battery TESLA MODEL 3 2018 Owner's Manual

Braking SystemsWarning: Properly functioning braking
systems are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a problem with the brake
pedal, brake caliper, or any component of
a Model 3 braking system, contact Tesla
immediately.
Model 3 has an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
that prevents the wheels from locking when
you apply maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control during heavy
braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure according to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.
This demonstrates that the ABS is operating
and is not a cause for concern. Keep
firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator flashes briefly on
the touchscreen when you first start
Model 3. If this indicator lights up at
any other time, an ABS fault has
occurred and the ABS is not
operating. Contact Tesla. The braking system remains fully operational and
is not
affected by an ABS failure.
However, braking distances may increase.
If the touchscreen displays this
indicator at any time other than
displaying
briefly when you first start
Model 3, a brake system fault is
detected or the brake
fluid level is
low. Contact Tesla immediately.
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal and maintain
firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. The ABS varies the braking
pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.
Warning: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.Warning: Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you and beaware of hazardous driving conditions.
While the ABS can improve stopping
distance, it cannot overcome the laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of
water prevents direct contact between the tires and the road).
Automatic Emergency Braking automatically
applies full braking in situations where a
collision is considered imminent (see Automatic Emergency Braking on page 77).
Warning: Automatic Emergency Braking
is not designed to prevent a collision. At best, it can minimize the impact of a
frontal collision by attempting to reduce
your driving speed. Depending on Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a
collision can result in serious injury or death.
Brake Wear
Model 3 brake pads are equipped with wear
indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal
strip attached to the brake pad that squeals as
it rubs against the rotor when the pad wears
down. This squealing sound indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their service life and require replacement. To
replace the brake pads, contact Tesla Service.
Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads damages the braking system
and can result in a braking hazard.
Regenerative Braking
Whenever Model 3 is moving and your foot is
off the accelerator, regenerative braking slows
down Model 3 and feeds any surplus energy back to the Battery.
By anticipating your stops and reducing or
removing pressure from the accelerator pedal
to slow down, you can take advantage of regenerative braking to increase driving range.
Of course, this is no substitute for regular
braking when needed for safety.
Note: If regenerative braking is aggressively
slowing Model 3 (such as when your foot is
completely
off the accelerator pedal at
highway speeds), the brake lights turn on to
alert others that you are slowing down.
Warning: In snowy or icy conditions
Model 3 may experience traction loss
during regenerative braking, particularly
when in the Standard setting and/or not
using winter tires. Tesla recommends
Brakes
Driving49

using the Low setting (see To Set the
Regenerative Braking Level on page 50)
in snowy or icy conditions to help
maintain vehicle stability.
The amount of energy fed back to the Battery using regenerative braking can depend on the
current state of the Battery and the charge
level setting that you are using. For example,
regenerative braking may be limited if the Battery is already fully charged or if the
ambient temperature is too cold.
Note: If regenerative braking is limited, a
dashed line displays on the energy bar (see
Driving Status on page 43).
To Set the Regenerative Braking Level
You can use the touchscreen to change the
level of regenerative braking:
1. Touch Controls > Driving > Regenerative
Braking .
2. Choose from two levels:

DrivingAcceleration: Adjust the amount of acceleration. Chill limits acceleration for
a slightly smoother and gentler ride, whereas Standard provides the normal
level of acceleration.
Note: When Chill is selected, Chill displays on the touchscreen above the
driving speed.
Steering Mode : Adjust the amount of
effort required to turn the steering
wheel. Sport feels more responsive whereas Comfort feels easier to drive
and park (see Adjusting Steering
Effort on page 36).
Regenerative Braking : When you release the accelerator when driving,
regenerative braking slows Model 3 and feeds any surplus energy back to
the Battery. If set to LOW, Model 3 does not slow down as quickly, but also
feeds less energy back to the Battery (see Regenerative Braking on page
49).
Note: Regardless of the setting selected, the energy gained by regenerative
braking is reduced if the Battery is full, or is extremely cold or hot (in which
case, surplus energy is used to heat or cool it).
Traction Control : Turn slip start on to allow wheels to spin (see Traction
Control on page 51).
Creep : When on, Model 3 applies forward torque in Drive and backwards
torque in Reverse when you release the brake pedal (similar to a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission). The torque moves the
vehicle slowly on
flat roads, but may require you to press the accelerator
pedal in some situations (for example, when on a steep hill or driveway).
When
off, Model 3 is free rolling when you let your foot off the brake pedal
and the motor does not apply torque until the accelerator pedal is pressed.
You can adjust this setting only when Model 3 is in Park.
Warning: Never rely on Creep to apply enough torque to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down a hill. Always apply brakes to remain stopped
or the accelerator to proceed up the hill. Failure can result in property
damage and/or a collision.
Controls and Settings
Using the Touchscreen83

High Voltage Components
1.Air Conditioning Compressor
2. Cabin Heater
3. High Voltage Battery
4. High Voltage Battery Service Panel
5. Rear Motor
6. High Voltage Cabling
7. Charge Port
Warning:
The high voltage system has no user serviceable parts. Do not disassemble, remove
or replace high voltage components, cables or connectors. High voltage cables are typically colored orange for easy
identification.
Warning: Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model 3.
These labels are there for your safety.Warning: In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fireemergency responders.
Electric Vehicle Components
Charging105

About the Battery
Model 3 has one of the most sophisticated
battery systems in the world. The most
important way to preserve the Battery is to
LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE PLUGGED IN when
you are not using it. This is particularly
important if you are not planning to drive
Model 3 for several weeks. When plugged in,
Model 3 wakes up when needed to
automatically maintain a charge level that maximizes the lifetime of the Battery.
There is no advantage to waiting until the Battery

If the charge port light turns red while
charging, a fault is detected. Check the touchscreen for a message describing the
fault. A fault can occur due to something as
common as a power outage. If a power outage
occurs, charging resumes automatically when power is restored.
Note: When charging, particularly at high
currents, the refrigerant compressor and fan
operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.
Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds during charging.
Note: Air conditioning performance is
generally not
affected by charging. However,
under certain circumstances (for example, you
are charging at high currents during a
particularly warm day), the air coming from
the vents may not be as cool as expected and
a message displays on the touchscreen. This is
normal behavior and ensures that the Battery stays within an optimum temperature range
while charging to support longevity and optimum performance.
Warning: Never spray liquid at a high
velocity (for example, if using a pressure
washer) towards the charge port while
charging. Failure to follow these
instructions can result in serious injury or
damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Stopping Charging
Stop charging at any time by disconnecting
the charge cable or touching Stop Charging
on the touchscreen.
Note: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of
the charge cable, Model 3 must be unlocked
or able to recognize your authenticated phone before you can disconnect the charge cable.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on a Tesla
connector to release the latch. You can
also touch Stop Charging on the charging
screen (see Charging Status and Settings
on page 109).
2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
Note: The charge port automatically closes
within approximately 10 seconds of removing
the connector from the charge port.
Caution: Tesla strongly recommends
leaving Model 3 plugged in when not in use. This maintains the Battery at the
optimum level of charge.Charge Port Light

Regularly inspect the exterior paint for
damage. Treat minor chips and scratches
using a paint touch-up pen (available for
purchase from Tesla). Use the touch-up pen
after washing but before polishing or waxing.
Repair rock chips, fractures or scratches. Body
repairs should be performed only by a Tesla
approved body shop. Contact Tesla for a list of
approved body shops.Caution: Do not use cutting pastes, color
restoration compounds, or polishes
containing harsh abrasives. These can
scour the surface and permanently
damage the paint.Caution: Do not use chrome polish or
other abrasive cleaners.
Using a Car Cover
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
body when Model 3 is not being used, use a genuine Tesla car cover. Car covers can be
purchased from Tesla. See Parts and
Accessories on page 127.
Caution: Use only a Tesla-approved car
cover when Model 3 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
floormats (see Parts and Accessories on page 127).
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

Removing the Maintenance PanelTo check
fluid levels, remove the maintenance
panel:
1. Open the hood.
2. Pull the maintenance panel upward to
release the clips that hold it in place.
3. If checking the battery coolant, remove
the cabin intake trim panel by pulling it
upwards to release the clips that hold it in
place.
Caution: The maintenance panel protects
the front trunk from water. When re-
attaching, make sure it is fully seated.
Checking Battery Coolant
If the quantity of
fluid in the cooling system
drops below the recommended level, the
touchscreen displays a warning message. Stop
driving Model 3 as soon as safety permits and
contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
DO NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO
NOT ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage not covered by the warranty.
Do Not Top Up Battery Coolant
Warning: Battery coolant can be
hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin.
Under no circumstances should you
remove the
filler cap and/or add coolant.
If the touchscreen warns you that the
fluid level is low, contact Tesla
immediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the
Battery, the cooling system uses a specificmixture of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant
(HOAT). Contact Tesla for more specificinformation about the coolant.
Checking Brake FluidWarning: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice increased movement of the brake pedal or a
significant loss of brakefluid. Driving under these conditions can
result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.
The Brake indicator on the
touchscreen alerts you if the
quantity of
fluid in the brake
reservoir drops below the
recommended level. If it displays
while driving, stop as soon as safety
permits by gently applying the
brakes. Do not continue driving.
Contact Tesla immediately.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake
fluid. The following
instructions are provided for information purposes and future reference only:
1. Clean the
filler cap before removing it to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Unscrew the cap and remove it.
3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark
using the appropriate brake
fluid.4. Replace the filler cap, ensuring it is fully
secured.
Warning: Only use new fluid from a
sealed air-tight container. Never use
previously used
fluid or fluid from a
previously opened container

Jacking ProcedureFollow the steps below to lift Model 3. Ensure
that any non-Tesla repair facility is aware of
these lifting points.
1. Position Model 3 centrally between the lift
posts.
2. Position the lift arm pads under the
designated body lift points at the
locations shown.Warning: DO NOT position the lift
arm pads under the Battery or side
rails, as shown in red.
3. Adjust the height and position of the lift
arm pads to ensure that they are correctly
located.
4. With assistance, raise the lift, ensuring the
lift arm pads remain in their correct
positions.
Warning: Never raise Model 3 when the
charge cable is connected, even if
charging is not in progress.Warning: Do not work on an incorrectly
supported vehicle. Doing so can cause
serious damage, bodily injury, or death.Caution: DO NOT lift from under the
Battery. Place the lift arm pads under the designated body lift points only. The
locations shown are the only approved lifting points for Model 3. Lifting at anyother points can cause damage. Damage
caused by incorrectly lifting Model 3 is
not covered by the warranty.
Jacking and Lifting
126Model 3 Owner

Cargo VolumeTotal enclosed cargo volume15 cu ft
Weights
Curb Weight* - Long Range Battery3,838 lbs1,741 kgGVWR** - Long Range Battery4,801 lbs2,178 kgGross Vehicle Weight Distribution -Long Range BatteryFront: 44.5%Rear: 55.5%Gross Axle Weight Rating - Front2,447 lbs1,110 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 18"
wheels2,840 lbs1,288 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 19"
wheels2,767 lbs1,255 kgTrailer TowingNot permissible*Curb Weight = weight of the vehicle with correct fluid levels, no occupants and no cargo
**GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Dimensions and Weights
Specifications135