Traction Control - Tesla S Owner's Manual

How It Works
The traction control system constantly
monitors the speed of the front and rear
wheels. If Model S experiences a loss of
traction, the system minimizes wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure and motor power.
By default, the traction control system is
always active. Under normal conditions, it
should remain active to ensure maximum
safety.
This indicator flashes on the
instrument panel whenever the
traction control system is actively
controlling brake pressure and motor
power to minimize wheel spin. If the
indicator stays on, a fault is detected
with the traction control system.
Contact Tesla Service.
Warning: Traction control cannot prevent
accidents caused by driving dangerously
or turning too sharply at high speeds.
Warning: If the above indicator remains
illuminated in situations in which you have
not enabled Slip Start (described next),
the traction control system may not be
operating correctly. Contact Tesla Service
immediately.
Allowing Wheel Slip
To allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed,
you can enable Slip Start. Slip Start can be
enabled only when Model S is moving
48 km/h or slower. Slip Start automatically
disables when the speed exceeds 80 km/h.
Under normal conditions, Slip Start should not
be enabled. Enable it only in circumstances
where you deliberately want the wheels to
spin, such as:
• Starting on a loose surface, such as gravel
or snow.
• Driving in deep snow, sand or mud.
• Rocking out of a hole or deep rut.
To allow the wheels to spin, touch Controls >
Driving > Traction Control > Slip Start.
The instrument panel displays an
alert message when Slip Start is
enabled.
Driving

Traction Control

Although Slip Start is automatically disabled
the next time you start Model S, it is strongly
recommended that you disable it immediately
after the circumstances that required you to
enable it have passed.
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