Tesla MODEL S 2012 Owner's Manual page 169

If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System) sensors need to be reset to ensure
they provide accurate warnings when tires are under- or
over-inflated (see Resetting the TPMS Sensors on page
168).
For the specification of the original wheels and tires
installed on Model S, see Wheels and Tires on page
WARNING: For your safety, use only tires and
wheels that match the original specification. Tires
that do not match the original specification can
affect the operation of the TPMS.
WARNING: Never exceed the speed rating of your
vehicle's tires. The speed rating is shown on the
sidewall of your tires (see
Markings on page 187).
Asymmetric Tires
Model S tires are asymmetric and must be mounted on
the wheel with the correct sidewall facing outward. The
sidewall of the tire is marked with the word OUTSIDE.
When new tires are installed, make sure that the tires are
correctly mounted on the wheels.
WARNING: Road holding is seriously impaired if
the tires are incorrectly installed on the wheels.
Removing and Installing Aero Covers
If your Model S is equipped with aero covers, you must
remove them to access the lug nuts.
To remove an aero cover:
1. Grasp the aero cover firmly with both hands.
2. Pull the aero cover toward you to release the
retaining clips.
To install an aero cover:
1. Align the aero cover into position so that the notch at
the base of the Tesla "T" is aligned with the tire's
valve stem.
2. Push firmly around the perimeter of the aero cover
until it fully snaps into place.
Maintenance
Tire Care and Maintenance
186.
Understanding Tire
For Gemini wheels, press on the perimeter of the
cover until it aligns with the wheel surface. Press on
the Tesla "T" in the center until the cap snaps into
place. See Parts and Accessories on page 178
more information.
CAUTION: To prevent the aero cover from
falling off, ensure that it is fully secured before
driving.
Wheel Configuration
If you are installing new wheels or swapping them for
different ones, update your vehicle's wheel configuration
by touching Controls > Service > Wheel Configuration.
This allows Model S to learn the new wheels and provide
more accurate status updates on your vehicle. Select a
wheel from the drop down menu that matches the new
wheels you plan to install on Model S. Selecting new
wheels in the wheel configuration also changes the
wheels that appear on your vehicle's avatar on the
touchscreen.
Ensure you are aware if your vehicle is equipped with
staggered wheels, meaning the wheels are different
sizes in the front and rear. Check the front and rear tire
sizes marked on the tire sidewall to see if they match or
are different sizes. If the wheels are staggered, take
extra precaution to ensure the new wheels you install are
staggered in the same way as the previous wheels.
NOTE: Changing your vehicle's wheel configuration can
impact range estimates, tire pressure warning levels, and
vehicle visualization.
WARNING: Only use Tesla-approved wheels when
installing or swapping wheels. Using non Tesla-
approved wheels can cause serious damage. Tesla
is not liable for damage caused by using wheels
not approved by Tesla.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the recommended pressures that are printed
on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the
driver's door pillar (see Maintaining Tire Pressures on
page 165). If your vehicle has tires of a different size than
the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a TPMS that displays a tire pressure
telltale (Tire Pressure Warning) on the instrument panel
when one or more of your tires is significantly under- or
over-inflated. Accordingly, when the Tire Pressure
indicator light displays on the instrument panel to alert
you about tire pressure, stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure
(see Maintaining Tire Pressures on page
a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
for
165). Driving on
167