Tesla vehicles are cutting-edge machines, packed with features designed to improve convenience, security, and entertainment. Despite this, many owners are unaware of the hidden functionalities that can significantly enhance their time behind the wheel. With clever shortcuts and innovative security options, these 20 lesser-known Tesla tricks and settings can redefine how you interact with your car. Here’s a guide to discovering these hidden treasures in your Tesla.
1. Your Personal Entertainment Hub
Tesla’s infotainment system is a gateway to an incredible array of streaming services and games. With Premium Connectivity or a mobile hotspot, owners can enjoy platforms like Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify. For more options, third-party websites provide access to services like HBO Max and Apple Music. Tesla’s intuitive interface even allows users to bookmark these sites, ensuring that entertainment is always a tap away, whether you’re waiting at a charging station or simply relaxing in your car.
2. Adjust Trunk Opening for Safety
To prevent the trunk from hitting low ceilings or other overhead obstructions, Tesla offers a customizable height setting. Once you’ve set the trunk at your desired height, hold the trunk-close button until a beep confirms the new limit. This practical feature is especially useful in garages or areas with restricted overhead space.
3. Enhanced Navigation Shortcuts
Tesla simplifies commuting with quick navigation to home or work. Instead of manually entering your destination, a simple swipe up or down on the navigation bar immediately initiates directions to your preset home or work address. This streamlined feature saves valuable time and makes daily travel more efficient.
4. Manage Climate Control with Ease
Turning off Tesla’s climate control system no longer requires going through multiple menus. Instead, simply press and hold the climate button for a few seconds to turn it off completely. This hidden shortcut is particularly useful for drivers who want to stay focused on the road while managing settings.
5. Silent Cabin: Activating Joe Mode
To create a quieter cabin, Tesla includes “Joe Mode,” which reduces the volume of system alerts. Located in the safety menu, this setting is ideal for parents traveling with sleeping children or for passengers who prefer a less intrusive audio environment.
6. Secret Parking Brake Activation
While Tesla’s parking brake is automated, drivers can also engage it manually when needed. Holding the park button on the right steering wheel engages the brake, indicated by an icon on the display. This feature adds an extra layer of control in specific situations, such as parking on steep slopes.
7. Simplified Autopilot Adjustments
Autopilot’s reminders to touch the steering wheel can be addressed without gripping it. A quick push or rotation of the steering wheel scroll wheel satisfies the system’s prompts, making long journeys more comfortable and reducing strain on your hands.
8. Troubleshooting with a Quick Restart
If Tesla’s infotainment system experiences glitches or slowdowns, a soft reboot can resolve most issues. Pressing both steering wheel scroll wheels for about five seconds resets the system without interrupting driving functions. This quick fix is a simple solution for addressing common software hiccups.
9. Maximizing Battery Insights
Tesla’s battery icon can toggle between showing the remaining charge as a percentage or an estimated range in miles. A quick tap on the icon switches between these displays, allowing drivers to choose the format that best suits their driving style and needs.
10. Handy Tesla App Features
The Tesla app offers more than basic controls like unlocking doors or adjusting climate settings. By long-pressing the four default controls, users can access a hidden menu to customize shortcuts. Options like activating Sentry Mode or defrosting the car can be added, making the app an even more powerful tool.
11. Widget Wonders for Quick Access
Beyond the app, Tesla owners can add a widget to their smartphone’s home screen. Available in small or medium sizes, the widget provides quick access to vehicle controls, displays battery percentages, and even shows the car’s location. It’s a convenient way to manage your Tesla at a glance.
12. Lights Made Simple
Adjusting headlights and fog lights is now simpler than ever, without the need to search through menus. Just push the left steering wheel stalk forward to toggle high beams, headlights, and parking lights. This shortcut adds convenience, particularly during nighttime drives.
13. Sending Destinations to Your Tesla
If you’ve found an address on your phone, there’s no need to manually enter it into Tesla’s navigation system. Using the Tesla app, you can share the address directly from emails, texts, or web searches. The car picks it up instantly, providing seamless integration between your devices.
14. Live Camera View in Sentry Mode
Sentry Mode is a robust security feature, but it becomes even more powerful with live camera access. Through the Tesla app, owners can view their car’s surroundings in real-time, honk the horn, flash headlights, or even speak through the external speaker. With Premium Connectivity, this feature ensures you can monitor your car from anywhere.
15. Swift Speed Adjustments on Autopilot
When using Autopilot, lowering the speed limit is as simple as tapping the speed limit icon on the screen. This quick adjustment is faster than using the scroll wheel and provides immediate control, whether for safety or to avoid a traffic fine.
16. Emergency Charging Port Release
Occasionally, the charging cable might get stuck, and the screen won’t release it electronically. In such cases, a hidden manual release in the trunk’s upper-left corner provides a solution. Pulling the release cable allows you to detach the charging cable safely.
17. Sun Visor Extension
Tesla’s sun visors have a hidden adjustable rod that extends coverage. By pulling the visor to the side after folding it down, you can block sunlight more effectively, ensuring a comfortable driving experience during bright conditions.
18. Tesla’s Gesture Controls
Tesla’s infotainment system now includes gesture controls for quicker adjustments. For example, swiping left or right on the climate bar changes the temperature, while similar gestures can control the volume. These intuitive shortcuts make the driving experience smoother.
19. Unlocking More Entertainment
For those who enjoy gaming, Tesla offers several built-in options, including Tetris. By exploring third-party sites, you can discover even more games and apps to keep passengers entertained. Bookmarking these sites makes them easily accessible from the car’s web browser.
20. Hidden Security Features
Beyond Sentry Mode, Tesla’s app allows remote control over security settings. Features like flashing the headlights or honking the horn can deter potential intruders. The ability to speak through the car’s speaker adds an extra layer of security and fun.
Tesla’s hidden features showcase the company’s commitment to innovation and user experience. These 20 capabilities not only make the car more functional but also add layers of convenience, security, and entertainment. By exploring and utilizing these tricks, Tesla owners can unlock their vehicle’s full potential, enhancing every drive. Whether it’s customizing settings, managing security, or enjoying the infotainment system, Tesla’s hidden gems truly redefine what a car can do.