Tesla Model S: Before Driving
When snow and ice accumulate on your vehicle, moving
parts, such as the door handles, windows, mirrors, and
wipers can freeze in place. To achieve maximum range
and performance, it is helpful to warm the cabin and
Battery before you leave. There are several ways to do
so:
- Touch Schedule, available on both the charging and
climate control screens, to set a time when you want
your vehicle to be ready to drive (see Scheduled
Charging and Scheduled Departure).
- On the mobile app, navigate to Climate to customize
the temperature at which you want to heat the cabin.
This also warms the high voltage Battery as needed.
- On the mobile app, navigate to Climate > Defrost Car
to melt snow, ice, and frost on the windshield,
windows, and mirrors. This also warms the high
voltage Battery as needed.
NOTE: Tesla recommends activating climate settings
at least 30-45 minutes before departure (see Climate
Controls). Preconditioning times
depend on outside temperature and other factors.
The Mobile App will notify you once your vehicle has
reached the desired preconditioning temperature.
- In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is
possible that your charge port latch may freeze in
place. In cases where you cannot remove or insert the
charge cable, or the vehicle is not Supercharging due
to the latch being frozen in place, use the Defrost Car
setting in the mobile app. This can help thaw ice on
the charge port latch so the charge cable can be
removed or inserted.
- Warming the Battery using Scheduled Departure or
the mobile app before driving can also reduce
charging time at a Supercharger or third party fast
charger, especially if the Supercharger or third party
fast charger is close enough that Trip Planner (if
available in your market region) does not have
sufficient time to precondition the Battery.
Windows
- On the mobile app, navigate to Climate > Defrost as
mentioned previously.
- Use the mobile app to schedule a service
appointment for Tesla to provide hydrophobic
coating to your windows for a nominal fee.
Mirrors
If ice buildup is expected when parking, turn off Auto-
Fold Mirrors. Touch Controls > Auto-Fold. Ice can
prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or unfolding.
NOTE: Side mirrors automatically heat as needed during
preconditioning, or when the rear defroster is turned on.
Wipers
If you expect snow or ice to build up when parked, touch
Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. This raises
wipers against the windshield so they can defrost when
the windshield defrosts (see Wipers and Washers). You can also turn on wiper defrosters (if
equipped). See Climate Controls.
Tires and Tire Chains
- - Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy or icy
conditions. You can purchase winter tires on http://
www.tesla.com (see Seasonal Tire Types).
- - Tire chains provide additional traction when driving in
snowy or icy conditions. Check local regulations to
determine if tire chains are recommended or required
during winter months. See Using Tire Chains for more information.
Your vehicle's tire pressures will drop in cold ambient
temperatures. If the TPMS indicator light appears, inflate
the tires before driving. The tires will lose one PSI for
every 10º F (6º C) drop in outside temperature (see Tire
Care and Maintenance). Proper tire
pressures help protect tires from potholes and improve
range when properly inflated.
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Cold weather can increase energy consumption because
more power is required for driving, cabin and Battery
heating. Follow these suggestions to reduce energy
consumption:
Use seat heaters to keep
Leave Model S plugged in when not in use. This uses the
charging system, rather than the Battery itself, to keep
the Battery warm (see High Voltage Battery Information).
Scheduled Departure
When par
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During charging, the charge port light pulses green, and
the touchscreen displays real-time charging status. The
frequency at which the green charge port light pulses
slows down as the charge level approaches full. When
charging is complete, the light stops pulsing and is solid
green.
NOTE: If
Removal
Remove door trim (refer to procedure)
Release clips (x4) securing flap seal ends front and rear.
Note: Components have been removed in this graphic
to aid clarity.
Caution: Take care not to damage component(s).
Carefully relea