If your charge port latch freezes in place and a charging cable becomes stuck in the charge port, touch Controls > Service > Charge Port Heater. If this does not work after several minutes, try manually releasing the charge cable. See Manually Releasing Charge Cable.

In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is possible that your charge port latch may freeze in place. In cases where you cannot remove or insert the charge cable, or the vehicle is not Supercharging due to the latch being frozen in place, use the Defrost Car setting in the mobile app. This can help thaw ice on the charge port latch so the charge cable can be removed or inserted.

You can also prevent the occurrence of a charge port latch freezing in place by using the Schedule settings (see Scheduled Precondition and Charge).

By using Trip Planner (if available) to navigate to a Tesla charging location, Model S pre-heats the high voltage Battery to ensure when you arrive at the charger, the temperature of the Battery is optimal and ready to charge. This reduces the amount of time it takes to charge. See (see Trip Planner).

In the mobile app, go to Climate and select Defrost Car, which helps melt snow, ice, and frost on the windshield, windows, and mirrors.

Use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment for Tesla to provide hydrophobic coating to the side and rear windows (not the front windshield) for a nominal fee.

If ice buildup is expected when parking, turn off Auto-Fold Mirrors. Touch Controls > Auto-Fold. Ice can prevent exterior side mirrors from folding or unfolding.

If you expect snow or ice to build up when parked, touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. This raises the wipers against the windshield so they can defrost when the windshield defrosts (see Wipers and Washers). You can also turn on wiper defrosters (if equipped). See Operating Climate Controls.

Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy or icy conditions. You can purchase winter tires on the Tesla Shop (see Seasonal Tire Types).

Tire chains provide additional traction when driving in snowy or icy conditions. Check local regulations to determine if tire chains are recommended or required during winter months. See Using Tire Chains for more information.

Your vehicle’s tire pressures will drop in cold ambient temperatures. If the TPMS indicator light appears, inflate the tires before driving. The tires will lose one PSI for every 6° C drop in outside temperature (see Tire Care and Maintenance). Proper tire pressures help protect tires from potholes and improve range when properly inflated.

Regenerative braking can be limited if the Battery is too cold. As you continue to drive, the Battery warms up and regenerative power increases (see Regenerative Braking).

When parked, use the Controls > Schedule settings, available on both the charging and climate control screens, to set a time when you want to precondition Model S (see Scheduled Precondition and Charge). You can also use Schedule to prevent the charge port latch freezing in place. Your vehicle determines the appropriate time to begin preconditioning so that cabin and Battery are warm by your planned departure time.

Tesla recommends that you also schedule a charge with your precondition to ensure that your vehicle has sufficient energy for the trip. When Model S is not plugged in, preconditioning operates but only when the Battery's charge level is above 20%.