Traction Control - Tesla Model S Owner's Manual

Traction Control

How It Works
The traction control system constantly
monitors the difference in speed between the
front and rear wheels. If Model S experiences a
loss of traction, the system minimizes wheel
spin by controlling brake pressure and motor
power. By default, the traction control system
is always active. Under normal conditions, it
should remain active to ensure maximum
safety.
On standard Model S vehicles, traction control
can be turned off at any time. Turn it off only
in circumstances where you deliberately want
the wheels to spin, such as when Model S is
stuck in snow or mud.
On a dual motor Model S, you can enable slip
start to allow the wheels to spin at a limited
speed. Slip start can be enabled only when
Model S is moving 20 mph (32 km/h) or
slower. Slip start automatically disables when
the speed exceeds 40 mph (64 km/h).
This indicator displays on the
instrument panel whenever the
traction control system is actively
controlling brake pressure and
motor power to minimize wheel spin.
Warning: Traction control can not
prevent accidents caused by driving
dangerously or turning too sharply at
high speeds.
Allowing Wheel Slip
Under normal conditions, the traction control
system should remain enabled. Disable it only
in circumstances where you deliberately want
the wheels to spin, such as:
• Starting on a loose surface, such as gravel
or snow.
• Driving in deep snow, sand or mud.
• Rocking out of a hole or deep rut.
To allow the wheels to spin on a standard
single motor Model S, touch Controls >
Driving > Traction Control > Off.
To allow the wheels to spin on a dual motor
Model S, touch Controls > Driving > Traction
Control > Slip Start.
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This indicator displays at the top
center of the touchscreen whenever
the wheels are allowed to spin (i.e.
when the traction control system on
a standard single-motor Model S is
turned off, or when Slip start on a
dual-motor Model S is enabled.
Although the traction control system
automatically reactivates the next time you
start Model S, it is strongly recommended that
you enable it immediately after the
circumstances that required you to disable it
have passed.
Model S Owner's Manual