Owner’s Manual

Winter Tires
Your Model S is not originally equipped with
winter tires. In snowy and icy conditions,
consider installing winter tires. Winter tires are
designed 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 size,
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's sidewall.
When driving with winter tires, you may
experience more road noise, shorter tread life,
and less traction on dry roads.
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 can temporarily
harden when cold, causing you to hear
rotational noise for the first few miles (kms)
until the tires warm up.
Using Tire Chains
Tesla has tested and approved Security Chain
Company (SCC) Model Z-563 chains for use
on the rear wheels. These chains must only be
used if your Model S has 245/45R19 rear tires
installed. Do not use chains on 21 inch tires.
When installing tire chains, follow the
instructions provided by the tire chain
manufacturer. Mount them as tightly as
possible.
When using tire chains:
• Drive slowly. Do not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
• Avoid heavily loading Model S (heavy
loads can reduce the clearance between
the tires and the body).
• Remove the tire chains as soon as
conditions allow.
Note: Tire chains are prohibited in some
jurisdictions. Check local laws before installing
tire chains.
Caution:
Using non-recommended tire
chains, or using tire chains on other sized
tires, can damage the suspension, body,
wheels, and/or brake lines. Damage
caused by using non-recommended tire
chains is not covered by the warranty.
Caution: Ensure that tire chains cannot
touch suspension components or brake
lines. If you hear the chains making
unusual noises that would indicate
contact with Model S, stop and
investigate immediately.
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’s door pillar (see Maintaining Tire
Pressures on page 109). If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that displays a tire pressure
telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the
instrument panel when one or more of your
tires is significantly under- or over-inflated.
Accordingly, when the Tire Pressure indicator
light displays on the instrument panel alerting
of tire pressure, stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure (see Maintaining Tire
Pressures on page 109). Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-
inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
If Model S detects a fault with the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), this indicator flashes for one
minute whenever you power on
Model S.
Note: Installing accessories that are not
approved by Tesla can interfere with the
TPMS system.
Warning:
The TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, including
manually checking tire pressures and
regularly inspecting the condition of tires.
It is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under- or
over-inflation has not reached the level
Tire Care and Maintenance
112 Model S Owner's Manual