Fluid Reservoirs

Removing the Maintenance Panel

To check fluid levels, remove the maintenance panel:

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Pull the maintenance panel upward to release the clips that hold it in place.
    Vehicle with hood open and maintenance panel shown.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
The maintenance panel protects the front trunk from water. When re-attaching, make sure it is fully seated.

Checking Battery Coolant

Your Battery coolant should not need to be replaced for the life of your vehicle under most circumstances. However, the instrument panel displays a message if there is an issue with the quantity of fluid in the cooling system. Stop driving Model S as soon as safety permits and contact Tesla.

Fluid Level Check

On a Rear Wheel Drive Model S, you can check the fluid level visually. BUT DO NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage not covered by the warranty. To check the fluid level, park Model S on level ground. When Model S is cool, remove the maintenance panel (see Removing the Maintenance Panel). The fluid level can be seen by looking at the outside marks on the side of the reservoir.

Reservoir and zoombox showing the fill markings on the side of it.

The fluid level should be between the MIN and the MAX marks. If you notice that the fluid level has dropped significantly, contact Tesla before using Model S.

Do Not Top Up Battery Coolant

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Battery coolant can be hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin. Under no circumstances should you remove the filler cap and/or add coolant. If the instrument panel warns you that the fluid level is low, contact Tesla immediately.

To maximize the performance and life of the Battery, the cooling system uses a specific mixture of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant (HOAT). Contact Tesla for more specific information about the coolant.

Checking Brake Fluid

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Contact Tesla immediately if you notice increased movement of the brake pedal or a significant loss of brake fluid. Driving under these conditions can result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.
Red icon with an exclamation mark and word "BRAKE" underneath.
A red brake indicator on the instrument panel alerts you if the quantity of fluid in the brake reservoir drops below the recommended level. If it displays while driving, stop as soon as safety permits by gently applying the brakes. Do not continue driving. Contact Tesla immediately.

Fluid Level Check

Tesla checks the brake fluid level and health at the regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To check the fluid level yourself, park Model S on level ground. When Model S is cool, remove the maintenance panel (see Removing the Maintenance Panel).

Reservoir and zoombox showing the fill markings on the side of it.

Check the fluid level visually by looking at the outside marks on the side of the reservoir without removing the filler cap.

The brake fluid level should always be between the MIN and the MAX marks.

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Although brake fluid level drops slightly during normal use as a result of brake pad wear, it should not drop below the MIN mark.

Topping Up the Brake Fluid

Do not top up your brake fluid. The following instructions are provided for information purposes and future reference only:

  1. Clean the filler cap before removing it to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
  2. Unscrew the cap and remove it.
  3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark using the appropriate brake fluid.
  4. Reinstall the filler cap, ensuring it is fully secured.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Only use new fluid from a sealed air-tight container. Never use previously used fluid or fluid from a previously opened container—fluid absorbs moisture which decreases braking performance.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Brake fluid is highly toxic. Keep containers sealed and out of the reach of children. In the event of accidental consumption, seek medical attention immediately.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages painted surfaces. Immediately soak up any spills with an absorbent cloth and wash the area with a mixture of car shampoo and water.

Topping Up Windshield Washer Fluid

The only reservoir into which you can add fluid is the windshield washer fluid reservoir, which is located behind the front trunk. When the level is low, a message displays on the instrument panel.

To top up the washer fluid:

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Clean around the filler cap before opening it to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
  3. Open the filler cap.
  4. While avoiding spilling, fill the reservoir until the fluid level is visible just below the filler neck.
    Filler cap with a zoombox showing target fill amount.
  5. Wipe up any spills immediately and wash the affected area with water.
  6. Reinstall the filler cap.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Use only windshield washer fluid meant for automotive vehicles. Using other substances, such as untreated water, can result in bacterial growth within the climate control system resulting in odor or potential damage that is not covered by warranty.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Some national or local regulations restrict the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are commonly used as antifreeze in washer fluid. Use a washer fluid with limited VOC content only if it provides adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which you drive Model S.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Do not add formulated washer fluids that contain water repellent or bug wash. These fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and squeaking or other noises.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
In temperatures below 4° C, use a washer fluid with antifreeze. In cold weather, using a washer fluid without antifreeze can impair visibility through the windshield.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Windshield washer fluid can irritate eyes and skin. Read and observe the instructions provided by the washer fluid manufacturer.