My Experience Bricking a Tesla

[Benjamin Menke]

Below is a link to a story describing my experience bricking a Tesla (less than a mile from home and with 4 miles remaining according to the instrumentation).

The car belongs to Willie McKemie who lives just south of Austin. I live in Dallas and this is where the story takes place.

I am aware that this story describes unapproved practices but I hope it has some information for those that have not bricked a Tesla.Or for those that have someone other than the Tesla-registered owner driving the car (even someone like a family member).

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11_hieB7W3-9smymz8y-JlAEPKVkW4x4mjKkkUqHwskk/edit?usp=sharing

Previous data points on bricking provided by Willie. I was unaware of these data points but they would only have increased my confidence that I could have made it home with 4 miles remaining.

1. I went about 10 miles below zero and reached the Normal IL SuperCharger.
   
2. I went about 2 miles below zero and reached the Corisicana SuperCharger.
   
3. I went about 6 miles below zero and was then towed 1.5 miles to the Shamrock SuperCharger
   

To avoid getting scolded (because my feelings are easily bruised):

• Always have your vehicle towed by an authorized company trained and dispatched by Tesla Roadside Assistance.
  http://assets.teslastatic.com/roadside_assistance_extract.pdf
  
• Do not transport Model S with the tires directly on the ground.
• Damage caused by improperly towing is not covered under warranty.

But if you find yourself in a jam in a dangerous situation and you must (safely) move the vehicle even just a few feet, having read this experience may be useful / reassuring knowing that someone else survived the ordeal with minimal bloodshed, lots of sore muscles, and no known damage to the Tesla.

Comments, compliments, and (if you must) scolding is welcome.

Benjamin

[ri...@bollar.com]

That's quite a story! You and Jay can compare notes.