winter tires TESLA MODEL S 2014 Quick Guide (North America) 

Tires and Wheels
SAFETY INFORMATION19
Tire Wear
Model S is originally fitted with tires that have
wear indicators molded into the tread pattern.
When the tread has been worn down to 1/16”
(1.6 mm), the indicators start to appear at the
surface of the tread pattern, producing the
effect of a continuous band of rubber across
the width of the tire.
Replace a tire as soon as an indicator band
becomes visible or the tread depth reaches the
minimum permitted by law.
WARNING: 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 can be adversely affected. Check
tires regularly for wear and to ensure there are
no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/cord
structure.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel
Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every
5000 miles (8000 km). After rotating, always
check and adjust tire pressures.
NOTE: Do not rotate tires on the Performance
Plus models.
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as
vibration through the steering wheel) affect
vehicle handling and tire life. Even with regular
use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire
only) or becomes abnormally excessive, check
the alignment of wheels.
Punctured Tires
A puncture eventually causes the tire to lose
pressure, which is why it is important to check
tire pressures frequently. Permanently repair or replace punctured or damaged tires as soon as
possible. Do not drive with a punctured tire,
even if the puncture has not caused the tire to
deflate. A punctured tire can deflate suddenly
at any time.
Your tubeless tires may not leak when
penetrated, provided the object remains in the
tire. If, however, you feel a sudden vibration or
ride disturbance while driving, or you suspect a
tire is damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive slowly, while avoiding heavy
braking or sharp steering and, when safe to do
so, stop the vehicle. Arrange to have Model S
transported to a Tesla service center, or to a
nearby tire repair center.
In some cases, you can temporarily repair small
tire punctures (under 1/4”/6 mm) using an
optional tire repair kit available from Tesla. This
allows you to slowly drive Model S to a Tesla
service center or to a nearby tire repair facility.
WARNING: Do not drive Model S with a
punctured tire. Even if the punctured tire
has not deflated, it can suddenly deflate at any
time.
Flat Spots
If Model S is stationary for a long period in high
temperatures, tires can form flat spots. When
Model S is driven, these flat spots cause a
vibration which gradually disappears as the
tires warm up and regain their original shape.
To minimize the flat spots during storage,
inflate tires to the maximum pressure indicated
on the tire wall. Then, before driving, release air
to adjust tire pressure to the recommended
levels.
Driving in Low Ambient Temperatures
Tire performance is reduced in low ambient
temperatures, resulting in reduced grip and an
increased susceptibility to damage from
impacts. Performance tires can temporarily
harden when cold, causing you to hear
rotational noise for the first few miles until the
tires warm up. Contact Tesla for winter tire
recommendations.
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Tires and WheelsTires and Wheels
20MODEL S
Improving Tire Mileage
To improve the mileage you get from your tires,
maintain tires at the recommended tire
pressures (see page 18), observe speed limits
and advisory speeds, and avoid:
• Pulling away quickly, or hard acceleration.
• Fast turns and heavy braking.
• Potholes and objects in the road.
• Hitting curbs when parking.
• Contaminating tires with fluids that can
cause damage.
Replacing Tires and Wheels
Tires 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 the
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 marked on the tire (see page 22)
equal or exceed those of the original
specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the
same time. If this is not possible, replace the
tires in pairs (both front or both rear). When
replacing tires, always rebalance and check the
alignment of wheels.
WARNING: For your safety, use only tires
and wheels that match the original
specification. Tires that do not match the
original specification can affect the operation
of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Asymmetric Tires
Model S tires are asymmetric and must be
mounted on the wheel with the correct sidewall
facing outward. The sidewall of the tire is
marked with the word OUTSIDE . When new
tires are installed, make sure that the tires are
correctly mounted on the wheels. WARNING: Road holding is seriously
impaired if the tires are incorrectly
installed on the wheels.
Winter Tires
In snowy and icy conditions, consider installing
winter tires. Winter tires must be the same size,
brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels. For recommendations on winter
tires, contact Tesla.
WARNING: On dry roads, winter tires
could have less traction than the
originally installed tires.
Using Tire Chains
Tesla has tested and approved Security Chain
Company (SCC) Model Z-563 chains for use on
the rear wheels. These chains must only be
used if your Model S has 245/45R19 rear tires
installed. Do not use chains on 21” tires.
When installing tire chains, follow the
instructions provided by the tire chain
manufacturer. Mount them as tightly as
possible.
When using tire chains:
• Drive slowly—do not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
• Avoid heavily loading Model S (heavy loads
can reduce the clearance between the tires
and the body).
• Remove the tire chains as soon as
conditions allow.
NOTE: Tire chains are prohibited in some
jurisdictions. Check local laws before installing
tire chains.
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