Tesla S 2012 Owner's Manual
2012
OWNER
SAFETY
INFORMATION
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR MODEL S IS AVAILABLE AT:
www.teslamotors.com/mytesla
To contact Tesla call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752)
For Roadside Assistance call 1-866-99TESLA (1-866-998-3752)
© 2012 TESLA MOTORS INC. All rights reserved.
All information in this manual and all MODEL S™ software is subject to copyright and other intellectual property rights of Tesla Motors, Inc. and its licensors. This material may not be
modified, reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Tesla Motors, Inc. and its licensors. Additional information is available upon request. TESLA
MOTORS® is a registered trademark of Tesla Motors, Inc. TESLA™, MODEL S™,
Motors, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks contained in this manual are the property of their respective owners and their use herein does not imply
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™, the TESLA Crest logo and the TESLA T stylized logo are trademarks of Tesla
CONTENTS
OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION CONTENTS
CORRECT DRIVING POSITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
ADJUSTING THE DRIVER’S SEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
LOCATION OF AIRBAGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TYPES OF AIRBAGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
FRONT PASSENGER DETECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
INFLATION EFFECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
USING SEAT BELTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
THREE SEAT BELT TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
HEAD SUPPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ABOUT CHILD SAFETY SEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CHOOSE A SUITABLE CHILD SAFETY SEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TWO WAYS TO INSTALL CHILD SAFETY SEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SAFETY SEATS FOR LARGER CHILDREN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
INSTALLING SEAT BELT RETAINED CHILD SAFETY SEATS . . . . . 9
INSTALLING LATCH-RETAINED CHILD SAFETY SEAT . . . . . . . . . 10
UPPER TETHER STRAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
TEST BEFORE SEATING A CHILD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
OPENING THE TESLA REAR FACING CHILD SEATS . . . . . . . . . . . 12
STORING THE TESLA REAR FACING CHILD SEATS . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SEATING A CHILD IN THE TESLA REAR FACING CHILD SEATS . 14
BRAKING SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
BRAKE WEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CHECK THESE LABELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
MAINTAIN PROPER TIRE PRESSURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
TEMPORARY TIRE REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
INSPECTING AND MAINTAINING TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
REPLACING TIRES AND WHEELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
TIRE AND WHEEL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
UNDERSTANDING TIRE MARKINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
WHEELS AND TIRES GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
VEHICLE LOAD LIMIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
VEHICLE TELEMATICS/DATA RECORDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
CONTACTING TESLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
For printed information on how to use the main features of Model S and how to
perform basic maintenance procedures, see the document titled “A QUICK GUIDE
FOR OWNERS,” included in your owner documentation package.
P/N: 1016750-00-A REV: AE
1
CORRECT DRIVING POSITION
ADJUSTING THE DRIVER’S SEAT
The seat, head support, seat belt and airbags work together to maximize
your safety. Using these correctly ensures greater protection.
Position the seat so you can wear the seat belt correctly while being as far
away from the front airbag as possible:
1. Sit upright with both feet on
the floor and the seat back
reclined no more than 30
degrees.
2. Make sure you can easily
reach the pedals and that
your arms are slightly bent
when holding the steering
OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
wheel. Your chest should
be at least 10” (254 mm)
from the center of the airbag
cover.
3. Place the seat belt mid-way
between your neck and your
shoulder. Fit the strap tightly
across your hips, not across
your stomach.
DRIVER SEATING
1. Adjust lumbar support.
2. Adjust backrest.
3. Move seat forward/backward and adjust the
height and tilt angle of the seat.
WARNINGS:
Do not make adjustments while driving. Doing so increases the likelihood
of a collision.
Riding in a moving vehicle with the seat back reclined can result in serious
injuries in a collision as you could slide under the lap belt or be propelled
into the seat belt. Ensure your seat back is reclined no more than 30
degrees when the vehicle is moving.
2
LOCATION OF AIRBAGS
TYPES OF AIRBAGS
OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
Airbags are located in the approximate areas shown on the following
illustration. Airbag warning information is printed on the sun visors.
Inflation of airbags depends on the rate at which your vehicle cabin
changes speed in a collision. The rate of deceleration determines whether
airbags inflate.
Airbags inflate instantly with considerable force accompanied by a loud
noise. The inflated bag, together with the seat belts, limits movement of
occupants, reducing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Front airbags are not ordinarily designed to inflate in the event of rear
collisions, rollovers, minor front or side collisions, heavy braking, or driving
over bumps and potholes. Therefore, significant superficial damage can
occur to the vehicle without the front airbags inflating or, conversely, a
relatively small amount of structural damage can cause airbags to inflate.
Advanced front
airbags
Knee airbags Knee airbags and the front airbags work together.
Side airbags Side airbags protect the thorax region of the torso
Curtain airbags Curtain airbags help to protect the head and
The front airbags on the Model S are advanced
airbags designed to reduce airbag related injuries
to children or small adults who ride in front. On
the driver’s side, the front airbag works with a
seat position sensor that adjusts the inflation
level based on the size of the occupant. On
the passenger’s side, the airbag responds to
a sensing system in the seat that determines
whether or not the passenger side front airbag
inflates, and adjusts the inflation level based on
the size of the occupant (see page4).
The knee airbags limit the forward motion of the
front seat occupants by restricting leg movement,
thereby positioning the occupants so that the front
airbags work more effectively.
and pelvis and will inflate only if a severe side
impact occurs. The airbags on the non-impacted
side will not inflate.
ordinarily inflate only if a severe side impact
occurs or if the vehicle rolls over. The airbags on
the non-impacted side will not inflate.
AIRBAGS
3
FRONT PASSENGER DETECTION
Model S has an occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat that
controls the status of the airbags based on the weight of the occupant.
Passenger airbag status displays in the top right corner of the touchscreen
to indicate whether the airbag will inflate (ON) or not inflate (OFF) if a
collision occurs:
• Objects wedged between the seat back and seat cushion.
• Cargo interfering with the seat.
• Rear passengers interfering with the seat.
• Aftermarket items attached to, or sitting on, the seat (covers, mats,
blankets, etc.).
These conditions can interfere with the occupancy sensor. If you’ve
eliminated the above possibilities, and the airbag status is still incorrect,
ask passengers to ride in the rear seat and contact Tesla to have the
airbag system checked.
NOTE: The front passenger seat’s sensing system affects the operation of
the front passenger airbag only. All other airbags, including the side airbag
and curtain airbag, are not affected.
OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
Front passenger seat occupancy* Passenger airbag status
Empty OFF
Infant in child seat (up to 20 lbs) OFF
Child or small occupant (20-100 lbs) ON or OFF
Heavy object/occupant ON
*Note: Values are approximate. Occupants whose weight is close to the low weight
threshold can cause the status to occasionally switch on and off depending on
seating position and physique.
If the status shows the airbag as permanently ON, even when the seat is
AIRBAGS
empty and the seat belt is unbuckled, contact Tesla immediately.
To make sure the sensing system can correctly detect occupancy status,
eliminate the following:
• Objects lodged underneath the seat.
• Heavy objects sitting on the seat (briefcase, large purse).
4
AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT
The airbag warning on the instrument panel alerts you
of a malfunction of the airbag system. When ModelS is
powered on, all components of the airbag system are
continuously monitored. Contact Tesla if this indicator light
stays on.
INFLATION EFFECTS
When airbags inflate, a fine powder is released. This powder can irritate
the skin and should be thoroughly flushed from the eyes and from any cuts
or abrasions.
After inflation, the airbags will deflate to provide a gradual cushioning effect
for the occupants and to ensure the driver’s forward vision is not obscured.
If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has been in an accident, always
have the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated components
checked and, if necessary, replaced by Tesla.
In a collision, in addition to airbags inflating:
• doors unlock and the door handles extend
• hazard warning lights switch on
• interior lights switch on
• battery power is disabled
To restore Battery power, use the touchscreen to turn the vehicle OFF, then
turn it back on again by pressing the brake.
WARNINGS:
All occupants, including the driver, should always wear their seat belts
whether or not an airbag is also provided at their seating position to
minimize the risk of severe injury or death in the event of a crash.
Front seat occupants should not place their arms over the airbag module,
as an inflating bag can cause fractures or other injuries.
Airbags inflate with considerable speed and force, which can cause
injury. To limit injuries, ensure that occupants are wearing seat belts and
are correctly seated, with the seat as far back as possible. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum
distance of 10 inches (25 cm) between an occupant’s chest and an airbag.
Do not use a child safety seat or seat young children on a seat with an
operational airbag in front of it. Doing so can cause serious injury or death
if an airbag inflates.
To ensure correct inflation of the side airbags, maintain an unobstructed
gap between an occupant’s torso and the side of Model S.
Passengers should not lean their heads against the doors. Doing so can
cause injury if a curtain airbag inflates.
Do not allow passengers to obstruct the operation of an airbag by placing
feet, knees, or any other part of the body on or near an airbag.
Do not attach or place objects on or near the frontal airbag modules, the
side of the front seats, the headliner at the side of the vehicle, or near any
other airbag cover that could interfere with inflation of the airbag system.
Any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a crash severe
enough to cause the airbag to inflate.
Following inflation, some airbag components are hot. Do not touch until
they have cooled.
OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
AIRBAGS
5
USING SEAT BELTS
Seat belts and child safety seats are the most effective means of
protecting occupants if a collision occurs. Therefore, wearing a seat belt
is required by law in most jurisdictions.
Both the driver and passenger seating positions are equipped with threepoint inertia reel seat belts. Inertia reel belts are tensioned automatically
to allow occupants to move comfortably during normal driving conditions.
The belt reel automatically locks to prevent movement of occupants when
ModelS experiences a force associated with hard acceleration, braking,
cornering or an impact in a collision.
To fasten a belt
To release a belt
Hold the belt near the buckle to prevent the belt from retracting too quickly,
then press the button on the buckle. The belt retracts automatically.
Wearing seat belts when pregnant
Do not put the lap portion or shoulder portion of
the seat belt over the abdominal area. Wear the
lap portion of the belt as low as possible across
the hips, not the waist. Position the shoulder
portion of the belt between the breasts and to
the side of the abdomen. Consult your doctor for
specific guidance.
1. Ensure correct positioning of the seat.
OWNER SAFETY INFORMATIONSEAT BELTS
2. Draw the belt out
smoothly, ensuring the
belt lays flat across the
pelvis, chest and midpoint of the collar bone
between the neck and
shoulder.
3. Insert the latch plate into
the buckle and press
down until you hear a
“click” indicating it is
locked in place.
4. Pull the belt to check that it’s securely fastened.
5. Pull the diagonal part of the belt towards the reel to remove excess
slack.
6
Seat belt reminder
The seat belt reminder on the instrument panel alerts you
if the seat belt for an occupied front seat is not fastened.
If the belt remains unfastened, this reminder flashes, and
you’ll hear an intermittent chime.
Seat belt pre-tensioners
The front seat belts are equipped with
pre-tensioners that work in conjunction with
the airbags in a severe frontal collision. The
pre-tensioners automatically retract both the seat
belt buckle and the seat belt webbing, reducing
slack in both the lap and diagonal portions of the
belts, resulting in reduced forward movement of
the occupant. Once the seat belt pre-tensioners
have been activated, they must be replaced. After any accident, have the
airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, and any associated components checked
and, if necessary, replaced.
THREE SEAT BELT TESTS
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the webbing nearest the buckle a
quick pull. The buckle should remain securely locked.
2. With the belt unfastened, unreel the webbing to its limit. Check that
unreeling is free from snags and visually check the webbing for wear.
Allow the webbing to retract, checking that retraction is smooth and
complete.
3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the tongue plate and pull forward
quickly. The mechanism should lock automatically and prevent further
unreeling.
If a seat belt fails any of these tests, contact Tesla immediately.
HEAD SUPPORTS
Model S seats include integrated head supports that cannot be adjusted or
removed.
WARNINGS:
All occupants must wear seat belts, even for short drives. Failure to do so
increases the risk of death or serious injury in the event of a collision.
Secure infants and small children in a rear seat using a suitable child
safety seat as described on page 9.
Regularly check the condition of all seat belts. Replace belts if you notice
any damage to the webbing, fittings, retractor mechanisms or buckles.
Seat belts should be worn low across the pelvis, over the shoulder and
across the chest. Avoid wearing the lap section of the belt across the
abdominal area. Always adjust the belt to remove slack. Seat belts worn too
loose allow excessive forward movement in a collision. Seat belts should
not be worn with any part of the strap twisted. An improperly worn seat belt
increases the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a collision.
Do not wear seat belts over hard, fragile or sharp items in clothing, such as
pens, keys, eyeglasses, etc. In a collision, the pressure from the seat belt
can cause them to break, which in turn can cause injury.
Each seat belt assembly must only be used by one occupant; it is
dangerous to put a belt around a child being carried on an occupant’s lap.
Seat belts that have been worn in an accident must be replaced, even if
damage is not obvious. The belt anchors must also be checked.
Avoid contaminating any component of a seat belt assembly with
chemicals, liquids, grit, dirt or cleaning products.
If a seat belt fails to retract or latch into the buckle, immediately contact
Tesla to have it replaced.
OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
SEAT BELTS
7
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