meter displays a green area that represents the amount of power that is being fed back to the Battery.
The amount of power 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 cold or is already fully charged. When
regenerative braking is limited, the power meter displays a dashed line to indicate the amount of deceleration power
that is not being fed back to the Battery.

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NOTE: If regenerative braking is aggressively slowing Model S (such as when your foot is completely off the
accelerator pedal at highway speeds), the brake lights turn on to alert others that you are slowing down.
WARNING: In snowy or icy conditions, Model S may experience loss of traction during regenerative braking,
particularly when in the Standard setting and/or not using winter tires. Tesla recommends using the Low
setting (see #unique_245 on page ) in snowy or icy conditions to help maintain vehicle stability.
To Set the Regenerative Braking Level

NOTE: The regenerative braking setting is not available on all vehicles.
You can use the touchscreen to change the level of regenerative braking:
1. Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Regenerative Braking.
2. Choose from two levels:
◦ Standard: Provides the maximum amount of regenerative braking. When you release the accelerator, Model S
slows down.
◦ Low: Limits regenerative braking. When you release the accelerator, Model S takes longer to slow down and
coasts farther than if set to "Standard".
Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake, touch Controls > Safety > Parking Brake. Follow the onscreen instructions. You can
also engage the parking brake by pressing and holding the button on the end of the drive stalk while in Park.

Use the touchscreen to manually release the parking brake (which also shifts Model S into Neutral):
1. Touch Controls > Safety.

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2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Parking Brake. If Model S was previously in Park, it shifts into Neutral.
When you manually apply the parking brake using the touchscreen, or by pressing and holding the
button on the end of the drive stalk when in Park, the red parking brake indicator lights up on the
instrument panel.

If the parking brake experiences an electrical issue, the amber parking brake indicator lights up and a
fault message displays on the instrument panel.

NOTE: The parking brake operates on the rear wheels only, and is independent of the pedal-operated brake system.
CAUTION: In the unlikely event that Model S loses electrical power, you cannot access the touchscreen and are
therefore unable to release the parking brake without first jump starting (see Jump Starting on page 289).
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’s
judgment of safe parking conditions, including specific road or weather conditions. Do not depend on these
alerts to determine whether or not it is safe to park at any location. You are always responsible for parking
safely.
Brake Wear
Model S brake pads are equipped with wear indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal strip attached to the brake
pad that squeals as it rubs against the rotor when the pad wears down. This squealing sound indicates that the brake
pads have reached the end of their service life and require replacement. To replace the brake pads, contact Tesla
Service.
Brakes must be periodically inspected visually by removing the tire and wheel. For detailed specifications and
service limits for rotors and brake pads, see Subsystems on page 267. Additionally, Tesla recommends cleaning and
lubricating the brake calipers every year or 12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area where roads are salted during
winter months.
WARNING: Neglecting to replace worn brake pads damages the braking system and can result in a braking
hazard.

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Air Suspension
NOTE: When Model S starts, you may hear the sound of the compressor as the air suspension system’s reservoir fills
with air.
Your Model S is equipped with Adaptive Air Suspension that offers superior ride quality and allows you to choose a
softer or firmer ride based on your preference. When carrying loads, the system also maintains a level height
between the front and rear. You can manually adjust the ride height to suit your circumstances (for example, you can
raise Model S when you need extra ground clearance, such as when driving on a steep driveway or ramp, in deep
snow, over large speed bumps, parking curbs, etc.).
If a fault is detected that reduces the performance of the adaptive air suspension system, a yellow
indicator lights up on the instrument panel. If the problem persists, contact Tesla.

If a fault is detected that disables the adaptive air suspension system, a red indicator lights up on the
instrument panel. Contact Tesla.

Adjusting Ride Height
CAUTION: Before adjusting the suspension height, ensure Model S is clear of all obstacles, above and below.
You can manually adjust the ride height by pressing the brake pedal and touching Controls > Suspension on the
touchscreen. The ride height settings that are available depend on your driving speed and other conditions (for
example, the suspension does not lower if a door is open). The touchscreen also displays the approximate ground
clearance for each setting. Drag the slider to choose from these options:
• Very High - When set to Very High, the suspension automatically lowers to the default ride height*, which is
Standard or Low, after driving approximately 100 feet (30 meters) or when driving speed reaches 15 mph
(24 km/h). To maintain the Very High setting for an unlimited distance until your driving speed reaches the speed
threshold, touch Persist until 15 mph in the setting for Very High.
• High - When set to High, the suspension automatically lowers to the default ride height*, which is Standard or or
Low, after driving approximately 100 feet (30 meters) or when driving speed reaches 35 mph (56 km/h). To
maintain the High setting for an unlimited distance until your driving speed reaches the speed threshold, touch
Persist until 35 mph.
• Standard - The Standard setting ensures optimum comfort and handling under all loading conditions.
• Low - Lowering the height can improve aerodynamics, make it easier to load or unload cargo and passengers,
and improve handling.
*If the Default Ride Height to Low setting is turned off, the ride height is adjusted between Standard and Low to
balance ride comfort with handling and range. To optimize handling and range, turn on the Default Ride Height to
Low setting.
CAUTION: Avoid driving aggressively (hard accelerations, sharp turns, etc.) when the suspension is set to High
or Very High. Doing so can cause vibration and increase the possibility of damage.
Adaptive Suspension Damping
The settings associated with Adaptive Suspension Damping provide real-time adjustments to the suspension system
to optimize both ride and handling. Choose from:
• Comfort - Provides a gentler ride for a relaxed driving experience.
• Auto - Adjusts to a wide range of roads and driving styles, providing a fluid yet well controlled ride.
• Sport - Provides a firmer, more controlled ride that increases driver engagement and connection to the road.

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• Advanced - Can be used to fine tune the suspension by dragging individual sliders that adjust Ride Comfort and
Handling.
Touch Show Suspension Data to display detailed information about the dampers for each wheel, including ride
height, compression and rebound values, and body accelerations.
NOTE: When Adaptive Suspension Damping is set to Comfort or Auto, the suspension may raise to improve ride
comfort on rough roads. (U.S. only) This feature depends on the availability of up-to-date map data that includes
data indicating rough road sections.
Use Comfort Damping in Autopilot (if equipped) - By default, damping automatically sets to the Comfort setting
when using Autopilot, and reverts back to your chosen setting when Autopilot is no longer in use. Turn this setting
off to disable this feature.
Real-time Visualization
The image of your Model S on the Suspension screen provides a real-time visualization of the status of the air
suspension system. In addition to visually showing changes to the ride height, it displays Compression and Rebound
lines that reflect how the suspension system is controlling the dampers for each wheel based on your chosen
settings and changing road conditions. Both are controlled simultaneously. Touch Show Suspension Data to display
detailed information about the dampers for each wheel, including ride height, compression and rebound values, and
body accelerations.
NOTE: The instrument panel can also display a real-time visualization of how the suspension system is dynamically
adjusting each wheel’s damping to account for changing road conditions. To view, hold the respective steering wheel
scroll button briefly until the available options are displayed. Roll the scroll button to highlight Suspension, then tap
the scroll button.
Auto-Raising Locations
Whenever you raise the suspension to High or Very High, the location is automatically saved. By saving the location,
you do not need to manually raise the suspension every time you arrive at a frequently-used location where you
have previously raised the suspension. When you return to the saved location, Model S raises the suspension and the
instrument panel displays a message indicating that the suspension is being raised.
When saving locations, Model S also saves the Persist until XX mph setting (if specified).
NOTE: When returning to a saved location and driving faster than the High and Very High suspension settings allow,
the suspension does not raise until Model S slows down.
NOTE: After leaving a saved location, the suspension automatically lowers. However, it may not lower until Model S
meets the speed and distance threshold at which the suspension lowers.
NOTE: If Model S reaches a saved location and the existing suspension setting is already higher than the level that
has been saved for that location, the ride height is not adjusted.
To remove an auto-raising location

If you do not want the suspension to automatically raise at a location, touch to deselect Always raise at this location
in the popup that appears when you arrive at a saved location.
Self-Leveling
Model S equipped with air suspension automatically self-levels, even when power is off. To prevent damage when
jacking or lifting the vehicle, you must activate Jack Mode to disable self-leveling (press the brake pedal and touch
Controls > Service > Jack Mode). For more details, see Jack Mode on page 255.

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Air Suspension
NOTE: When Model S starts, you may hear the sound of the compressor as the air suspension system’s reservoir fills
with air.
Air suspension offers a superior ride quality and when carrying loads, the system maintains a level height between
the front and rear. You can manually adjust the ride height to suit your circumstances (for example, you can raise
Model S when driving at low speeds when you need extra ground clearance, such as when driving on a steep
driveway or ramp, in deep snow, over large speed bumps, parking curbs, etc.).
If a fault is detected that reduces the performance of the air suspension system, a yellow indicator
lights up on the instrument panel. If the problem persists, contact Tesla.

If a fault is detected that disables the air suspension system, a red indicator lights up on the instrument
panel. Contact Tesla.

Adjusting Ride Height
CAUTION: Before adjusting the suspension height, ensure Model S is clear of all obstacles, above and below.
You can manually adjust the ride height by pressing the brake pedal touching Controls > Suspension on the
touchscreen. The ride height settings that are available depend on your driving speed and other conditions (for
example, the suspension does not lower if a door is open). The touchscreen also displays the approximate ground
clearance for each setting. Drag the slider to choose from these options:
• Very High. When set to Very High, the suspension automatically lowers to High after driving approximately 100
feet (30 meters) or when driving speed reaches 15 mph (24 km/h). To maintain the Very High setting for an
unlimited distance until your driving speed reaches the speed threshold, touch Keep until 15 mph.
• High. When set to High, the suspension automatically lowers to Standard after driving approximately 100 feet (30
meters) or when driving speed reaches 35 mph (56 km/h). To maintain the High setting for an unlimited distance
until your driving speed reaches the speed threshold, touch Keep until 35 mph.
• Standard. The Standard setting ensures optimum comfort and handling under all loading conditions.
• Low. Lowering the height can improve aerodynamics and make it easier to load or unload cargo and passengers.
CAUTION: Avoid driving aggressively (hard accelerations, sharp turns, etc.) when the suspension is set to High
or Very High. Doing so can cause vibration and increase the possibility of damage.
Automatic Lowering
When driving Model S above typical driveway or parking lot speeds, the suspension automatically lowers ride height
to improve aerodynamics and handling. For most average speed driving, the suspension is automatically set to
Standard. As described above, when you make manual height adjustments, the suspension automatically lowers at
increased driving speeds.
You can adjust the speed at which the suspension automatically transitions to the Low ride height by touching
Controls > Suspension > Adjust Speed on the touchscreen, then moving the slider to the desired speed. You can also
choose Always to maintain the lowered suspension at all speeds or Never to disable the suspension from
automatically transitioning to Low.
NOTE: You can temporarily override the ride height by touching Controls > Suspension, and then manually choosing
a ride height. Your suspension's automatic lowering setting is restored the next time you drive.

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Auto-Raising Locations
Whenever you raise the suspension to High or Very High, the location is automatically saved. By saving the location,
you do not need to manually raise the suspension every time you arrive at a frequently-used location where you
have previously raised the suspension. When you return to the saved location, Model S raises the suspension and the
instrument panel displays a message indicating that the suspension is being raised.
When saving locations, Model S also saves the Keep until XX mph setting (if specified).
NOTE: When returning to a saved location and driving faster than the High and Very High suspension settings allow,
the suspension does not raise until Model S slows down.
NOTE: After leaving a saved location, the suspension automatically lowers. However, it may not lower until Model S
meets the speed and distance threshold at which the suspension lowers.
NOTE: If Model S reaches a saved location and the existing suspension setting is already higher than the level that
has been saved for that location, the ride height is not adjusted.
To remove an auto-raising location

If you do not want the suspension to automatically raise at a location, touch to deselect Always Auto-Raise at This
Location in the popup that appears when you arrive at a saved location.
Self-Leveling
Model S equipped with air suspension automatically self-levels, even when power is off. To prevent damage when
jacking or lifting the vehicle, you must activate Jack Mode to disable self-leveling (press the brake pedal and touch
Controls > Service > Jack Mode). For more details, see Jack Mode on page 255.

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Air Suspension
NOTE: When Model S starts, you may hear the sound of the compressor as the air suspension system’s reservoir fills
with air.
Air suspension offers a superior ride quality and when carrying loads, the system maintains a level height between
the front and rear. You can manually adjust the ride height to suit your circumstances (for example, you can raise
Model S when driving at low speeds when you need extra ground clearance, such as when driving on a steep
driveway or ramp, in deep snow, over large speed bumps, parking curbs, etc.).
If a fault is detected that reduces the performance of the air suspension system, a yellow indicator
lights up on the instrument panel. If the problem persists, contact Tesla.

If a fault is detected that disables the air suspension system, a red indicator lights up on the instrument
panel. Contact Tesla.

Adjusting Ride Height
CAUTION: Before adjusting the suspension height, ensure Model S is clear of all obstacles, above and below.
You can manually adjust the ride height by pressing the brake pedal touching Controls > Suspension on the
touchscreen. The ride height settings that are available depend on your driving speed and other conditions (for
example, the suspension does not lower if a door is open). The touchscreen also displays the approximate ground
clearance for each setting. Drag the slider to choose from these options:
• Very High. When set to Very High, the suspension automatically lowers to High when driving speed reaches
22 mph (35 km/h).
• High. When set to High, the suspension automatically lowers to Standard when driving speed reaches 34 mph
(55 km/h).
• Standard. The Standard setting ensures optimum comfort and handling under all loading conditions.
• Low. Lowering the height can improve aerodynamics and make it easier to load or unload cargo and passengers.
CAUTION: Avoid driving aggressively (hard accelerations, sharp turns, etc.) when the suspension is set to High
or Very High. Doing so can cause vibration and increase the possibility of damage.
Auto-Raising Suspension
Auto-raising suspension saves you from manually having to raise the suspension every time you arrive at a
frequently-used location where you have previously raised the suspension. The location is automatically saved
whenever you raise the suspension to High or Very High. When you return to the saved location, Model S raises the
suspension and the instrument panel displays a message indicating that the suspension is being raised.
After leaving a saved location, the suspension automatically lowers. However, it may not lower until Model S meets
the speed threshold at which the suspension lowers.
NOTE: When returning to a saved location and driving faster than the High and Very High suspension settings allow,
the suspension does not raise until Model S slows down.
NOTE: If Model S reaches a saved location and the existing suspension setting is already higher than the level that
has been saved for that location, the ride height is not adjusted.
To remove an auto-raising location

If you do not want the suspension to automatically raise at a location, touch the X in the auto-raising status message
that displays at a saved location. By doing so, the suspension does not automatically raise at the location.
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Self-Leveling
Model S equipped with air suspension automatically self-levels, even when power is off. To prevent damage when
jacking or lifting the vehicle, you must activate Jack Mode to disable self-leveling (press the brake pedal and touch
Controls > Service > Jack Mode). For more details, see Jack Mode on page 255.

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Cruise Control
Cruise control makes it easy to maintain a consistent driving speed. Cruise control is primarily intended for driving
on dry, straight roads, such as highways. It should not be used on city streets and in heavy traffic.
Operating Cruise Control
WARNING: Do not use cruise control on winding or slippery road surfaces, or when traffic conditions make it
unsafe to drive at a consistent speed.
1. If there is a button on the end of your cruise stalk, press the button to turn the cruise control system on or off. An
orange light is illuminated if the system is on.
2. Accelerate manually until you reach your desired cruising speed.
NOTE: Cruise control will not activate below 18 mph (29 km/h).
3. Move the cruise stalk up or down, then release.

Cruise control is now active.
The instrument cluster displays a gray speedometer icon to show your set speed.

The instrument panel displays the CRUISE message above the speedometer and an arrow displays on
the speedometer to show your set speed.

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You can manually accelerate past the set speed at any time when cruise control is active. However, when you release
the accelerator, Model S slows down to the set speed.
WARNING: Driving downhill can increase driving speed, causing Model S to exceed your cruising speed.
Changing the Cruising Speed
Move the cruise stalk up (increase) or down (decrease) until your desired cruising speed is reached.
• Move the cruise stalk up or down to the first position and release to increase/decrease the set speed by 1 mph.
• Move the cruise stalk up/down to the second position and release to increase/decrease the set speed by 5 mph.
• Hold the cruise stalk up or down to increase/decrease the cruising speed and set speed simultaneously.

NOTE: It may take a few seconds for Model S to reach the new set speed.

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Canceling and Resuming
If equipped, press the button on the end of the cruise stalk to turn the cruise control system off (which will cancel
cruise control and clear the set speed).
You can cancel cruise control if you do any of the following:
• Press the brake pedal.
• Push the cruise stalk away from you.
NOTE: Canceling cruise control does not clear the set speed until Model S powers off.
NOTE: When cruise control cancels, Model S does not coast. Instead, regenerative braking slows down Model S in
the same way as when you move your foot off the accelerator when driving without cruise control (see Regenerative
Braking on page 108).
To resume cruising at the previous set speed, briefly pull the cruise stalk toward you. Cruise control resumes,
provided your driving speed is over 18 mph (29 km/h).

To resume cruising at the current driving speed, move the cruise stalk up or down, then release.

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Park Assist
How Park Assist Works
Model S is designed to detect the presence of objects. When driving slowly in Drive or Reverse (for example, when
parking), the vehicle alerts you if an object is detected in close proximity of your Model S. Objects are only detected
in your chosen direction; front objects in Drive, rear objects in Reverse.
WARNING: You may not be alerted if Model S rolls freely in the opposite direction (for example, Park Assist
does not display an alert if Model S rolls backwards down a hill while in Drive).
NOTE: Depending on date of manufacture and options selected at time of purchase, some Model S vehicles are not
equipped with the parking sensors.
WARNING: The Park Assist images provided below are representative only. The exact number and location of
sensors may vary depending on the date your Model S was manufactured.

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Park Assist is activated when driving slower than 5 mph (8 km/h).

WARNING: Never depend on Park Assist to inform you if an area you are approaching is free of objects and/or
people. Several external factors can reduce the performance of Park Assist, causing either no readings or false
readings (see Limitations and False Warnings on page 123). Therefore, depending on Park Assist to determine
if Model S is approaching an obstruction can result in damage to the vehicle and/or objects, and can
potentially cause serious injury. Always inspect the area with your own eyes. When reversing, perform shoulder
checks and use all mirrors. Park assist does not detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals, or objects that
are moving, protruding, located too far above or below the sensors (if equipped) or cameras, or too close or
too far from the sensors or cameras. Park Assist is for guidance purposes only and is not intended to replace
your own direct visual checks. It is not a substitute for careful driving.

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Visual and Audio Feedback
When you shift to Reverse, the Park Assist view displays on the left side of the instrument panel, showing objects
that are in close proximity to the front and rear of Model S. This view closes when you shift into Drive unless an
object is detected close to the front of Model S, in which case the Park Assist view closes automatically when your
driving speed exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h). When reversing, visual feedback also displays on the touchscreen (see Rear
Facing Camera(s) on page 134). You can manually close the park assist view on the touchscreen by touching the X.
When driving with the Camera app displayed on the touchscreen, you can switch to the Park Assist view when
driving at speeds below 5 mph (8 km/h). Touch the button located in the upper left corner of the Camera app
screen. This is useful if you need assistance with parallel parking.
If chimes are turned on (see Controlling Audible Feedback on page 123), an audible beep sounds as you approach
an object. You can temporarily mute the chime by touching the speaker icon on the bottom corner of the Park Assist
view.
NOTE: If Park Assist is unable to provide feedback, the instrument panel displays an alert message.
CAUTION: Keep sensors (if equipped) and cameras clean from dirt, debris, snow, and ice. Avoid using a high
pressure power washer on the sensors and cameras, and do not clean a sensor or camera with a sharp or
abrasive object that can scratch or damage its surface.
CAUTION: Do not install accessories or stickers on or near the sensors (if equipped) or cameras.
Controlling Audible Feedback
You can use Park Assist with or without audible feedback. To turn chimes on or off, touch Controls > Safety > Park
Assist Chimes.
To mute the chimes temporarily, touch the speaker icon in the bottom corner of the Park Assist view. The chimes are
muted until you shift or drive over 5 mph (8 km/h).
Limitations and False Warnings
Park Assist may not function correctly in these situations:
• One or more of the sensors (if equipped) or cameras is damaged, dirty, or obstructed (such as by mud, ice, or
snow, or by a vehicle bra, excessive paint, or adhesive products such as wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.).
• The object is located below approximately 8 inches (20 cm) (such as a curb or low barrier).
CAUTION: Shorter objects that are detected (such as curbs or low barriers) can move into a blind spot.
Model S cannot alert you about an object while it is in a blind spot.
• Weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, or fog).
• The object is thin (such as a sign post).
• Park Assist’s operating range has been exceeded.
• The object is sound-absorbing or soft (such as powder snow).
• The object is sloped (such as a sloped embankment).
• Model S has been parked in, or being driven in, extremely hot or cold temperatures.
• The sensors (if equipped) are affected by other electrical equipment or devices that generate ultrasonic waves.
• You are driving in a location where the sensors' (if equipped) waves are deflected away from the vehicle (such as
driving next to a wall or pillar).
• The object is located too close to the bumper.
• A bumper is misaligned or damaged.
• An object that is mounted to Model S is interfering with and/or obstructing Park Assist (such as a bike rack or
bumper sticker).
• Model S rolls freely in the opposite direction you selected (for example, Park Assist does not display an alert if
Model S rolls backwards down a hill while in Drive).

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Other Parking Aids
In addition to Park Assist, when shifted into Reverse, the backup camera displays a view of the area behind Model S
(see Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 134).

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Vehicle Hold
When Model S is stopped, Vehicle Hold can continue to apply the brakes even after you remove your foot from the
brake pedal.
Vehicle Hold will activate in two ways:
• When the vehicle's stopping mode is set to Hold: Vehicle Hold is automatically enabled any time the vehicle
comes to a complete stop.
• When the vehicle's stopping mode is set to Creep or Roll: Vehicle Hold is enabled automatically anytime the
vehicle is at a standstill and the brake is pressed (Roll is the default setting on your vehicle).
This indicator displays on the instrument panel whenever 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 if it detects that the driver has left the vehicle.

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Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist automatically engages the brakes for approximately one second when on a hill. This prevents
Model S from rolling during the time it takes for you to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
Hill Start Assist engages the brakes only if Model S is in Drive and facing uphill, or in Reverse and facing downhill.
WARNING: After approximately one second, Hill Start Assist no longer brakes your vehicle and it could roll.
Therefore, quickly move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never rely on Hill Start Assist
to prevent Model S from rolling for more than one second. Failure to do so can result in a collision.

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Traction Control
How It Works
The traction control system constantly monitors the speed of the front and rear wheels. If Model S experiences a loss
of traction, the system minimizes wheel spin by controlling brake pressure and motor power. By default, the traction
control system is on. Under normal conditions, it should remain on to ensure maximum safety.
This yellow indicator flashes on the instrument panel whenever the traction control system is actively
controlling brake pressure and motor power to minimize wheel spin. If the indicator stays on, a fault is
detected with the traction control system. Contact Tesla Service.

WARNING: If the above indicator remains illuminated in situations in which you have not disabled the traction
control system (described next), the traction control system may not be operating correctly. Contact Tesla
Service immediately.
WARNING: Traction control cannot prevent collisions caused by driving dangerously or turning too sharply at
high speeds.
Disabling Traction Control

Under normal conditions, the traction control system should remain enabled. Disable it only in circumstances where
you deliberately want the wheels to spin, such as:
• Starting on a loose surface, such as gravel or snow.
• Driving in deep snow, sand or mud.
• Rocking out of a hole or deep rut.
To allow the wheels to spin, touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Slip Start.
The instrument panel displays an alert message when traction control is turned off.

Although the traction control system automatically reactivates the next time you start Model S, it is strongly
recommended that you enable it immediately after the circumstances that required you to disable it have passed.
NOTE: Traction Control can not be disabled when you are actively using cruise control.
Allowing Wheel Slip

To allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed, you can enable Slip Start. Slip Start can be enabled only when
Model S is moving 30 mph (48 km/h) or slower. Slip Start automatically disables when the speed exceeds 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Under normal conditions, Slip Start should not be enabled. Enable it only in circumstances where you deliberately
want the wheels to spin, such as:
• Starting on a loose surface, such as gravel or snow.
• Driving in deep snow, sand or mud.
• Rocking out of a hole or deep rut.
To allow the wheels to spin, touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Slip Start.

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The instrument panel displays an alert message when Slip Start is enabled.

Although Slip Start is automatically disabled the next time you start Model S, it is strongly recommended that you
disable it immediately after the circumstances that required you to enable it have passed.
NOTE: Slip Start can not be enabled when you are actively using cruise control.

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Acceleration Modes
The acceleration settings available on your Model S vary depending on date of manufacture and options chosen at
time of purchase:
• Chill: limits acceleration for a smooth and gentle ride (available on all vehicles equipped with Autopilot hardware).
• Standard: provides the normal level of acceleration (available on non-Performance All-Wheel Drive vehicles and
Rear Wheel Drive Model S vehicles equipped with Autopilot hardware).
• Sport: provides the normal level of acceleration (available on Performance All-Wheel Drive vehicles).
• Insane: increases peak torque by approximately 30 percent (available on Performance All-Wheel Drive vehicles
not equipped with the Ludicrous upgrade).
• Ludicrous: increases peak torque by approximately 60 percent (available on Performance All-Wheel Drive
vehicles equipped with the Ludicrous upgrade).
• Insane+: increases peak torque by approximately 30 percent (available on Performance All-Wheel Drive vehicles
not equipped with the Ludicrous upgrade) while also heating up the Battery to its ideal operating temperature to
ensure access to 100% of available power. Before choosing this setting, read about Using Insane+ or Ludicrous+
on page 129.
• Ludicrous+: increases peak torque by approximately 60 percent (available on Performance All-Wheel Drive
vehicles equipped with the Ludicrous upgrade) while also immediately heating up the Battery to its ideal
operating temperature to ensure access to 100% of available power. Before choosing this setting, read about
Using Insane+ or Ludicrous+ on page 129.
NOTE: Although Chill does not directly improve driving range, using the increased torque and power available in
Insane or Ludicrous mode can reduce range and efficiency.
NOTE: When Chill is selected, Chill displays on the instrument panel above the driving speed.
In addition, a Performance All-Wheel Drive Model S also features Launch Mode to provide optimum acceleration on
surfaces with good traction. For the specific driving instructions required to use Launch Mode, see Launch Mode on
page 130.
To choose an acceleration mode, touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Acceleration.
Using Insane+ or Ludicrous+
If you choose Insane or Ludicrous, additional power is available immediately. However, to achieve the absolute
maximum power (designed for short term use), you can choose Insane+ or Ludicrous+ to heat the Battery to its
ideal operating temperature. This ensure access to 100% of available power.
While the battery is being heated, the touchscreen displays a status message providing you with an approximate
wait time, and letting you know when the additional power is available. In addition to heating the Battery, Insane+
and Ludicrous+ modes strive to keep the Battery within an optimal temperature range. Therefore, under aggressive
driving scenarios, you may also see the “Cooling” status for several minutes until temperatures fall. Model S stays in
the chosen mode for three hours, even if you leave the vehicle. After three hours, the feature times out.
NOTE: Insane+ and Ludicrous+ are designed to achieve maximum performance for short term acceleration. These
settings are not intended for daily driving. The tradeoff for the additional power boost is extra energy consumption
and earlier power fade on long drives. The Insane or Ludicrous acceleration settings provide a significant increase in
performance even without choosing the Insane+ or Ludicrous+ setting to achieve maximum Battery power. In fact, in
normal driving situations, the additional power that can be achieved using Insane+ and Ludicrous+ may be
unnoticeable.
NOTE: To support Insane+ or Ludicrous+, the charge level must be 20% or higher. You cannot initiate these settings if
the charge level is less than 20%. In addition, these settings immediately cancel if at any time during use, the charge
level drops below 20%.
When using Insane+ or Ludicrous+, Model S consumes more energy to keep the Battery within an optimal
temperature range.

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Owners Manual
To cancel Insane+ or Ludicrous+ at any time, change the acceleration level to another setting. To prevent excess and
potentially unnecessary energy consumption (for example, you leave the vehicle and forget to cancel Insane+ or
Ludicrous+), these settings cancel automatically in three hours, regardless of whether you are still driving or have
left the vehicle.
NOTE: Insane+ or Ludicrous+ strives to keep the Battery within an optimal temperature range. In addition to heating
the Battery, these settings also cool the battery when necessary (for example, while driving at high speeds, during
rapid acceleration, driving for long periods, etc.).
Launch Mode
Launch Mode, available on Performance All-Wheel Drive vehicles only, provides optimum acceleration on surfaces
with good traction.
NOTE: Hard acceleration including, but not limited to, using launch mode, increases stress on the vehicle’s
powertrain, and can cause premature wear and aging of various components. Model S constantly monitors
powertrain fatigue and damage, and notifies you if vehicle components need to be serviced.
WARNING: Use Launch Mode only in appropriate locations where there is no cross traffic or pedestrians
present. Launch Mode is designed for use on closed circuit driving courses. It is the driver’s responsibility to
ensure that driving style and acceleration do not endanger or inconvenience other road users.
To Activate Launch Mode

1. Ensure the brakes are slightly warm by driving for a few minutes and using the brakes a few times.
2. Set the air suspension to Low (see Air Suspension on page 111Air Suspension on page 113Air Suspension on page
115).
3. Set the acceleration level to Insane+ or Ludicrous+ (if equipped).
NOTE: If equipped with the Ludicrous+ setting, you can achieve optimum performance by pressing and holding
this setting for three seconds.
4. With Model S shifted into Drive and at a complete stop with the steering wheel straight, firmly hold the brake
pedal with your left foot, then fully press the accelerator pedal. Within one second, the instrument panel displays
a message indicating that Launch Mode is enabled.
NOTE: Launch mode further lowers the front suspension, significantly reducing ground clearance.
5. Within twelve seconds of Launch Mode being enabled, release the brake pedal to launch the vehicle.
When you release the brake, Model S launches forward.
NOTE: Launch Mode is not available if Traction Control has been disabledSlip Start has been enabled (which allows
the wheels to spin). See Traction Control on page 127.
NOTE: Launch Mode is available only if the ambient temperature is 37° F (3° C) or warmer.

Driver Profiles
When you first adjust the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, or exterior side mirrors, the touchscreen prompts you
to create a driver profile to save these adjustments. Your profile also saves various preferences you make while
customizing Model S.