• For incoming calls, press the scroll button to answer. During the call, press the scroll button again to hang up.
Right Scroll Button
Use the scroll button on the right side of the steering yoke (or steering wheel) to control Autopilot features such as
Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control:

• When driving, push and release the button to engage Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (see Autosteer
on page 153). If Autopilot Activation is set to Double Click (touch Controls > Autopilot > Autopilot Activation), a
single push engages Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (see Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on page 153) only and you
must push and release twice to engage Autosteer. Once engaged, pushing the button cancels Autosteer and/or
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
• When Model X is in Park, push the button twice to automatically engage Summon before exiting the vehicle (see
Summon on page 176).
• When Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is engaged, rolling the scroll button up/down increase/decreases the set
cruising speed respectively.
NOTE: There is currently no action associated with pushing the right scroll button to the left and right.
Heated Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel)
To warm up the steering yoke (or steering wheel), touch the temperature icon on the touchscreen to display climate
controls (see Overview of Climate Controls on page 207), then touch the steering yoke (or steering wheel) icon.
When turned on, radiant heat keeps the steering yoke (or steering wheel) at a comfortable temperature.
Horn
For vehicles manufactured as of approximately January 2024: To sound the horn, press the middle of the steering
yoke (or steering wheel).

103

Owners Manual

For vehicles manufactured prior to approximately January 2024: To sound the horn, press and hold the horn button
on the right side of the steering yoke (or steering wheel).

104

Owners Manual
Mirrors
Adjusting Exterior Mirrors
Adjust the exterior mirrors by touching Controls > Mirrors. Press the left scroll button on the steering yoke (or
steering wheel) to choose whether you are adjusting the Left or Right mirror. Then use the left scroll button as
follows to adjust the selected mirror to its desired position:
• To move the mirror up or down, roll the left scroll button up or down.
• To move the mirror inward or outward, press the left scroll button to the left or right.

Mirror Auto Tilt automatically tilts mirrors downward when backing up. To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls
> Mirrors > Mirror Auto Tilt. To adjust the auto-tilt position, make mirror adjustments with Model X shifted into
Reverse. When you shift out of Reverse, mirrors tilt back to their normal (upward) position. But now that you have
adjusted them for backing up, they automatically tilt to the selected downward position whenever you shift into
Reverse.
To reduce glare when driving at night, the rear view mirror and exterior side mirrors dim automatically. To enable or
disable this feature, touch Controls > Mirrors > Mirror Auto Dim.
NOTE: Both exterior mirrors have heaters that turn on and off with the rear window defroster.
Folding Mirrors
To manually fold and unfold exterior mirrors (for example, parking in a narrow garage, tight space, etc.), touch
Controls > Fold/Unfold Mirrors.
When you manually fold the mirrors, they remain folded until your driving speed reaches 31 mph (50 km/h) (or until
you manually unfold them by touching Controls > Unfold Mirrors).
NOTE: You cannot fold a mirror when driving over 31 mph (50 km/h).
To set the mirrors to fold automatically whenever you exit and lock Model X touch Controls > Mirrors > Mirror Auto
Fold. The mirrors unfold automatically when you unlock Model X.
You can also set mirrors to fold automatically whenever you arrive at a specific location, which saves you from
having to manually fold them each time you arrive at a frequented place. To set up, stop at the location you want to
save (or drive at less than 3 mph (6 km/h)), and fold the mirrors. Touch Save Location when it appears briefly on the
Fold Mirrors control.
If you no longer want mirrors to automatically fold, touch Controls > Unfold Mirrors when they fold at the saved
location and then touch Remove Location.
When you leave the saved location, mirrors unfold when your driving speed reaches 3 mph (6 km/h), or when you
touch Controls > Unfold Mirrors.
NOTE: Mirrors can automatically fold if you return to a saved location and are driving below 31 mph (50 km/h).
105

Owners Manual
NOTE: You can override the automatic folding/unfolding of mirrors at any time (for example, Model X has no power)
by pushing the mirror assembly away from you to unfold, or pulling it toward you to fold.
NOTE: If you expect ice to accumulate when Model X is parked, turn off Mirror Auto Fold. Accumulation of ice can
prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or unfolding. See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 214 for information
on how to ensure your mirrors function properly in cold weather.
You can integrate auto-folding mirrors with HomeLink (see Smart Garage on page 95). To enable, go to HomeLink >
Auto-Fold Mirrors when Nearby.
Rear View Mirror
Adjust the rear view mirror manually. When in Drive or Neutral, the rear view mirror automatically dims in low
lighting conditions based on the time of day (for example, when driving at night).
Vanity Mirrors
See Sun Visors on page 41 for details on how to expose and illuminate the vanity mirrors.

106

Owners Manual
Shifting
Shift Using the Touchscreen
When you press the brake pedal when parked, the drive mode strip displays on one side of the touchscreen. Use the
drive mode strip to shift Model X: swipe up for Drive, swipe down for Reverse or touch the P for Park or N for
Neutral. The drive mode strip is always available on the touchscreen when you touch Controls.

NOTE: To shift from Drive into Reverse or vice versa, the driving speed must be less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
The touchscreen's drive mode strip displays Park and Neutral at all times. To shift into Park when driving below 5
mph (8 km/h), touch the button on the drive mode strip while pressing the brake pedal. In emergency situations
when driving above 5 mph (8 km/h), press and hold the Park button to slowly bring the vehicle to a stop.
To shift into Neutral, open Controls to bring up the drive mode strip, then press and hold Neutral until Neutral
engages.
The touchscreen is the preferred method to manually shift. However, in the unlikely situation in which the
touchscreen is unavailable and therefore can't be used, the drive mode selector on the center console automatically
activates and must be used to shift (see Shift Using the Center Console on page 108).
If you try to shift when it is prohibited by the current driving speed, the instrument panel displays an alert, a chime
sounds, and the drive mode does not change.

107

Owners Manual
Auto Shift out of Park
NOTE: Auto Shift out of Park is a BETA feature and is disabled by default.
When Auto Shift out of Park is enabled, Model X is designed to automatically select Drive or Reverse. The
instrument panel displays the selected drive mode when the driver's door is closed and seat belt is buckled.
To override the selection, press the brake pedal and use the drive mode strip on touchscreen to shift into your
desired drive mode (Drive, Reverse, Park; see Shift Using the Touchscreen on page 107).
Confirm the drive mode selection and follow the instructions on the instrument panel before you press the
accelerator.
WARNING: As always, be aware of your vehicle and surroundings before driving. Never rely on Model X to
automatically select a suitable drive mode without confirming the selection before you start to drive.
If Auto Shift out of Park is unavailable, the instrument panel displays a message.
Model X automatically selects a drive mode when:
• Auto Shift out of Park is enabled (touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park).
• Model X is in Park.
• The driver's seat belt is fastened.
• The brake pedal is pressed.
• All doors and trunks are closed.
• The drive mode selector on the center console is not activated (see Shift Using the Center Console on page 108).
NOTE: Model X does not automatically select drive modes in Valet Mode.
Auto Shift out of Park is disabled by default. When disabled, use the touchscreen or the center console to manually
shift. To enable Auto Shift out of Park, touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Auto Shift out of Park.
Shift Using the Center Console
In addition to manually shifting on the touchscreen, you can shift by pressing P, R, N or D located on the center
console. In most situations, these buttons are not available until you press one of the buttons to activate it. When
active, the LEDs associated with each button illuminate and when you select P, R, N or D, the associated LED
illuminates amber.
In situations where the touchscreen is unavailable (for example, experiencing a technical issue), or Model X is in Valet
or Transport Mode, the drive mode selector on the center console activates automatically and there is no need to
touch it.
NOTE: You can also activate the drive mode selector on the center console by simultaneously and briefly pressing
both scroll buttons on the steering yoke (or steering wheel). However, if you press and hold both buttons
simultaneously, the drive mode selector activates and the touchscreen restarts (see Restarting the Touchscreen on
page 8).
NOTE: The front trunk, rear trunk, and doors must be closed to shift using the center console.

108

Owners Manual

1. Park
2. Reverse
3. Neutral
4. Drive
NOTE: When the touchscreen is available for shifting and you have manually activated the drive mode selector on
the center console, the center console automatically deactivates if you don't shift within 10 seconds.
Park
To manually shift into Park, press the brake pedal and touch the Park button on the touchscreen's drive mode strip. If
the touchscreen is unavailable, press Park on the drive mode selector located on the center console.
Model X automatically shifts into Park to prevent roll-away while driving in low speeds. This happens whenever you
connect a charge cable, unbuckle your seat belt, or open the door while in Drive or Neutral. Ensure the charge cable
is removed, buckle your seat belt, and close the door before shifting out of Park.
Attempting to engage the parking brake above 5 mph (8 km/h) will result in emergency braking (see Braking and
Stopping on page 118).
NOTE: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, you can press and hold the Park button on
the touchscreen's drive mode strip to bring Model X to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the vehicle unless
absolutely necessary.
NOTE: You must always press the brake pedal to shift out of Park.
CAUTION: Model X will not shift out of Park if a charge cable is plugged in, or if the charge port is unable to
determine whether a charging cable is plugged in. In situations when Model X does not shift out of Park, check
the instrument panel or touchscreen for instructions on how to proceed.
WARNING: It is the driver's responsibility to always ensure the vehicle is in Park before exiting. Never rely on
Model X to automatically shift into Park for you.
Drive
To manually shift into Drive, swipe up on the drive mode strip located on the touchscreen or, if the touchscreen is
unavailable, press D on the drive mode selector located on the center console. You can shift into Drive when Model X
is stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in Reverse.

109

Owners Manual
Reverse
To manually shift into Reverse, swipe down on the drive mode strip located on the touchscreen or, if the touchscreen
is unavailable, press R on the drive mode selector located on the center console. You can shift into Reverse when
Model X is stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in Drive. You can manually close the park assist view on the
touchscreen by touching the X in the upper corner.
Neutral
Neutral allows Model X to roll freely when you are not pressing the brake pedal. To shift into Neutral, do any of the
following:
• Open Controls, then press and hold the Neutral icon on the drive mode strip until Model X engages Neutral.
• Choose Neutral from the drive mode selector on the .
NOTE: When Model X is traveling over 5 mph (8 km/h) and you swipe up or down on the touchscreen's drive mode
strip, a Neutral icon displays at the bottom of the drive mode strip from which you can also choose to engage
Neutral.
NOTE: You must press the brake pedal to shift out of Neutral if Model X is moving slower than approximately 5 mph
(8 km/h).
Model X automatically shifts into Park when you open the driver's door to exit the vehicle unless the vehicle is in
certain modes such as Transport or Car Wash Mode which allows the vehicle to stay in Neutral even when you leave.
Keeping Your Vehicle in Neutral (Transport Mode)
To keep Model X in Neutral when you exit, allowing it to roll freely (for example, pulling onto a flatbed truck), you
must activate Transport mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen displays a message reminding you how to properly transport
Model X.
4. Press the Transport Mode. It turns blue to show that Model X is now in Transport Mode. Model X is now freerolling and can slowly be rolled (no faster than walking speed) for short distances or winched (for example, onto
a flatbed truck).
For more information on Transport Mode, see Activate Transport Mode on page 290.
NOTE: In Transport mode, Model X does not shift into a drive mode. You must first cancel Transport mode by
touching Transport Mode again. Transport mode also cancels if you use the touchscreen or drive mode selector on
the center console to shift into Park or if you manually apply the parking brake by touching Controls > Safety >
Parking Brake.

110

Owners Manual
Lights
Controlling Lights
Touch Controls > Lights to control the lights.
NOTE: You can also access an abbreviated lights menu while driving by touching the High Beam button on the
steering yoke (or steering wheel). A lights menu displays on the touchscreen, providing quick access to headlight
controls.
In addition to the lights that you can control from the touchscreen, Model X has convenience lights that turn on and
off automatically based on what you are doing. For example, interior lights, marker lights, tail lights, and puddle
lights turn on when you unlock Model X, when you open a door, and when you shift into Park. They turn off
automatically after a minute or two or when you shift or lock Model X.
Exterior Lights
Exterior lights (headlights, tail lights, side marker lights, parking lights, and license plate lights) are set to Auto each
time you start Model X. When set to Auto, exterior lights automatically turn on when driving in low lighting
conditions, or whenever the wipers are active. If you change to a different setting, lights always revert to Auto on
your next drive.
Touch one of these options to change and retain the exterior light setting until adjusted again or the next time you
drive:
• Off: Exterior lights turn off. When driving, daytime running lights may remain on based on regulations in various
market regions.
• Parking: Parking lights, side marker lights, tail lights and license plate lights turn on.
• On: Low beam headlights, side marker lights, parking lights, tail lights, and license plate lights turn on.
CAUTION: Ensure the headlights and rear lights are on during low visibility conditions (for example, when it is
dark, foggy, snowy, or the road is wet, etc.). The rear tail lights are off while daytime running lights are on.
Failure to do so can cause damage or serious injury.
NOTE: To comply with local traffic regulations when crossing from a left-hand traffic region to a right-hand traffic
region, and vice versa, headlights should be adjusted. If you plan to drive to a region that requires headlights to be
adjusted, schedule a service appointment using the mobile app.
Fog Lights
If equipped, touch to turn the fog lights on or off. Fog lights operate only when low beam headlights are on. When
headlights are turned off, fog lights also turn off.
The rear fog indicator displays on the instrument panel whenever rear fog lights (if equipped) are on.

The front fog indicator displays on the instrument panel whenever the optional front fog lights are on.

NOTE: Depending on the market region and vehicle options, your vehicle may not be equipped with front and/or
rear fog lights.
Dome Lights
Turn the interior dome (map) lights on or off. If set to Auto, all interior dome lights turn on when you unlock
Model X, open a door upon exiting, or shift into Park.

111

Owners Manual
You can also manually turn an individual dome light on or off by touching its lens. If you turn a dome light on, it turns
off when Model X powers off. If Model X was already powered off when you manually turned the light on, it turns off
after 60 minutes.
Ambient Lights
When enabled, interior ambient lights turn on whenever the headlights are on.
Headlights after Exit
When you stop driving and park Model X in low lighting conditions, exterior lights temporarily remain illuminated.
They automatically turn off after one minute or when you lock Model X whichever comes first.
NOTE: If you lock Model X using the Tesla mobile app or key card, the headlights immediately turn off. However, if
the vehicle locks because Walk-Away Door Lock is enabled (see Walk-Away Door Lock on page 38), the headlights
automatically turn off after one minute.
To turn this feature on and off, touch Controls > Lights > Headlights After Exit. When Headlights After Exit is off, the
headlights turn off immediately when you engage Park and open a door.
High Beam Headlights
Use the high beam headlight button on the left side of the steering yoke (or steering wheel) to control the
headlights:
• Press and quickly release to flash high beam headlights.
• Press and hold to turn on high beam headlights - the instrument panel displays a brief timer and you must hold
for the duration of the timer to latch the high beam headlights to the on position. When headlights are on, press
the button a second time to turn them off.

Auto High Beam (if equipped)
The high beam headlights can automatically switch to low beam when there is light detected in front of Model X (for
example, from an oncoming vehicle). To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > Lights > Auto High Beam. Your
chosen setting is retained until you manually change it.
NOTE: When you touch or press the high beam headlight button on the left side of the steering yoke (or steering
wheel), the touchscreen displays an abbreviated lights menu to provide quick access to control headlights, fog lights
(if equipped), and the Auto High Beam setting. Use the touchscreen to choose options from this menu.
NOTE: Auto High Beam is automatically enabled when Autosteer is engaged. To switch to low beam headlights,
press the high beam headlight button on the steering yoke (or steering wheel). Auto High Beam is re-enabled every
time Autosteer is activated.
The following indicator lights are visible on the instrument panel to show the status of the headlights:
112

Owners Manual
Low beam headlights are on.

High beam headlights are on. Illuminates when high beams are on but the Auto High Beam setting is
turned off or if the Auto High Beam setting is turned on but is temporarily unavailable.

High beams are currently turned on, and Auto High Beam is ready to turn off the high beams if light is
detected in front of Model X.

High beams are temporarily turned off because Auto High Beam is operating and light is detected in
front of Model X. When light is no longer detected, high beam headlights automatically turn back on.

WARNING: Auto High Beam is a convenience only and is subject to limitations. It is the driver's responsibility
to make sure that headlights are always appropriately adjusted for weather conditions and driving
circumstances.
Rear Reading Lights
Model X 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 49). 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 X 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.
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) operates whenever headlights are on. If Model X isn't moving, or is
moving in reverse, the adaptive headlights do not activate. This prevents the headlights from inadvertently blinding
other drivers.
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.

113

Owners Manual
If Controls > Lights > Automatic Turn Signals is set to Auto Cancel, turn signals cancel automatically when Model X
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.

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.
114

Owners Manual
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.

115

Owners Manual
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 X detects whether or not it is raining. When liquid is detected on the windshield, Model X
determines the optimal frequency of the wipers. If Model X 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.

116

Owners Manual
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 X.
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 265.
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.

117

Owners Manual
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 X braking system, contact Tesla immediately.
Model X 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 X. 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 X,
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 119).
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 193) 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
on the center console or touchscreenon the drive stalk to bring Model X 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 X is rapidly slowing down. If Model X 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 114).
118

Owners Manual
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 X 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 X 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 X 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 X 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 X, 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 X 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 X.
The power meter (a thin horizontal line centered at the bottom of the instrument panel) displays real-time power
usage:

119

Owners Manual
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 X (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 X 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 X 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 X into Neutral):
1. Touch Controls > Safety.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Parking Brake. If Model X 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 X 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 298).
WARNING: In snowy or icy conditions the rear wheels may not have sufficient traction to prevent Model X 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 X 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 X 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 280. 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.

120

Owners Manual
WARNING: Neglecting to replace worn brake pads damages the braking system and can result in a braking
hazard.

121

Owners Manual
Air Suspension
NOTE: When Model X starts, you may hear the sound of the compressor as the air suspension system’s reservoir fills
with air.
Your Model X 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 X 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 X 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 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 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. The