brakes TESLA MODEL S 2015 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: TESLA, Model Year: 2015, Model line: MODEL S, Model: TESLA MODEL S 2015Pages: 164, PDF Size: 4.78 MB
Page 1 of 164
Overview........................................................................................ 2Interior Overview........................................................................ 2Exterior Overview....................................................................... 3
Opening and Closing................................................................. 4Doors............................................................................................... 4
Keyless Locking and Unlocking 4Using the Key 4Using Exterior Door Handles 6Using Interior Door Handles 6Interior Locking and Unlocking 6Child-protection Lock 7Drive-away Locking 7Walk-away Locking 7Unlocking When the Key Doesn't Work 7Opening Interior Doors with No Power 8
Windows........................................................................................ 9
Opening and Closing 9Locking Rear Windows 9
Rear Trunk................................................................................... 10
Opening 10Closing 10Adjusting the Opening Height 10Interior Release 11Opening with No Power 11
Front Trunk.................................................................................. 12
Opening 12Closing 12Interior Emergency Release 13Opening with No Power 13
Glove Box..................................................................................... 14
Opening and Closing 14
Sunroof.......................................................................................... 15
Opening and Closing 15
Cup Holders................................................................................. 16
Opening and Closing 16
Seating and Safety Restraints.............................................. 17Front and Rear Seats............................................................... 17
Correct Driving Position 17Adjusting the Driver’s Seat 17Seat Heaters 18Folding Rear Seats 18Raising Rear Seats 19Head Supports 19Seat Covers 19
Seat Belts.................................................................................... 20
Wearing Seat Belts 20Wearing Seat Belts When Pregnant 20Seat Belt Pre-tensioners 21Testing Seat Belts 21Seat Belt Warnings 21
Child Safety Seats.................................................................... 23
Guidelines for Seating Children 23Choosing a Child Safety Seat 24Seating Larger Children 25Installing Child Safety Seats 25Installing Seat Belt Retained Child Seats 25Installing LATCHChild Seats 26Attaching Upper Tether Straps 26Testing a Child Safety Seat 27Warnings - Child Safety Seats 27
Tesla Built-In Rear Facing Child Seats............................. 28
Usage Restrictions 28Opening 28Folding 28Seating a Child 30Warnings - Tesla Child Seats 30
Airbags......................................................................................... 32
Location of Airbags 32How the Airbags Work 33Types of Airbags 33Passenger Front Airbag 34Inflation Effects 35Airbag Warning Indicator 35Airbag Warnings 35
Driving.......................................................................................... 36Driver Profiles............................................................................ 36
Creating a Driver Profile 36Restoring a Driver’s Profile 36Saved Driver Settings 36
Steering Wheel.......................................................................... 37
Adjusting Position 37Adjusting Sensitivity 37Using Left Steering Wheel Buttons 37Using Right Steering Wheel Buttons 38Using Voice Commands 38Heated Steering Wheel 39Horn 39
Mirrors.......................................................................................... 40
Adjusting Exterior Side Mirrors 40Rear View Mirror 40
Starting and Powering Off.....................................................41
Starting Model S 41Powering Off 41
Gears............................................................................................. 42
Shifting Gears 42Leaving Model S in Neutral - Tow Mode 42
Instrument Panel...................................................................... 43
Instrument Panel Overview 43Indicator Lights 44
Lights............................................................................................ 47
Controlling Lights 47Headlight High Beams 49Headlights After Exit 50Cornering Lights 50Turn Signals 50Hazard Warning Flashers 50
Wipers and Washers................................................................ 51
Wipers 51Washers 51
Brakes........................................................................................... 52
Braking Systems 52Brake Wear 52Regenerative Braking 53Parking Brake 53
Traction Control........................................................................54
How It Works 54
Speed Assist............................................................................... 55
How Speed Assist Works 55Controlling Speed Assist 56Limitations and Inaccuracies 56
Lane Departure Warning....................................................... 57
How Lane Departure Warning Works 57Controlling Lane Departure Warning 57Limitations and Inaccuracies 57
Forward Collision Warning................................................... 58
How Forward Collision Warning Works 58Visual and Audible Feedback 58Controlling Forward Collision Warning 58Limitations 58
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.............................................. 60
Operating Traffic Aware Cruise Control 60Instrument Panel Indicator Lights 62Changing the Set Speed 62Overtake Acceleration 63Canceling and Resuming 64Limitations 64
Park Assist.................................................................................. 66
How Park Assist Works 66Visual and Audio Feedback 66Controlling Audible Feedback 67Limitations and False Warnings 67Other Parking Aids 67
Hill Start Assist.......................................................................... 68
Trip Information........................................................................ 69
Displaying Trip Information 69
Getting Maximum Range...................................................... 70
Driving Tips to Maximize Range 70Energy App 70Saving Energy 70
Rear View Camera.....................................................................71
Camera Location 71
Using the Touchscreen........................................................... 72Touchscreen Overview...........................................................72
The Big Picture 72
Controls........................................................................................74
Controlling Model S Features 74
Settings.........................................................................................77
Customizing Model S 77Erasing Personal Data 79
Climate Controls.......................................................................80
Overview of Climate Controls 80Customizing Climate Control 81Ventilation 82Climate Control Operating Tips 82
Smart Air Suspension............................................................. 83
Manual Height Adjustments 83Location-Based Suspension 83Automatic Lowering 84Jack Mode 84
Media and Audio.......................................................................85
Overview 85AM and FM Radio 85XM Radio 85Internet Radio 85Media Settings 86Favorites 86My Music & Devices 86USB Connections 8712V Power Socket 87
Phone............................................................................................ 88
Bluetooth®Compatibility 88Pairing a Bluetooth Phone 88Importing Contacts 88Unpairing a Bluetooth Phone 88Connecting to a Paired Phone 89Making a Phone Call 89Receiving a Phone Call 89In Call Options 89
Maps and Navigation.............................................................. 90
Overview 90Using Maps 90Starting Navigation 90During Navigation 91Favorite Destinations 92Updated Maps 92
Calendar....................................................................................... 93
Overview 93Calendar and Navigation 94
Security Settings...................................................................... 95
About the Security System 95
HomeLink ®
Universal Transceiver.......................................96
About HomeLink 96Programming HomeLink 96Troubleshooting HomeLink 96
Connecting to Wi-Fi................................................................ 98
Software Updates.................................................................... 99
Loading New Software 99Viewing Release Notes 99
Mobile App............................................................................... 100
Model S Mobile App 100
Charging......................................................................................101Electric Vehicle Components..............................................101
High Voltage Components 101Charging Equipment 102
Battery Information............................................................... 103
About the Battery 103Battery Care 103
Charging Model S................................................................... 104
Opening the Charge Port 104Plugging In 104During Charging 105Stopping Charging 105Charge Port Light 105Changing Charge Settings 106Charging Status 107
Maintenance............................................................................. 108Maintenance Schedule..........................................................108
Service Intervals 108Daily Checks 108Monthly Checks 108Fluid Replacement Intervals 108High Voltage Safety 108
Tire Care and Maintenance................................................. 109
Maintaining Tire Pressures 109Inspecting and Maintaining Tires 110Replacing Tires and Wheels 111Tire Types 111Driving in Low Temperatures 112Using Tire Chains 112Tire Pressure Monitoring 112
Temporary Tire Repair...........................................................114
Tire Repair Kit 114Inflating with Sealant and Air 115Inflating with Air Only 116Replacing the Sealant Canister 117
Cleaning....................................................................................... 118
Cleaning the Exterior 118Cleaning the Interior 119Polishing, Touch Up, and Body Repair 120Using a Car Cover 120Floor Mats 120
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets.......................................... 121
Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades 121Cleaning Washer Jets 121Fluid Reservoirs....................................................................... 123
Removing the Maintenance Panel 123Checking Battery Coolant 123Checking Brake Fluid 124Topping Up Washer Fluid 125
Fuses............................................................................................ 126
Fuse Box Locations 126Replacing a Fuse 126Fuse Box 1 127Fuse Box 2 129Fuse Box 3 131
Jacking and Lifting................................................................. 132
Jacking Procedure 132
Parts and Accessories........................................................... 133
Parts, Accessories, and Modifications 133Body Repairs 133
Specifications........................................................................... 134Identification Labels.............................................................. 134
Vehicle Identification Number 134Emission Control Label 134
Vehicle Loading....................................................................... 135
Load Capacity Labeling 135Calculating Load Limits 136Towing a Trailer 137Roof Racks 137
Dimensions and Weights..................................................... 138
Exterior Dimensions 138Weights 139
Subsystems...............................................................................140
Motor 140Transmission 140Steering 140Brakes 141Suspension 141Battery - 12V 141Battery - High Voltage 142
Wheels and Tires.....................................................................143
Wheel Specifications 143Wheel Alignment Values 143Tire Specifications 144Understanding Tire Markings 145Uniform Tire Quality Grading 147Wheels and Tires Glossary 148
Roadside Assistance............................................................. 149Contacting Roadside Assistance...................................... 149Instructions for Transporters............................................. 150
Use a Flatbed Only 150Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension vehicles only) 150Activate Tow Mode 150Connect the Tow Chain 151Pull Onto the Trailer and Secure the Wheels 152
Consumer Information.......................................................... 153About this Owner Information........................................... 153
Illustrations 153Errors or Inaccuracies 153Location of Components 153Document Applicability 153Copyrights and Trademarks 154
Disclaimers................................................................................ 155
Vehicle Telematics/Data Recorders 155Quality Control 155California Proposition 65 155
Reporting Concerns............................................................... 156
Contacting Tesla 156Reporting Safety Defects - US 156Reporting Safety Defects - Canada 156
Declarations of Conformity................................................. 157
Key and Passive Unlocking System 157Tire Pressure Monitoring System 158Media Control Unit 158HomeLink 159Radio Frequency Information 159
Contents
Page 2 of 164
1.Interior doors ( Using Interior Door
Handles on page 6)
2. Cruise control ( Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control on page 60)
3. High beams ( Headlight High Beams on
page 49), Turn signals ( Turn Signals on
page 50), Wipers and washers ( Wipers
and Washers on page 51).
4. Steering wheel buttons - left ( Using Left
Steering Wheel Buttons on page 37)
5. Instrument panel ( Instrument Panel
Overview on page 43)
6. Steering wheel buttons - right ( Using
Right Steering Wheel Buttons on page
38)
7. Gear selector ( Shifting Gears on page
42)
8. Touchscreen ( Touchscreen Overview on
page 72)
9. Glove box button ( Glove Box on page
14)10. Power window switches ( Opening and
Closing on page 9)
11. Exterior mirror adjustment switches
( Mirrors on page 40)
12. Seats ( Front and Rear Seats on page
17)
13. Steering column adjuster (hidden from
view in the above image) ( Steering Wheel
on page 37)
14. Horn ( Horn on page 39)
15. Brakes ( Brakes on page 52)
16. Hazard warning lights ( Hazard Warning
Flashers on page 50)
17. Cabin climate control ( Climate Controls
on page 80)
18. Cup holders ( Cup Holders on page 16)
Note: On RHD (Right Hand Drive) vehicles, the
controls illustrated above are arranged similarly, but are mirrored on the right side of
the vehicle.
Interior Overview
2Model S Owner's Manual
Page 45 of 164
IndicatorDescriptionHigh beams are currently turned on, and Auto High Beam will turn off the
high beams if light is detected in front of Model S. See Headlight High
Beams on page 49.High beams are temporarily turned off because the Auto High Beam feature
is on and Model S detects light. When light is no longer detected, the high beams will automatically turn back on. See Headlight High Beams on page
49.Electronic stability control systems are applying the brake to the relevant
wheel to prevent slippage (light flashes). See Traction Control on page 54.The traction control system has been disabled. See Traction Control on page
54.A Smart Air Suspension fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See Smart Air
Suspension on page 83.Smart Air Suspension’s automatic self-leveling is disabled. In other words,
Model S is in Jack mode and is ready to be lifted or pulled onto a transporter. Jack mode cancels when Model S is driven over 4.5 mph(7 km/h). See Smart Air Suspension on page 83.
The parking brake is manually applied. See Parking Brake on page 53.A parking brake fault is detected. Contact Tesla. See Parking Brake on page
53.An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault is detected. See Brakes on page
52. Contact Tesla immediately.A brake system fault is detected or the brake fluid level is low. See Brakes
on page 52. Contact Tesla immediately.
Instrument Panel
Driving45
Page 52 of 164
Braking SystemsModel S 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 instrument panel when you first
start Model S. 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 instrument panel displays this
indicator at any time other than
displaying briefly when you first start
Model S, 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 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).
Brake Wear
Model S brake pads are equipped with wearindicators. A wear indicator is a thin metalstrip 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 stop
the squealing, contact Tesla Service.
Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads results in damage to the
braking system and can create a braking
hazard.
Brakes
52Model S Owner's Manual
Page 53 of 164
Regenerative Braking
Whenever Model S is moving and your foot is off the accelerator, regenerative braking slows
down Model S and feeds any surplus energy
back to the Battery.
By anticipating your stops and simply removing your foot from the accelerator 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 S, such as on a steep descent,
brake lights turn on to alert other road users
that you are slowing down.
The power meter on the instrument panel displays real-time feedback on the amount of
energy being gained by regenerative braking.
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. If regenerative braking is limited, a dashed yellow line
displays on the power meter. For example,
regenerative braking may be limited if the
Battery is already fully charged or if the
ambient temperature is low.
To Set the Regenerative Braking Level
You can use the touchscreen to change thelevel of regenerative braking:
1. Touch Controls > Driving > Regenerative
Braking .
2. Choose from two levels:
•
Standard . Provides the maximum
amount of regenerative braking. When you release the accelerator,
Model S slows down faster, reducing
the need to use the brakes.
• Low . Limits the amount of
regenerative braking. When you
release the accelerator, Model S takes longer to slow down and coastsfurther.
Parking Brake The parking brake automatically engages
whenever you shift Model S into Park, and
releases whenever you shift into any other
gear.
Note: The parking brake operates on the rear
wheels only, and is independent of the foot-
operated brake system.
Use the touchscreen to manually release the parking brake (which also shifts Model S intoNeutral):
1. Touch Controls > E-Brake & Power Off .
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Parking
Brake. If Model S was previously in Park, it
shifts into Neutral.
The parking brake indicator lights up on the instrument panel whenever
you use the touchscreen to manually
apply the parking brake.If an electrical issue occurs with the
parking brake, an amber parking
brake fault message displays at the
top center of the touchscreen.Caution: In the unlikely event that
Model S loses electrical power, you
cannot release the parking brake.
Brakes
Driving53
Page 58 of 164
How Forward Collision Warning
Works
If Model S is equipped with Autopilot, a
camera mounted on the windshield behind the interior rear view mirror and a radar sensor in
the center of the front grill monitor the area in
front of Model S for the presence of a vehicle,
bike or pedestrian. If a collision is considered likely unless you take immediate correctiveaction, Forward Collision Warning is designedto provide visual and audible warnings.
The cameras and sensors associated withForward Collision Warning are designed to
monitor an approximate area of up to 525 feet (160 meters) in the driving path, as illustrated
below.Warning: The area being monitored by
Forward Collision Warning can be adversely affected by road and weatherconditions (see Limitations on page 58).
Use appropriate caution when driving.Caution: If your Model S is equipped with
Forward Collision Warning, you must take
your vehicle to Tesla Service if a
windshield replacement is needed. Failure
to do so can cause Forward Collision
Warning to malfunction.Warning: Forward Collision Warning does
not operate when Model S is traveling less than 4 mph (7 km/h).Warning: Forward Collision Warning is
designed only to provide visual and
audible alerts (see Visual and Audible
Feedback on page 58). It does not
attempt to apply the brakes or decelerate
Model S. When seeing and/or hearing a warning (described below), it is the
driver's responsibility to immediately take an appropriate action.Warning: Forward Collision Warning is for
guidance purposes only and is not a
substitute for attentive driving and soundjudgement. Always keep your eyes on the road when driving and never depend on
Forward Collision Warning to warn you of a potential collision. Several factors canreduce the performance of Forward
Collision Warning, causing either
unnecessary, invalid, inaccurate, or
missed warnings (see Limitations on page
58). Depending on Forward Collision
Warning to warn you of a potential
collision can result in serious injury or
death.
Visual and Audible Feedback
When a collision with a vehicle, bicycle, or
pedestrian is considered likely unless
immediate action is taken, Forward Collision
Warning is designed to sound an audible alert
and display a collision warning in the center of the instrument panel.
Warnings cancel automatically when the risk
of a collision has been reduced (for example,
you have decelerated or stopped Model S, or
a vehicle in front has moved out of your
driving path).
Warning: Forward Collision Warning may
provide a warning in situations where the
likelihood of collision may not exist. Stay
alert and always pay attention to the area
in front of Model S so you can anticipate
whether any action is required.
Controlling Forward Collision
Warning
To turn Forward Collision Warning off or
adjust its sensitivity, touch Controls >
Settings > Driver Assistance > Forward
Collision Warning . Instead of the default
warning level of Medium, you can turn the
warning Off, or you can choose to be warned
Late or Early .
Note: Your chosen setting is retained until you
manually change it. It can also be saved in
your driver profile.
Limitations Forward Collision Warning cannot always
detect vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians, and you may experience unnecessary, inaccurate,
invalid or missed warnings for many reasons, particularly if:
• The road has sharp curves.
Forward Collision Warning
58Model S Owner's Manual
Page 60 of 164
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control uses a camera
mounted on the windshield behind the interior
rear view mirror and a radar sensor in the
center of the front grill to detect whether
there is a vehicle in front of you in the same lane. If the area in front of Model S is clear,Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is designed todrive consistently at a set speed. When a
vehicle is detected, Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control is designed to slow down Model S if needed to maintain a selected time-baseddistance from the vehicle in front, up to the
set speed. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control does
not eliminate the need to watch the road in
front of you and to apply the brakes if needed.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control makes it easy to maintain a consistent time-based distance
from a vehicle travelling in front of you in the
same lane. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is
primarily intended for driving on dry, straight roads, such as highways and freeways. It
should not be used on city streets.
Note: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is available
only if your Model S is equipped with Autopilot hardware and you have purchased
the Tech Package.
Operating Traffic Aware Cruise
Control
1. Touch the end of the cruise control lever.
Unless a vehicle is detected ahead of you, you must be driving at least 18 mph
(30 km/h) to initiate Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control. If a vehicle is detected in front of you, you can initiate Traffic-Aware CruiseControl at any speed, even when
stationary.
The light on the lever turns on. Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control is now in standby
mode and is not actively controlling your speed until you specify a cruising speed,
as described in the next step.
2. Set your cruising speed by accelerating
until you reach a desired cruising speed
then moving the cruise control lever up or
down (or pull briefly toward you), then
releasing.
Once you've initally set a cruising speed, you can adjust the speed to cruise at the
speed limit that is currently being
determined by Speed Assist (see Speed
Assist on page 55). To do so, pull the
cruise control lever toward you and hold momentarily (about half a second). Whenyou release, your cruising speed is set to
the speed that is automatically or manually being determined by Speed
Assist, taking into consideration any offset you may have specified.
Note: When you adjust the cruising speed
based on the speed limit, the set speed
does not change when the speed limit changes. You will need to pull the lever
again. You can also manually adjust your
cruising speed at any time (see Changing
the Set Speed on page 62).
Warning: Do not rely on Speed Assist
to determine an accurate or
appropriate cruising speed. Always
cruise at a safe speed based on traffic and road conditions.
3. To set the distance you want to maintain
between Model S and a vehicle travelling
ahead of you, rotate the cruise control
lever to choose a setting from 1 (the
closest following distance) to 7 (the
longest following distance). Each setting
corresponds to a time-based distance that represents how long it takes for Model S,
from its current location, to reach the
location of the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead.
As you rotate the cruise control lever, the
instrument panel displays the current
setting. Release the lever when the
desired setting is displayed.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
60Model S Owner's Manual
Page 61 of 164
The instrument panel displays the Cruisemessage above the speedometer (see
Instrument Panel Indicator Lights on page
62) and a tick mark at the edge of the
speedometer indicates the set speed.
You can now release the accelerator pedal
and allow Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to maintain your set speed. When no vehicle isdetected ahead, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
maintains the set speed. If a vehicle is
detected, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
maintains your chosen following distance, up to the set speed, decelerating Model S as
needed. When the vehicle you are following is no longer detected, Traffic Aware Cruise
Control accelerates back to the set speed.
You can accelerate at any time when driving at a set speed using Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control. But when you release the accelerator, Model S returns to the set speed.
When following a vehicle, Traffic-Aware
Cruise Control remains active at low speeds. If
Model S comes to a standstill and remains stationary for approximately three seconds
(slightly longer when driving on highway
conditions), you will need to resume Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control by pressing the
accelerator pedal or pulling the cruise control lever toward you (see Canceling and
Resuming on page 64). A message displays
on the instrument panel that you need to
resume Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is actively
slowing down Model S to maintain the
selected distance from the vehicle ahead,
brake lights turn on to alert other road users
that you are slowing down. You may also notice slight movement of the brake pedal.
Warning: Do not depend on Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control to adequately and appropriately slow down Model S. Always
watch the road in front of you and stay
prepared to brake at all times. Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control does not eliminate the need to apply the brakes as needed,even at slow speeds.Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
can not detect all objects and may not
detect a stationary vehicle or other objectin the lane of travel. There may be
situations in which Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control does not detect a vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian. Depending on Traffic-
Aware Cruise Control to avoid a collision can result in serious injury or death.Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
may react to vehicles or objects that either do not exist or are not in the lane
of travel, causing Model S to slow down
unnecessarily or inappropriately..Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
may misjudge the distance from a vehicle ahead. Always watch the road in front of
you. It is the driver's responsibility to
maintain a safe distance from a vehicle
ahead of you.Warning: When you enable Traffic-Aware
Cruise Control in a situation where you are closely following the vehicle in front
of you, Model S may apply the brakes to
maintain the selected distance.Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
has limited deceleration ability and may be unable to apply enough braking to
avoid a collision if a vehicle in front slows
suddenly, or if a vehicle enters your driving lane in front of you. Never dependon Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to slowdown the vehicle enough to prevent a
collision. Always keep your eyes on the
road when driving and be prepared to take corrective action as needed.Depending on Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control to slow the vehicle down enough
to prevent a collision can result in serious
injury or death.Warning: Driving downhill can increase
driving speed, causing Model S to exceed
your set speed. Hills can also make it
more difficult for Model S to slow down
enough to maintain the chosen following
distance from the vehicle ahead.Warning: Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
may occasionally brake Model S when not required based on the distance from a
vehicle ahead. This can be caused by vehicles in adjacent lanes (especially on
curves), or by stationary objects.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
Driving61
Page 68 of 164
Hill Start Assist automatically engages the
brakes for approximately one second when on
a hill. This prevents Model S from rolling
during the time it takes for you to move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator
pedal. Hill Start Assist engages the brakes
only if Model S is in Drive and facing uphill, or
in Reverse and facing downhill.Warning: After approximately one
second, Hill Start Assist no longer brakes
your vehicle and it could roll. Therefore,
quickly move your foot from the brake
pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never rely on Hill Start Assist to prevent Model Sfrom rolling for more than one second.Failure to do so can result in a collision.
Hill Start Assist
68Model S Owner's Manual
Page 108 of 164
Service Intervals
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring
the continued reliability and efficiency of your
Model S.
Rotate the tires every 5000 miles (8000 km),
maintain the correct tire pressures, and take Model S to Tesla at the regularly scheduledmaintenance intervals of every 12 months, orevery 12,500 miles (20,000 km), whichever
comes first. It is also important to perform the
daily and monthly checks described below.
Model S must be serviced by Tesla-certified
technicians. Damages or failures caused by
maintenance or repairs performed by non-
Tesla certified technicians are not covered by
the warranty.
Daily Checks • Check the Battery’s charge level, displayed on the instrument panel.
• Check that all exterior lights, horn, turn signals, and wipers and washers are
working.
• Check the operation of the brakes, including the parking brake.
• Check the operation of the seat belts (see Seat Belts on page 20).
• Look for fluid deposits underneath Model S that might indicate a leak. It is
normal for a small pool of water to form
(caused by the air conditioning system’s dehumidifying process).
Monthly Checks • Check the mileage to determine if the tires need to be rotated (every
5000 miles/8000 km), and check the
condition and pressure of each tire (see
Tire Care and Maintenance on page 109).
• Check washer fluid level and top up if necessary (see Topping Up Washer Fluid
on page 125).
• Check that the air conditioning system is operating (see Climate Controls on page
80).Warning: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice any significant or sudden drop in fluid levels or uneven tire wear.Fluid Replacement Intervals
Do not change or top up Battery coolant and
brake fluid yourself. Tesla service technicians replace fluids at the regularly scheduled
service intervals:
• Brake fluid. Every 2 years or 25,000 miles (40,000 km), whichever comes first.
• Battery coolant. Every 5 years or 62,500 miles (100,000 km), whichever
comes first.
Note: Any damage from opening the Battery
coolant reservoir is excluded from the warranty.
High Voltage Safety Your Model S has been designed and built
with safety as a priority. However, be aware of these precautions to protect yourself from the
risk of injury inherent in all high-voltage
systems:
• Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model S.These labels are there for your safety.
• 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 colored orange for
easy identification.
• If an accident occurs, do not touch any high voltage wiring, connectors, or
components connected to the wiring.
• In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fire
emergency responders.Warning: Always disconnect the charge
cable before working underneath Model S, even if charging is not in
progress.Warning: Keep your hands and clothing
away from cooling fans. Some fans
operate even when Model S is powered
off.Caution: Some fluids (battery acid,
Battery coolant, brake fluid, windshield
washer additives, etc.) used in motor
vehicles are poisonous and should not be
inhaled, swallowed, or brought into contact with open wounds. For your
safety, always read and follow
instructions printed on fluid containers.
Maintenance Schedule
108Model S Owner's Manual