect increased
pressures. Do not let air out of warm tires in an
attempt to match recommended cold tire
pressures. A hot tire at or below the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure is
dangerously under-inflated.
WARNING: Do not use any tire sealant
other than the type provided in a Tesla
tire repair kit. Other types can cause tire
pressure sensors to malfunction. If your
Model S did not include a tire repair kit, you can
purchase one from Tesla Motors.
Inspecting and Maintaining Tires
Regularly inspect the tread and side walls for
any sign of distortion (bulges), cuts or wear.
WARNING: Do not drive Model S if a tire
is damaged, excessively worn, or inflated
to an incorrect pressure. Check tires regularly
for wear, and ensure there are no cuts, bulges or
exposure of the ply/cord structure.
The Tire Pressure indicator light on
the instrument panel alerts you if
one or more tires is under- or
over-inflated.
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