The front motor in Model S generates power when the wheels spin. Always transport Model S with all four tires off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at any time during transport.

Do not transport Model S using any method that is not specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in the following sections and observe all warnings and cautions provided. Damage caused by improper transporting of your vehicle is not covered by the warranty.

A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the recommended method of transporting Model S. The vehicle can face either direction when using a flatbed.

If Model S must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that all four wheels are off of the ground. This method may only be used for a maximum of 35 miles (55 km), and must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle facing forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.

If Model S is equipped with the air suspension system, it automatically self-levels, even when power is off. To prevent damage, you must activate Jack Mode to disable self-leveling:

1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very High to maximize height.
3. Touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode.

Tow Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching Model S onto a flatbed truck. When active, Tow Mode displays a confirmation pop up indicating the requirements for the vehicle to enter Tow Mode. Once Tow Mode is enabled, Model S remains free-rolling. The following are required to enable Tow Mode:

• Ensure the vehicle is not connected to a charger. Tow Mode is not available if Model S is still plugged in.
• Model S must detect a key. Tow Mode is available only when a key is detected.
• Confirm the Parking brake is engaged.
• Press and hold the brake pedal.
• Model S needs Low voltage power. If the vehicle has no low voltage power, attempt to jump start the low voltage system so that you can use the touchscreen to activate Tow Mode (see #D1E24666).

To activate Tow Mode:

1. Ensure the vehicle is in Park.
2. Chock the tires or otherwise ensure Model S is secure.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen displays a message reminding you how to properly transport Model S.
4. Touch Enter Tow Mode. The button turns blue to show that Model S is now in Tow Mode. Model S is now free-rolling and can be rolled slowly (no faster than walking speed) for short distances or winched (for example, onto a flatbed truck).

To cancel Tow Mode, touch Exit Tow Mode or shift Model S into Park. If your phone key is not detected, canceling Tow Mode powers off Model S. You may need your key card to restart your vehicle.

1. Locate the tow eye.
2. Remove the tow eye cover by inserting a small flat screwdriver into the slot located along the top of the cover, then prying gently to release the cover from the top snap.

   

   Note

   Keep the tow eye cover in a safe place so you can replace it when towing is complete.
3. Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.

   

4. Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
   CAUTION

   Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely fastened.
5. Activate Tow Mode by touching Controls > Service > Towing.
6. Pull Model S slowly onto the flatbed truck.

It is strongly recommended that you connect the winch to your vehicle's tow eye, as described previously. However, if a situation arises in which the tow eye is not available (lost, misplaced, etc.), the following instructions describe how to attach tow straps.

1. Attach the tow straps to each of the lower suspension arms underneath the front of the vehicle.

   

2. To protect the underbody from damage, place a protective barrier (such as a piece of wood) between the tow strap and underbody.
3. Activate Tow Mode by touching Controls > Service > Towing.
4. Pull Model S slowly onto the flatbed truck.

The vehicle's tires must be secured onto the truck using the eight-point tie-down method.

• Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do not contact painted surfaces or the face of the wheels.
• Do not place tie-down straps over body panels or through the wheels.

If Model S has no low voltage power, perform the following steps to open the hood or jump start the low voltage battery.

1. Open the hood. See Opening the Hood with No Power for more information on opening the hood if the vehicle does not have power.
2. Jump start the low voltage battery (see Jump Starting).