Have you ever needed to get under your Tesla Model S for a quick check or a DIY repair, only to realize that jacking up an electric vehicle is a bit different from your traditional gas-powered car? You're in the right place! Jacking up a Tesla Model S requires careful attention to detail and specific procedures to prevent damage, especially to its sensitive battery pack and air suspension system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you can safely and effectively lift your Tesla.
Step 1: Prepare for a Safe Lift ⚠️
Before you even think about grabbing a jack, safety is paramount. This isn't just about protecting your vehicle; it's about protecting yourself!
Sub-step 1.1: Choose the Right Location
Find a Flat, Solid Surface: Always perform this procedure on a hard, level surface like a concrete driveway or a garage floor. Never attempt to jack up your Tesla on uneven ground, dirt, grass, or an incline. A soft surface can cause the jack to sink or the car to shift, leading to dangerous instability.
Clear the Area: Ensure the surrounding area is clear of any obstacles, people, or pets. You need ample space to work safely and move around the vehicle.
Sub-step 1.2: Gather Your Tools ️
Having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and safer. You'll need:
Floor Jack: A high-quality floor jack with a sufficient weight capacity (at least 3 tons is recommended for a Model S, which is a heavy car).
Jack Stands: Absolutely essential if you plan to get under the vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack to support the car. Use jack stands rated for your Tesla's weight.
Tesla Jack Pads (Optional but Recommended): While some argue they aren't strictly necessary, these puck-shaped adapters fit into the specific jacking points on your Tesla and help distribute the weight, preventing damage to the battery casing or side skirts. They also help ensure your jack's saddle doesn't span the jacking point and inadvertently lift from the battery pack.
Wheel Chocks: To prevent the car from rolling while lifted.
Gloves and Safety Glasses: For personal protection.
Lug Nut Wrench and Socket (21mm): If you plan on removing a wheel.
Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening lug nuts to the correct specification after reinstallation.
Sub-step 1.3: Secure Your Tesla
Engage Park Brake: Ensure the vehicle is in Park (P).
Chock the Wheels: Place wheel chocks on the wheels opposite the end of the car you intend to lift. For example, if you're lifting the front, chock the rear wheels. If you're lifting one corner, chock the diagonally opposite wheel.
Disconnect Charging Cable: If your Tesla is charging, disconnect the charging cable before attempting to lift the vehicle. Never raise the car with the charging cable connected.
Step 2: Activate Jack Mode (Crucial for Air Suspension)
This is perhaps the most critical step for Tesla Model S owners, especially those with air suspension. The Model S's air suspension system automatically self-levels, even when the car is "asleep" or powered off. Failing to disable this system by activating "Jack Mode" can lead to serious damage, including blown air springs, or even injury.
Sub-step 2.1: Access Jack Mode on the Touchscreen
Enter the Vehicle: Get into your Tesla Model S.
Press Brake Pedal: Press and hold the brake pedal.
Navigate to Suspension Settings: On your Tesla's touchscreen, touch Controls > Suspension.
Maximize Height (Optional but Recommended): While still pressing the brake pedal, touch Very High to maximize the height of the suspension. This provides more clearance for your jack.
Activate Jack Mode: Finally, touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode.
Verify Jack Mode: A red air suspension indicator should light up on your instrument panel, confirming that Jack Mode is engaged and self-leveling is disabled.
Step 3: Locate the Jack Points and Position Your Jack
Tesla Model S vehicles have four specific jacking points designed to safely support the car's weight. These are the only approved lifting points. Lifting from anywhere else, especially under the battery or side rails, can cause severe damage that won't be covered by warranty.
Sub-step 3.1: Identify Jack Points
The jack points on a Model S are located near each corner of the battery pack. They are typically small, circular or rectangular holes in a metal plate, flush with the battery pack.
Refer to your Tesla owner's manual for precise diagrams, but generally, you'll find them just behind the front wheels and just in front of the rear wheels, inward from the side skirts.
Sub-step 3.2: Position Your Jack and Pads
If using jack pads, insert them into the designated holes at the jack points.
Carefully slide your floor jack under the Tesla, aligning the jack's saddle (with the jack pad, if using) directly beneath the chosen jack point. Ensure the jack is perfectly centered.
Step 4: Safely Lift the Vehicle ⬆️
Take your time and proceed with caution during this step.
Sub-step 4.1: Begin Lifting
Slowly pump the handle of your floor jack to begin raising the Tesla.
As the car lifts, constantly monitor the contact between the jack/jack pad and the jack point. Ensure it remains securely in place and doesn't slip. If you notice any shifting, immediately lower the car and re-position the jack.
Lift the vehicle to the desired height. If you're removing a wheel, ensure there's enough clearance for the wheel to come off easily.
Sub-step 4.2: Place Jack Stands (If Working Under the Car)
Crucial Safety Step: If you intend to work under the vehicle, immediately place jack stands under the appropriate reinforced points near the jacked-up area. Never get under a car supported only by a jack.
Adjust the jack stands to the desired height and ensure they are securely locked.
Slowly lower the jack until the vehicle's weight rests firmly on the jack stands. You can then remove the jack, or keep it in place as an additional safety measure (though the primary support should be the jack stands).
Give the car a gentle push to confirm it's stable on the jack stands before you begin any work.
Step 5: Perform Your Work and Lower the Vehicle ⬇️
Once your maintenance or repair is complete, it's time to safely lower your Tesla.
Sub-step 5.1: Reassemble and Clear
If you removed a wheel, reinstall it, tightening the lug nuts by hand first.
Ensure all tools, parts, and yourself are clear from under and around the vehicle.
Sub-step 5.2: Remove Jack Stands and Lower
Use your floor jack to slightly raise the car again, just enough to take the weight off the jack stands.
Carefully remove the jack stands.
Slowly and gently lower the Tesla by releasing the pressure on your floor jack. Ensure the car descends smoothly.
Once the car is fully on the ground, remove the jack and any jack pads.
Sub-step 5.3: Disable Jack Mode
Get back into your Tesla.
Press the brake pedal.
On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Service, and touch Jack Mode again to disable it.
The air suspension system will now re-engage and self-level.
Sub-step 5.4: Torque Lug Nuts (If Wheel Was Removed)
With the car back on the ground, use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque. For a Tesla Model S, this is typically 129 ft-lbs (175 Nm). Tighten in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
Reinstall any plastic lug nut caps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to use a floor jack safely?
Always use a floor jack on a flat, stable surface, ensure the car is in park with the parking brake engaged, and use wheel chocks. Never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack; always use jack stands.
How to find the jack points on a Tesla Model S?
The Tesla Model S has four designated jack points located near each wheel, typically flush with the battery pack and marked by small, circular or rectangular holes. Refer to your owner's manual for specific diagrams.
How to engage Jack Mode on a Tesla Model S?
On the touchscreen, go to Controls > Service > Jack Mode. For vehicles with air suspension, it's crucial to also press the brake pedal and set the suspension to "Very High" before engaging Jack Mode.
How to avoid damaging the battery when jacking a Tesla?
Always use the designated jack points and avoid placing the jack or lift arms anywhere on the battery pack or side rails. Using specific Tesla jack pads can help prevent accidental damage.
How to tell if my Tesla Model S has air suspension?
You can tell if your Model S has air suspension if you have the ability to manually adjust the ride height on your touchscreen under the "Suspension" settings.
How to use wheel chocks effectively?
Place wheel chocks firmly against the tires on the opposite end of the car from where you are lifting. If lifting one corner, chock the wheel diagonally opposite.
How to know the correct torque spec for Tesla Model S lug nuts?
For a Tesla Model S, the lug nuts should be torqued to 129 ft-lbs (175 Nm). Always use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
How to lower a Tesla Model S after jacking it up?
After ensuring all work is complete and tools are clear, use the jack to slightly raise the car, remove the jack stands, and then slowly release the jack's pressure to lower the vehicle gently to the ground.
How to ensure stability when lifting a Tesla?
Work on a flat, hard surface, use wheel chocks, engage the parking brake, activate Jack Mode, and always use jack stands if going under the vehicle. Constantly monitor the jack's position during lifting.
How to deal with a flat tire on a Tesla Model S if I don't have a jack?
If you don't have the necessary tools or feel uncomfortable jacking up your Tesla, it's best to contact Tesla Roadside Assistance or a professional towing service.
For a visual guide on lifting your Tesla with jack pads, you can watch this video:
