TESLA MODEL S 2012 Owner Safety Information

19OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
TIRE AND WHEEL SPECIFICATIONSWheel Specifi cationsWheel Option Location Size
19” Front 8.0J x 19
Rear 9.0J x 19
21” Silver
21” GreyFront 8.5J x 21
Rear 8.5J x 21
Road wheel nut torque 175 Nm (129 lbf.ft)Tire Specifi cationsTire Type Location Size
On 19” wheels:
Goodyear Eagle RS-A2All P245/45R19 98V
On 21” wheels:
Continental Extreme Contact DWSAll P245/35R21 96YContact Tesla for recommended winter tire specifications.
REPLACING TIRES AND WHEELSTires degrade over time due to the effects of ultraviolet light, extreme
temperatures, high loads, and environmental conditions. It is
recommended that tires are replaced every six years, or sooner if required.
Wheel rims and tires are matched to suit handling characteristics of the
vehicle. Replacement tires must comply with the original specification. If
tires other than those specified are used, ensure that the load and speed
ratings (shown on the tire side wall as described on page 20) equal or
exceed those of the original specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the same time. If this isn’t
possible, replace the tires in pairs (both front and both rear). When
replacing tires, always re-balance and check the alignment of wheels.Asymmetric tiresYour vehicle’s tires are asymmetric
and must be mounted on the wheel
with the correct sidewall facing
outwards. The sidewall of the tire is
marked with the words OUTSIDE.
When new tires are installed, make
sure that the tires are correctly
mounted on the wheels.
WARNING: Road holding will be seriously impaired if the tires are
incorrectly installed on the wheels.
OUTSIDE
TIRE MAINTENANCE

20OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
UNDERSTANDING TIRE MARKINGSFederal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information
on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides the tire
identification number (TIN) for safety standard certification and in case of
a recall.1 Tire category. P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles
2Tire width. This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from
sidewall edge to sidewall edge.
3Aspect ratio. This 2-digit number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the
tread width. So, if the tread width is 205 mm, and the aspect ratio is 50, the
sidewall height will be 102 mm.
4Tire construction. R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction.
5 Wheel diameter. This 2-digit number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
6Load index. This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This
number is not always shown.
7Speed rating. When stated, indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can
be used for extended periods.
Q 99 T 118 V 149
R 106 U 124 W 168
S 112 H 130 Y 186
8Tire composition and materials. The number of plies in both the tread area,
and the sidewall area, indicates how many layers of rubber coated material
make up the structure of the tire. Information is also provided on the type of
materials used.
9 Maximum tire load. The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.
10Maximum permissible inflation pressure. The maximum inflation pressure for
the tire. This pressure should not be used for normal driving.
11U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN). Begins with the letters DOT and
indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next 2 digits/letters
represent the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last 4 digits
represent the week and year of manufacture. For example, the numbers 1712
means the 17th week of 2012. The other numbers are marketing codes used
at the manufacturer’s discretion. This information can be used to contact
consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
12Treadwear grade. This number indicates the tire’s wear rate. The higher the
treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down. A
tire rated at 400 for example, will last twice as long as a tire rated at 200. See
page 21.
13Traction grade. Indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet roads. A higher graded
tire should allow you to stop your vehicle in a shorter distance than a tire with
a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as AA, A, B, and C.
See page 21.
14Temperature grade. The tire’s resistance to heat is grade A, B, or C, with A
indicating the greatest resistance. This grading is provided for a correctly
inflated tire, which is being used within its speed and loading limits. See page
21.
TIRE MARKINGS

21OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADINGThe following information relates to the tire grading system developed by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which will
grade tires by tread wear, traction and temperature performance. Tires
that have deep tread, and winter tires, are exempt from these marking
requirements.Quality gradesWhere applicable, quality grades can be found on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:TREADWEAR 180 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE AIn addition to the marking requirements, passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements.TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government
test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half times better on
a government test course than a tire graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends on the actual conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are; AA, A, B, and C. These
grades represent a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNINGS:
Defective tires are dangerous. Do not drive if a tire is damaged, excessively
worn, or is inflated to an incorrect pressure. The safety of the vehicle and
occupants will be adversely affected. Check tires regularly for wear and to
ensure there are no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/cord structure.
The traction grade assigned to the tire is based on straight-ahead braking
tests, and doesn’t include: acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak
traction characteristics.
TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure.
The grade C corresponds to the minimum level of performance that all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel that exceed the minimum requirements.
Tire performance decreases at low ambient temperatures, resulting in
reduced grip and increased susceptibility to damage from impacts. In
temperatures below 15° F (-10° C), winter tires are recommended. Contact
Tesla for recommended winter tire specifications.
WARNING: A tire’s temperature grade is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
TIRE QUALITY GRADING

22OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
WHEELS AND TIRES GLOSSARYAccessory weightThe combined weight (in excess of those items replaced) of items available as factory installed equipment.
BeadThe inner edge of a tire that is shaped to fit to the rim and form an air tight seal. The bead is constructed of steel wires which are
wrapped, or reinforced, by the ply cords.
Cold tire pressureThe air pressure in a tire which has been standing in excess of three hours, or driven for less than one mile.
Curb weightThe weight of a standard vehicle, including any optional equipment fitted, and with the correct fluid levels.
Gross vehicle weightThe maximum permissible weight of a vehicle with driver, passengers, load, luggage, and equipment.
kPa (kilo pascal)A metric unit used to measure pressure. One kilo pascal equals approximately 0.145 psi.
Maximum inflation pressureThe maximum pressure to which the tire should be inflated. This pressure is given on the tire side wall in psi (lbf/in2).
This pressure is the maximum allowed by the tire manufacturer. It is not the pressure recommended for use.
Maximum loaded vehicle
weightThe sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight, and production options weight.
Production options weightThe combined weight of options installed which weigh in excess of 3 lbs more than the standard items that they replaced, and are not
already considered in curb or accessory weights.
PSI (lbf/in2)Pounds per square inch, unit of measure for pressure.
RimThe metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the tire beads are seated.
Vehicle capacity weightThe number of seats multiplied by 150 lbs plus the rated amount of load/luggage.
WHEELS AND TIRES GLOSSARY

23OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
VEHICLE LOAD LIMIT
WARNINGS:
Overloading the vehicle will have an adverse effect on braking and
handling, which could compromise your safety or damage Model S.
Therefore you must understand how much weight your Model S can
safely carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes
the weight of all occupants, cargo and any additional equipment fitted to
Model S since it was manufactured.
Always ensure tires are inflated to their recommended levels. Doing so is
especially important when carrying heavy loads.
To calculate load limit1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s TIRE AND
LOADING INFORMATION label (illustrated on page 16).
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs,
and there will be five 150 lb (68 kg) passengers in the vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and luggage capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Example load limit calculationHow much cargo you can carry in Model S depends on the number and
weight of passengers. The following are typical examples of calculated
load limits. These examples assume passengers weighing 150 lbs (68 kg).
If the passengers weigh more or less, the available cargo and luggage
load capacity will decrease or increase respectively.
Example 1: Driver and one passengerDescription Total
Vehicle Capacity Weight 954 lbs
Subtract Occupant Weight (2 x 150 lbs) 300 lbs
Available Cargo Weight 654 lbsExample 2: Driver and four passengersDescription Total
Vehicle Capacity Weight 954 lbs
Subtract Occupant Weight (5 x 150 lbs) 750 lbs
Available Cargo Weight 204 lbsThe available cargo or luggage weight should then be distributed between
the front trunk and the trunk.
CAUTION: Never load more than 300 lbs (136 kg) into the front trunk.
VEHICLE LOAD LIMIT

24OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
VEHICLE TELEMATICS/DATA RECORDERSThis vehicle is equipped with electronic modules that monitor and record
data from various vehicle systems, including the motor, Battery, braking
and electrical systems. The electronic modules record information about
various driving and vehicle conditions, including braking, acceleration, trip
and other related information regarding your vehicle and its features such
as charging events and status, the enabling/disabling of various systems,
diagnostic trouble codes, VIN, speed, direction and location.
The data is stored by the vehicle and may be accessed, used and stored
by Tesla service technicians during vehicle servicing or periodically
transmitted to Tesla wirelessly through the vehicle’s telematics system.
This data may be used by Tesla for various purposes, including, but not
limited to, providing you with Tesla telematics services, troubleshooting,
evaluation of your vehicle’s quality, functionality and performance, analysis
and research by Tesla and its partners for the improvement and design
of our vehicles and systems, and as otherwise may be required by law. In
servicing your vehicle, we can potentially resolve issues remotely simply by
reviewing your vehicle’s data log.
Tesla’s telematics services wirelessly transmits vehicle information to
Tesla on a periodic basis. The data is used as described above and will
help ensure the proper maintenance of your vehicle. In the future, Tesla
may develop features that make further use of your vehicle’s telematics
system and the information provided, including features such as charging
reminders, software updates, and remote access to and control of various
systems of your vehicle.Tesla will not disclose the data recorded in your vehicle to any third party
except when:
• An agreement or consent from the vehicle’s owner (or the leasing
company for a leased vehicle) is obtained.
• Officially requested by the police or other authorities.
• Used as a defense for Tesla in a lawsuit.
• Ordered by a court of law.
• Used for research purposes without disclosing details of the vehicle
owner or identification information.
• Disclosed to a Tesla affiliated company, including their successors or
assigns, or our information systems and data management providers.
In addition, Tesla will not disclosure the data recorded to an owner unless
it pertains to a non-warranty repair service and in this case, will disclose
the data that is related to the repair.
DATA RECORDERS

25OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNINGS:
Certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules and seat belt
pretensioners may contain Perchlorate Material. Special handling may be
required for service or vehicle end of life disposal. See:
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
CONTACTING TESLAFor detailed information about your specific Model S, go to www.
teslamotors.com and log in as an owner. All information about your
Model S is available here.
If you have any further questions or concerns about your Model S, call
1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752).
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTSUnited StatesIf you believe that Model S has a defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying
Tesla Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and
if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or Tesla Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or
write to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.CanadaIf you believe that your Model S has a defect which could cause a crash
or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform Transport
Canada, in addition to notifying Tesla. To contact Transport Canada, call
their toll-free number: 1-800-333-0510.
CONTACT INFORMATION

3500 Deer Creek Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304