Braking And Stopping - Tesla MODEL S Operating Manual

Braking and Stopping

Braking Systems
Warning: Properly functioning braking
systems are critical to ensure safety. If
you experience a problem with the brake
pedal, brake caliper, or any component of
a Model S braking system, contact Tesla
immediately.
Model S has an anti-lock braking system
(ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking
when you apply maximum brake pressure. This
improves steering control during heavy
braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure according
to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.
This demonstrates that the ABS is operating
and is not a cause for concern. Keep firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator briefly flashes
yellow on the instrument panel when
you first start Model S. If this
indicator lights up at any other time,
an ABS fault has occurred and the
ABS is not operating. Contact Tesla.
The braking system remains fully
operational and is not affected by an
ABS failure. However, braking
distances may increase. Drive
cautiously and avoid heavy braking.
If the instrument panel displays this
red brake indicator at any time other
than briefly when you first start
Model S, a brake system fault is
detected, or the level of the brake
fluid is low. Contact Tesla
immediately. Apply steady pressure
and keep the brakes firm to bring the
vehicle to a stop when safe to do so.
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal
and maintain firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. The ABS varies the braking
pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.
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Warning: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.
Warning: Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you and be
aware of hazardous driving conditions.
While the ABS can improve stopping
distance, it cannot overcome the laws of
physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of
water prevents direct contact between
the tires and the road).
Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to
automatically brake in situations where a
collision is considered imminent (see
Automatic Emergency Braking
Warning: Automatic Emergency Braking
is not designed to prevent a collision. At
best, it can minimize the impact of a
frontal collision by attempting to reduce
your driving speed. Depending on
Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a
collision can result in serious injury or
death.
Caution: In emergency situations, if the
brakes are not functioning properly, press
and hold the Park button on the gear
selector to bring the vehicle to a stop. Do
not use this method to stop the vehicle
unless absolutely necessary.
Brake Disc Wiping
Model S is equipped with brake disc wiping,
which automatically assists in maintaining
brake responsiveness in cold and wet weather
conditions. When such conditions are
detected, brake disc wiping repeatedly applies
an imperceptible amount of brake force to
clear away water on the brake disc surface.
This ensures your brakes are responsive even
during poor weather conditions.
Hydraulic Fade Compensation
Your vehicle is also equipped with hydraulic
fade compensation. This assists in monitoring
brake system pressure and ABS activity for
instances of lower brake performance. If lower
brake performance is detected (as a result of
brake fade, or cold or wet conditions, for
example), you may feel the brake pedal pull
away from your foot, detect some noise, and
notice a strong increase in vehicle braking.
Continue to press the brake pedal without
releasing or "pumping" them— just brake as
you normally would.
on page 114).
Model S Owner's Manual