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  1. Francis Lau

    Planning a road trip from Pomona to Grand Canyon

    I am planning a road trip from Seattle to Pomona and then to Grand Canyon. I have a few questions and hoping that the forum can help. I have a classic 2012 Model S 85 so only about 230 miles range. Planning 5-day, 4-nights trip from Pomona to Grand Canyon and back. Seems like enough time. Plan...
  2. Francis Lau

    Tesla Get Together at Lauren Ashton on Saturday October 24th 2015

    It has been a while since we had a large gathering of Tesla owners and enthusiasts. I remember one of the first with Model S when I organized a lunch at Triple X in Issaquah on October 21st 2012. We had only a few Model S Signatures then Then, we organized a get together with owner...
  3. Francis Lau

    Anyone have definitive proven way to keep ac running while sleeping overnight?

    Sorry if the info is somewhere in the forum already but does anyone have a definitive proven way to keep ac running overnight while sleeping in the MS? Sleeping in the back and not in the driver's seat. Preferable from someone who has done it, not ideas and theories.:biggrin: Thanks.
  4. Francis Lau

    Trip Down Memory Lane - Pics of Concept and Prototype Model S - how many differences?

    Here is a trip down memory lane with photos of concept and prototype Model S. How many differences can you spot? Photos 1 thru 8
  5. Francis Lau

    A Day Trip from Bellevue to Vancouver BC in my MS-85kWh

    I took a day trip from Bellevue to Vancouver BC in my MS-85 and it is remarkable how range-anxiety free it was. I have done this trip about 6 times in the past 18 months since I got my MS in Dec 2012. Prior to the Burlington Superchargers, I had to stay a night and do a bit of planning. I...
  6. Francis Lau

    My First Dent and Two Surprising Estimates

    I got my first dent that damaged the side panel, bumper and taillight. See pics below. :crying: What was surprising were the 2 estimates I got. One was from Tesla's Official Repair Shop - Bel Red Auto Rebuild and another from a high-end shop Queen City Auto Rebuild. Queen City was...
  7. Francis Lau

    Need Trip Advice for Las Vegas to Zion

    I am planning to drive from Seattle to TMC Connect at Monterey. After that, I am thinking of driving to Las Vegas and then to Zion National Park. It looks like there aren't any Superchargers that serves the route between Las Vegas to Zion. The "coming soon" map at Tesla Motors show 2-3...
  8. Francis Lau

    Has Anyone's Model S Auto Insurance Gone Up Significantly?

    My insurance from Farmers Insurance that covers both my Audi and Tesla went from $1087 to $1634. This is for 6 months coverage. After checking with my agent, he said that the rate increase was due to Farmers now having some claims and expense history. How do my premium compare to what you are...
  9. Francis Lau

    Will this tech bring us the 600 to 900 range battery?

    Here is an interesting article about battery research from MIT Mutated Virus Helps Build a Better Battery : Discovery News 2-3x improvement for lithium air batteries. Anyway knows how that compares to lithium ion?
  10. Francis Lau

    Got my MS 8 months early and saved $11,370

    As an early adopter, I remember all the angst and impatience about the unknowns and the few early delivery problems back in the end of last year. I have always said it was still all very worth it after driving the car for a few days. I have not paid attention to pricing since delivery and after...
  11. Francis Lau

    New "feature" I found - you must exit from the driver's door or else...

    I was cleaning the inside of my windshield and did a little maneuver that confused my MS. I got in on the driver side, closed the door and started cleaning the inside of the windshield, I then slid over to the front passenger seat to clean the other end of the windshield and then opened the...
  12. Francis Lau

    I am SF Downtown now, anyone heading over to Crowne Plaza hotel in the next 2-4 hours

    This is a long shot but I am SF downtown now, anyone heading over to Crowne Plaza hotel in the next 2-4 hours? And willing to give me a ride? I can head over to SFO if easier.
  13. Francis Lau

    Are you going to TESLIVE?

    If you are going to Teslive and want to get together, please PM me your cell and I will share mine with you. I am building a cell phone list so folks can communicate and get together. Look forward to seeing everyone! Francis
  14. Francis Lau

    Model S Tech Talk – Seattle Tuesday, June 25, 2013

    Anybody going to this? Is this for owners or more a sales pitch? Model S Tech Talk – Seattle Tuesday, June 25, 2013 Model S Tech Talk – Seattle | Events | Tesla Motors
  15. Francis Lau

    What a difference a few months make? Richmond BC has 5 new charging locations

    I was in Richmond BC on 2/17/13 and there were no charging locations in the city except for car dealerships. I was planning my next trip and Richmond now has 5 new level-2 charging locations - at the airport, city hall and several community centers. AND all of them are free. It really feels...
  16. Francis Lau

    Who's going to TESLIVE from the Seattle Area?

    Who's going to TESLIVE from the Seattle Area? I am thinking of taking 2-3 days to get down there with nights in RV parks. I am wondering if the combination of ample storage, the glass roof, ability to run the HVAC and an air mattress makes the Model S a great camping car. Has anyone slept in...
  17. Francis Lau

    7th Matt Ammon Memorial Driving School at Bremerton Motors Park on Sat/Sun 5/18-19

    I will be going to the Saturday event, anyone interested in going? Registration for MAMDS13 opens today Tuesday at 6 pm (Pacific). Details and registration at https://www.motorsportreg.com/index.cfm/event/event.advert/uidEvent/7A4B54B8-B7CA-7B42-BEAEB25F7DA754E4#.UW1l5pNJNX9
  18. Francis Lau

    Coincidence and Coffee Machines

    I struggle too when I go on vacation. I miss my Model S, my Tempurpedic bed, my 60-inch HDTV, my coffee machine with fresh beans. I am going to be a hermit.
  19. Francis Lau

    Front Windshield Vents Retrofit Photos

    I had the front windshield vents retrofitted into my MS 1 week ago, I was told it was the first one they did in the Seattle Service Center so here are some pics of what they look like. Since the weather is not as cold, I don't know if it completely resolves the fogging issue I had...
  20. Francis Lau

    Vancouver BC owners - interested in joining the event in Bellevue on 4/7?

    We are having our Spring 2013 event at Bellevue on Sunday 4/7 - Over 45 owners have responded! Based on the survey results, we are having the event on Sunday 4/7 11 am to 2 pm in Bellevue. We have over 45 owners respond so it looks like we will get over 20 cars at the event. There will be...
  21. Francis Lau

    Spring 2013 event at Bellevue on Sunday 4/7 - Over 45 owners responded!

    Based on the survey results, we are having the Owner's event on Sunday 4/7 11 am to 2 pm in Bellevue. We have over 45 owners respond so it looks like we will get at least 20 cars at the event. There will be informal presentations and open forum discussions on popularly requested topics. Thanks...
  22. Francis Lau

    The Model S is ahead of its time, it sprang ahead already!

    It's 7:30 and my MS says its 8:30 pm already. Anyone else see this? I am Seattle, Pacific time.
  23. Francis Lau

    Spring 2013 Get Together in the Bellevue-Seattle-Redmond-Issaquah-Kirkland Area

    Survey is closed but you can sign up for event here: http://teslamotors-tmc.eventbrite.com You can also see more details in this thread: http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/14977-Spring-2013-event-at-Bellevue-on-Sunday-4-7-Over-45-owners-responded! ---Previous Message Below is...
  24. Francis Lau

    Going into drive with keyfob outside the car

    Doug and I were at the Model S Raffle event in Seattle today and something dawned on me. I am not sure how real a danger it is so I thought I share it and if nothing else, it will raise awareness. We had the Model S on display and since it was a nice day, we had lots of adults and kids sit...
  25. Francis Lau

    "Car Needs Service" Message Shown and Great Service Experience

    On Tuesday 2/19 around 5 pm, I got into my MS and saw the following message. I called the local Tesla Service center and they looked at the logs and said it is not urgent and that they will look into it and get back to me the next day. That night, the car did not allow me to open the...
  26. Francis Lau

    Model S and Roadster cars at Autocross Event at Evergreen Speedway (near Seattle)

    A few of us went to a driver's education and autocross event at Evergreen Speedway near Seattle on Feb 2nd 2013. There were 5 MS and 1 Roadster. It was a lot of fun and very educational. Here is a video showing excerpts of the various courses: 1. Emergency Braking 2. Slalom 3. Figure 8 on...
  27. Francis Lau

    My frunk won't open and how Ownership helped me...

    I just drove from the Seattle area to Vancouver BC area today. Upon reaching the hotel, I popped the frunk and while it was ajar, I could not open it. The latch closer to me was stuck. I called ownership twice and they gave me 3 techniques, the last one worked. I thought I post this info so...
  28. Francis Lau

    Ahh! I locked my key fob in the car while 70 miles from home!

    I am on the way to Vancover BC and on my first stop, my daugther took my key fob and left it on the back seat and the car locked. I panicked for 30 seconds and realized that I have the iPhone app that can unlock the car. And it worked! Whew! Thanks to everyone who made the unlock feature!!
  29. Francis Lau

    "University of Quattro" Driver Education at the Evergreen Speedway on Saturday, 2/2

    I am going to this event with my Model S and I am wondering if anyone else wants to go? * All day event from 8 am to when it gets dark * It costs $100 and includes lunch * You do not need to have an Audi or be part of the Audi Club * There are chargers at the Fairground More...
  30. Francis Lau

    Car Care: What is the best way to dry car after a wash?

    Title says it all :) What is the best way to dry car after a wash?
  31. Francis Lau

    Car Care: High Pressure Setting @ Self Wash

    Because I don't want to use automated car washes, I have been using the self wash stations where there is a dial for various settings. Should I be using the high pressure setting to pre rinse and final rinse the car? Does it strip wax or any protective coatings off the car? I have kept the...
  32. Francis Lau

    Anyone in the Bellevue/Issaquah/Redmond area need a Model S Fix While Waiting?

    I just saw another thread and realized that while I blissfully have my car, there are quite a few folks waiting, so if anyone want to meet up. I am open to meeting this Sunday for coffee at the following Tully's Coffee: 3080 148th Avenue Southeast #113 Bellevue, WA 98007 Sometime 8:30 to...
  33. Francis Lau

    "Elevator Pitch" Sentence that Best Describes the Model S

    The other day I was in the parking lot of a restaurant getting ready to leave, an older gentleman in his 70's walked by the car. He stopped and then backtracked and walked around the car looking at it. I lowered my window and he asked me "How do you like the car?" I said it was "silent, silky...
  34. Francis Lau

    What Fluids are Needed for the Model S?

    I was told all my Model S needs is windshield wiper fluid. I read somewhere that the gearbox has sealed in oil rated for 15 years. Are there other fluids that needs topping or replacing? Brake fluids? Battery cooling fluids? Anyone knows?
  35. Francis Lau

    What I learned on my Second Road Trip - Francis Lau

    I recently took my second major road trip from Bellevue, WA to Richmond, BC (Few miles south of Vancouver BC). This is about 140 miles each way. Here are a few more things I learned: 1. Model S from the US do not get 3G access in Canada Once I was about 5 miles past the border, I...
  36. Francis Lau

    Helpful Glass Cleaner Tool

    With the fogging issue I experienced, I decided to clean the insides of all windows couple of times and this tool really made the job easier. I thought I share. - - - Updated - - - Oops, how do I edit my typo in the thread title? It should be "Helpful"
  37. Francis Lau

    $2 Frunk Net - Great Deal eh!

    I was at a Japanese dollar store Daiso at Richmond BC and found this frunk net for $2 Canadian - pretty good deal eh! I thought I post this since others can have the size and info to go on the hunt for similar items.
  38. Francis Lau

    What I Learned from My First Road Trip

    I took my first road trip yesterday through some wintery roads and here are some stats and what I learned. Overview Total Trip 255 miles round trip Ready to Go! Outbound (I-90 E and US-97 N, 129 miles) Bellevue to Hyak Sno Park - 45 miles Sno Park to Leavenworth - 84 miles Return...
  39. Francis Lau

    I thought we get 31 miles per hour with NEMA14-50

    For the first time, I paid attention to the charging info after I plugged in my car. I noticed that I am charging at only 14 miles per hour as shown below: With my NEMA 14-50, I thought I should be charging at 31 miles per hour. Below is what the Tesla website says: Is there something...
  40. Francis Lau

    Audio: Voice Command only works for Slacker-No ability to Browse iPhone

    I reviewed the release notes and it says that voice command for media only works for Slacker. There are voice commands for Nav and Calls so I am only referring to media control. I was expecting it to work with my iPhone. What are everyone's expectations? Also, I am not able to browse my...
  41. Francis Lau

    Nice warning when you leave charging port door open and drive off

    Yesterday, I drove off with my charging port door open and the car beeped at me and showed this warning. At least I was not spilling fuel, just electrons :wink:
  42. Francis Lau

    Trip Down Memory Lane - 3 years and 11 Steps to Bliss!

    I received my Model S on Tuesday (Dec 11th 2012). Here is the timeline of events. It took 3 years and 11 steps to bliss but it was totally worth it. The journey was worth every bit. My kids and the geek in me loved the factory tours and drive events. I think many of you took the same journey...
  43. Francis Lau

    My Daily Obsession...Delivery Window...12/7-12/21...15 days...ahhhhh!!!!

    It has been 3 years since I reserved and everything has been fine until last Friday 11/30, I received the "Your Car is Ready" email and I completed the delivery details survey online. It said my delivery window is 12/7 to 12/21. Today is day 1 of 15 of my delivery window and I can't believe...
  44. Francis Lau

    Call for photos of front plate mountings

    I know there are threads about front plate issues already but it will be good if we can have a thread that shows photos only. Please use this thread to post photos only. Please include factory, skene, custom, zip ties, Velcro, show and go etc. This thread with photos will be very helpful for new...
  45. Francis Lau

    Connectivity: What do delivered Production cars have for Wifi and 3G connectivity?

    I am scheduled for delivery for 12/7 thru 12/21 and I am wondering what the production cars have for wifi and 3G connectivity?
  46. Francis Lau

    Anyone received a delivery email? I received mine. How about a group delivery?

    Out of the blue, I received my delivery email last night as shown below. If we have several cars delivered at the same time at the Bellevue store, we can have group delivery and party at the Bellevue store. Anybody in?
  47. Francis Lau

    Early Adopters - Let's Help Tesla and Each Other. Let's have group delivery parties!

    As I was reading the various threads about delivery and how it is possible that Tesla can produce the cars but cannot perform individual deliveries due to DS shortages. It dawned on me that I am open to meeting at the Tesla store or service center for a group delivery. It helps Tesla and I also...
  48. Francis Lau

    Northwest Tesla Owners Club Get Together at Issaquah WA on Saturday 10/27

    The Northwest Tesla Owners Club is having a get together on Saturday 10/27 from 11 to 1 pm at Triple X Burgers (Issaquah, WA). We may get up to 4 Model S and 5 Roadsters at the event so it will be a fun time. Please send me a PM with your email address if you want an invitation and I will...
  49. Francis Lau

    Retractable cord reel for the Model S?

    I am thinking of installing one of these retractable cord reels in my garage. Either from the ceiling or wall. Has anyone installed one? Or researched one?
  50. Francis Lau

    Test Drives of Other Cars for Model S Comparisons

    Before my reservation of the Model S in 2009 and my addiction to this forum, I had a typical consumer knowledge of cars - no consideration of CG, weight, acceleration timings, power bands, ergonomics, factory visits, how cars are built etc. Currently, I am learning a lot from the discussions...