Tire Pressures when Towing
When towing a trailer, tire pressures must be adjusted to
accommodate the additional load.
19" and 20" tires are
acceptable to use for towing. Keep tires inflated to the
pressures shown below (if different, these pressures override
the pressures that are provided on the Tire and Loading
Information Label (see
Vehicle Loading on page 193)).
Front Tires Rear Tires Cold Tire Inflation Pressure
255/45R19 255/45R19 42 psi (290 kPa)
255/40R20 255/40R20 42 psi (290 kPa)
CAUTION:
Do not use Model Y for towing if equipped
with tires that are not listed previously.
WARNING:
Check tire pressures using an accurate
pressure gauge when tires are cold. Driving 1.6 km
warms the tires sufficiently to affect tire pressures.
Parking the vehicle in direct sunlight or in hot weather
can also affect tire pressures. If you must check warm
tires, expect increased pressures. Do not let air out of
warm tires in an attempt to match recommended cold
tire pressures. A hot tire at or below the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure may be dangerously under-
inflated.
WARNING:
Never attempt to tow a trailer when a Model
Y tire is faulty or has been temporarily repaired (for
example, using a tire repair kit). A temporarily repaired
tire is not designed to sustain the towing load. Towing
using a faulty or temporarily repaired tire can result in
tire failure and loss of vehicle stability.
Before Towing a Trailer
Before towing a trailer, you must do the following:
• Inflate tires to the cold tire inflation pressure specified in
Tire Pressures when Towing on page 95.
• Observe all regulations and legal requirements that apply
to trailer towing. Failure to comply with regulations can
compromise your safety.
• Adjust side mirrors to provide a clear rear view without a
significant blind spot.
•
Engage Trailer Mode (see Trailer Mode on page 96).
Confirm the following:
•
Model Y rests horizontally with the trailer attached. If the
vehicle is tipped up at the front and down at the rear,
check that you are not exceeding the maximum towing
capacity and tongue loads provided in
Trailer Towing on
page 94.
•
Trailer lights (brake lights, turn signal lights, and marker
lights) are working properly.
•
The trailer tongue is securely connected to the hitch ball.
• Safety chains are properly connected between the trailer
and the tow vehicle. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it separates from the hitch. Leave
enough slack in the safety chains to allow for turns and
ensure that the chains do not drag on the ground.
•
All trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, and
electrical connectors are in good condition and are
properly connected. If any problems are apparent, do not
tow the trailer.
•
All cargo is secured.
• Wheel chocks are available.
•
The trailer load is evenly distributed such that the trailer
tongue weight is approximately 4-10% of the total trailer
weight, without exceeding the maximum tongue weights
provided in
Trailer Towing on page 94.
CAUTION: Loads that are balanced over the trailer
wheels or heavier in the rear can cause trailer sway,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING: Always ensure that cargo is secured in the
trailer and will not shift. Dynamic load shifts can cause
loss of vehicle control, resulting in serious injury.
Towing Guidelines
Model Y is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional load on the motor(s),
drive train, brakes, tires, and suspension and significantly
decreases range. If you decide to tow a trailer, proceed with
caution and follow these general guidelines:
•
Reduce your driving speed and avoid sudden maneuvers.
When towing a trailer, steering, stability, turning radius,
stopping distance and braking performance are different
when compared to driving without a trailer.
• Increase your following distance by maintaining at least
twice the distance from the vehicle ahead. This helps to
avoid situations that require heavy braking. Sudden
braking may result in skidding or jack-knifing, and loss of
control.
• Avoid sharp turns. Sharp turns can cause the trailer to
contact the vehicle and cause damage. Keep in mind that
the trailer wheels are closer to the inside of the turn than
the vehicle’s wheels. Therefore, make wider turns to
prevent the trailer from hitting curbs, road signs, trees or
other objects.
•
Periodically check the trailer lights and turn signals to
confirm that the bulbs are still working. When towing a
trailer, the turn signal arrows on the touchscreen flash as
normal, even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out.
•
Periodically confirm the cargo is secure.
•
Regularly confirm that all towing components are securely
tightened.
Towing and Accessories
95Driving
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