Instructions for Transporters

DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND

The motors in Model Y generate power when the wheels spin. Always transport Model Y with all four tires off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at any time during transport.

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Warning
NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.
Model Y being towed with rear wheels on ground and front wheels lifted by a tow truck and a red "X" to indicate this should not be performed.
Model Y being transported with all four wheels on ground behind an RV and a red "X" to indicate this should not be performed.

Do not transport Model Y 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.

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Note
Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.

Approved Methods for Transporting

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

Vehicle on a flatbed truck.

If Model Y 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 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.

Vehicle being towed with front wheels lifted by a tow truck and rear wheels on dollies.
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CAUTION
Enable Tow Mode (see Activate Tow Mode) before winching Model Y onto a flatbed truck (see Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Front and Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Rear). If Tow Mode is not available or the touchscreen is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model Y, including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
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Note
Tow Mode is only intended to allow for winching Model Y onto a flatbed truck or repositioning the vehicle out of a parking space. While in Tow Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 10 meters). See Activate Tow Mode. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to significant damage and overheating that is not covered by the warranty.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Model Y is equipped with high voltage components that may be compromised as a result of a collision (see High Voltage Components). Before transporting Model Y, it is important to assume these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protection equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can accurately confirm that all high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.

Activate Tow Mode

Tow Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching Model Y 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 Y 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 Y is still plugged in.
  • Model Y 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 Y 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 Activate Tow Mode).

To activate Tow Mode:

  1. Ensure Model Y is in Park.
  2. Chock the tires or make sure Model Y 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 Y.
  4. Touch Enter Tow Mode. The button turns blue to show that Model Y is now in Tow Mode. Model Y 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 Y into Park. You must have your phone key or a key card available to restart the vehicle.

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CAUTION
If the electrical system is not working, and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to activate Tow Mode, use self-loading dollies or tire skates. Before doing so, always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommended loading capacity.

Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Front

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Note
If Model Y has no low voltage power, you need an external low voltage power supply to open the hood or use the touchscreen.
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CAUTION
To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.
  1. Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located in the front trunk.
    Arrow pointing to the tow eye in the front trunk.
  2. Release the front tow eye cover by pressing firmly on its top right perimeter until it pivots inward, then gently pulling the raised section toward you.
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    Note
    The front tow eye cover is connected to the vehicle's black negative (-) terminal.
    Arrow pointing to the vehicle's tow eye cover.
  3. Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
    Tow eye installed and an arrow showing that it is rotated counter-clockwise.
  4. Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely tightened.
  5. Activate Tow Mode.
  6. Pull Model Y slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Rear

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
If Model Y has no low voltage power, you need an external low voltage power supply to open the hood or use the touchscreen.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.
  1. Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located in the front trunk.
    Arrow pointing to the tow eye in the front trunk.
  2. Release the rear tow eye cover by pressing firmly on its bottom perimeter until it pivots inward, then gently pulling the raised section toward you.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Vehicles equipped with a hitch receiver cannot be pulled from the rear tow eye. Use the tow bar or hitch receiver only to pull the vehicle to a safe location, such as onto a flatbed truck. Do not transport the vehicle with wheels on the ground.
    Arrow pointing to the vehicle's tow eye cover.
  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.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely tightened.
  5. Activate Tow Mode.
  6. Pull Model Y slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Secure the Tires

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 the body panels or through the wheels.
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CAUTION
Attaching the tie-down straps to the chassis, suspension or other parts of the vehicle's body may cause damage.
View of the rear wheel with tie-down straps installed.

If Vehicle Has No Power

If Model Y 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).
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Note
Tow providers: See Running Out of Range for more information on transporting the vehicle to a charging station and preparing the vehicle to charge.
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CAUTION
Because the windows automatically lower slightly when you open or close a door, always connect to an external, low voltage power supply before opening a door if the vehicle has no power to avoid breaking a window (see Jump Starting).