Gross Vehicle Weight

The maximum permissible weight of a vehicle with driver, passengers, load, luggage, and
equipment.

kPa (kilo pascal)

A metric unit used to measure pressure. One kilo pascal equals approximately 0.145 psi.

Maximum Inflation
Pressure

The maximum pressure to which the tire should be inflated. This pressure is given on the
tire side wall in psi (lbf/in2).
CAUTION: This pressure marked on the tire is the maximum allowed by the tire
manufacturer. It is not the pressure Tesla recommends using for Model 3.

Maximum Loaded
Vehicle Weight

The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight, and production
options weight.

Production Options
Weight

The combined weight of options installed which weigh in excess of 3 lb (1.4 kg) more
than the standard items that they replaced, and are not already considered in curb or
accessory weights.

PSI (lbf/in2)

Pounds per square inch (the unit used to measure tire pressure).

Recommended Tire
Inflation Pressure

Tire inflation pressure, established by Tesla, which is based on the type of tires that are
mounted on the vehicle at the factory. This information can be found on the Tire and
Loading Information label located on the door pillar.

Rim

The metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the tire beads are seated.

Vehicle Capacity
Weight

The number of seats multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus the rated amount of load/luggage.

Load Carrying Definitions

Normal occupant weight

68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the number of occupants specified in the second column
of the tables for calculating load limits (see Vehicle Loading on page 278).

Occupant distribution

Distribution of occupants in a vehicle.

Passenger car tire

A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and
trucks, that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs (4536 kg) or
less.

Rim diameter

Nominal diameter of the bead seat.

Rim size designation

Rim diameter and width.

Rim type designation

The manufacturing industry's designation for a rim by style or code.

Rim width

Nominal distance between the rim's flanges.

Vehicle maximum load on
the tire

Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of
the maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two.

Vehicle normal load on the Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of
tire
the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight and dividing by two.
Pneumatic Radial Tire Definitions

Bead separation

A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.

Bias ply tire

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles
substantially less than 90 degrees to the center line of the tread.
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Carcass

The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, that when inflated, bears the load.

Chunking

The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.

Cord

The strands forming the plies in the tire.

Cord separation

The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.

Cracking

Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.

Extra load tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads and higher inflation pressure than the
corresponding standard tire.

Groove

The space between two adjacent tread ribs.

Inner liner

The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium
within the tire.

Inner liner
separation

The parting of the inner liner from cord material in the carcass.

Load rating

The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.

Maximum load
rating

The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.

Measuring rim

The rim on which a tire is fitted for physical dimension requirements.

Open splice

Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or inner liner that extends to the cord material.

Outer diameter

The overall diameter of an inflated new tire.

Overall width

The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, including
elevations due to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs.

Ply

A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.

Ply separation

A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.

Pneumatic tire

A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other materials, that,
when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or fluid
that sustains the load.

Radial ply tire

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90
degrees to the center line of the tread.

Reinforced tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the
corresponding standard tire.

Section width

The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding
elevations due to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.

Sidewall

The portion of a tire between the tread and bead.

Sidewall separation

The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall.

Snow tire

A tire that attains a traction index equal to or greater than 110, compared to the ASTM
E1136-93 (re-approved 2003, incorporated by reference, see §571.5) Standard Reference Test
Tire when using the snow traction test as described in ASTM F1805-00 (incorporated by
reference, see §571.5), and that is marked with an Alpine Symbol specified in S5.5(i) on at
least one sidewall.

Test rim

The rim on which a tire is fitted for testing, and may be any rim listed as appropriate for use
with that tire.

Tread

The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.

Tread rib

A tread section running around the circumference of a tire.

Tread separation

The pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass.

Tread wear
indicators (TWI)

The projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual indication of the
degrees of wear of the tread.

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Wheel-holding
fixture

The fixture used to hold the wheel and tire assembly securely during testing.

Roadside Assistance
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance
Tesla Roadside Assistance is available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for the duration of your warranty
period. Tesla Roadside Assistance is also available to speak with roadside service professionals to answer any
questions and explain the proper procedure for transporting your vehicle.
When contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance, please provide:
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is displayed when you touch Controls > Software. The VIN can
also been seen on the upper dashboard by looking through the driver's side of the windshield.
• Your exact location.
• The nature of the problem.
If available in your region, you can also expedite your request, by choosing the Roadside Assistance option in the
Tesla mobile app.
NOTE: For a detailed description of Tesla's Roadside Assistance policy, go to the support page on the Tesla web site
for your region.
Regional Phone Number(s)
Canada: 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
Mexico: 1-800-228-8145
United States: 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
NOTE: The phone number is also available by touching Controls > Service.

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Instructions for Transporters
DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND
The motor(s) in Model 3 generates power when the wheels spin. Always transport Model 3 with all four tires off the
ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at any time during transport.
WARNING: NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN.
DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME
OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.

Do not transport Model 3 using any method that is not specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in the
following sections and observe all warnings and cautions provided. Damage caused by improper transporting of
your vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
NOTE: Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.
Approved Methods for Transporting
A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the recommended method of transporting Model 3. The vehicle
can face either direction when using a flatbed.

If Model 3 must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that all
four wheels are off of the ground. This method may only be used for a maximum of 35 miles (55 km), and must not
exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle facing forward
so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.

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CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate Transport Mode on page 294) before winching Model 3 onto a
flatbed truck (see Pull onto the Flatbed Truck on page 294). If Transport Mode is not available or the touchscreen
is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved
transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model 3,
including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
NOTE: Transport Mode is only intended to allow for winching Model 3 onto a flatbed truck or repositioning the
vehicle out of a parking space. While in Transport Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under 3 mph or 5
km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 30 feet or 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode on page 294.
Exceeding these boundaries can lead to significant damage and overheating that is not covered by the warranty.
WARNING: Model 3 is equipped with high voltage components that may be compromised as a result of a
collision (see High Voltage Components on page 200). Before transporting Model 3, it is important to assume
these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protection
equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can accurately
confirm that all high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
Activate Transport Mode
Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. When active,
Transport Mode displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling. To enable Transport Mode:
• Low voltage power is required. You will be unable to use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode if Model 3
has no power.
• Model 3 must detect a key. Transport Mode is available only when a key is detected.
To activate Transport Mode:
1. Ensure Model 3 is in Park.
2. Chock the tires or make sure Model 3 is secure.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen
displays a message reminding you how to properly transport Model 3.
4. Press and hold the Transport Mode button until it turns blue. Model 3 is now free-rolling and can slowly be rolled
(no faster than walking speed) or winched.
To cancel Transport Mode, shift Model 3 into Park.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a lead-acid low voltage battery (see Jump Starting on page 298): Transport
Mode may cancel if Model 3 loses low voltage power after Transport Mode is enabled.
CAUTION: If the electrical system is not working, and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to activate
Transport Mode, use self-loading dollies or tire skates. Before doing so, always check the manufacturer's
specifications and recommended loading capacity.
Pull onto the Flatbed Truck
NOTE: If Model 3 has no low voltage power, you need an external low voltage power supply to open the hood or use
the touchscreen (see Jump Starting on page 298).
CAUTION: To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using
the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.
1. Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located under the carpet in the front trunk.

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2. Release the tow eye cover by pressing firmly on its top right perimeter until it pivots inward, then gently pulling
the raised section toward you.
NOTE: The tow eye cover is connected to the vehicle's black negative (-) terminal.

3. Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.

4. Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
CAUTION: Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely tightened.
5. Activate Transport Mode.
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6. Pull Model 3 slowly onto the flatbed truck.
Secure the Tires
The vehicle's tires must be secured onto the truck using the eight-point tie-down method:
• Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do not contact painted surfaces or the face of the wheels.
• Do not place tie-down straps over the body panels or through the wheels.
CAUTION: Attaching the tie-down straps to the chassis, suspension or other parts of the vehicle's body may
cause damage.

If Vehicle Has No Power
If Model 3 has no low voltage power, perform the following steps to open the hood or jump start the low voltage
battery.
1. Open the hood. See Opening Hood with No Power on page 42 for more information on opening the hood if the
vehicle does not have power.
2. Jump start the low voltage battery (see Jump Starting on page 298).
NOTE: Tow providers: See Running Out of Range on page 297 for more information on transporting the vehicle to a
charging station and preparing the vehicle to charge.
CAUTION: Because the windows automatically lower slightly when you open or close a door, always connect to
an external, low voltage power supply before opening a door if the vehicle has no power to avoid breaking a
window (see Jump Starting on page 298).

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Running Out of Range
NOTE: In the unlikely event your vehicle runs out of range while driving, pull over when safe to do so and contact
Tesla Roadside Assistance on page 292 or your preferred tow provider.
If Model 3 runs out of range, the low voltage battery is no longer supported – and when low voltage is not
supported, the vehicle cannot charge. Therefore, the low voltage battery must be supported by an external power
supply to allow you to charge the high voltage (HV) Battery. Once the vehicle begins charging, the external power
supply is no longer required.
In the case of running out of range away from a charger, the tow provider should transport Model 3 to the nearest
charging station and unload the vehicle within the charging cable's reach. Once the vehicle is positioned next to a
charger, follow these instructions:
NOTE: If the vehicle is being transported to a charger, make sure the tow provider does not leave until confirming
that the vehicle's high voltage Battery is successfully charging.
1. Jump start the low voltage battery (see Jump Starting on page 298). The low voltage battery must be jump
started to support the high voltage Battery.
2. Wait a few minutes. Once the touchscreen powers on, plug the charge cable into Model 3 to begin charging the
high voltage Battery.
3. When Model 3 begins to charge, disconnect the external power supply from the low voltage battery.
Before transporting to a non-Tesla charger, ensure your vehicle is equipped with an adapter that accommodates the
specific type of charging station you will be using. Even at a non-Tesla charger, you will need to jump start the low
voltage battery before you can begin charging.
CAUTION: Always ensure Model 3 has enough range for your drive, or for being stored for an extended period.
Do not rely on the range estimates displayed on the touchscreen or mobile app as range can decrease faster
than projected due to ambient temperature, driving habits, wind, vehicle settings (such as Sentry Mode), etc.
NOTE: Towing your vehicle as a result of running out of range is not covered by the warranty.

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Jump Starting
The procedure for jump starting differs depending on whether the low voltage battery is lead-acid or lithium-ion. To
determine which battery your vehicle uses, touch Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Both
procedures are provided in this section.
The following instructions assume you are using an external low voltage power supply (such as a portable jump
starter). If jump starting Model 3 using another vehicle, refer to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
CAUTION: Model 3 cannot be used to jump start another vehicle. Doing so can result in damage.
CAUTION: Avoid short circuits when jump starting Model 3. Connecting cables to the wrong jump post,
touching leads together, etc., can damage Model 3.
Jump Starting the Low Voltage (Lead-Acid) Battery
Vehicles manufactured in Gigafactory Shanghai before approximately October 2021, and in the Fremont Factory
before approximately December 2021, are equipped with a Lead-Acid low voltage battery.
If jump starting Model 3 using another vehicle, refer to that vehicle manufacturer's instructions. The following
instructions assume you are using an external low voltage power supply (such as a portable jump starter).
1. Open the hood (see Opening Hood with No Power on page 42).
2. Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards to release the trim clips that hold it in place.
3. Remove the cabin intake trim panel by pulling it upwards to release the trim clips that hold it in place.
4. Connect the low voltage power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) terminal on the low voltage
battery.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging Model 3, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components,
such as the battery tie-down bracket.
5. Connect the low voltage power supply's black negative (-) cable to the black negative (-) terminal on the low
voltage battery.
6. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions). Touch the touchscreen to wake it up.
NOTE: It may take several minutes to receive enough power to wake up the touchscreen.
7. When external low voltage power is no longer required, disconnect both cables from the terminals on the battery,
beginning with the black negative (-) cable.
8. Reinstall the cabin intake trim panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.
9. Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.
10. Close the hood.
Jump Starting the Low Voltage (Lithium-Ion) Battery
Vehicles manufactured in Gigafactory Shanghai after approximately October 2021, and in the Fremont Factory after
approximately December 2021, are equipped with a Lithium-Ion low voltage battery.
1. Open the hood (see Opening Hood with No Power on page 42).
2. Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards to release the trim clips that hold it in place.
3. Remove the red cover and connect the external low voltage power supply’s red positive (+) cable to the red
positive (+) jump post.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the vehicle, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal
components.

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4. Connect the external low voltage power supply’s black negative (-) cable to the bolt located between the brake
fluid reservoir and the front trunk. The bolt is used as a grounding location for the external support.

5. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions) for 20-30 seconds.
CAUTION: If you leave the power supply on for longer than 30 seconds, the low voltage battery may not
self-recover and the vehicle might not be able to shift into Drive. Disconnect the power supply and the low
voltage battery to enable another battery self-recovery attempt.
NOTE: If attempting to activate Transport Mode (to winch the vehicle onto a flatbed truck), the low voltage
battery is not required to self-recover. Leave the power supply connected continuously until the vehicle has been
secured.
6. Open the driver door and wait two minutes.
7. Ensure the vehicle is able to shift into Drive.
8. Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.
9. Close the hood.

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Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Alerts
APP_w048
Autopilot features temporarily unavailable
Features may be restored on next drive
What this alert means:
Autopilot features are currently unavailable on your vehicle. Depending on the configuration of your vehicle,
Autopilot features that are disabled may include:
• Autosteer
• Traffic-Aware Cruise Control
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
What to do:
This alert can be set for several reasons. Check for additional alerts that indicate the cause of this condition.
Typically, Autopilot features are restored on your next drive. If this alert persists across multiple drives, schedule
service at your earliest convenience.
For more information and the full list of Autopilot features, see About Autopilot on page 123.
APP_w207
Autosteer temporarily unavailable
What this alert means:
Autosteer is temporarily unavailable. This could be a temporary condition caused by an external factor, such as:
• Missing or faded lane markers.
• Narrow or winding roads.
• Poor visibility due to rain, snow, fog, or other weather.
• Extremely hot or cold temperatures.
• Bright light due to other vehicle headlights, direct sunlight, or other light sources.
This alert will also be present if you exceeded the maximum speed limit for Autosteer with Autosteer active. In this
case, Autosteer will not be available for the rest of your current drive.
What to do:
Continue to your destination. If Autosteer is not available by the time you reach your destination, and remains
unavailable during your next planned drive, check for the following:
• Damage or obstruction caused by mud, ice, snow, or other environmental factors
• Obstruction caused by an object mounted on the vehicle, like a bike rack
• Obstructions caused by adding paint or adhesive products like wraps, stickers, or rubber coatings to your vehicle
• A damaged or misaligned bumper
If there are no obvious obstructions, or if you find damage to the vehicle, schedule service at your convenience. Your
vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.
For more information, see Autosteer on page 134.
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APP_w218
Autosteer speed limit exceeded
Take control of steering wheel
What this alert means:
Autosteer is unavailable because your vehicle has exceeded the maximum speed limit for this driver assistance
feature.
What to do:
Take immediate control of the steering wheel and maintain control until you reach your destination.
In most cases, Autosteer will not be available for the rest of your current drive. To reset it, bring the vehicle to a
complete stop and shift into Park. When you shift into Drive to travel to your next destination, Autosteer should be
available again.
NOTE: If this alert becomes active while you are driving in Germany, Autosteer should be available again once your
vehicle is traveling below the Autosteer speed limit.
If Autosteer is not available during your next drive, and remains unavailable throughout subsequent drives, schedule
service at your convenience. Your vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.
For more information, see Autosteer on page 134.
APP_w221
Cruise control unavailable
Reduced front radar visibility
What this alert means:
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer are unavailable because the radar located in the front bumper area of
your vehicle has no or low visibility.
This could be a temporary obstruction caused by factors like snow, ice, dirt, or mud.
What to do:
Continue to your destination. Your vehicle is OK to drive. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer will remain
unavailable as long as the radar lacks adequate visibility.
If the alert persists throughout your drive, examine the front bumper before your next planned drive and attempt to
clear any obstruction. See the About Autopilot on page 123 sections “How It Works” and “Cleaning Cameras and
Sensors” for more information on clearing dirt or debris from that area of the vehicle.
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives but no obstruction is visible on the front bumper where the radar
is located, schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.
APP_w222
Cruise control unavailable
Reduced front camera visibility
What this alert means:
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer are unavailable because one or more of the front cameras in your vehicle
is blocked or blinded by external conditions.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer will remain unavailable while a front camera lacks adequate visibility.
Cameras can be blocked or blinded by:
• Dirt or debris on the camera surface.
• Environmental conditions like rain, fog, snow, or dew.
• Bright sunlight or glare from another light source.

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• Condensation (water droplets or mist) on the camera surface.
What to do:
Continue to your destination. Your vehicle is OK to drive.
This is often a temporary issue that clears up on its own. If the alert does not clear by the end of your drive:
• Inspect and clean the front camera area at the top center of the windshield before your next planned drive.
• Check the camera surface for condensation, dirt, or other debris and attempt to clear any obstruction.
See the About Autopilot on page 123 sections “How It Works” and “Cleaning Cameras and Sensors” for more
information on clearing dirt or debris from that area of the vehicle.
Although condensation on the inside of the front camera enclosure cannot be wiped clean, you can usually clear it
quicker by following these steps:
1. Pre-condition the cabin with the temperature set to High and A/C turned ON.
2. Turn on the front windshield defroster.
If this alert persists throughout subsequent drives but no front camera obstruction is visible, schedule service at your
earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.
APP_w224
Cruise control unavailable
Continue driving to allow cameras to calibrate
What this alert means:
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer are unavailable because the cameras on your vehicle are not fully
calibrated.
Your vehicle must maneuver with great precision when features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer are
active. Before these features can be used for the first time, the cameras must complete an initial self-calibration.
Occasionally, one or more cameras can become uncalibrated.
What to do:
Continue to your destination. Your vehicle is OK to drive.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer will remain unavailable until camera calibration is complete.
When calibration is complete, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer should be available.
For your convenience, a calibration progress indicator is displayed on the touchscreen. Calibration typically
completes after your vehicle has driven 20-25 miles (32-40 km), but the distance varies depending on road and
environmental conditions. For example, driving on a straight road with highly visible lane markings helps the
cameras calibrate quicker.
If the alert persists and camera calibration has not completed after your vehicle has driven 100 miles (160 km) or
more, or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer remain unavailable despite successful camera calibration,
schedule service at your earliest convenience. Your vehicle is OK to drive in the meantime.
APP_w304
Camera blocked or blinded
Clean camera or wait for it to regain visibility
What this alert means: