circumstances.
Rear Reading Lights
Model S is equipped with a reading light on each side of the rear seats, located above the door and next to the coat
hangers (see Coat Hangers on page 44). To turn a reading light on or off, press its lens. If you leave a reading light
turned on, it automatically turns off when Model S powers off.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
If equipped, the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) automatically adjusts the beam of the headlights to improve
your driving view. Electric sensors measure driving speed, steering angle and yaw (the rotation of the car around the
vertical axis) to determine the optimum position of the headlights based on current driving conditions. For example,
to improve visibility while driving on winding roads at night, the AFS casts the beam in the direction of the curve.
When low beam headlights are turned on and when driving at lower speeds, AFS improves lateral illumination to
increase the visibility of pedestrians and curbs, and to improve visibility when turning at a dark intersection, into a
driveway, or when making a u-turn.
If the AFS fails, the instrument panel displays an alert. Contact Tesla Service.

Turn Signals
To engage a turn signal, press the corresponding arrow button on the left side of the steering yoke (or steering
wheel). A turn signal cancels based on the angle of the steering yoke (or steering wheel) (for example, you finish
making a turn). You can also cancel a turn signal by pressing the turn signal button a second time.
If Controls > Lights > Automatic Turn Signals is set to Auto Cancel, turn signals cancel automatically when Model S
detects completion of a maneuver such as a merge, lane change, or a fork in the roadway. You can override
automatic cancellation at any time (for example, you want the turn signal to remain on because you are making
more than one lane change). To override, engage the turn signal by pressing and momentarily holding the turn signal
button (instead of just pressing). Then, when the first maneuver is complete, the turn signal remains on. If Automatic
Turn Signals is set to Off, you must cancel the turn signal manually by pressing the turn signal button after
maneuvers such as a merge, lane change, or fork in the roadway.

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When a turn signal is operating, the corresponding indicator lights up on the instrument panel and you
can hear a clicking sound.

Hazard Warning Flashers
To turn on the hazard warning flashers, press the button on the drive mode selector located at the front of the
center console. All turn signals flash. Press again to turn off.

If a severe crash is detected by your vehicle, the hazard warning flashers will automatically turn on and flash quickly
to increase visibility. Pressing the hazard warning flashers once will return the lights to their normal cadence.
Pressing a second time turns all hazard warning flashers off.
NOTE: Hazard warning flashers operate even without a key nearby.

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Condensation in Head or Tail Lights
Due to weather changes, humidity levels, or recent exposure to water (such as a car wash), condensation may
occasionally accumulate in your vehicle’s head or tail lights. This is normal— as the weather gets warmer and
humidity decreases, condensation often disappears on its own. If you notice water buildup within the exterior lenses,
or if the condensation affects the visibility of the exterior lights, contact Tesla Service.

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Wipers and Washers
Wipers and Washers
You can access wiper settings by touching the wiper button on the steering yoke (or steering wheel) or touching
Controls > Wipers.
Press the wiper button on the steering yoke (or steering wheel) to wipe the windshield.
Press and hold the wiper button to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. After releasing the button, the wipers
perform two additional wipes then, depending on vehicle and environmental conditions, a third wipe a few seconds
later. You can also press and hold the wiper button for a continuous spray of washer fluid—the wipers perform the
wipes after you release.
Whenever you press the wiper button, the instrument panel displays the wiper menu, allowing you to adjust wiper
settings. Roll the left scroll button on the steering yoke (or steering wheel) up or down to choose your desired
setting.

1. Turn the wipers off.
2. Choose how you want the wipers to operate:
◦ Auto - Model S detects whether or not it is raining. When liquid is detected on the windshield, Model S
determines the optimal frequency of the wipers. If Model S does not detect liquid on the windshield, the
wipers do not operate.
NOTE: Autosteer and traffic-aware cruise control require wipers to be set to Auto. This setting is automatic
and you cannot change it.

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NOTE: The Auto setting is currently in BETA. If uncertain about using the Auto setting while in the BETA
phase, Tesla recommends operating the wipers manually, as necessary.
◦ I - Intermittent, slow.
◦ II - Intermittent, fast.
◦ III - Continuous, slow.
◦ IIII - Continuous, fast.
NOTE: If you choose Auto and the ability to detect liquid on the windshield becomes unavailable, the wiper
setting reverts to the most recently used manual setting. If a manual setting cannot be determined, the wipers
turn off.
NOTE: You can also adjust the windshield wiper speed and frequency using voice commands (see Voice
Commands on page 20).
CAUTION: To avoid the risk of damaging the wipers, do not leave the wipers set to Auto when washing
Model S.
Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper blades. If a blade is damaged, replace it immediately. For details
on checking and replacing wiper blades, see Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid on page 236.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the hood, ensure that the hood is fully closed before activating the windshield
wipers.
CAUTION: Remove ice from the windshield before turning the wipers on. Ice has sharp edges that can damage
the rubber on the wiper blades.
CAUTION: In harsh climates, ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen or adhered to the windshield.

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Braking and Stopping
Braking Systems
WARNING: Properly functioning braking systems are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a problem with
the brake pedal, brake calipers, or any component of a Model S braking system, contact Tesla immediately.
Model S has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking when you apply maximum
brake pressure. This improves steering control during heavy braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the ABS constantly monitors the speed of each wheel and varies the brake
pressure according to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. This demonstrates that
the ABS is operating and is not a cause for concern. Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator briefly flashes amber on the instrument panel when you first start Model S. If this indicator lights
up at any other time, an ABS fault has occurred and the ABS is not operating. Contact Tesla. The braking system
remains fully operational and is not affected by an ABS failure. However, braking distances may increase. Drive
cautiously and avoid heavy braking.
If the instrument panel displays this red brake indicator at any time other than briefly when you first start Model S,
a brake system fault is detected, or the level of the brake fluid is low. Contact Tesla immediately. Apply steady
pressure and keep the brakes firm to bring the vehicle to a stop when safe to do so.
The instrument panel displays this amber brake indicator if a brake booster fault is detected. Apply steady pressure
and keep the brakes firm to stop the vehicle when safety permits. Hydraulic Boost Compensation will be active
(see Hydraulic Boost Compensation on page 103).
WARNING: When driving a Model S Plaid equipped with the optional Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit in
temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), the instrument panel displays an alert
indicating that stability and braking performance may be degraded in cold weather. You may need to increase
the amount of pressure you apply to the brake pedal when driving in cold weather. Be aware of this reduced
performance and drive cautiously in cold weather conditions.
WARNING: The Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is Limited feature is not available on Model S that
have the "Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit" installed.
Emergency Braking

In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal and maintain firm pressure, even on low traction surfaces. The ABS
varies the braking pressure to each wheel according to the amount of traction available. This prevents wheels from
locking and ensures that you stop as safely as possible.
If an alternative method is needed to bring the vehicle to a stop, press and hold the Park button on the
touchscreen's drive mode strip to apply the brakes and remove drive torque while the button is held. Touch Controls
to display the drive mode strip.
WARNING: Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS and can increase braking
distance.
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).
CAUTION: Automatic Emergency Braking (see Collision Avoidance Assist on page 166) 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.

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CAUTION: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, press and hold the Park button
on the center console or touchscreenon the drive stalk to bring Model S to a stop. Do not use this method to
stop the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
Dynamic Brake Lights (if equipped)

If you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h) and brake forcefully (or if Automatic Emergency Braking engages), the
brake lights flash quickly to warn other drivers that Model S is rapidly slowing down. If Model S stops completely, the
hazard warning lights flash. Flashing continues until you press the accelerator or manually press the hazard lights
button to turn them off (see Hazard Warning Flashers on page 98).
NOTE: When towing a trailer (if applicable), the brake lights on the trailer also operate as described above, even
when the trailer is not equipped with a separate braking system.
WARNING: When towing a trailer (if applicable), always increase your following distance. Sudden braking may
result in skidding, jack-knifing, and loss of control.
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 equipped with hydraulic fade compensation. This 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 the brakes.
CAUTION: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, press and hold the Park button
on the center console or touchscreenon the drive stalk to bring Model S to a stop. Do not use this method to
stop the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
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 a 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—brake pedal responsiveness and braking performance may be degraded.
Regenerative Braking
Whenever Model S is moving and your foot is off the accelerator, regenerative braking slows down the vehicle and
feeds any surplus power back to the Battery. By anticipating your stops and reducing or removing pressure from the
accelerator pedal to slow down, you can take advantage of regenerative braking to increase driving range.
Vehicle deceleration due to regenerative braking may vary depending on the current state of the Battery. For
example, regenerative braking may be limited if the Battery is cold or is already fully charged.
To experience the same amount of deceleration whenever you release the accelerator pedal, regardless of the state
of the Battery, you can choose to have the regular braking system automatically engage whenever regenerative
braking is limited. Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is Limited.
WARNING: Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is Limited may not operate if the brakes are extremely
hot.
NOTE: If Apply Brakes When Regenerative Braking is Limited is enabled and applying the brakes, the brake pedal
may move and it may feel stiffer when pressed. This is expected and does not change your ability to slow down
Model S.
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The power meter (a thin horizontal line centered at the bottom of the instrument panel) displays real-time power
usage:

1. The left side of the power meter represents power generated from regenerative braking, or power that is used to
slow down the vehicle. Power being fed back to the Battery displays in green whereas power used by the regular
braking system displays in gray.
2. The right side of the power meter shows power being output by the Battery, such as that used to accelerate the
vehicle or to cool the cabin. When you press the accelerator pedal, the power meter fills to the right with black
(or white if the display is dark).
NOTE: Installing winter tires with aggressive compound and tread design may result in temporarily-reduced
regenerative braking power. However, your vehicle is designed to continuously recalibrate itself, and after changing
tires it will increasingly restore regenerative braking power after some straight-line accelerations. For most drivers
this occurs after a short period of normal driving, but drivers who normally accelerate lightly may need to use
slightly harder accelerations while the recalibration is in progress. Touch Service > Wheel & Tire > Tires to select
winter tires and quicken this process.
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.
NOTE: Because Model S uses regenerative braking, the brake pads are typically used less frequently than those in
traditional braking systems. To avoid the accumulation of rust and corrosion, Tesla recommends frequently pressing
the brake pedal to apply the mechanical brakes and dry the brake pads and rotors.
WARNING: In snowy or icy conditions, Model S may experience loss of traction during regenerative braking.
Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake, touch Controls > Safety > Parking Brake. Follow the onscreen instructions.
Use the touchscreen to manually release the parking brake (which also shifts Model S into Neutral):
1. Touch Controls > Safety.
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, 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 269).
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.

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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 250. 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). 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
Medium 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 Medium 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.
NOTE: You can also raise the suspension to High by touching the Raise Suspension shortcut on the main Controls
window.
• Medium - The Medium 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 Medium 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.
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• Sport - Provides a firmer, more controlled ride that increases driver engagement and connection to the road.
• 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 - 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.
NOTE: Settings for Adaptive Suspension Damping are disabled when Track Mode is engaged. Track Mode
automatically optimizes adaptive damping settings to support aggressive driving on a closed circuit driving course
(see Track Mode on page 114).
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.
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. Or, when using the Raise Suspension shortcut on the
main Controls window, touch to deselect Location Saved.
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 240.

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Park Assist
How Park Assist Works
This feature may be temporarily limited or inactive until it is enabled with a future software update for vehicles
manufactured as of approximately January 2023.
Model S is designed to detect the presence of objects. When driving slowly (for example, when parking), the vehicle
alerts you if an object is detected in close proximity of your Model S. The vehicle alerts you when objects are
detected in front of Model S when you are in Drive, and behind Model S when you are 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).

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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 109). 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.
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 you
start driving faster than the speed at which Park Assist operates. When reversing, visual feedback also displays on
the touchscreen (see Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 121). You can manually close the park assist view on the
touchscreen by touching the X.
When driving at low speeds with the Camera app displayed on the touchscreen, you can switch to the Park Assist
view by touching 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 109), 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 the speed at which Park Assist operates.
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).
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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).
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 121).

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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.
When the vehicle's stopping mode is set to Hold, Vehicle Hold is automatically enabled any time the vehicle comes
to a complete stop.
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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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: Traction control cannot prevent collisions caused by driving dangerously or turning too sharply at
high speeds.
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.
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
Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Acceleration to choose a preferred acceleration mode:
• Chill limits acceleration for a slightly smoother and gentler ride.
NOTE: When Chill is selected, Chill displays on the instrument panel, above the driving speed.
• Sport provides the normal level of acceleration.
• Insane (called Plaid on performance vehicles, if equipped) provides the maximum level of acceleration
immediately available.
NOTE: Using the increased torque and power available in Insane or Plaid mode can reduce range and efficiency.
NOTE: Insane or Plaid 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.).
NOTE: You can improve the efficiency of the cabin heating by reducing your selected acceleration mode. This allows
the heat pump system to take more heat from the Battery to efficiently heat the cabin, instead of maintaining the
Battery's ability to provide peak acceleration performance. This helps to maximize driving efficiency in colder
weather. Note that when subsequently increasing the acceleration mode, the Battery requires time to warm up
before the increased level of acceleration is available.
In addition, Model S features Drag Strip Mode. Using Drag Strip Mode to precondition your Model S is useful before a
short distance race.
Drag Strip Mode
Drag Strip Mode preconditions the Battery and drive unit to ideal operating temperatures for timed acceleration.
Model S stays in Drag Strip Mode for three hours, even if you leave the vehicle. After three hours, the feature times
out to prevent unnecessary energy consumption (for example, you leave the vehicle and forget to cancel Drag Strip
Mode).
When using Drag Strip Mode, Model S consumes more energy to keep the Battery within an optimal temperature
range.
Cancel Drag Strip Mode at any time by toggling Drag Strip Mode off.
NOTE: Drag Strip Mode automatically disables Slip Start when enabled.
WARNING: Drag Strip Mode is designed for use on closed circuit driving courses only. It is the driver’s
responsibility to ensure that driving style and acceleration do not endanger or inconvenience other road users.
How to Launch the Vehicle

The touchscreen provides visual instructions on how to launch:
1. Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Drag Strip Mode.
2. Wait for the instrument panel to indicate that the vehicle is Peak Performance Ready.
3. With Model S shifted into Drive and at a complete stop, firmly hold the brake pedal with your left foot, then fully
press the accelerator pedal.
4. Once step 3 is complete, the front suspension begins lowering into a "cheetah stance".
NOTE: Suspension lowering for "cheetah stance" significantly reduces ground clearance.
5. Wait for the instrument panel to indicate that Drag Strip Mode is Ready to Launch.
6. Once you see "Cheetah Stance Enabled" and "Ready to launch" on the instrument panel, release the brake pedal
to launch the vehicle.

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Track Mode
Track Mode, available only on Plaid Model S vehicles, is designed to modify the stability control, traction control,
regenerative braking, and cooling systems to increase performance and handling while driving on closed circuit
courses. Track Mode improves cornering ability by intelligently using the motors, and regenerative and traditional
braking systems. When enabled, the cooling system runs at an increased level during and after aggressive driving
sessions to allow your vehicle’s systems to withstand the surplus heat.
In Track Mode, adaptive suspension damping is optimized for handling and vehicle body control to promote driver
confidence in dynamic maneuvers. Ride height is automatically set to Low and the suspension no longer
automatically raises for comfort over rough surfaces.
WARNING: Track Mode is designed for use only by experienced drivers familiar with closed circuit driving
courses. Do not use on public roads. It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely and be in control of the
vehicle and all times to ensure safety to self and others. Vehicle behavior (including traction and stability
control) differs when using Track Mode and driver must exercise caution at all times.
WARNING: For speeds above 158 mph (255 km/h), GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross
Axle Weight Ratings) must not exceed the maximums stated on the Vehicle Certification label (see Vehicle
Loading on page 245).
Using Track Mode
Track Mode is always disabled when you start Model S. To enable Track Mode for your current drive, shift into Park
and follow these steps:
1. Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Track Mode.
When enabled, TRACK displays on the instrument panel above the driving speed, and a Track Mode pane appears
on the map. The Track Mode pane displays important at-a-glance status information about the Battery and the
motors (see Monitoring Vehicle Health on page 116) and a real-time accelerometer (see G-Meter on page 116).
2. If desired, customize the Track Mode settings by touching Customize on the Track Mode pane of the touchscreen
(see Customizing Track Mode on page 115). You can also customize the Track Mode settings by touching Pedals &
Steering > Driving, then touching Customize next to the Track Mode setting.
3. If desired, start the Lap Timer (see Using the Lap Timer on page 116).
4. Shift into gear and GO!
If you started the Lap Timer, each time you pass the start/finish location, the timer resets for the next lap. See
Using the Lap Timer on page 116.
When Track Mode is on:
◦ Autopilot features are unavailable.
◦ The Slip Start setting is overridden.
◦ Energy usage increases.
◦ Entertainment features are unavailable.
◦ Settings for Adaptive Suspension Damping are disabled (Track Mode automatically optimizes adaptive
damping to support aggressive driving).
Use the touchscreen setting to turn Track Mode off at any time. Powering off Model S also turns off Track Mode
(although it may still appear on the touchscreen if Post-Drive cooling is in progress). When Track Mode is off, all
settings return to their previous state and all features return to their normal operating state.
NOTE: If Model S powers off while Track Mode is still enabled for Post-Drive cooling, the touchscreen displays a
popup that provides quick access to re-enabling it when you power Model S back on.

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Top Speed, Tires, and Tire Pressures
A Model S equipped with Tesla Carbon Ceramic brakes is capable of achieving a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).
To support this top speed, Model S must be equipped with the following tires at the recommended pressures:

Goodyear Supercar 3R

Cold - 32 psi*