Transporting the Tesla Model Y
When the wheels on the Model Y spin, the rear motor provides electricity. Transport the Model Y with all four tyres off the ground at all times. Ensure that the tyres do not spin at any point throughout the transportation.
WARNING: NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN. SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING ARE POSSIBLE AS A RESULT OF DOING SO. EXTREME OVERHEATING CAN CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE IN RARE CASES.
Do not transport the Model Y in any way that isn't recommended by Tesla. Follow the directions in the following sections and pay attention to all warnings and cautions. The guarantee does not cover damage caused by improper transportation of your car.
Approved Transporting Methods
Only when Transport Mode is engaged and the car is being winched onto a flatbed truck or pushed out of a parking space for repositioning are the tyres allowed to rotate slowly (under 3 mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 30 feet or 10 metres). Excessive use of these limits might result in substantial damage and overheating, both of which are not covered by the guarantee. Model Y should be transported using a flatbed truck or other similar transport equipment. When using a flatbed, the car can face any way.
If the Model Y cannot be transported on a flatbed truck, wheel lifts and dollies must be employed to lift all four wheels off the ground. This approach can only be utilised for a maximum of 35 miles (55 kilometres) and must not exceed the dollies' manufacturer's speed rating. Tesla recommends facing the vehicle forwards with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels on dollies when using this procedure.
CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode before winching Model Y onto a flatbed truck. Self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the acceptable transportation position if Transport Mode is not enabled or the touchscreen is not accessible. Tesla is not liable for any damage incurred as a result of or during the transportation of the Model Y, including personal property damage or damage caused by the use of self-loading dollies or tire skates.
See High Voltage Components.
Warning: The Model Y has high-voltage components that could be damaged in the event of a collision. It's crucial to presume these components are activated before transferring Model Y. Always take high-voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protective equipment, etc.) until emergency responders have examined the vehicle and can reliably determine that all high-voltage systems have been de-energized. If you don't, you could end up with a terrible injury.
Enable Transport Mode
While winching the Model Y onto a flatbed truck, Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged. When Transport Mode is turned on, a notice appears stating that the vehicle will stay free-rolling. To enable Transport Mode, you'll need the following:
- 12V power is required to use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode.
- Transport Mode is available only when a key is detected.
- To activate Transport Mode make sure the vehicle is in Park.
- Chock the tires or just ensure the Model Y is secure.
- Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, go to Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen will instruct you how to transport the Model Y correctly.
- Press down and hold the Transport Mode button until it turns blue. Model Y is now freerolling and can slowly be rolled (no faster than walking speed) or winched.
- To cancel Transport Mode, put the Model Y into Park.
Note: If the Model Y loses 12V power after Transport Mode is enabled, the parking brake will be reapplied and Transport Mode will be disabled.
CAUTION: Use self-loading dollies or tire skates if the electrical system is down and you can't use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode. Always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommended loading capacity before doing so.
Disclaimer: Tesla, Inc. was not involved in the development of this document and did not provide any input or otherwise edit, review or authorize it.
