towing TESLA MODEL 3 2023 Owners Manual

Braking SystemsWARNING: Properly functioning braking systems
are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a
problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, 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 briefly flashes amber 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. Drive cautiously and avoid heavy braking.
If the touchscreen displays this red brake
indicator at any time other than
briefly

when you first start Model 3, a brake
system fault is detected, or the level of the
brake
fluid is low. Contact Tesla
immediately. Apply steady pressure and
keep the brakes
firm to bring the vehicle to
a stop when safe to do so.
The touchscreen displays this amber brake
indicator if a brake booster fault is detected. Apply steady pressure and keep the brakes
firm to stop the vehicle when
safety permits. Hydraulic Boost
Compensation will be active (see
Hydraulic
Boost Compensation on page 61).
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 be aware 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).
CAUTION: Automatic Emergency Braking (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 112) may
intervene to automatically brake in situations
where a collision is considered imminent.
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.
CAUTION: In emergency situations, if the brakes
are not functioning properly, press and hold the
Park button on the drive stalk to bring the vehicle
to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the
vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
Dynamic Brake Lights (if equipped)
If you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h) and brake
forcefully
(or if Automatic Emergency Braking engages),
the brake lights
flash quickly to warn other drivers that
Model 3 is rapidly slowing down. If Model 3 stops
completely, the hazard warning lights
flash. Flashing
continues until you press the accelerator or manually press the hazard lights button to turn them
off (see
Hazard Warning Flashers on page 55).
NOTE: Dynamic brake lights will not flash while Track
Mode is enabled (see
Track Mode on page 69).
NOTE: When towing a trailer (if applicable), the brake
lights on the trailer also operate as described above,
even when the trailer is not equipped with a separate
braking system.
WARNING: When towing a trailer (if applicable),
always increase your following distance. Sudden
braking may result in skidding, jack-knifing, and
loss of control.
Brake Disc Wiping
To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold and wet
weather,
Model 3 is equipped with brake disc wiping.
When cold and wet weather is detected, this feature repeatedly applies an imperceptible amount of brake
force to remove water from the surface of the brake discs.
Braking and Stopping
60MODEL 3 Owner

Mexico:
CAUTION: To prevent damage, never load Model 3
so that it is heavier than GVWR or exceeds the
individual GAWR weights.
Towing a Trailer
WARNING: Do not use Model 3 for towing
purposes. Model 3 does not currently support
towing. Towing can cause damage and increase
the risk of a collision.
CAUTION: Using Model 3 for towing without Tesla-
approved towing components and accessories
may void the warranty.
Roof Racks
Model 3 supports the use of Tesla-approved roof racks
using a Tesla mounting accessory. To install roof racks,
you must use this accessory and you must use only roof
rack systems that have been approved by Tesla
(see
Parts and Accessories on page 190). Failure to do so can
cause
significant damage.
Calculating Load Limits
1.
Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on the “Tire and Loading Information” label.
2.
Determine the combined weight of all occupants that will ride in the vehicle.
3.
Subtract the combined weight of the occupants from XXX lbs or XXX kg (see Step 1).
4. The resulting figure equals the available cargo load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be
five 150 lb (68 kg)
passengers in the vehicle, the amount of available cargo capacity is 650 lbs (1400

2. Chock the tires or make sure Model 3 is secure.3.
Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch
Controls > Service > Towing. The
touchscreen displays a message reminding you how
to properly transport
Model 3.
4.
Press and hold the Transport Mode button until it
turns blue.
Model 3 is now free-rolling and can slowly
be rolled (no faster than walking speed) or winched.
To cancel Transport Mode, shift Model 3 into Park.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a lead-acid low
voltage battery (see
Jump Starting on page 225):
Transport Mode may cancel if
Model 3 loses low voltage
power after Transport Mode is enabled.
CAUTION: If the electrical system is not working,
and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to
activate Transport Mode, use self-loading dollies or
tire skates. Before doing so, always check the
manufacturer

supercharging: 161
described: 161
idle fees: 161
pay-per-use fees: 161
suspension specifications: 211
T
telematics: 282
temperature: 48, 56, 116, 156, 216
Battery (high voltage), limits: 156
cabin, controls for: 116
outside: 56
tires: 216
tesla profiles: 45
Teslacam: 129, 131
tie-down straps: 222
tilt/intrusion detection: 127
Tire and Loading Information label: 206
tire noise: 181
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: 180
overview of: 180
tire pressures, checking: 176
tire pressures, displaying: 176
tires: 176, 177, 180, 181, 213, 214, 216
all-season: 181
balancing: 177
chains: 181
configuration): 176
inspecting and maintaining: 176
pressures, displaying: 176
pressures, how to check: 176
quality grading: 216
replacing: 177
replacing a tire sensor: 180
rotation: 177
specification: 213
summer: 181
temperature grades: 216
tire markings: 214
traction grade: 216
treadwear grade: 216
wheel configuration: 176
winter: 181
toll system transponders, attaching: 190
torque specifications: 210
touch up body: 185
touchscreen: 5, 7, 8, 47, 138, 185
adding shortcuts: 8
cleaning: 185
customizing My Apps: 8
display settings: 5
frozen: 7
main: 5
overview: 5
rear: 5
reboot: 7
restarting: 47
software updates: 138
unresponsive: 7
towing: 224, 225
towing a trailer: 207
towing instructions: 221
Toybox: 151
TPMS: 180
overview of: 180
Track Mode: 69
Tracking Disabled: 142
traction control: 64
trademarks: 280
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: 93
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: 80
trailer hitches: 207
transmission specifications: 210
transponders, attaching: 190
Transport Canada, contacting: 285
Transport Mode: 221
transporting: 221
trip chart: 165
trip meter: 71
Trip Planner: 146
trunk, adjust opening height: 17
trunk, front: 19
trunk, rear: 17
turn signals: 54
U
ultrasonic sensors: 77
uniform tire quality grading: 216
Unlock On Park: 15
unlocking: 14
USB devices: 23
connecting: 23
USB flash drive: 127, 129, 131
USB ports: 23
V
Valet mode: 46
vehicle certification label: 206
Vehicle Hold: 67
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): 205
Index