TESLA MODEL S 2021 Owner´s Manual

Inspecting and Maintaining
Tires
Regularly inspect the tread and side walls for
any sign of distortion (bulges), foreign
objects, cuts or wear.
WARNING: Do not drive Model S if a tire is damaged, excessively worn, or inflated to an incorrect pressure. Check tires regularly for wear, and ensure there are no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/cord structure.
Tire Wear
Adequate tread depth is important for proper
tire performance. Tires with a tread depth less
than
4/32” (3 mm) are more likely to
hydroplane in wet conditions and should not be used. Tires with a tread depth less than
5/32” (4 mm) do not perform well in snow
and slush and should not be used when driving in winter conditions.
Model S is originally fitted with tires that have
wear indicators molded into the tread
pattern. When the tread has been worn down
to
4/32” (3 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. For
optimal performance and safety, Tesla
recommends replacing tires before the wear indicators are visible.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel
Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km) or if tread depth difference is 2/32 in (1.5 mm) or greater,
whichever comes first.
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as
vibration through the steering yoke) 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.
NOTE: When replacing only two tires, install
the new tires on the rear if your vehicle

Wheel Configuration
If you are installing new wheels or swapping
them for different ones, update your vehicle

Replacing a Tire Sensor
If the Tire Pressure warning indicator displays
frequently, contact Tesla to determine if a tire
sensor needs to be replaced. If a non-Tesla
Service Center repairs or replaces a tire, the
tire sensor may not work until Tesla performs
the setup procedure.
TPMS Malfunction
Model S has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with
the tire pressure indicator
light. When the system
detects a malfunction, the
indicator
flashes for
approximately one minute,
then remains continuously
lit. This sequence continues
upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When
the TPMS malfunction
indicator is on, the system
might not be able to detect
or signal under-
or over-inflated tires as intended.
TPMS malfunctions can occur for a variety of reasons, including installing replacement or
alternate tires or wheels that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction indicator light
after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement tires or wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
NOTE: If a tire has been replaced or repaired
using a different tire sealant than the one
available from Tesla, and a low tire pressure is
detected, it is possible that the tire sensor has
been damaged. Contact Tesla to have the
fault repaired as soon as possible.
Seasonal Tire Types
Summer Tires
Your vehicle may be originally equipped with
high performance summer tires or all season
tires. Tesla recommends using winter tires if
driving in cold temperatures or on roads
where snow or ice may be present. Contact
Tesla for winter tire recommendations.
WARNING: In cold temperatures or on snow or ice, summer tires do not provide adequate traction. Selecting and installing the appropriate tires for winter conditions is important to ensure the safety and optimum performance of your Model S.
All-Season Tires
Your Model S may be originally equipped with
all-season tires. These tires are designed to
provide adequate traction in most conditions year-round, but may not provide the same level of traction as winter tires in snowy or icy
conditions. All-season tires can be
identified
by “ALL SEASON" and/or "M+S” (mud and
snow) on the tire sidewall.
Winter Tires
Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy
or icy conditions. When installing winter tires,
always install a complete set of four tires at
the same time. Winter tires must be the same
diameter, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Contact Tesla for
winter tire recommendations.
Winter tires can be identified by a mountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire

Driving in Low Temperatures
Tire performance is reduced in low ambient
temperatures, resulting in reduced grip and
an increased susceptibility to damage from impacts. Performance tires (summer applications) have reduced traction in
ambient temperatures below
40

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 until
Model 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.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt,
condensation, or obstructions. These
substances can cause unclear pictures or
Autopilot and safety features to stop working
(see
Cleaning a Camera on page 194).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model S:
1.
Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from
the vehicle using a hose. Flush away
accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel wells
and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
2.
Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a clean soft
cloth and cold or lukewarm water
containing a mild, high-quality car shampoo.
CAUTION: Some cleaners and car shampoos contain chemicals that can cause damage or discoloration, especially to plastic trim pieces, lamps, or camera lenses. For example, some car cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can damage exterior components. Damage or discoloration resulting from cleaning products is not covered by the warranty.
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. If necessary, dry the
brakes by going on a short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.
Clean windows and mirrors using an
automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape,
or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.
Cleaning a Camera
To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens
must be clean and free of obstructions.
Remove any build-up of dirt or debris by
spraying water onto the camera lens with a
spray bottle or pressure washer.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove dirt or debris by wiping an exposed lens with your hands or a cloth. This debris can damage the surface of the lens when rubbed against it during wiping.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the lens.
Cautions for Exterior Cleaning
CAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight.CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and cause a chattering sound.
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products, especially those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the nozzle and the surface of Model S. Avoid aiming the water jet directly at parking sensors (if equipped). Keep the nozzle moving and do not concentrate the water jet on any one area.
Cleaning
194MODEL S Owner

CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses directly at windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic modules or exposed cabling.
CAUTION: To avoid corrosive damage that may not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes. After cleaning the vehicle, dry the brakes by going on a short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.
CAUTION: Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
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. Some touchless car washes use caustic solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check the product label or ask the staff at the car wash. Damage caused by improper washing is not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash, make sure the vehicle is locked. In addition, avoid using controls on the touchscreen that can result in accidentally opening doors or trunks while the vehicle is being washed. Any damage caused is not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are off
before washing Model S to avoid the risk of damaging the wipers.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical based wheel cleaners or pre-wash products. These can damage the finish on the wheels.
WARNING: Never spray liquid at a high velocity (for example, if using a pressure washer) towards the charge port while Model S is charging. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or damage to the vehicle, charging equipment, or property.
Cleaning the Interior
Frequently inspect and clean the interior to
maintain its appearance and to prevent
premature wear. If possible, immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For general cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft cloth (such as
microfiber) dampened with a
mixture of warm water and mild non-
detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a
concealed area before use). To avoid streaks,
dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. This can
damage the reflective surface of the mirror
and the heating elements in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag
cover. This could affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the dashboard. Polished surfaces are reflective and could interfere with your driving view.
Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft
cloth moistened with warm water and non- detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth.
If equipped with leather seats, note that
leather is prone to dye-transfer which can
cause discoloration, particularly on light
colored leather. White and tan leather is
coated with an anti-soiling treatment. Using
detergents or commercially available leather
cleaners and conditioners is not
recommended because they can discolor or dry out the leather.
If equipped with polyurethane seats, be
careful with dyes, such as from clothing or
denim, that come into contact with the seats.
Over time, dyes can
diffuse into the seat
material and cause staining.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any
loose dirt.
Cleaning
195Maintenance

CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may inhibit the sensitivity of a seat

CAUTION: Do not use cutting pastes, color restoration compounds, or polishes containing harsh abrasives. These can scour the surface and permanently damage the paint.
CAUTION: Do not use chrome polish or other abrasive cleaners.
Using a Car Cover
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
body when Model S is not being used, use a
genuine Tesla car cover. Car covers can be
purchased from Tesla. See
Parts and Accessories on page 202.
CAUTION: Use only a Tesla-approved car cover when Model S is plugged in. Using a non-Tesla car cover can prevent the Battery from being adequately cooled during charging.
Floor Mats
To extend the life of your carpet and make
them easier to clean, use genuine Tesla floor
mats (see Parts and Accessories on page 202). Maintain floor mats by regularly
cleaning them and checking that they are
properly attached. Replace
floor mats if they
become excessively worn.
WARNING: To avoid potential interference with a foot pedal, ensure that the driver

Checking and Cleaning Wiper
Blades
Periodically clean the edge of the wiper
blades and check the rubber for cracks, splits, and roughness. If damaged, replace the blade immediately to prevent damage to the glass
and improve visibility.
Contaminants on the windshield, or on the
wiper blades, can reduce the effectiveness of
the wipers. Contaminants include ice, wax
spray from car washes, washer
fluid with bug
and/or water repellent, bird droppings, tree
sap, and other organic substances.
Follow these guidelines for cleaning: