Tesla MODEL S Operating Manual page 179

Tire Care and Maintenance
Seasonal Tire Types
Summer Tires
Your vehicle may be originally equipped with
high performance summer tires or all season
tires. Tesla recommends using winter tires if
driving in cold temperatures or on roads
where snow or ice may be present. Contact
Tesla for winter tire recommendations.
Warning: In cold temperatures or on snow
or ice, summer tires do not provide
adequate traction. Selecting and installing
the appropriate tires for winter conditions
is important to ensure the safety and
optimum performance of your Model S.
All-Season Tires
Your Model S may be originally equipped with
all-season tires. These tires are designed to
provide adequate traction in most conditions
year-round, but may not provide the same
level of traction as winter tires in snowy or icy
conditions. All-season tires can be identified
by "ALL SEASON" and/or "M+S" (mud and
snow) on the tire sidewall.
Winter Tires
Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy
or icy conditions. When installing winter tires,
always install a complete set of four tires at
the same time. Winter tires must be the same
diameter, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Contact Tesla for
winter tire recommendations.
Winter tires can be identified by a
mountain/snowflake symbol on the
tire's sidewall.
When driving with winter tires, you may
experience more road noise, shorter tread life,
and less traction on dry roads.
Driving in Low Temperatures
Tire performance is reduced in low ambient
temperatures, resulting in reduced grip and an
increased susceptibility to damage from
impacts. Performance tires can temporarily
harden when cold, causing you to hear
rotational noise for the first few miles
(kilometers) until the tires warm up.
178
Using Tire Chains
Tesla has tested and approved Maggie Group
Trak Sport P217 tire chains to increase traction
in snowy conditions. These chains should only
be installed on rear 19" tires. Do not use chains
on 21" tires or on front tires. The approved tire
chains can be purchased from Tesla.
When installing tire chains, follow the
instructions and warnings provided by the tire
chain manufacturer. Mount them evenly and as
tight as possible.
When using tire chains:
• Inspect the tire chains for loose fittings
and damaged links before each use.
• Ensure air suspension is set to STANDARD
and Suspension Lowering is set to NEVER
for vehicles equipped with air suspension
(see Air Suspension
• Avoid heavily loading Model S (heavy
loads can reduce the clearance between
the tires and the body).
• Do not drive the vehicle without the
chains properly installed.
• Drive slowly. Do not exceed 30 mph
(48 km/h).
• Remove the tire chains as soon as
conditions allow.
Note: Tire chains are prohibited in some
jurisdictions. Check local laws before installing
tire chains.
Caution: Vehicles equipped with air
suspension should remain in the
STANDARD ride height setting to avoid
damage.
Caution: Using non-recommended tire
chains, or using tire chains on other sized
tires can damage the suspension, body,
wheels, and/or brake lines. Damage
caused by using non-recommended tire
chains, or incorrectly installing tire chains,
is not covered by the warranty.
Caution: Do not use chains on a Model S
equipped with 21" tires and do not use
tire chains on front tires.
Caution: Never deflate your tires to put on
tire chains. When re-inflated, the chains
might fit too tightly and cause tire
damage.
Caution: Ensure that the tire chains
cannot touch suspension components or
brake lines. If you hear the chains making
unusual noises that would indicate
on page 146).
Model S Owner's Manual