Tesla Model 3: 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 affected by an ABS failure. However, braking distances may increase. Drive cautiously and avoid heavy braking.

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. Apply steady pressure and keep the brakes firm to bring the vehicle to a stop when safe to do so.

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

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.

Caution: In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, press and hold the Park button on the gear selector to bring the vehicle to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.

Brake Disc Wiping

Model 3 is equipped with brake disc wiping, which automatically assists in maintaining brake responsiveness in cold and wet weather conditions. When such conditions are detected, brake disc wiping repeatedly applies an imperceptible amount of brake force to clear away water on the brake disc surface.

This ensures your brakes are responsive even during poor weather conditions.

Hydraulic Fade Compensation

Your vehicle is also equipped with hydraulic fade compensation. This assists in monitoring brake system pressure and ABS activity for instances of lower brake performance. If lower brake performance is detected (as a result of brake fade, or cold or wet conditions, for example), you may feel the brake pedal pull away from your foot, detect some noise, and notice a strong increase in vehicle braking.

Continue to press the brake pedal without releasing or "pumping" them- just brake as you normally would.

Caution: If the brakes are not functioning properly, stop the vehicle as soon as safety permits and contact Tesla Service.

Warning: Always maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you and be cautious in hazardous driving conditions. Do not rely on brake disc wiping or hydraulic fade compensation to act as a substitute for adequate braking.

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