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

WARNING: When actively using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, engaging a turn signal can cause Model S to
accelerate in specific situations (see Overtake Acceleration on page 148).
WARNING: When actively using Autosteer, engaging a turn signal can cause Model S to change lanes (see
Auto Lane Change on page 155).
Hazard Warning Flashers
To turn on the hazard warning flashers, press the button located on the side of the touchscreen closest to the
steering wheel. All turn signals flash. Press again to turn off.
NOTE: Hazard warning flashers operate even without a key nearby.
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
To wipe the windshield, rotate the end of the turn signal stalk away from you. You can rotate to five positions:
• 1st: Off.
• 2nd: Auto with low rain sensitivity.*
• 3rd: Auto with high rain sensitivity.*
• 4th: Continuous, slow.
• 5th: Continuous, fast.

For a single wipe, press and release the end of the stalk.
If the wipers are set to Auto and Model S detects no liquid on the windshield, the wipers do not wipe.
*To enable the Auto settings, touch Controls > Vehicle > Autowipers (Beta). When wipers are set to Auto, Model S
detects whether or not it is raining. The frequency at which they wipe depends on how much rain is detected on the
windshield. When wipers are set to high rain sensitivity, the wipers turn on when Model S detects a light mist.
NOTE: Autosteer requires wipers to be set to Auto. This setting is automatic and you cannot change it.
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.
NOTE: When you operate the wipers, headlights automatically turn on for approximately one minute (if they are not
on already).
NOTE: You can also adjust the windshield wiper speed and frequency using voice commands (see Voice Commands
on page 23).
CAUTION: Ensure the wipers are in the Off position before washing Model S to avoid the risk of damaging the
wipers.
To extend the life of wiper blades, remove ice from the windshield before turning wipers on. Ice has sharp edges that
can damage the rubber on the wiper blades.
Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper blade. If damaged, replace the wiper blade immediately. For
details on checking and replacing wiper blades, see Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid on page 256.
CAUTION: In harsh climates, ensure that the wiper blades are not frozen or adhered to the windshield.
Defrosting Wipers

To make wiper blades easy to access so you can remove any ice and snow, shift Model S into Park, turn the wipers
off, then use the touchscreen to move them to the service position. Touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode.
When parking in cold outdoor climates, it is helpful to leave Model S with the wipers in the service position. In this
position, they are closer to the defrost vent, allowing you to thaw them by directing air from the climate control
system towards the windshield.

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If Model S is equipped with the optional cold weather package, you can defrost wipers by touching the climate
control on the touchscreen (see Operating Climate Controls on page 197). Wiper defrosters automatically turn off
after 15 minutes.
NOTE: Wipers automatically return to their normal position when you shift Model S out of Park.
Washers
Press the button on the end of the turn signal stalk to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. You can press this
button at two levels. Press partially for a single wipe, without any washer fluid. Press fully for both wipe and wash.
When washing the windshield, the wipers turn on. After releasing the button, the wipers perform two additional
wipes then a third wipe a few seconds later.

Periodically top up washer fluid (see Windshield Wiper Blades, Jets and Fluid on page 256).
Defrosting Washer Nozzles

If Model S is equipped with the optional cold weather package, washer nozzles have defrosters that turn on
whenever the ambient temperature nears freezing, or when you turn on the wiper defrosters (see Operating Climate
Controls on page 197). The washer defrosters turn off when the wiper defrosters turn off (after 15 minutes), provided
the temperature is warm enough to prevent freezing.

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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 111).

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 drive stalk to
apply the brakes and remove drive torque while the button is held.
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 185) 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.
CAUTION: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, press and hold the Park button
to bring Model S to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.

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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 ).
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
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.
The power meter on the Energy app displays real-time feedback on the amount of power being used. You can also
display the power meter on either side of the instrument panel by choosing Energy using the scroll button on the
steering wheel (see Steering Wheel on page 96). When energy is being gained by regenerative braking, the power
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.
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,
particularly when in the Standard setting and/or not using winter tires. Tesla recommends using the Low
setting 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".
Stopping Mode
Regenerative braking decelerates Model S whenever you release the accelerator pedal when driving. You can choose
what you want Model S to do once the driving speed has been reduced to a very low speed (almost at a stop) and
both the accelerator pedal and brake pedal are released. While in Park, touch Controls > Driving > Stopping Mode
and choose from these options:
• CREEP: When close to, or at, a complete stop, the motor continues to apply torque, moving Model S slowly
forward (in Drive) or backwards (in Reverse), similar to a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission. In
some situations, such as on a steep hill or driveway, you may need to press the accelerator pedal to continue
moving or to prevent Model S from moving in the opposite direction.

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WARNING: Never rely on CREEP to apply enough torque to prevent your vehicle from rolling down a hill.
Always press the brake pedal to remain stopped or the accelerator pedal to proceed up the hill. Failure to
do so can result in property damage and/or a collision.
• HOLD: Maximizes range and reduces brake wear by continuing to provide regenerative braking at speeds lower
than with the Creep and Roll settings. When Model S stops, the brakes are automatically applied without you
having to put your foot on the brake pedal. Whether stopped on a flat surface or a hill, Vehicle Hold keeps the
brake applied, provided your foot remains off the accelerator and brake pedals. See Vehicle Hold on page 129.
WARNING: Never rely on HOLD to adequately decelerate or fully stop your vehicle. Many factors can
contribute to a longer stopping distance, including downward slopes, the low regenerative braking setting,
and reduced or limited regenerative braking (see Regenerative Braking on page 111). Always be prepared to
use the brake pedal to adequately decelerate or stop.
• ROLL: When close to, or at, a complete stop, Model S becomes free rolling like a vehicle in Neutral. Therefore, if
stopped on a slope, Model S will roll downward. The brake does not engage, and the motor does not apply torque
(until the accelerator pedal is pressed).
NOTE: If you choose CREEP or ROLL, you can still use Vehicle Hold to apply the brakes. However, you will need to
briefly press the brake pedal when the vehicle is stopped. See Vehicle Hold on page 129.
NOTE: Your preferred Stopping Mode setting does not sync to your driver profile.
WARNING: Press the brake pedal if Model S moves when unsafe to do so. It is your responsibility to stay alert
and be in control of the vehicle at all times. Failure to do so can result in serious damage, injury, or death.
WARNING: Do not rely on regenerative braking and your chosen Stopping Mode to keep you and your vehicle
safe. Various factors such as driving with a heavy vehicle load, on a steep hill, or on wet or icy roads affect
deceleration rate and the distance at which Model S will come to a stop. Drive attentively and always stay
prepared to use the brake pedal to stop as appropriate based on traffic and road conditions.
WARNING: Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking do not operate when driving at very
low speeds (see Collision Avoidance Assist on page 185). Do not rely on these features to warn you, or to
prevent or reduce the impact of a collision.
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.
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.

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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 297).
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 273. 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 - 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 261.

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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 261.

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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 261.

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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 111).
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 (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).
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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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 127). 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