Brakes
Braking Systems
Warning: Properly functioning braking
systems are critical to ensure safety. If
you experience a problem with the brake
pedal, brake caliper, or any component of
a Model 3 braking system, contact Tesla
immediately.
Model 3 has an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
that prevents the wheels from locking when
you apply maximum brake pressure. This
improves steering control during heavy
braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure according
to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.
This demonstrates that the ABS is operating
and is not a cause for concern. Keep firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator briefly flashes
yellow on the touchscreen when you
first start Model 3. If this indicator
lights up at any other time, an ABS
fault has occurred and the ABS is
not operating. Contact Tesla. The
braking system remains fully
operational and is not aected by an
ABS failure. However, braking
distances may increase.
If the touchscreen displays this red
brake indicator at any time other
than briefly when you first start
Model 3, a brake system fault is
detected, or the level of the brake
fluid is low. Contact Tesla
immediately.
Dynamic Brake Lights
If you are driving over 50 km/h and brake
forcefully (or if Automatic Emergency Braking
engages), the brake lights flash quickly to
warn other drivers that Model 3 is rapidly
slowing down. If Model 3 stops completely, the
hazard warning lights flash. Flashing continues
until you press the accelerator or manually
press the button to turn them o (see Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 56).
Note: Dynamic brake lights will not flash while
Track Mode is enabled (see Track Mode on
page 69).
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal
and maintain firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. The ABS varies the braking
pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.
Warning: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.
Warning: Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you and be
aware of hazardous driving conditions.
While the ABS can improve stopping
distance, it cannot overcome the laws of
physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of
water prevents direct contact between
the tires and the road).
Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to
automatically brake in situations where a
collision is considered imminent (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 103).
Warning: Automatic Emergency Braking
is not designed to prevent a collision. At
best, it can minimize the impact of a
frontal collision by attempting to reduce
your driving speed. Depending on
Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a
collision can result in serious injury or
death.
Brake Wear
Model 3 brake pads are equipped with wear
indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal
strip attached to the brake pad that squeals as
it rubs against the rotor when the pad wears
down. This squealing sound indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their
service life and require replacement. To
replace the brake pads, contact Tesla Service.
Brakes must be periodically inspected visually
by removing the tire and wheel. For detailed
specifications and service limits for rotors and
brake pads, see Subsystems on page 169.
Additionally, Tesla recommends cleaning and
lubricating the brake calipers every year or
20,000 km if in an area where roads are salted
during winter months.
Warning:
Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads damages the braking system
and can result in a braking hazard.
Brakes
62 Model 3 Owner's Manual
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