TESLA MODEL Y 2021 Owner´s Manual
Manufacturer: TESLA, Model Year: 2021, Model line: MODEL Y, Model: TESLA MODEL Y 2021Pages: 250, PDF Size: 8.4 MB
Page 171 of 250

1. Place the curved part of the lug nut cover tool (located in the glovebox for some vehicles, or you can use a small allen wrench) into the lowered 
perimeter around the middle of the lug nut cover.
NOTE: The lug nut cover tool can also be purchased 
at an auto parts store or through online retailers.
2. 
Twist the lug nut cover tool so that the end of the  curved part is facing away from the Tesla "T".
3. 
Firmly pull the lug nut tool away from the wheel until the lug nut cover is released.
To install the lug nut cover:
1. 
Align the lug nut cover into position.
2. 
Push firmly on the lug nut cover until it fully snaps 
into place.
CAUTION: Make sure the lug nut cover is fully 
secure before driving to prevent it from falling 
off.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and 
inflated to the recommended pressures that are printed 
on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the 
driver
Page 172 of 250

WARNING: Do not depend on TPMS sensors to 
accurately determine pressures and trigger alerts. 
It is the driver
Page 173 of 250

Tire SizeRecommended Chain19"/20"KONIG XG-12 PRO SIZE 25221"KONIG K-SUMMIT XXL K66CAUTION: If your Model Y is equipped with aero 
covers, you must remove them before installing 
tire chains (see Removing and Installing Aero 
Covers on page 168). Failure to do so can cause 
damage not covered by the warranty.
When installing tire chains, follow the instructions and warnings provided by the tire chain manufacturer. Mount  them evenly and as tight as possible.
When using tire chains:
Page 174 of 250

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 Y 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 172).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model 
Y:
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 Y 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.
Car Wash Mode
When taking Model Y to a car wash, Car Wash Mode 
closes all windows, locks the charge port door, and  disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away  door locking, and parking sensor chimes. To enable, touch 
Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. Your vehicle 
must be in Park and not actively charging.
If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps 
your vehicle in Neutral and prevents 
Model Y from 
applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver
Page 175 of 250

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 Y. 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 Y 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 Y 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 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.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may 
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat
Page 176 of 250

Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners, alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer), and hard cloths can damage the 
finish on chrome and metal surfaces.
Cautions for Interior Cleaning
CAUTION: Using solvents (including alcohol), 
alcohol-based gel products (such as hand 
sanitizer), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based 
products or additives on interior components can 
cause damage.
CAUTION: Statically-charged materials can cause 
damage to the touchscreen.
WARNING: If you notice any damage on an airbag 
or seat belt, contact Tesla immediately.
WARNING: Do not allow any water, cleaners, or 
fabric to enter a seat belt mechanism.
WARNING: Exposure to chemical cleaners can be 
hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin. Read and 
observe the instructions provided by the 
manufacturer of the chemical cleaner.
Polishing, Touch Up, and Body 
Repair
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body, you 
can occasionally treat the paint surfaces with an  approved polish containing:
Page 177 of 250

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:
Page 178 of 250

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.
3. 
If checking the Battery coolant, remove the cabin intake trim panel by pulling it upwards 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 
touchscreen 
displays a warning message. Stop driving Model Y 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 touchscreen 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 FluidWARNING: 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 touchscreen 
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.
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
Page 179 of 250

3. Open the filler cap.4. 
While avoiding spilling, fill the reservoir until the fluid
 
level is visible just below the filler neck. The reservoir 
has a capacity of 4.5 liters.
5. 
Wipe up any spills immediately and wash the 
affected area with water.
6. 
Replace the filler cap.
NOTE: Some national or local regulations restrict the use 
of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are  commonly used as antifreeze in washer 
fluid. Use a 
washer 
fluid with limited VOC content only if it provides 
adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which you  drive 
Model Y.
CAUTION: Do not add formulated washer fluids
 
that contain water repellent or bug wash. These 
fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and 
squeaking or other noises.
WARNING: In temperatures below 40
Page 180 of 250

Jacking Procedure
Follow the steps below to lift Model Y. Ensure that any 
non-Tesla repair facility is aware of these lifting points.
1. 
Position Model Y centrally between the lift posts.
2. 
Position the lift arm pads under the designated body  lift points at the locations shown.
WARNING: DO NOT position the lift arm pads 
under the Battery or side rails, as shown in red.
3. 
Adjust the height and position of the lift arm pads to  ensure that they are correctly located.
4. 
With assistance, raise the lift to the desired height,  ensuring the lift arm pads remain in their correct  positions.
5. 
Engage any lift safety locks. Follow the lift 
manufacturer