brakes TESLA MODEL S 2021 Owner´s Manual

IndicatorDescriptionAirbag safety. If this red
indicator does not flash on briefly when Model S prepares to drive, or if it
remains on, contact Tesla
immediately. See
Airbags on page 38.
Front fog lights are on, if
equipped. See Lights on page 56.
Parking lights (side
marker lights, tail lights,
and license plate lights)
are on. See
Lights on page 56.
Low beam headlights are
on.
High beam headlights are on. Illuminates when high
beams are on but the
Auto High Beam setting is
turned
off or if the Auto
High Beam setting is
turned on but is
temporarily unavailable.
See
High Beam Headlights on page 57.
High beam headlights are currently turned on, and
Auto High Beam is ready
to turn
off the high beams
if light is detected in front
of
Model S. See High Beam Headlights on page 57.
High beam headlights are temporarily turned off
because Auto High Beam
is on and is detecting light
in front of
Model S. When
light is no longer
detected, the high beams
IndicatorDescriptionautomatically turn back
on. See High Beam Headlights on page 57.
This indicator flashes
amber when the
electronic stability control
systems are actively
minimizing wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure
and motor power. See
Traction Control on page 69. If this indicator
remains on, a fault is
detected and you should
immediately contact Tesla.
If a fault is detected that
reduces the performance
of the air suspension
system, this amber
indicator light displays. If
the problem persists,
contact Tesla. See
Air Suspension on page 158.
If a fault is detected that
disables the air
suspension system, this
red indicator light
displays. Contact Tesla.Vehicle Hold is actively
applying the brakes. See
Vehicle Hold on page 66.
Electronic stability control
systems are no longer
minimizing wheel spin.
See
Traction Control on page 69.
Model S is in Transport
mode and can roll freely. It
does not automatically
shift into Park when you
exit. See
Activate Transport Mode on page 219.
Instrument Panel
63Driving

Vehicle HoldWhen Model S is stopped
while in a driving gear, the
brakes are automatically
applied without you having to put your foot on the
brake pedal. Whether
stopped on a
flat surface or
a hill, Vehicle Hold keeps the
brake applied, provided your
foot remains
off the
accelerator and brake
pedals. The speedometer
displays this indicator to
inform you that Vehicle Hold
is actively braking
Model S.
To disengage Vehicle Hold, press the
accelerator pedal or press and release the
brake pedal.
NOTE: Shifting into Neutral also disengages
Vehicle Hold.
NOTE: After actively braking Model S for
approximately ten minutes, Model S shifts into
Park and Vehicle Hold cancels. Model S also
shifts into Park when you open the driver

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).
NOTE: Automatic Emergency Braking (see Automatic Emergency Braking on page 123)
may intervene to automatically brake in
situations where a collision is considered
imminent. Automatic Emergency Braking is
not designed to prevent a collision. At best, it
can minimize the impact of a frontal collision
by attempting to reduce your driving speed.
Depending on Automatic Emergency Braking
to avoid a collision can result in serious injury or death. .
Brake Disc Wiping
To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold
and wet weather, Model S is equipped with
brake disc wiping. When cold and wet
weather is detected, this feature repeatedly
applies an imperceptible amount of brake
force to remove water from the surface of the
brake discs.
Hydraulic Fade Compensation
Model S is also equipped with hydraulic fade
compensation. This feature assists in
monitoring brake system pressure and ABS
activity for instances of reduced brake
performance. If reduced brake performance is detected (for example, as a result of brake
fade, or cold or wet conditions), you may hear
a sound, feel the brake pedal pull away from
your foot, and notice a strong increase in
braking. Brake as you normally would and
continue to press the brake pedal without
releasing or "pumping".
CAUTION: If brakes are not functioning properly, stop the vehicle when safety permits and contact Tesla Service.
WARNING: Always maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you and exercise caution when driving conditions are hazardous. Brake disc wiping and hydraulic fade compensation is not a substitute for adequately applying the brakes.
Hydraulic Boost Compensation
Model S is equipped with a brake booster that
activates the brakes when the brake pedal is pressed. Hydraulic boost compensation
provides mechanical assistance if the brake
booster fails. If a brake booster failure is
detected, the brake pedal feels
stiffer to press
and you may hear sound when you press the
brake pedal. To stop
Model S, apply steady
force to the brake pedal without releasing or
pumping. Drive cautiously and maintain a safe
distance from other road users

The amount of energy fed back to the Battery using regenerative braking can depend on the
current state of the Battery. For example,
regenerative braking may be limited if the
Battery is already fully charged or if the
ambient temperature is too cold.
NOTE: If regenerative braking is limited, a
dashed black line displays on the energy bar
(see
Instrument Panel on page 60).
Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake, touch Controls > Safety > Parking Brake. Follow the onscreen
instructions.
NOTE: The parking brake operates on the rear
wheels only, and is independent of the pedal- operated brake system.
WARNING: In snowy or icy conditions the rear wheels may not have sufficient traction to prevent Model S from sliding down a slope, particularly if not using winter tires. Avoid parking on hills in snowy or icy conditions. You are always responsible for parking safely.
WARNING: Your Model S may display an alert if the road is too steep to safely park on, or if the parking brakes are not properly engaged. These alerts are for guidance purposes only and are not a substitute for the driver

WARNING: The camera(s) and sensors associated with Forward Collision Warning are designed to monitor an approximate area of up to 525 feet (160 meters) in your driving path. The area being monitored by Forward Collision Warning can be adversely affected by road and weather conditions. Use appropriate caution when driving.
WARNING: Forward Collision Warning is designed only to provide visual and audible alerts. It does not attempt to apply the brakes or decelerate Model S. When seeing and/or hearing a warning, it is the driver

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

Removing the Maintenance
Panel
To check fluid levels, remove the maintenance
panel:
1.
Open the hood.
2.
Pull the maintenance panel upward to
release the clips that hold it in place.
CAUTION: The maintenance panel protects the front trunk from water. When re-attaching, make sure it is fully seated.
Checking Battery Coolant
Your Battery coolant should not need to be
replaced for the life of your vehicle under
most circumstances. However, if the quantity
of
fluid in the cooling system drops below the
recommended level, the instrument panel displays a warning message. Stop driving Model S as soon as safety permits and
contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
DO NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage not covered by the warranty.
Do Not Top Up Battery Coolant
WARNING: Battery coolant can be hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin. Under no circumstances should you remove the filler cap and/or add coolant. If the instrument panel warns you that the fluid level is low, contact Tesla immediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the
Battery, the cooling system uses a specific
mixture of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant
(HOAT). Contact Tesla for more specific information about the coolant.
Checking Brake Fluid
WARNING: Contact Tesla immediately if you notice increased movement of the brake pedal or a significant loss of brake fluid. Driving under these conditions can result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.
A red brake indicator on the instrument panel alerts you
if the quantity of fluid in the
brake reservoir drops below
the recommended level. If it
displays while driving, stop
as soon as safety permits by
gently applying the brakes.
Do not continue driving.
Contact Tesla immediately.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the brake fluid level and health
at the regularly scheduled maintenance intervals.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake fluid. The following
instructions are provided for information purposes and future reference only:
1.
Clean the filler cap before removing it to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2.
Unscrew the cap and remove it.
3.
Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark
using the appropriate brake fluid.
4.
Replace the filler cap, ensuring it is fully
secured.
WARNING: Only use new fluid from a sealed air-tight container. Never use previously used fluid or fluid from a previously opened container

Motor Type
Motor TypeLong RangePlaidFront and rear
motorAC permanent magnet
synchronous motor, liquid-
cooled, with variable frequency
driveAC permanent magnet synchronous motor, carbon-fiber-wrapped rotor, liquid-cooled,
with variable frequency drive (2x motors in
the rear)
Transmission
TypeLong RangePlaidFront transmissionSingle speed fixed gear,
7.5:1Single speed fixed gear, 7.5:1. Enhanced
lubricationRear transmissionSingle speed fixed gear,
9.0:1Independent single speed fixed gear, 7.5:1.
Dry sump lubrication
Steering
SteeringSpecificationsTypeVariable ratio rack and pinion with electronic power steering,
speed sensitiveNumber of turns lock to lock2.33Turning Circle (curb to curb)40.3 ft/12.3 m
Brakes
BrakesSpecifications
Type
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Integrated
Advanced Stability Control and Electronic Accelerator
pedal actuated regenerative braking systemCalipersFront: Four piston, fixedRear: Single piston, floatingRotor Diameters (ventilated)Front: 14.96”/380 mmRear: 14.37”/365 mmFront Rotor thicknessNew: 1.26”/32 mmService limit: 1.18”/30 mmRear Rotor thicknessNew: 1.10”/28 mm
Subsystems
208MODEL S Owner

BrakesSpecificationsService limit: 1.02”/26 mmFront Brake Pad Thickness (excluding
back plate)New: 0.41”/10.5 mm (MIN)Service limit: 0.09”/ 2.3 mmRear Brake Pad Thickness (excluding
back plate)New: 0.33”/8.5 mm (MIN)Service limit: 0.11”/ 2.7 mmParking brakeElectrically actuated parking brake calipers
Suspension
SuspensionSpecificationsFrontIndependent, double wishbone, air spring with adaptive damper, stabilizer barRearIndependent, multi-link, air spring with adaptive damper, stabilizer bar
Battery - Low Voltage
Battery - Low VoltageSpecificationsRating6.9 amp hourVoltage15.5V
Battery - High Voltage
Battery - High VoltageSpecificationsTypeLiquid-cooled lithium ion (Li-ion)Nominal Voltage407 V DCTemperature RangeDo not expose Model S to ambient temperatures above 149