Check the boxes on the touchscreen popup to exclude bookmarks and/or history for your convenience.

Dashcam
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle
may not be equipped with Dashcam or the features may not operate exactly as described. It is your sole
responsibility to consult and comply with all local regulations and property restrictions regarding the use of
cameras.
Dashcam records video footage of your vehicle's surroundings while driving. Use Dashcam to record driving
incidents or other notable events, like you would for an external dashcam on other vehicles.

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The Dashcam icon is located in the app launcher. You can add the Dashcam app to the bottombar for easy access
(see Customizing My Apps on page 8). When Model S is in Park, touching the Dashcam icon displays the Viewer (see
Viewing Video Recordings on page 196).

To protect your privacy, video recordings are saved locally to a formatted USB flash drive's onboard memory.
Recordings are not sent to Tesla. Model S does not record videos when Dashcam is Off.
How to Use Dashcam
1. Format a USB flash drive. Dashcam requires a properly formatted USB drive inserted in your vehicle's USB port to
store and retrieve footage. Vehicles manufactured beginning approximately 2020 are equipped with a preformatted USB flash drive in the glove box. There are two ways to format the flash drive if needed:
◦ Insert the flash drive into the USB port and navigate to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. Model S
automatically formats the flash drive for you.
◦ Format the flash drive on a computer. See USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos on page 195 for more
information.
2. Insert the USB flash drive into your vehicle's USB port, preferably the one in the glovebox (if equipped).
3. Enable Dashcam by touching Controls > Safety > Dashcam. Dashcam allows you to choose how and when
footage is saved. You can choose between:
◦ Auto: Dashcam automatically saves a recording to the USB drive when Model S detects a safety-critical event,
such as a collision or airbag deployment. When Auto is selected, detection can vary and is subject to your
vehicle's power, sleep, and Autopilot state.
NOTE: Several factors determine whether Dashcam automatically saves a recording of a safety-critical event
(for example, amount of force, whether or not airbags deploy, etc.). Do not rely on Dashcam to automatically
record all safety-critical events.
◦ Manual: You must manually touch the Dashcam icon to save a recording of the most recent ten minutes of
footage.
◦ On Honk: When you press the horn, Dashcam saves a recording of the most recent ten minutes of footage. You
can enable this along with Auto or Manual simultaneously.
4. Once enabled, the Dashcam icon indicates when footage is saved. You can also view the status of the Dashcam
icon in Controls:

The icon changes to show the status of Dashcam:
RECORDING: Dashcam is recording. To save video footage, touch the icon. To pause recording,
press and hold the icon.

AVAILABLE: Dashcam Is available but not actively recording. Touch the dashcam icon to start
recording footage.

PAUSED: Dashcam is paused. To resume recording, touch the icon. To avoid losing video footage,
pause Dashcam before removing the flash drive.

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BUSY: Dashcam is in the process of loading, saving, or overwriting footage. While dashcam is busy,
footage is not being captured and recorded.

SAVED: Footage is saved.

NOTE: Once saved, Dashcam saves the last 10 minutes of footage.
5. When your desired footage is saved, view the clips on the touchscreen or a computer:
◦ Touchscreen: Ensure Model S is in Park and touch the Dashcam icon in the app launcher. Videos are organized
by timestamp. See Viewing Video Recordings on page 196 for more information.
◦ Computer: Insert the USB flash drive into a computer and navigate to the TeslaCam folder. Videos are
organized by timestamp. See Viewing Video Recordings on page 196 for more information.
6. To turn Dashcam off, navigate to Controls > Safety > Dash cam > Off. If set to Auto, Manual, or On Honk,
Dashcam automatically enables (but may not be actively saving footage, depending on your preferences) every
time you drive.

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Sentry Mode
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle
may not be equipped with Sentry Mode or the features may not operate exactly as described. It is your sole
responsibility to consult and comply with all local regulations and property restrictions regarding the use of
cameras.
When enabled, your vehicle's cameras and sensors (if equipped) remain powered on and ready to record suspicious
activity around your vehicle when Model S is locked and in Park. Think of Sentry Mode as an intelligent vehicle
security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby.
If a threat is detected, Sentry Mode pulses the headlights, sounds the alarm, and displays a message on the
touchscreen indicating that the cameras may be recording to inform individuals outside of the vehicle. The mobile
app alerts you of the alarm and footage of the event is saved to USB drive (if installed).
Sentry Mode is disabled by default. You can use voice commands or the Tesla mobile app to easily enable or disable
Sentry Mode. To enable Sentry Mode using voice commands, say "Keep Tesla safe," "Keep my car safe," "Sentry on,"
or "Enable Sentry" (see Voice Commands on page 23).
Sentry Mode requires your Battery to be at least 20% charged. If the Battery falls below 20%, Sentry Mode turns off
and the mobile app sends you a notification. Power consumption may increase when Sentry Mode is active.
NOTE: When Sentry Mode is enabled, the Security Alarm settings (Controls > Safety > Security Alarm) are not
available.
CAUTION: Do not rely on Sentry Mode to protect Model S from all possible security threats. Sentry Mode uses
many factors to determine whether to activate the security alarm. All impacts may not be detected and the
alarm may not activate in all situations. While it may help deter some threats, no security system can prevent
all attacks.
How to Use Sentry Mode (With a USB Flash Drive)
1. Sentry Mode requires a properly formatted USB drive inserted in your vehicle's USB port. Vehicles manufactured
beginning approximately 2020 are equipped with a pre-formatted USB flash drive in the glove box. There are two
ways to format the USB drive:
◦ Insert the USB drive into the USB port and navigate to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. Your vehicle
automatically formats the USB drive for you.
◦ Format the USB drive on a computer. See USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos on page 195 for more
information.
2. Insert the USB drive into the vehicle's USB port, preferrable the one in the glove box (if equipped).
3. With your vehicle in Park, enable Dashcam by navigating to Controls > Safety > Dashcam (Dashcam must be
enabled for Sentry Mode to work).
4. Touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > On. Once enabled, the Sentry Mode icon on the status bar turns red.

NOTE: Rear camera recordings are available only on vehicles manufactured after approximately February 2018.
When enabled, Sentry Mode is idle, ready to sound the alarm and save a recording of the security event if
triggered. See Viewing Video Recordings on page 196 for information on viewing footage.
5. To manually enable/disable Sentry Mode until the next drive, touch the Sentry Mode icon. Sentry Mode is Off
when the icon is no longer red.

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Turn Sentry Mode Off in Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode to disable for more than one drive cycle.
How to Use Sentry Mode (Without a USB Flash Drive)
When Sentry mode is enabled and a security event is detected but without a USB drive plugged into a USB port,
your vehicle alerts you through the mobile app, without any camera recordings.
Sentry Mode Settings
• Exclude specific locations
In Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode, you can determine if you want Sentry Mode to not enable in certain locations
(see Home, Work, and Favorite Destinations on page 210 for more information):
◦ Exclude Home: Sentry Mode does not automatically enable at the location set as Home in your Favorites list.
◦ Exclude Work: Sentry Mode does not automatically enable at the location set as Work in your Favorites list.
◦ Exclude Favorites: Sentry Mode does not automatically enable at any location in your Favorites list.
NOTE: To recognize a location listed as Home, Work, or a Favorite, Model S must be parked within
approximately 1,640 feet (500 meters) of the saved location.
To set up your Home or Work location, touch Navigate > Set Home/Set Work. To set up a Favorite, touch the star
when viewing an address on the map. Manually turning Sentry Mode on or off using the touchscreen or the
mobile app overrides your Home, Work, or Favorite exclusion preferences until the next time you drive.
• Set Camera-Based Detection
When Camera-Based Detection is enabled, Sentry Mode uses the vehicle’s external cameras in addition to vehicle
sensors to detect a security event while parked. If disabled, your vehicle only saves clips to the USB drive if a
physical threat is detected. To adjust, touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > Camera-Based Detection.

See Viewing Video Recordings on page 196 for more information on viewing Sentry Mode footage.
NOTE: When the internal storage reaches full capacity, new recordings overwrite the older recordings.

USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos
Some features require you to use a USB drive (for example, Dashcam, Sentry Mode) that meet these requirements:
• Minimum storage capacity of 64 GB. Use a USB drive with as much available storage as possible. Video footage
can occupy a large amount of space.
• A sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. Note that sustained write speed differs from peak write speed.
• USB 2.0 compatible. If using a USB 3.0 drive, it must also support USB 2.0.
• Properly formatted (described below).
NOTE: In some market regions you can purchase recommended USB drives on http://www.tesla.com.
Automatically Formatting a USB Drive
Insert the USB drive into a front USB port and touch Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. This automatically
formats the USB drive as exFAT and creates a folder for TeslaCam. The USB drive is now ready to record and save
video footage.
Format USB Drive is available only when a USB drive (with one or fewer partitions) is inserted into a front USB port.
Choosing Format USB Drive erases any existing content on the USB drive—before using this feature, move any
content you want to keep to a different device.
Manually Formatting a USB Drive
If Model S is unable to format the USB drive, format it using a computer:
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1. Format the USB drive as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (for Mac), ext3, or ext4 (NTFS is currently not supported).
2. Create a base-level folder titled TeslaCam. You can use one USB drive for Dashcam, Sentry Mode, and audio files,
but you must create separate partitions for each folder on an exFAT USB drive.
3. Once formatted, insert the USB drive into the glovebox USB port (if equipped), otherwise use a front USB port in
the center console. Do not use a rear USB port because they can be used only to charge devices. It may take a
few seconds for Model S to recognize the USB drive.
4. Once recognized, ensure icons for Dashcam and Sentry Mode appear at the top of your touchscreen. Model S is
now ready to record videos.
NOTE: You may need to first enable Sentry Mode by touching Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode.
Viewing Video Recordings
If footage is saved, you can view the clips on the touchscreen or a computer.
When the USB drive runs out of storage space, video footage can no longer be saved. To prevent the USB drive from
getting full, regularly move saved videos to another device and delete them from the USB drive.
Viewing on the Touchscreen

You can view recorded footage on the touchscreen when Model S is in Park. Touch the Dashcam icon located in the
app launcher, or the Dashcam icon at the top of the touchscreen. Touch the menu icon in the top corner of the
screen. The tabs display a list of all video clips, organized by location and timestamp. Pause, rewind, fast forward,
and delete clips as needed.
Navigate to Controls > Safety > Delete Dashcam Clips to delete all Dashcam and Sentry Mode footage.
NOTE: Dashcam recording pauses when you launch the Viewer.
Viewing on a Computer

Insert the USB drive into a computer and navigate to the TeslaCam folder.
The TeslaCam folder contains sub-folders:
• Saved Clips: Contains all recordings that are saved using Dashcam.
• Sentry Clips: Contains recordings from all Sentry Mode security events. If storage space on the USB drive
becomes limited, the oldest Sentry Clips are deleted to provide space for new ones. Once deleted, you cannot
retrieve them.

Climate

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Operating Climate Controls
Overview of Climate Controls
Climate controls are available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate control is set to Auto, which
maintains optimum comfort in all but the most severe weather conditions. When you adjust the cabin temperature
while in the Auto setting, the system automatically adjusts the heating, air conditioning, air distribution, and fan
speed to maintain the cabin at your selected temperature.
Touch the displayed temperature at the bottom of the touchscreen to access the main climate controls screen,
where you can adjust your climate preferences. You can return to Auto at any time by touching Auto. Touch the
power button on the main climate controls screen to toggle on or off. For quick access to common controls, touch <
or > to display the climate popup.
NOTE: The climate control system is powered by the high voltage Battery. Therefore, prolonged use decreases
driving range.
WARNING: To avoid burns resulting from prolonged use, individuals who have peripheral neuropathy, or whose
capacity to feel pain is limited because of diabetes, age, neurological injury, or some other condition, should
exercise caution when using the climate control system and seat heaters.
Adjusting Climate Control Settings
NOTE: Easily adjust your climate preferences, such as turning on the seat heater or changing the cabin temperature,
hands-free by using voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 23).

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NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See
Customizing My Apps on page 8.
1. Touch to turn the climate control system on or off.
2. Touch Auto to turn the Auto setting on or off.
3. Touch the driver's side seat icon to adjust seat heaters for the driver. The seat operates at three levels from 3
(highest) to 1 (lowest). For one-touch access to seat heaters, you can add them to the touchscreen's bottom bar
(see Customizing My Apps on page 8).
4. Touch to turn on the wiper defrosters (if equipped). Wipers defrost for 15 minutes then turn off automatically.
5. Touch to turn the heater on or off for the steering wheel (if equipped).
6. When in Park, these settings display to allow you to keep the climate control system operating, even when you
leave Model S (see Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp on page 199).
7. Touch to turn all seat heaters off.
8. Touch to adjust seat heaters for front and rear seats.
9. Touch the passenger's side seat icon to adjust seat heaters for the front passenger. The seat operates at three
levels from 3 (highest) to 1 (lowest). For one-touch access to seat heaters, you can add them to the touchscreen's
bottom bar (see Customizing My Apps on page 8).
10. If your Model S is equipped with the medical-grade HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, this filter ensures
the best quality air inside the cabin whenever the climate control system is on and outside air is entering the
cabin (recirculate is off). The HEPA filter is extremely effective at removing particles, including pollution,
allergens, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, and viruses. Both the HEPA filter and the secondary filtration system also
contain activated carbon to remove a broad spectrum of odors and gases. When you engage Bioweapon Defense
Mode, the positive pressure inside the cabin minimizes the amount of outside air that can enter the vehicle.
NOTE: Some gases, such as carbon monoxide, are not effectively removed by activated carbon.
11. When Model S is in Park, touch Schedule to set a recurring daily time when you want Model S to be ready to drive
by preconditioning the Battery and cabin climate and/or charging during off-peak hours (see Scheduled
Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 232).
12. The windshield defroster distributes air flow to the windshield. Touch once to defog the windshield (the icon turns
blue). Touch a second time to defrost the windshield. Touch a third time to turn off and restore the air
distribution, heating, and fan to their previous settings. In cold ambient temperatures, the exterior side mirrors are
also heated whenever the windshield defroster is operating. See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 203 for
more information on preparing for cold weather.
13. Touch to control the flow of air inside the cabin. Air can be drawn into Model S from outside or air can be
recirculated inside the cabin.
14. Use the slider to adjust the fan speed.
NOTE: Adjusting the fan speed may change the selected setting for how air is drawn into Model S in order to
increase or reduce air flow.
15. Touch to turn the air conditioning system on or off. Turning it off reduces cooling, but saves energy.
NOTE: Because Model S runs much quieter than a gasoline-powered vehicle, you may notice the sound of the air
conditioning compressor as it is operating. To minimize noise, reduce the fan speed.
16. Choose where air flows into the front cabin (windshield, face-level, or foot-level vents). You can choose one or
more vents.

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Climate Popup
Touch the temperature arrows on the bottom of the touchscreen to display a popup for easy access to some of the
most common climate controls:

NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See
Customizing My Apps on page 8.
1. Touch to access the main climate controls screen.
2. Enable or disable heated or cooled seats (if equipped).
3. Enable or disable the front or rear windshield defrosters.
4. Modify the cabin temperature by dragging the slider. You can also enable temperature splitting which allows the
driver and front passenger to customize their own climate preferences. The front passenger can touch the
temperature icon on the bottom of the touchscreen or the main climate controls screen to adjust. Touch Split
again to disable climate splitting.
Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp
The Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp settings allow you to keep the climate control system running when in Park,
even after you've left Model S or choose to stay inside the vehicle. These settings are useful when it is important to
maintain the cabin temperature in hot or cold weather conditions. For example, when leaving groceries in Model S
on hot days, you may want to use Keep Climate On to prevent spoilage.
Dog is designed to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature for your pet while you actively and frequently monitor
this temperature using the mobile app (which requires both your phone and the vehicle to have cellular
connectivity). When in Dog, the touchscreen displays the current cabin temperature to inform people passing by
that your pet is safe. This setting is not intended for people, and should only be used for short periods of time while
you stay in close proximity should you need to return to the vehicle in situations where the temperature can no
longer be maintained.
Camp allows you to power electronics through the USB ports and low voltage outlet in addition to maintaining the
cabin temperature. The touchscreen remains on so you can play music, browse the internet, play games in the
arcade, or watch shows in Tesla Theater. You can also control media and climate settings from a paired phone. Camp
is ideal for remaining inside your vehicle, such as camping or staying with a child. While active, Sentry Mode and the
vehicle alarm system are disabled. Walk-Away Door Lock is inactive.
To operate Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp:
1. Make sure the Battery's charge level is at least 20%.
2. Engage Park. The Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp settings are available only when Model S is in Park.
3. If necessary, adjust the climate settings.
4. On the climate controls screen, touch Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp.
NOTE: You can also control Dog and Camp from the mobile app, by swiping up from the gray bar on the Climate
screen.

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The climate control system attempts to maintain your climate settings until you shift out of Park or manually turn it
off. Avoid using Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp when the Battery's charge level is low. If the Battery's charge level
drops below 20%, the Tesla mobile app attempts to repeatedly send notifications reminding you to check on
anything that you have left in Model S.
NOTE: Software updates cannot be performed when Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp is active.
NOTE: The intrusion sensor (if equipped) automatically disables when Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp is active.
However, you can override this behavior and keep the intrusion sensor enabled. To do so, touch Controls > Safety >
Tilt/Intrusion after enabling Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp. However, note that keeping the intrusion sensor
enabled while Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp is active can trigger an alarm event as a result of air movement inside
the cabin.
WARNING: Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.
WARNING: Check local laws for any restrictions on leaving pets unattended in your vehicle.
WARNING: You are responsible for the safety of your dog or pet. Never leave them in Model S for long periods
of time. Constantly monitor the vehicle temperature and their well-being. Make sure you have sufficient cellular
coverage on your phone and time to return to the vehicle, if necessary.
WARNING: In the unlikely event that your climate control system needs service or is not working as expected,
avoid using Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp. Never rely on your vehicle to protect something irreplaceable.
WARNING: You can adjust and monitor the climate control system remotely using the mobile app. However, if
you use the mobile app to turn off the climate control system, Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp stop
operating.
Cabin Overheat Protection
Cabin Overheat Protection prevents the cabin from getting too hot in scorching ambient conditions. While not
necessary to activate whenever you leave Model S, the climate control system can reduce and maintain the
temperature of your vehicle’s cabin. This can prevent the cabin from getting too hot after leaving it parked in the
sun, making the vehicle more comfortable when you return. Cabin Overheat Protection may take up to 15 minutes to
enable once you exit the vehicle. This feature is intended for passenger comfort and has no impact on the reliability
of your vehicle's components.
To turn on, touch Controls > Safety > Cabin Overheat Protection and choose:
• On: The air conditioning operates when the cabin temperature exceeds 105° F (40° C). Customizing temperatures
may require the most recent version of the mobile app.
• Off: Disables Cabin Overheat Protection.
You can also enable Cabin Overheat Protection remotely through the mobile app by touching Climate. Swipe up on
the bottom menu and select a setting under Cabin Overheat Protection (see Mobile App on page 81).
Cabin Overheat Protection operates until 12 hours has elapsed once you exit Model S, or until the Battery energy
drops below 20%, whichever comes first. Using Cabin Overheat Protection requires energy from the Battery, which
may decrease range.
NOTE: To enable Cabin Overheat Protection, Tilt/Intrusion must be turned off.
WARNING: Due to automatic shut-off, extreme outside conditions, or other potential inability to maintain the
selected temperature, the inside of the vehicle can become dangerously hot, even when Cabin Overheat
Protection is enabled. If you experience temperatures exceeding the selected temperature repeatedly, contact
Tesla service.
WARNING: Never leave children or pets in the vehicle unattended. Due to automatic shut-off or extreme
outside conditions, the inside of the vehicle can become dangerously hot, even when Cabin Overheat
Protection is enabled.
Climate Control Operating Tips
• When you use the mobile app to turn on the climate control system, it automatically turns off when the charge
level drops to 20%, or if two hours has passed. To cool or heat the cabin for a longer period of time, charge the
vehicle and re-enable your climate control preference through the mobile app.

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• You may hear the sound of the climate system inside the cabin of Model S when Parked. It makes a low fan noise.
The climate system attempts to dry itself out to minimize additional moisture or musty odors. This is a normal
operation and not a cause for concern.
• To conserve energy, turn on Range Mode to limit the power of the climate control system (touch Controls >
Pedals & Steering > Range Mode). Cabin heating and cooling may be less effective, but you can use seat heaters
to provide warmth in colder climates.
• If the climate control system is louder than you prefer, manually reduce the fan speed.
• In addition to cooling the interior, the air conditioning compressor also cools the Battery. Therefore, in hot
weather, the air conditioning compressor can turn on even if you turned it off. This is normal because the system’s
priority is to cool the Battery to ensure it stays within an optimum temperature range to support longevity and
optimum performance.
• Even when not in use, you may hear Model S emit a whining noise or the sound of water circulating. These sounds
are normal and occur when the internal cooling systems turn on to support various vehicle functions, such as
maintaining the low voltage battery and balancing the temperature of the high voltage Battery.
• To ensure the climate control system operates efficiently, close all windows and ensure that the exterior grille in
front of the windshield is free of ice, snow, leaves, and other debris.
• In very humid conditions, it is normal for the windshield to fog slightly when you first turn on the air conditioning.
• It is normal for a small pool of water to form under Model S when parked. Extra water produced by the
dehumidifying process is drained underneath.
• To reduce the temperature in the cabin in hot weather conditions, the fan may turn on to vent the cabin when the
vehicle is parked. This occurs only if the battery's charge level is above 20%.

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Vents
Outside air is drawn into Model S through the grill in front of the windshield. Keep the grill clear of obstructions such
as leaves and snow.
To direct the flow of air inside Model S, move the interior vents up, down, or from side to side.

NOTE: You can direct the outer face level vents toward the side windows to help defrost or defog them.
Cabin Air Filter(s)
Model S has one or more air filters to prevent pollen, industrial fallout, road dust and other particles from entering
through the vents.
NOTE: Cabin air filter(s) require periodic replacement. See Service Intervals on page 237.

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Cold Weather Best Practices
To ensure that Model S provides you with the best ownership experience possible in harsh cold weather conditions,
follow these best practices.
Before Driving
When snow and ice accumulate on your vehicle, moving parts, such as the door handles, windows, mirrors, and
wipers can freeze in place. To achieve maximum range and performance, it is helpful to warm the cabin and Battery
before driving. There are several ways to do so:
• Touch Schedule, available on both the charging and climate control screens, to set a time when you want your
vehicle to be ready to drive (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 232).
• In the mobile app, navigate to Climate to customize the temperature at which you want to heat the cabin. This
also warms the high voltage Battery as needed.
• In the mobile app, navigate to Climate > Defrost to melt snow, ice, and frost on the windshield, windows, and
mirrors. This also warms the high voltage Battery as needed.
NOTE: Tesla recommends activating climate settings at least 30-45 minutes before departure (see Operating
Climate Controls on page 197). Preconditioning times depend on outside temperature and other factors. The
mobile app will notify you once your vehicle has reached the desired preconditioning temperature.
Charge Port

If your charge port latch freezes in place and a charging cable becomes stuck in the charge port, try manually
releasing the charge cable. See Manually Releasing Charge Cable on page 230.
In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is possible that your charge port latch may freeze in place. In cases
where you cannot remove or insert the charge cable, or the vehicle is not Supercharging due to the latch being
frozen in place, use the Defrost Car setting in the mobile app. This can help thaw ice on the charge port latch so the
charge cable can be removed or inserted.
You can also prevent the occurrence of a charge port latch freezing in place by using the Schedule settings (see
Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 232).
NOTE: If your charge port latch is frozen in place, it may not lock the charging cable in place when inserted, but it
can still charge at a slow AC rate even if the latch is not engaged.
Charging

By using Trip Planner (if available) to navigate to a Tesla charging location, Model S pre-heats the high voltage
Battery to ensure when you arrive at the charger, the temperature of the Battery is optimal and ready to charge. This
reduces the amount of time it takes to charge. See (see Trip Planner on page 213).
NOTE: Tesla recommends using Trip Planner to navigate to a charging location for at least 30-45 minutes before
arrival to ensure optimal Battery temperature and charging conditions. If the drive to the charging location is less
than 30-45 minutes, consider preconditioning the Battery before driving (see Before Driving on page 203).
Windows

In the mobile app, go to Climate and select Defrost Car, which helps melt snow, ice, and frost on the windshield,
windows, and mirrors.
Use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment for Tesla to provide hydrophobic coating to the side and rear
windows (not the front windshield) for a nominal fee.
Mirrors

If ice buildup is expected when parking, turn off Auto-Fold Mirrors. Touch Controls > Vehicle > Auto-Fold. Ice can
prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or unfolding.
NOTE: Side mirrors automatically heat as needed during preconditioning, or when the rear defroster is turned on.
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Wipers

If you expect snow or ice to build up when parked, touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. This raises the
wipers against the windshield so they can defrost when the windshield defrosts (see Wipers and Washers on page
108). You can also turn on wiper defrosters (if equipped). See Operating Climate Controls on page 197.
Tires and Tire Chains

Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy or icy conditions. You can purchase winter tires on the Tesla Shop (see
Seasonal Tire Types on page 245).
Tire chains provide additional traction when driving in snowy or icy conditions. Check local regulations to determine
if tire chains are recommended or required during winter months. See Using Tire Chains on page 246 for more
information.
Your vehicle’s tire pressures will drop in cold ambient temperatures. If the TPMS indicator light appears, inflate the
tires before driving. The tires will lose one PSI for every 10° F (6° C) drop in outside temperature (see Tire Care and
Maintenance on page 240). Proper tire pressures help protect tires from potholes and improve range when properly
inflated.
While Driving
Cold weather can increase energy consumption because more power is required for driving, cabin and Battery
heating. Follow these suggestions to reduce energy consumption:
• Use seat heaters to keep warm. Seat heaters use less energy than the cabin heater. Lowering the cabin
temperature and using seat heaters reduces energy consumption (see Operating Climate Controls on page 197).
• Slow down your driving and avoid frequent and rapid acceleration.
• Turn on Range Mode to automatically limit the power that the climate control system uses to maintain the
temperature of the Battery and the cabin area. Range Mode also turns off signature lights (if equipped) and
adjusts the front and rear motor torque split to maximize range (see Getting Maximum Range on page 233).
Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking can be limited if the Battery is too cold. As you continue to drive, the Battery warms up and
regenerative power increases (see Regenerative Braking on page 111).
NOTE: Limited regenerative braking can be avoided if you allow enough time to precondition your vehicle or if you
use Schedule to precondition Model S before your departure time (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled
Departure on page 232).
Cold Battery

A blue snowflake icon appears on your instrument panel when some of the stored energy in the Battery is
unavailable because the Battery is cold. This portion of unavailable energy displays in blue on the Battery
meter. Regenerative braking, acceleration, and charging rates may be limited. The snowflake icon no longer
displays when the Battery is sufficiently warm.
After Driving
Leave Model S plugged in when not in use. This uses the charging system, rather than the Battery itself, to keep the
Battery warm (see High Voltage Battery Information on page 222).
Scheduled Departure

When parked, plug in Model S and use the Schedule settings, available on both the charging and climate control
screens, to set a time when you want to precondition Model S (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on
page 232). Your vehicle determines the appropriate time to begin charging so it is complete during off-peak hours
and the cabin and Battery are warm by your set departure time.

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Storage
If you leave Model S parked for an extended period of time, plug the vehicle into a charger to prevent normal range
loss and to keep the Battery at an optimal temperature. Your vehicle is safe to stay plugged in for any length of time.
When not in use, Model S enters a sleep mode to conserve energy. Reduce the number of times you check your
vehicle’s status on the mobile app, as this automatically wakes up your vehicle and starts normal energy
consumption.

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Hot Weather Best Practices
To ensure that Model S provides you with the best ownership experience possible in hot ambient conditions, follow
these best practices.
Before Driving
There are several ways to prepare your vehicle for a drive, without having to get into an already hot vehicle:
• Precondition the cabin by moving the direction of air flow from the vents, and turn the seat heaters on or off. In
the mobile app, navigate to Climate to customize the temperature at which you want to cool the cabin.
• Touch Schedule, available on both the Charging and Climate Control screens, to set a time when you want your
vehicle to be ready to drive (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 232).
• Enable Cabin Overheat Protection, which prevents the cabin from getting too warm in hot ambient conditions.
You can choose whether you want the A/C or just the fan to run when the temperature in the cabin exceeds 105°
F (40° C) or the selected temperature (if available).
• In the mobile app, navigate to Controls to vent the windows.
NOTE: Tesla recommends activating climate settings at least 30-45 minutes before departure (see Operating
Climate Controls on page 197). Preconditioning times depend on outside temperature and other factors. The mobile
app will notify you once your vehicle has reached the desired preconditioning temperature.
After Driving
Leave Model S plugged in when not in use, especially if using Preconditioning or Cabin Overheat Protection. This
uses the charging system, rather than the battery itself, to maintain a comfortable temperature (see High Voltage
Battery Information on page 222). In addition, there are several ways to minimize a hot cabin:
• Before leaving your vehicle (to run errands, for example), use Dog Mode to keep the cabin cool for pets or
perishable goods. See Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp on page 199 for more information.
• Tesla recommends turning the air conditioning off approximately 30 seconds before pressing Park to reduce
puddling below the vehicle.
• Park in the shade to help reduce power consumption and maintain cooler cabin temperatures.
• Use a sun shade (available on the Tesla Shop) if you have to park outside in the sun.
• When parked, plug in Model S and Schedule your charging. Your vehicle determines the appropriate time to
begin charging so it is complete during off-peak hours. The cabin and Battery are also prepared by your set
departure time. For more information, see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 232.
Charging
When using Trip Planner or navigating to a Supercharger station, your vehicle automatically prepares the Battery for
most efficient charging. In extreme heat, you may not see the message that the vehicle is preconditioning the
Battery while navigating to a Supercharger, but it is still preparing the Battery for charging.
NOTE: Tesla recommends using Trip Planner to navigate to a charging location for at least 30-45 minutes before
arrival to ensure optimal Battery temperature and charging conditions. If the drive to the charging location is less
than 30-45 minutes, consider preconditioning the Battery before driving (see Before Driving on page 203).
If possible, leave your vehicle plugged into a charger whenever not in use, even in warm weather, especially if using
preconditioning or Cabin Overheat Protection.
Storage
If you leave Model S parked for an extended period of time, plug the vehicle into a charger to prevent normal range
loss and to keep the Battery at an optimal temperature. Your vehicle is safe to stay plugged in for any length of time.
When not in use, Model S enters a sleep mode to conserve energy. Reduce the number of times you check your
vehicle’s status on the mobile app, as this automatically wakes up your vehicle and starts normal energy
consumption.

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Navigation and Entertainment
Maps and Navigation
Map Overview
The touchscreen displays a map at all times (except when Model S is shifted into Reverse).
Use your finger(s) to interact with the map:
• To move the map in any direction, hold and drag a finger.
• To rotate the map in any direction, hold and turn two fingers.
• To zoom the map in or out, expand or pinch two fingers, respectively.
NOTE: When you rotate or move the map, your current location is no longer tracked. The message "Tracking
Disabled" displays briefly next to the map orientation icon and the icon turns gray. To re-enable tracking, touch the
map's orientation icon and choose North Up or Heading Up.
NOTE: The map zooms in and out automatically when a navigation route is active.
To change the orientation of the map, toggle between these options:
North Up: North is always at the top of the screen.

Heading Up: The direction you are driving is always at the top of the screen. The map rotates as you
change direction. This icon has an integrated compass that indicates the direction you are driving.
NOTE: Touching this icon while navigating to a destination displays the route overview.

Route overview is available when you are navigating to a destination and displays when you expand
the turn-by-turn direction list (by swiping it downward). When you collapse the turn-by-turn direction
list by swiping it upward, the map displays your previously chosen orientation.

Map Display
When Model S is in Park, the following icons display on the map to allow you to customize the type of information
the map displays. To access these icons when driving, touch anywhere on the map (they disappear after a few
seconds).
Satellite imagery (if equipped with premium connectivity).