WARNING:
In cold temperatures or on snow or ice,
summer and all-season 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.
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 (summer applications) have reduced traction in
ambient temperatures below 40° F (5° C), and are not
recommended in snow/ice conditions. Performance tires
can temporarily harden when cold, causing you to hear
rotational noise for the first few miles (kilometers) until
the tires warm up.
Using Tire Chains
Tesla has tested and approved the following tire chains
to increase traction in snowy conditions. Tire chains
should only be installed on the rear tires. The approved
tire chains can be purchased from Tesla.
Tire Size
Recommended Chain
19"
KONIG K-SUMMIT
Do not use tire chains on 21" tires.
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.
• Set air suspension (if equipped) to Medium and turn
off the
Default Ride Height to Low
setting (see
).
• Set air suspension to
Medium
and turn off the
Default
Ride Height to Low
setting.
• 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:
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:
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 contact with Model S, stop and investigate
immediately.
Tire Care and Maintenance
176
MODEL S Owner's Manual
