wheel TESLA MODEL S 2015 Owner's Guide

Cleaning the Exterior
To prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,industrial fallout, etc). Do not wait untilModel S is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove
tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then
immediately wash the area with water and a
mild, non-detergent soap to remove the
alcohol.
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model S:
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from
the bodywork using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel arches and panel seams). If salt has beenused on the highways (such as duringwinter months), thoroughly rinse all tracesof road salt from the underside of the
vehicle.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a soft cloth and cold or lukewarm water containing a mild,
good quality car shampoo.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly with a chamois.
Clean windows and mirrors using an
automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape,
or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.Cautions for Exterior CleaningCaution: Do not use windshield treatment
fluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper
friction and cause a chattering sound.Caution: Do not use hot water and
detergents.Caution: In hot weather, do not wash in
direct sunlight.Caution: If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the nozzle and the surface ofModel S. Keep the nozzle moving and do
not concentrate the water jet on any one area.Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly
at window, door or hood seals, or through wheel apertures onto brake components.Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or
rough cloths, such as washing mitts.Caution: If washing in an automatic car
wash, use Touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes,etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model S.Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.Caution: Do not used chemical based
wheel cleaners. These can damage the finish on the wheels.Caution: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the rear view camera or
parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
or damage its surface.
Cleaning
118Model S Owner's Manual

Exterior DimensionsAOverall Length196 in4,970 mmBOverall Width (including mirrors)
Overall Width (excluding mirrors)86.2 in 77.3 in2,189 mm
1,963 mmCOverall Height56.5 in1,427 mmDWheel Base116.5 in2,960 mmEOverhang - Front37 in929 mmFOverhang - Rear42.5 in1080 mmGGround Clearance6 in155 mmHTrack - Front
Track - Rear65.4 in
66.9 in1,661 mm
1,699 mm
Dimensions and Weights
138Model S Owner's Manual

WeightsCurb Weight* (85 kWh Battery)4,630 lbs2,100 kgCurb Weight* (60 kWh Battery)4,407 lbs1,999 kgGross Vehicle Weight Rating5,710 lbs2,590 kgGross Vehicle Weight Distribution -
19" wheelsFront: 2,425 lbs
Rear: 3,285 lbsFront: 1,100 kgRear: 1,490 kgGross Vehicle Weight Distribution -
21" wheelsFront: 2,612 lbs
Rear: 3,097 lbsFront: 1,185 kgRear: 1,405 kgGross Axle Weight Rating- Front2,813 lbs1,276 kgGross Axle Weight Rating- Front
(Performance Plus models)2,723 lbs1,235 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 19"
wheels3,307 lbs1,500 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 21"
wheels3,131 lbs1,420 kgTrailer TowingNot permissible*Curb Weight = weight of the vehicle with correct fluid levels, no occupants and no cargo
Dimensions and Weights
Specifications139

Brakes
Type
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)with Electronic Brake Force Distribution,
Integrated Advanced Stability Control
and Electronic Accelerator pedal actuated
regenerative braking systemCalipersFour piston fixedRotor Diameters (ventilated)Front: 13.98”/355 mm
Rear: 14.37”/365 mmFront Rotor thicknessNew: 1.26”/32 mm
Service limit: 1.18”/30 mmRear Rotor thicknessNew: 1.10”/28 mm
Service limit: 1.02”/26 mmFront Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)New: 0.354”/9.0 mm
Service limit: 0.078”/2 mmRear Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)New: 0.315”/8.0 mm
Service limit: 0.078”/2 mmElectronic Parking Brake (EPB) Pad Thickness
(excluding back plate). Electronic calipers self-
adjust for pad wear.New: 0.216”/5.5 mm
Service limit: 0.039”/1 mmParking brakeElectrically actuated parking brake
calipers
Suspension
FrontIndependent, double wishbone, air spring
or coil spring/telescopic damper, sway barRearIndependent, multi-link, air spring or coil
spring/telescopic damper, sway bar (air suspension vehicles only)For alignment values, see Wheel Alignment Values on page 143.
Battery - 12V
Rating33 amp-hr or higherVoltage and Polarity12V negative (-) ground
Subsystems
Specifications141

Wheel SpecificationsWheel TypeLocationSizeOffset
19"
Front8.0J x 191.575"
40 mmRear8.0J x 191.575"
40 mm21" - Silver (standard)Front8.5J x 211.575"
40 mm21" - Grey (standard)Rear8.5J x 211.575"
40 mm21" - Silver and Grey (optional) Performance
Plus vehiclesRear9.0J x 211.575"
40 mmRoad Wheel Nut Torque129 lb. ft (175 Nm)Requirements for dynamic wheel balance.49 ounces (14 grams)Note: For instructions on how to jack/lift Model S, see Jacking and Lifting on page 132.
Wheel Alignment Values
LocationAir SuspensionCoil SuspensionFrontRearFrontRearCamber-0.75 +/- 0.35-1.75 +/- 0.35-.53 +/- 0.35-1.55 +/- 0.35Camber Split-0.00 +/- 0.20-0.00 +/-
0.50-0.00 +/- 0.20-0.00 +/-
0.50Caster4.00 +/- 0.50n/a3.70 +/- 0.50n/aCaster Split0.00 +/- 0.20n/a0.00 +/- 0.20n/aSingle Wheel ToeOUT 0.05
OUT 0.15
(limit) IN 0.05
(limit)IN 0.20 +/-
0.05IN 0.02 OUT
0.08 (limit) IN
0.12 (limit)IN 0.19 +/-
0.05Thrust Anglen/a0.00 +/- 0.30n/a0.00 +/- 0.30Suspension Bolt Height (at
design)213.5 +/-
5 mmStandard
models: 144
+/- 5 mm
Performance
Plus: 151 +/-
5 mm230 mm
(nominal)158 mm
(nominal)
Wheels and Tires
Specifications143

Tire SpecificationsTire TypeLocationSize19" wheels (85 kWh vehicles): MichelinAllP245/45R1919" wheels (60 kWh vehicles):
Standard - Goodyear
Optional - MichelinAllP245/45R1921" wheels: ContinentalAllP245/35R2121" wheels on Performance Plus vehicles: MichelinFront
RearP245/35R21P265/35R21Tire pressures vary depending on the type of tires fitted on Model S. Refer to the tire pressuresprinted on the Tire and Loading Information label. This label is located on the driver’s door pillar
and is visible when the driver’s door is open (see Maintaining Tire Pressures on page 109).Winter tires (Pirelli P245/45R19) can be purchased from a Tesla store.
Wheels and Tires
144Model S Owner's Manual

Understanding Tire Markings
Laws require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire.It also provides the tire identification number (TIN) for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
Wheels and Tires
Specifications145

1Tire 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 is
102 mm.4Tire construction. R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction.5Wheel 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 (in mph) at which the tire
can be used for extended periods. Q=99 mph (160 km/h), R=106 mph (170 km/h),
S=112 mph (180 km/h), T=118 mph (190 km/h), U=124 mph (200 km/h), H=130 mph
(210 km/h), V=149 mph (240 km/h), W=168 mph (270 km/h), Y=186 mph (300 km/h).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.9Maximum tire load. The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.10Maximum permissible inflation pressure. 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 number 1712 is used to represent 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, lasts twice as long as a tire rated at 200.13Traction 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.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.
Wheels and Tires
146Model S Owner's Manual

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the tire
grading system developed by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by tread wear,
traction and temperature performance. Tires
that have deep tread, and winter tires, are
exempt from these marking requirements.
Where applicable, quality grades are found on
the tire’s sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:
• TREADWEAR 180
• TRACTION AA
• TEMPERATURE A
The quality grades are described next. Note: In addition to the marking requirements,
passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements.
Treadwear
The 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 wears 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 can depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices, road characteristics, and climate.
Traction
The 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 might have poor traction performance.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.Warning: 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.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance tothe generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature cancause the tire to degenerate and reduce tirelife, 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.
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.
Wheels and Tires
Specifications147

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 that 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/in).Caution: This pressure marked on the tire is the maximum
allowed by the tire manufacturer. It is not the pressure Tesla recommends using for Model S.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 lb more than the standard items that they replaced, and are not already considered in curb or accessory weights.PSI (lbf/in)Pounds per square inch (the unit used to measure tirepressure).Recommended Tire Inflation
PressureTire inflation pressure, established by Tesla, which is based on the type of tires that are mounted on the vehicle at the factory.
This information can be found on the Tire and Loading
Information label located on the door pillar.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
148Model S Owner's Manual