Inspecting And Maintaining Tires - Tesla MODEL S Operating Manual

Tire Care and Maintenance
Checking and Adjusting Tire Pressures
Follow these steps when tires are cold and
Model S has been stationary for over three
hours:
1. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
label located on the driver's center door
pillar for the target tire pressure.
2. Remove the valve cap.
3. Firmly press an accurate tire pressure
gauge onto the valve to measure pressure.
4. If required, add or remove air to reach the
recommended pressure.
Note: You can release air by pressing the
metal stem in the center of the valve.
5. Re-check pressure using the accurate tire
gauge.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary until
the tire pressure is correct.
7. Reinstall the valve cap to prevent dirt from
entering. Periodically check the valve for
damage and leaks.
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Inspecting and Maintaining Tires

Regularly inspect the tread and side walls for
any sign of distortion (bulges), foreign objects,
cuts or wear.
Warning: Do not drive Model S if a tire is
damaged, excessively worn, or inflated to
an incorrect pressure. Check tires
regularly for wear, and ensure there are
no cuts, bulges or exposure of the ply/
cord structure.
Tire Wear
Adequate tread depth is important for proper
tire performance. Tires with a tread depth less
than 4/32" (3 mm) are more likely to
hydroplane in wet conditions and should not
be used. Tires with a tread depth less than
5/32" (4 mm) do not perform well in snow and
slush and should not be used when driving in
winter conditions.
Model S is originally fitted with tires that have
wear indicators molded into the tread pattern.
When the tread has been worn down to 4/32"
(3 mm), the indicators start to appear at the
surface of the tread pattern, producing the
effect of a continuous band of rubber across
the width of the tire. For optimal performance
and safety, Tesla recommends replacing tires
before the wear indicators are visible.
Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel Alignment
Tesla recommends rotating the tires every
10,000-12,000 miles (16,000-20,000 km) or if
tread depth difference is 2/32 in (1.5 mm) or
greater.
Unbalanced wheels (sometimes noticeable as
vibration through the steering wheel) affect
vehicle handling and tire life. Even with regular
use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
If tire wear is uneven (on one side of the tire
only) or becomes abnormally excessive, check
the alignment of wheels.
Note: When replacing only two tires, always
install the new tires on the rear.
Model S Owner's Manual