Every Tesla

Category: How To

  • Should Tesla key card be given to a valet for parking

    Yes, you can give a Tesla key card to a valet for parking.
    However, it’s highly recommended to put your Tesla into Valet Mode before handing it over.
    Valet Mode limits the vehicle’s speed, locks the glove box, disables the trunk and frunk access, and restricts personal info.
    This way, you can ensure the valet can park your car without having access to sensitive areas or information.
    Remember to set a 4-digit PIN for Valet mode that you can later use to disable it.

    Activating Valet Mode on your Tesla is quite straightforward. Just follow these the steps:

    1. With your Tesla in Park, touch on the driver profile icon/name on your Tesla screen.
    2. Select “Valet Mode” from the drop-down menu.
    3. You will be prompted to enter a four-digit PIN the first time you enable Valet Mode.
    4. Once the PIN is entered, the screen will display that Valet Mode has been enabled.

    You can also activate it remotely using the Tesla mobile app by going to
    Security > Valet Mode.

    Once Valet Mode is activated, Tesla’s operating system restricts some of the car’s functionality to ensure the safety and privacy of your vehicle.

  • How to reset Tesla valet PIN

    If you’ve forgotten the valet PIN for your Tesla, you can reset it in one of the following ways:

    1. Reset from Inside the Car:
      You can reset the valet PIN from inside your Tesla by entering your Tesla Account credentials, which also cancels Valet mode.
    2. Reset Using the Mobile App:
      You can also reset your PIN using the Tesla mobile app.
      If you have set up the phone app with your password, go to
      Controls -> Valet Mode
      in the app and underneath in small font it says “Clear PIN“.
      Tap that after you deactivate it and it should clear it in the car.

    Remember, you must be registered with Tesla as the current owner to reset the PIN.

  • How to connect Tesla to the internet

    To connect your Tesla to the internet via Wi-Fi, follow these steps:

    1. Tap the car icon in the bottom left of your display.
    2. Tap the LTE icon in the top right of the Controls tab.
    3. Tap Wi-Fi Settings.
    4. Toggle it on.
    5. Select your Wi-Fi network and enter your password to sign in.

    If more than one previously connected network is within range, your Tesla will connect to the one most recently used. If a known Wi-Fi network does not appear in the list, move your Tesla closer to the access point or consider using a range extender. You can also connect to a hidden network that isn’t shown on the list of scanned networks. Just touch Wi-Fi Settings, enter the name of the network in the resulting dialog box, select the security setting, then touch Add Network.

    Remember, to ensure fast, reliable delivery of software and map updates, Tesla recommends leaving your car connected to a Wi-Fi network whenever possible (for example, when parked overnight).

  • How to remove an iPad as a key to a Tesla Model Y

    To remove an iPad or any other device as a key from a Tesla Model Y, you can follow these steps:

    1. On the vehicle’s touchscreen, go to Controls > Locks.
    2. In the key list, find the key (in this case, your iPad) that you would like to delete and touch its associated trash icon.
    3. When prompted, scan an authenticated key on the card reader to confirm the deletion.
    4. When complete, the key list will no longer include the deleted key.

    Please note that Model Y requires at least one authenticated key card or key fob at all times. If only one key card remains on the key list, you cannot delete it. Also, remember to bring a key with you when you drive. Although you can drive Model Y away from its key, you will be unable to power it back on after it powers off.

  • How to schedule Tesla Service appointment

    In the Tesla app, you can schedule and manage your service appointments, view and approve estimates and review your vehicle’s service history.

    Tesla offers two types of service appointments: Service Center visits and Mobile Service. Service Center visits require you to bring your vehicle to a Tesla Service location. If your service can be done outside of a Service Center, a Mobile Service Technician can come to you and perform the service at a convenient location of your choosing. When you schedule a service appointment, you will be shown dates and times for all appointment types available to you depending on your location and type of service needed.

    How to Schedule a Service Appointment:

    To schedule a service appointment in the Tesla app, follow these steps:

    Open the Tesla app.
    Tap ‘Service.’
    Follow the on-screen prompts.

    Note: The types of service appointments available depend on what service is needed for your vehicle. Some services can only be completed through either Mobile Service or Service Center visit.

    After you schedule your service appointment, you will need to prepare for either your Service Center visit or Mobile Service appointment.

    What to do Before Your Service Center Visit

    The Tesla Service team starts preparing for your Service Center visit before you arrive. Using remote diagnostics, they can pre-diagnose your vehicle and order any parts needed for the repairs. A member of the Service team may contact you before your appointment to gather additional information if needed.

    Once the Service team is prepared for your appointment, you’ll receive a notification to review the estimated cost for your visit in the Tesla app. To review the cost estimate for an upcoming Service Center visit, follow these steps:

    Open the Tesla app.
    Tap ‘Service.’
    Tap ‘View estimate.’

    Note: Your estimate, confirmation and other communication from the Tesla Service team will be in the Tesla app. Tesla recommends you enable notifications for the Tesla app in your mobile device settings.

    You can also review the estimate with the Service team at your service appointment if you have questions about the estimate.

    What to Expect During Your Service Center Visit

    When you come to your Service Center visit, you may need to bring your key fob and key card to the appointment. If this is the case, a member of our team will let you know before your appointment. If your visit is related to charging, you’ll also need to bring your charging cable with you.

    Once you arrive, you may be asked to take a short demo drive with a technician to demonstrate the service concern.

    Depending on the service being provided and availability, Tesla may offer you alternative transportation while your vehicle is in the Service Center. If your service appointment is due to collision damage, you should arrange for alternative transportation through your insurance company.

    What Happens When Your Service is Complete

    When your Service Center visit is complete, you’ll receive a notification in the Tesla app and a text message from the Service Center letting you know your vehicle is ready for pickup.


    What to do Before Your Mobile Service

    Before your scheduled Mobile Service, make sure that you have noted all your concerns in the Tesla app. Your technician will review your notes before the appointment and bring the necessary tools and parts to service your vehicle. You can change these notes up until 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.

    On the day of your appointment, you may see a pending software update. This update was sent by your Mobile Service Technician and they will need it to repair your vehicle. Do not install any updates on the day of your appointment. Installing the update may significantly increase the time of your repair and appointment.

    For your Mobile Service appointment, your vehicle must be easily accessible, have adequate working space around it and not contain any pets. You must also provide the technician with all of the following:

    Specific instructions to the vehicle’s location.
    Access codes or information about gate attendants, security guards or any other security measures.
    Access to a garage or shelter in case of extreme weather.
    Access to a restroom.

    What to Expect During Your Mobile Service

    When it’s time for your Mobile Service appointment, the technician will arrive at the agreed upon location. Before your technician arrives, you will need to grant them permission to access your vehicle in the Tesla app. You’ll receive a message with instructions on how to do that before your scheduled appointment.

    Technicians will wait for up to 15 minutes at a location before moving on to their next scheduled appointment if they cannot access your vehicle.

    For the technician’s safety, refrain from taking photos, videos or audio recordings of the technician or the maintenance.

    Note: To ensure a safe and healthy work environment for Tesla personnel, Tesla reserves the right in its discretion to remove access to Mobile Service for any customer whose behavior or conduct causes our personnel to feel abused, threatened, discriminated against, attacked or unsafe in any way.

    What Happens When Your Mobile Service is Complete

    When your Mobile Service appointment is complete, you’ll receive a notification in the Tesla app and a text message letting you know the service is complete. If there is an outstanding balance for your service, you can pay through the Tesla app at this time.


    How to Cancel a Service Appointment

    To cancel an upcoming Tesla vehicle service appointment, follow these steps:

    Open the Tesla app.
    Tap ‘Service.’
    Tap ‘Cancel.’
    Follow the prompts.


    How to Reschedule a Service Appointment

    To reschedule your Tesla vehicle service appointment, follow these steps:

    Open the Tesla app.
    Tap ‘Service.’
    Tap ‘Manage.’
    Follow the prompts.

    Scheduling a service appointment in the Tesla app.

  • How to use Car Wash Mode on Tesla vehicles

    When taking your Tesla to a car wash, Car Wash Mode closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes.

    To enable, touch Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. Your vehicle must be stationary and not actively charging.

    If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps your vehicle in Neutral and activates free roll for the duration of the wash, while preventing your Tesla from applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver’s seat.

    To enable, press on the brake pedal and touch Enable Free Roll; or shift into Neutral.

    Car Wash Mode disables if the vehicle’s speed exceeds 9 mph (15 km/h) or by touching Exit on the touchscreen.

    CAUTION: Failure to put your Tesla in Car Wash Mode may result in damage (for example, to the charge port or windshield wipers). Damage caused by car washes is not covered by the warranty.

  • How to use Tesla Dog Mode and Cabin Camera

    Dog Mode is designed to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature for your pet while you actively and frequently monitor this temperature using the mobile app (which requires both your phone and the vehicle to have cellular connectivity).

    When in Dog Mode, the touchscreen displays the current cabin temperature to inform people passing by that your pet is safe. This setting is not intended for people, and should only be used for short periods of time while you stay in close proximity should you need to return to the vehicle in situations where the temperature can no longer be maintained.

    Note:
    If Dog and Sentry are enabled at the same time, Sentry defaults to Disable Sentry Sounds to protect your pet.

    Live Camera view is available if Dog Mode is enabled. When Dog Mode is on, the interior cabin camera shows the inside of the vehicle so you can check on your pet at any time.

    If both Sentry Mode and Dog Mode are enabled, switch the camera views by touching the gray circles or the interior icon that correspond to different cameras on the mobile app. See Sentry Mode for more information.

    Note:
    Enabling the interior cabin camera for dog mode or Sentry requires the mobile app version 4.15.0 or higher.

    Note:
    View Live Camera is limited to approximately one hour (or 15 minutes for some regions) of cumulative usage per day.

    To operate Dog Mode:

    Make sure the Battery’s charge level is at least 20%.
    Engage Park. Dog Mode settings are available only when car is in Park.

    If necessary, adjust the climate settings.
    On the climate controls screen, touch “Dog” button.

    Note:
    You can also control Dog Mode from the mobile app, by swiping up from the gray bar on the Climate screen.
    The climate control system attempts to maintain your climate settings until you shift out of Park or manually turn it off. Avoid using Dog Mode when the battery charge is low. If the Battery’s charge level drops below 20%, the Tesla mobile app attempts to repeatedly send you notifications reminding you to check on anything that you have left in your Tesla.

    Note:
    Software updates cannot be performed when Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp is active.

    Warning:
    Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.

    Warning:
    Check local laws for any restrictions on leaving pets unattended in your vehicle.

    Warning:
    You are responsible for the safety of your dog or pet. Never leave them in your car for long periods of time. Constantly monitor the vehicle temperature and their well-being. Make sure you have sufficient cellular coverage on your phone and time to return to the vehicle, if necessary.

    Warning:
    In the unlikely event that your climate control system needs service or is not working as expected, avoid using Dog Mode. Never rely on your vehicle to protect something irreplaceable.

    Warning:
    You can adjust and monitor the climate control system remotely using the mobile app. However, if you use the mobile app to turn off the climate control system, Keep Dog Mode operating.

  • How to Check Fluids on Tesla cars

    Removing the Maintenance Panel

    To check fluid levels, remove the maintenance panel:

    1. Open the front hood.
    2. Pull the maintenance panel upward to release the clips that hold it in place.
    3. If checking the Battery coolant, remove the cabin intake trim panel by pulling it upwards to release the clips that hold it in place.

    CAUTION: The maintenance panel protects the front trunk from water. When re-attaching, make sure it is fully seated.

    Checking Battery Coolant

    Your Battery coolant should not need to be replaced for the life of your vehicle under most circumstances. However, if the quantity of fluid in the cooling system drops below the recommended level, the touchscreen displays a warning message. Stop driving Model 3 as soon as safety permits and contact Tesla.

    Fluid Level Check

    DO NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage not covered by the warranty.

    Do Not Top Up Battery Coolant

    WARNING: Battery coolant can be hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin. Under no circumstances should you remove the filler cap and/or add coolant. If the touchscreen warns you that the fluid level is low, contact Tesla immediately.

    To maximize the performance and life of the Battery, the cooling system uses a specific mixture of G-48 ethyleneglycol coolant (HOAT). Contact Tesla for more specific information about the coolant.

    Checking Brake Fluid

    WARNING: Contact Tesla immediately if you notice increased movement of the brake pedal or a significant loss of brake fluid. Driving under these conditions can result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.

    A red brake indicator ((!)) on the touchscreen alerts you if the quantity of fluid in the brake reservoir drops below the recommended level. If it displays while driving, stop as soon as safety permits by gently applying the brakes. Do not continue driving. Contact Tesla immediately.

    Topping Up the Brake Fluid

    Do not top up your brake fluid. The following instructions are provided for information purposes and future reference only:

    1. Clean the filler cap before removing it to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
    2. Unscrew the cap and remove it.
    3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark using the appropriate brake fluid.
    4. Replace the filler cap, ensuring it is fully secured.

      WARNING: Only use new fluid from a sealed airtight container. Never use previously used fluid or fluid from a previously opened container—fluid absorbs moisture which decreases braking performance.

      WARNING: Brake fluid is highly toxic. Keep containers sealed and out of the reach of children. In the event of accidental consumption, seek medical attention immediately.

      CAUTION: Brake fluid damages painted surfaces. Immediately soak up any spills with an absorbent cloth and wash the area with a mixture of car shampoo and water.

    Topping Up Windshield Washer Fluid

    The only reservoir into which you can add fluid is the windshield washer fluid reservoir, which is located behind the front trunk. When the level is low, a message displays on the touchscreen.

    To top up the washer fluid:

    1. Open the hood.
    2. Clean around the filler cap before opening it to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
    3. Open the filler cap.
    4. While avoiding spilling, fill the reservoir until the fluid level is visible just below the filler neck. The reservoir has a capacity of 3.2 liters.
    5. Wipe up any spills immediately and wash the affected area with water.
    6. Replace the filler cap.

    NOTE: Some national or local regulations restrict the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are commonly used as antifreeze in washer fluid. Use a washer fluid with limited VOC content only if it provides adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which you drive Model 3.

    CAUTION: Do not add formulated washer fluids that contain water repellent or bug wash. These fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and squeaking or other noises.

    WARNING: In temperatures below 40° F (4° C), use a washer fluid with antifreeze. In cold weather, using a washer fluid without antifreeze can impair visibility through the windshield.

    WARNING: Windshield washer fluid can irritate eyes and skin. Read and observe the instructions provided by the washer fluid manufacturer

  • How to Replace and Maintain Wiper Blades

    Replacing Wiper Blades

    For optimum performance, replace the wiper blades at least once a year.

    NOTE: Only install replacement blades that are identical to the original blades. Using inappropriate blades can damage the wiper system and windshield.

    To replace the wiper blades:

    1. Shift into Park and turn off the wipers.
    2. Touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode > ON to move the wipers to the service position.
    3. Lift the wiper arm a short distance away from the windshield, just far enough to access the wiper blade.
      CAUTION: Wiper blades do not lock into a lifted position. Do not lift a wiper arm beyond its intended position.
    4. Place a towel between the wiper arm and windshield to avoid scratching or cracking the windshield.
    5. Hold the wiper arm and press the locking tab while sliding the blade down the arm.
    6. Align the new wiper blade on the wiper arm and slide it toward the end of the wiper arm until it locks into place.
    7. Turn Wiper Service Mode off to return the wipers to their normal position.

    Checking and Cleaning Wiper Blades

    Periodically clean the edge of the wiper blades and check the rubber for cracks, splits, and roughness. If damaged, replace the blade immediately to prevent damage to the glass and improve visibility.

    Contaminants on the windshield, or on the wiper blades, can reduce the effectiveness of the wipers. Contaminants include ice, wax spray from car washes, washer fluid with bug and/or water repellent, bird droppings, tree sap, and other organic substances.

    Follow these guidelines for cleaning:

    • Clean the windshield and wiper blades using washer fluid, isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, or non-abrasive glass cleaner approved for use on automotive glass and rubber. Inappropriate products can cause damage or smears, and create glare on the windshield.

    • Lift the wiper arm a short distance away from the windshield, just far enough to access the wiper blade. Do not lift a wiper arm beyond its intended position.

    If the wipers remain ineffective after cleaning, replace the wiper blades.

    Cleaning Washer Jets

    If a windshield washer becomes blocked, use a thin strand of wire to clear any blockages from the nozzles.

    WARNING: Do not operate the washers while cleaning Model 3. Windshield washer fluid can irritate eyes and skin. Read and observe the washer fluid manufacturer’s instructions.

  • How Tesla Autopilot works

    How it Works
    Drivers engage Traffic Aware Cruise Control and Autopilot in Model S and Model X by using the cruise control stalk on the left of the steering column; in Model 3, drivers use the gear selector stalk on the right of the steering column for those functions. A single pull on the stalk engages Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, and two successive pulls engages Autosteer. A grey steering wheel icon appears on the car’s display, next to the speedometer, when the system is available to engage. The icon appears highlighted in blue once the driver engages Autosteer. The system is intended for highway use.

    Before enabling Autopilot, the driver first needs to agree to “keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times” and to always “maintain control and responsibility for your vehicle”. Subsequently, every time the driver engages Autopilot, they are shown a visual reminder to “keep your hands on the wheel”. Tesla’s advanced features like Autosteer, Navigate on Autopilot and Summon are disabled by default. Tesla does this to ensure that those using the feature do so knowingly and deliberately. To enable them, customers must go to the Autopilot Controls menu within the Settings tab and turn them on.

    When Autopilot is in use, it measures the amount of torque that the driver applies to the steering wheel and, if insufficient torque is applied, an escalating series of audible and visual alerts again reminds the driver to place their hands on the wheel. Since the steering wheel rotates as it normally would when driving, the driver’s hands must move with the wheel. This helps ensure the driver is attentive, and that the steering wheel is properly oriented in the event the driver needs to take over. The system’s hands-on reminders and alerts are delivered based on each unique driving scenario, depending on numerous factors including speed, acceleration, road conditions, presence of other vehicles, obstacles detected, lane geometry, and other sensor inputs. If the driver repeatedly ignores those warnings, they will be locked out from using Autopilot during that trip.
    This is designed to prevent driver misuse and is among the strongest driver-misuse safeguards of any kind on the road today. Additionally, if a driver tries to engage Autopilot when it is not available, they will be prevented from doing so. If a driver wants to initiate an automated lane change while Autopilot is use, they can simply engage the turn signal in the direction that they would like to move. The car will then wait for an opening to change lanes, and during that time drivers should still double check their blind spots and mirrors.

    Navigate on Autopilot
    To use Navigate on Autopilot, a driver must first enable the feature in the Autopilot Controls menu within the Settings tab, and then enter a destination into the navigation system. Navigate on Autopilot must be enabled for each unique trip via the Navigate on Autopilot button on the map’s turn-by-turn driving directions. If Navigate on Autopilot is not available for a drive, the button will not appear on the turn-by-turn direction list. Once Navigate on Autopilot is in use, the 360-degree visualization on the center display shows a single blue line indicating the path of travel. There are two types of lane changes while Navigate on Autopilot is in use: route-based lane changes which are designed to keep you on your navigation route, and speed-based lane changes, which are designed to keep your vehicle moving as close to your set speed as possible.

    Navigate on Autopilot can be customized to a driver’s preferences with four different settings:

    Enable at Start of Every Trip
    Navigate on Autopilot can be set to automatically turn on each time a driver enters a navigation route. Once enabled, anytime a driver is on a highway and uses Autopilot with a location plugged into the navigation bar, the feature will be on by default.

    Speed-Based Changes
    There are four available settings for speed-based lane changes (Disabled, Mild, Average, or Mad Max). When enabled, Navigate on Autopilot’s speed-based lane changes will suggest transitions into adjacent lanes that are moving faster, in the event that your vehicle is traveling slower than the set cruise speed (for instance, if you approach a slow-moving car or truck ahead). The Mild setting suggests lane changes when you’re traveling significantly slower than your set speed, whereas Mad Max will suggest lane changes when traveling just below your set speed.

    Require Lane Change Confirmation
    If a driver selects ‘No’ to Require Lane Change Confirmation, lane changes will happen automatically, without requiring a driver to confirm them with the indicator stalk first. Drivers can choose how they wish to be notified about lane changes, giving them enough time to check their surroundings and determine whether they want to cancel the lane change before it’s made. Automatic lane changes can be cancelled by moving the car’s turn signal or by pressing the lane change cancellation pop-up notification on the car’s touchscreen. This feature does not make a car autonomous, and lane changes will only be made when a driver’s hands are detected on the wheel.

    Lane Change Notification
    Drivers can elect to get notified about an upcoming lane change by receiving an audible chime as well as a default visual prompt. Additionally, all cars made after August 2017 also have the option to have their steering wheel vibrate for the alert as well. Each of these notifications are meant to provide drivers with the opportunity to check their surroundings and determine whether they want to cancel the lane change before it’s made.

    Other Autopilot Features
    To use Autopark, a car must be driving at a very low speed on a street, and a “P” will appear on the Instrument Panel when a Tesla detects a parking spot. Then, a driver must put the car in reverse and press start, and Autopark will begin to maneuver the vehicle into the parking space by controlling the vehicle speed, gear changes and steering angle.

    The driver can override any of Autopilot’s features at any time by steering, applying the brakes, or using the cruise control stalk (Model S and Model X) or gear selector stalk (Model 3) to deactivate.

    To use Summon, a driver must open the Tesla app, press Summon, and then press the forward or reverse buttons. Model S and Model X owners can use Summon with their key fob by holding the center of the key fob for three seconds until the car’s hazard lights come on, and then pressing either the frunk or trunk button on the key fob to Summon forwards and backwards respectively.

    Hardware + Software
    Autopilot’s robust sensor and camera suite provides drivers with an awareness of their surroundings that a driver alone would not otherwise have. Cars built between September 2014 and October 2016 include one camera, a less-powerful radar, and ultrasonic sensors. All Tesla vehicles built since October 2016 include eight external cameras that feed Tesla-developed neural net, 12 ultrasonic sensors for detecting nearby obstacles, a forward-facing radar that senses through fog, dust, rain, snow, and under cars, and a powerful onboard computer that process these inputs in a matter of milliseconds.

    Because every Tesla is connected, Tesla cars are able to get better over time with software updates and the introduction of new features through over-the-air updates. This is even more true with Autopilot as Tesla continuously works to make the system even more capable and keep our customers at the forefront of technology. Tesla’s FSD computer is currently in production and will enable full-self driving via future over-the-air software updates.

    Autopilot is an advanced driver assistance system that is classified as a Level 2 automated system according to SAE J3016, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This means Autopilot also helps with driver supervision. One of Tesla’s main motivations for Autopilot is to help increase road safety, and it’s this philosophy that drives their development, validation, and rollout decisions.

    Autopilot is intended for use only with a fully attentive driver who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While Autopilot is designed to become more capable over time, in its current form, it is not a self-driving system, it does not turn a Tesla into an autonomous vehicle, and it does not allow the driver to abdicate responsibility. When used properly, Autopilot reduces a driver’s overall workload, and the redundancy of eight external cameras, radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors provides an additional layer of safety that two eyes alone would not have.

    Active safety features come standard on all Tesla vehicles made after September 2014 for an added layer of safety beyond the physical structure of each car, and are made possible by our Autopilot hardware and software system, even for customers who have not purchased Autopilot.