Traction Control

What It Is

The traction control system constantly monitors the speed of the front and rear wheels. If Model X experiences a loss of traction, the system minimizes wheel spin by controlling brake pressure and motor power. By default, the traction control system is on. Under normal conditions, it should remain on to ensure maximum safety.

This yellow indicator flashes on the instrument panel whenever the traction control system is actively controlling brake pressure and motor power to minimize wheel spin. If the indicator stays on, a fault is detected with the traction control system. Contact Tesla Service.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Traction control cannot prevent collisions caused by driving dangerously or turning too sharply at high speeds.

How It Works

Touch Controls > Dynamics to access traction control settings.

  • Auto continuously detects characteristics of the current driving surface and automatically adapts Traction Control.
  • Slippery Surface distributes traction evenly across all tires to provide more traction and stability during slippery conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice.

    To enable, go to Controls > Dynamics > Slippery Surface.

  • Stuck Assist is designed to make it easier to dislodge Model X when stuck in mud, snow, ice, etc. Turning on Stuck Assist allows the wheels to spin, making it possible to rock Model X out of a situation in which the wheels are stuck.
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Note
Launch Mode cannot be used while Stuck Assist is enabled.

Allowing Wheel Slip

To allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed, you can enable Stuck Assist. Stuck Assist can be enabled only when Model X is moving 30 mph (48 km/h) or slower. Stuck Assist automatically disables when the speed exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h).

Under normal conditions, Stuck Assist should not be enabled. Enable 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, touch Controls > Dynamics > Stuck Assist.

The instrument panel displays an alert message when Stuck Assist is enabled.

Although Stuck Assist is automatically disabled the next time you start Model X, it is strongly recommended that you disable it immediately after the circumstances that required you to enable it have passed.

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Stuck Assist cannot be enabled when you are actively using cruise control.