Tesla MODEL 3 2012 Owner's Manual page 91

Wipers
If you expect snow or ice to build up when parked, touch
Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. This raises
wipers against the windshield so they can defrost when
the windshield defrosts (see
page 63). You can also turn on wiper defrosters (if
equipped). See Climate Controls on page
Tires and Tire Chains
• Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy or icy
conditions. You can purchase winter tires on
www.tesla.com (see Seasonal Tire Types on page
183).
• Tire chains provide additional traction when driving in
snowy or icy conditions. Check local regulations to
determine if tire chains are recommended or required
during winter months. See
184 for more information.
Your vehicle's tire pressures will drop in cold ambient
temperatures. If the TPMS indicator light appears, inflate
the tires before driving. The tires will lose one PSI for
every 6° C drop in outside temperature (see
and Maintenance on page
help protect tires from potholes and improve range
when properly inflated.
While Driving
Cold weather can increase energy consumption because
more power is required for driving, cabin and Battery
heating. Follow these suggestions to reduce energy
consumption:
• Use seat heaters to keep warm. Seat heaters use less
energy than the cabin heater. Lowering the cabin
temperature and using seat heaters reduces energy
consumption (see Climate Controls on page
• Slow down your driving and avoid frequent and rapid
acceleration.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking can be limited if the Battery is too
cold. As you continue to drive, the Battery warms up
and regenerative power increases (see
Braking on page 65).
NOTE: Limited regenerative braking can be avoided if
you allow enough time to precondition your vehicle or if
you use Schedule to precondition Model 3 before your
departure time (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled
Departure on page 175).
NOTE: Installing winter tires can result in temporarily
reduced regenerative braking power but after a short
period of driving, Model 3 recalibrates to correct this.
Driving
Cold Weather Best Practices
Wipers and Washers on
134.
http://
Using Tire Chains on page
Tire Care
179). Proper tire pressures
134).
Regenerative
Blue Snowflake Icon
A blue snowflake icon appears on your
touchscreen when some of the stored energy in
the Battery is unavailable because the Battery is
cold. This portion of unavailable energy displays
in blue on the Battery meter. Regenerative
braking, acceleration, and charging rates may be
limited. The snowflake icon no longer displays
when the Battery is sufficiently warm.
Warming the Battery Before
Supercharging
By using Trip Planner (if available in your market region)
to navigate to a Supercharger, Model 3 pre-heats the
Battery to ensure when you arrive at the Supercharger,
the Battery temperature is optimal and ready to charge.
This reduces the amount of time it takes to charge. See
(see Trip Planner on page
NOTE: Tesla recommends using Trip Planner to navigate
to a Supercharger for at least 30-45 minutes before
arrival to ensure optimal Battery temperature and
charging conditions. If the drive to the Supercharger is
less than 30-45 minutes, consider preconditioning the
Battery prior to driving (see
Autopilot
To ensure optimal Autopilot performance, keep the
sensors free of snow, ice, mud, and dirt (see
Autopilot on page 91).
After Driving
Leave Model 3 plugged in when not in use. This uses the
charging system, rather than the Battery itself, to keep
the Battery warm (see High Voltage Battery Information
on page 170).
Scheduled Departure
When parked, plug in Model 3 and use the Schedule
settings, available on both the charging and climate
control screens, to set a time when you want to
precondition Model 3 (see
Scheduled Departure on page
determines the appropriate time to begin charging so it
is complete during off-peak hours and the cabin and
Battery are warm by your set departure time. For more
information, see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled
Departure on page 175.
143).
Before Driving on page
About
Scheduled Charging and
175). Your vehicle
87).
89