Traction Control

What It Is

The traction control system constantly monitors the speed of the front and rear wheels. If Model S 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.

Amber icon of rear view of vehicle with squiggly tire marks

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

Traction control cannot prevent collisions caused by driving dangerously or turning too sharply at high speeds.

Allowing Wheel Slip

To allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed, you can enable Slip Start. Slip Start can be enabled only when Model S is moving 48 km/h or slower. Slip Start automatically disables when the speed exceeds 80 km/h.

Under normal conditions, Slip Start 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 > Pedals & Steering > Slip Start.

Amber icon of rear view of vehicle with squiggly tire marks and the word OFF

The instrument panel displays an alert message when Slip Start is enabled.

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

Note

Slip Start cannot be enabled when you are actively using cruise control.