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1

Tire category. P indicates that the tire is for passenger vehicles.

2

Tire width. This 3-digit number is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge.

3 Aspect ratio. This 2-digit number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the tread width. So, if the tread width is 205
mm, and the aspect ratio is 50, the sidewall height is 102 mm.
4 Tire construction. R indicates that the tire is of Radial ply construction.
5 Wheel diameter. This 2-digit number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
6 Load index. This 2 or 3-digit number is the weight each tire can support. This number is not always shown.
7

Speed rating. When stated, indicates the maximum speed (in mph) at which the tire can be used for extended periods.
Q=99 mph (160 km/h), R=106 mph (170 km/h), S=112 mph (180 km/h), T=118 mph (190 km/h), U=124 mph (200 km/h),
H=130 mph (210 km/h), V=149 mph (240 km/h), W=168 mph (270 km/h), Y=186 mph (300 km/h), (Y)=vehicle's top
speed (exceeds the "Y" rating).

8 Tire composition and materials. The number of plies in both the tread area and the sidewall area indicates how many
layers of rubber coated material make up the structure of the tire. Information is also provided on the type of materials
used.
9 Maximum tire load. The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.
10 Maximum permissible inflation pressure. This pressure should not be used for normal driving.

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11 U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN). Begins with the letters DOT and indicates that the tire meets all federal
standards. The next 2 digits/letters represent the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last 4 digits represent
the week and year of manufacture. For example, the number 1712 is used to represent the 17th week of 2012. The other
numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer’s discretion. This information can be used to contact consumers
if a tire defect requires a recall.
12 Treadwear grade. This number indicates the tire’s wear rate. The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should
take for the tread to wear down. A tire rated at 400, for example, lasts twice as long as a tire rated at 200.
13 Traction grade. Indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet roads. A higher graded tire should allow you to stop your vehicle
in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as AA, A, B, and C.
14 Temperature grade. The tire’s resistance to heat is grade A, B, or C, with A indicating the greatest resistance. This
grading is provided for a correctly inflated tire, which is being used within its speed and loading limits.

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Uniform Tire Quality Grading

The following information relates to the tire grading system developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by tread wear, traction and temperature performance. Tires that have deep tread, and winter
tires, are exempt from these marking requirements.
Where applicable, quality grades are found on the tire’s sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
• TREADWEAR 180
• TRACTION AA
• TEMPERATURE A
The quality grades are described next.
NOTE: In addition to the marking requirements, passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements.
Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 wears one and a half times better on a government test course than a tire graded 100. The
relative performance of tires depends on the actual conditions of their use, however, and can depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, road characteristics, and climate.
Traction

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are: AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent a tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C might have poor
traction performance.
WARNING: Defective tires are dangerous. Do not drive if a tire is damaged, excessively worn, or is inflated to an
incorrect pressure. The safety of the vehicle and occupants can be adversely affected. Check tires regularly for wear
and to ensure there are no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/cord structure.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to the tire is based on straight-ahead braking tests, and does not include:
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to the minimum level of performance that all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel that exceed the
minimum requirements.
WARNING: A tire’s temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible
tire failure.
Tire and Loading Glossaries
General Wheel and Tire Terms

Accessory Weight

The combined weight (in excess of those items replaced) of items available as factory installed
equipment.

Bead

The inner edge of a tire that is shaped to fit to the rim and form an air tight seal. The bead is
constructed of steel wires which are wrapped, or reinforced, by the ply cords.

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Cold Tire Pressure

The air pressure in a tire that has been standing in excess of three hours, or driven for less than
one mile.

Curb Weight

The weight of a standard vehicle, including any optional equipment fitted, and with the correct
fluid levels.

Gross Vehicle Weight

The maximum permissible weight of a vehicle with driver, passengers, load, luggage, and
equipment.

kPa (kilo pascal)

A metric unit used to measure pressure. One kilo pascal equals approximately 0.145 psi.

Maximum Inflation
Pressure

The maximum pressure to which the tire should be inflated. This pressure is given on the tire side
wall in psi (lbf/in2).
CAUTION: This pressure marked on the tire is the maximum allowed by the tire
manufacturer. It is not the pressure Tesla recommends using for Model SModel X.

Maximum Loaded
Vehicle Weight

The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight, and production options
weight.

Production Options
Weight

The combined weight of options installed which weigh in excess of 3 lb (1.4 kg) more than the
standard items that they replaced, and are not already considered in curb or accessory weights.

PSI (lbf/in2)

Pounds per square inch (the unit used to measure tire pressure).

Recommended Tire
Inflation Pressure

Tire inflation pressure, established by Tesla, which is based on the type of tires that are mounted
on the vehicle at the factory. This information can be found on the Tire and Loading Information
label located on the door pillar.

Rim

The metal support for a tire, or tire and tube, upon which the tire beads are seated.

Vehicle Capacity
Weight

The number of seats multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus the rated amount of load/luggage.

Load Carrying Definitions

Normal occupant weight

68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the number of occupants specified in the second column of the
tables for calculating load limits (see Vehicle Loading on page 471).

Occupant distribution

Distribution of occupants in a vehicle.

Passenger car tire

A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that
have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs (4536 kg) or less.

Rim diameter

Nominal diameter of the bead seat.

Rim size designation

Rim diameter and width.

Rim type designation

The manufacturing industry's designation for a rim by style or code.

Rim width

Nominal distance between the rim's flanges.

Vehicle maximum load on
the tire

Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the
maximum loaded vehicle weight and dividing by two.

Vehicle normal load on the
tire

Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the curb
weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight and dividing by two.

Pneumatic Radial Tire Definitions

Bead separation

A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.

Bias ply tire

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at alternate angles
substantially less than 90 degrees to the center line of the tread.

Carcass

The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, that when inflated, bears the load.

Chunking

The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.

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Cord

The strands forming the plies in the tire.

Cord separation

The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.

Cracking

Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.

Extra load tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads and higher inflation pressure than the corresponding
standard tire.

Groove

The space between two adjacent tread ribs.

Inner liner

The layer(s) forming the inside surface of a tubeless tire that contains the inflating medium within the
tire.

Inner liner separation The parting of the inner liner from cord material in the carcass.
Load rating

The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.

Maximum load rating

The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.

Measuring rim

The rim on which a tire is fitted for physical dimension requirements.

Open splice

Any parting at any junction of tread, sidewall, or inner liner that extends to the cord material.

Outer diameter

The overall diameter of an inflated new tire.

Overall width

The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, including elevations due
to labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs.

Ply

A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.

Ply separation

A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.

Pneumatic tire

A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other materials, that, when
mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the
load.

Radial ply tire

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees
to the center line of the tread.

Reinforced tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding
standard tire.

Section width

The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling, decoration, or protective bands.

Sidewall

The portion of a tire between the tread and bead.

Sidewall separation

The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall.

Snow tire

A tire that attains a traction index equal to or greater than 110, compared to the ASTM E1136-93 (reapproved 2003, incorporated by reference, see §571.5) Standard Reference Test Tire when using the
snow traction test as described in ASTM F1805-00 (incorporated by reference, see §571.5), and that
is marked with an Alpine Symbol specified in S5.5(i) on at least one sidewall.

Test rim

The rim on which a tire is fitted for testing, and may be any rim listed as appropriate for use with that
tire.

Tread

The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.

Tread rib

A tread section running around the circumference of a tire.

Tread separation

The pulling away of the tread from the tire carcass.

Tread wear
indicators (TWI)

The projections within the principal grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of
wear of the tread.

Wheel-holding
fixture

The fixture used to hold the wheel and tire assembly securely during testing.

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Roadside Assistance
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance
Tesla Roadside Assistance is available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for the duration of your warranty period. Tesla
Roadside Assistance is also available to speak with roadside service professionals to answer any questions and explain the
proper procedure for transporting your vehicle.
When contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance, please provide:
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is displayed when you touch Controls > Software. The VIN can also been
seen on the upper dashboard by looking through the driver's side of the windshield.
• Your exact location.
• The nature of the problem.
If available in your region, you can also expedite your request, by choosing the Roadside Assistance option in the Tesla mobile
app.
NOTE: For a detailed description of Tesla's Roadside Assistance policy, go to the support page on the Tesla web site for your
region.
Regional Phone Number(s)
Mexico: 1-800-228-8145
United States and Canada: 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
NOTE: The phone number is also available by touching Controls > Service.

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Instructions for Transporters
When Transporting Model SModel X
Always transport Model SModel X with all four tires off the ground. A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is
recommended. A wheel lift and dolly can be used only when transporting Model SModel X for a very short distance to
reposition the vehicle for loading onto a flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle (for example, the vehicle is located in a
low-clearance garage) or if otherwise specified by Tesla. When transporting, whether on a flatbed truck or using a wheel lift
and dolly, Model SModel X can face either direction.
Do not transport Model SModel X using any other method unless specified by Tesla. Follow the steps provided and observe all
warnings and cautions. Damage caused by transporting your vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
NOTE: The following illustrations are for demonstration purposes only.

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WARNING: Model SModel X is equipped with high voltage components (see High Voltage Components on page 409).
Before transporting Model SModel X as a result of an event (such as a collision) that may have compromised a high
voltage component, it is important to assume that these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety
precautions (wearing personal protective equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the
vehicle and can accurately confirm that all high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in
serious injury or death.
Disable Self-Leveling (air suspension vehicles only)
If Model SModel X is equipped with the air suspension system, it automatically self-levels, even when power is off. To prevent
damage, you must activate Jack Mode to disable self-leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very High to maximize height.
3. Touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode.
When Jack mode is active, Model SModel X displays this indicator light on the instrument panel, along with a
message telling you that active suspension is disabled.

NOTE: Jack Mode cancels when Model SModel X is driven over 4 mph (7 km/h).
WARNING: Failure to activate Jack Mode on a Model SModel X equipped with the air suspension system can result in the
vehicle becoming loose during transport, which may cause significant damage.
Activate Tow Mode
Model SModel X may automatically shift into Park when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle, even if it has previously been
shifted into Neutral. To keep Model SModel X in Neutral (which disengages the brake), you must use the touchscreen to
activate Tow Mode:
1. Shift into Park.

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2. Chock the tires or otherwise ensure Model SModel X is stable.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen touch Controls > Service > Tow Mode.
When Tow Mode is active, Model SModel X displays this yellow indicator light on the instrument panel, along
with a message telling you that Model SModel X is free-rolling.

To cancel Tow Mode, shift Model SModel X into Park.
CAUTION: If the electrical system is not working, and you therefore cannot release the electric parking brake, attempt to
jump start the low voltage battery. For instructions, call Tesla Roadside Assistance. If a situation occurs where you
cannot disengage the parking brake, use a self-loading dolly or tire skates. Before doing so, always check the
manufacturer’s specifications and recommended load capacity.
Pull onto the Flatbed Truck
The method used to pull Model SModel X onto the truck depends on whether a tow eye is available (provided with your vehicle
at time of purchase).
If equipped with a tow eye:
1. Remove the nose cone by inserting a plastic pry tool into the top right corner, and gently prying it toward you. When the
clip releases, pull the nose cone toward you, without twisting or bending, to release the three remaining clips.
NOTE: If the nose cone is equipped with a removable slot, which is distinguished by the ridge that sits directly below the
slot, remove the slot by prying it from the bottom and around the edge until the entire slot is removed.
Remove the tow eye cover by inserting a small flat screwdriver into the slot located along the top of the cover, then prying
gently to release the cover from the top snap Remove the tow eye cover by inserting a small flat screwdriver into the slot
located along the top of the cover, then prying gently to release the cover from the top snap.
CAUTION: Keep the tow eye cover in a safe place so you can replace it when transporting is complete.

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2. If Model SModel X is equipped with sensors on the nose cone, you also need to disconnect the electrical connectors. To do
so, press down on the tab and pull to release.

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3. Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.

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4. Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
CAUTION: Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely tightened.
5. Pull Model SModel X slowly onto the flatbed truck.
6. Shift Model SModel X into Park by pressing the button on the end of the gear selector.
If not equipped with a tow eye:

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WARNING: If the vehicle is pulled onto the flatbed truck without a tow eye, all suspension fasteners should be checked
for proper torque and all components should be visually inspected for damage prior to driving the vehicle again. If a
fastener is loose, or if any damage is found, the affected component(s) should be replaced.
1. Attach the tow straps to the large hole on each of the rearmost lower suspension arms underneath the front of the vehicle.

2. To protect the underbody from any damage, place a protective barrier (such as a piece of wood) between the tow strap and
the underbody.
3. Pull Model SModel X slowly onto the flatbed truck.
4. Shift Model SModel X into Park by pressing the button on the end of the gear selector.
Secure the Tires
The vehicle's tires must be secured onto the truck using the eight-point tie-down method.
• Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do not contact painted surfaces or the face of the wheels.
• Do not place tie-down straps over body panels or through the wheels.

CAUTION: Attaching tie-down straps to the chassis, suspension or other parts of the vehicle's body may cause damage.

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Instructions for Transporters
DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND
The front motor in Model SModel X generates power when the wheels spin. Always transport Model SModel X with all four
tires off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at any time during transport.
WARNING: NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN. DOING SO
CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE
THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.

Do not transport Model SModel X using any method that is not specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in the
following sections and observe all warnings and cautions provided. Damage caused by improper transporting of your vehicle is
not covered by the warranty.
NOTE: Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.
Approved Methods for Transporting
NOTE: The tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under 3 mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 30 feet or 10
meters) only when Transport Mode is enabled (see Activate Transport Mode on page 512) while the vehicle is being winched
onto a flatbed truck or pulled out of a parking space for repositioning. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to significant
damage and overheating that is not covered by the warranty.
A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the recommended method of transporting Model SModel X. The vehicle can
face either direction when using a flatbed.

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If Model SModel X must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that all
four wheels are off of the ground. This method may only be used for a maximum of 35 miles (55 km), and must not exceed the
manufacturer speed rating of the dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle facing forward so that the front
wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.
NOTE: Transporting Model SModel X with the front wheels on dollies is not recommended, but may be done if an external
steering wheel lock is applied and care is taken to prevent the front wheels from spinning. DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR
VEHICLE IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF THE FRONT WHEELS SPINNING.

CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate Transport Mode on page 512) before winching Model SModel X onto a
flatbed truck (see Pull onto the Flatbed Truck - With Tow Eye on page 512). If Transport Mode is not available or the
touchscreen is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved
transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model SModel X,
including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
WARNING: Model SModel X is equipped with high voltage components that may be compromised as a result of a
collision (see High Voltage Components on page 409). Before transporting Model SModel X, it is important to assume
these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protection
equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can accurately confirm that all
high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
Disable the Self-Leveling Air Suspension System
If Model SModel X is equipped with the air suspension system, it automatically self-levels, even when power is off. To prevent
damage, you must activate Jack Mode to disable self-leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very High to maximize height.
3. Touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode.

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When Jack mode is active, Model SModel X displays this indicator light on the instrument panel, along with a
message telling you that active suspension is disabled.

NOTE: Jack Mode cancels when driving speed exceeds 4 mph (7 kph).
WARNING: Failure to activate Jack Mode on a vehicle equipped with the air suspension system can result in the vehicle
becoming loose during transport, which may cause significant damage.
Activate Transport Mode
Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching Model SModel X onto a flatbed truck. When active,
Transport Mode displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling. The following are required to enable
Transport Mode:
• Low voltage power is required. You are unable to use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode if Model SModel X has
no power.
• Model SModel X must detect a key fob. Transport Mode is available only when a key fob is detected.
To activate Transport Mode:
1. Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
2. Chock the tires or otherwise ensure Model SModel X is secure.