How to Unleash the Power of Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Your Tesla Model 3: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you've got a Tesla Model 3, and you're ready to experience the future of driving with Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised)? Excellent choice! While it's not a truly autonomous car that allows you to nap at the wheel (yet!), FSD offers an incredible suite of features that can make your daily commute and long road trips significantly less stressful and more enjoyable. But how do you actually use this cutting-edge technology safely and effectively? Let's dive in!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from initial setup to advanced features and crucial safety considerations.
Step 1: Confirming FSD Capability and Software Readiness
Before you can embark on your FSD journey, you need to ensure your Tesla Model 3 is ready for it. This isn't just about owning the FSD package; it's about making sure your vehicle's software and hardware are optimized.
1.1 Do You Have FSD (Supervised)?
First things first, verify that your Model 3 actually has the FSD (Supervised) capability. You either purchased it outright or have an active FSD subscription. You can check this in your Tesla app under the "Upgrades" or "Software" section, or directly on your car's touchscreen by navigating to Controls > Software. If you see "Full Self-Driving Capability" listed and not "Enhanced Autopilot" or just "Autopilot," you're good to go!
1.2 The Latest Software Update is Key
Tesla continuously updates its FSD software, adding new features, improving performance, and refining its driving capabilities.
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Ensure your car is running the latest software version. Connect your Model 3 to Wi-Fi at home or a reliable network. Go to
Controls > Software > Software Updateto check for and install any pending updates. Newer FSD versions offer significant improvements, especially in navigating complex scenarios.
1.3 Calibrated and Clean Cameras are Crucial
FSD heavily relies on the vehicle's cameras for its perception of the environment.
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Calibrate Your Cameras: If you've had recent service or a software update, your cameras might need recalibration. This process usually happens automatically as you drive, but you can check its status in
Controls > Software > Camera Calibration. Follow the on-screen prompts if a calibration drive is needed. -
Keep Them Squeaky Clean: Before every drive, especially when using FSD, take a moment to wipe down all your external cameras. This includes the front camera (above the rearview mirror), side pillar cameras, and the rear camera. Dirt, dust, rain, or even bugs can significantly impair FSD's ability to see and react to its surroundings, leading to degraded performance or disengagements.
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| How To Use Fsd Tesla Model 3 |
Step 2: Activating and Customizing FSD (Supervised)
Now that your car is ready, let's get FSD enabled and tailored to your preferences.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
2.1 Enabling FSD (Supervised) on the Touchscreen
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Go to
Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Supervised). -
Carefully read and understand the pop-up window that emphasizes your responsibility as the driver. This is a crucial step; FSD is a driver-assist system, not a fully autonomous one. You must remain attentive and ready to take over at all times.
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Touch
Yesto enable.
2.2 Customizing Your FSD Profile (Optional but Recommended)
Tesla allows you to customize the driving style of FSD. This can significantly impact your experience.
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Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Profile: Within the
Autopilotsettings, you'll find options likeStandard,Chill, orHurry.-
Chill: Provides a more relaxed and smoother driving style with minimal, gradual lane changes. Great for those who prefer a less assertive drive.
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Standard: The default setting, offering a balanced approach.
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Hurry: Drives with more urgency, making quicker lane changes and accelerating more assertively. Useful in situations where you want the car to keep up with faster traffic flow.
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Max Speed Offset: This setting allows FSD to drive a certain percentage over the detected speed limit if necessary to match the flow of traffic. Remember, you are responsible for the vehicle's speed at all times.
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Use HOV Lanes: Choose whether FSD utilizes High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on your route, if applicable.
2.3 Understanding FSD Activation Modes
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From a Standstill (Park): You can activate FSD from Park. Navigate to
Controls > Start FSD (Supervised) from Park. You might need to briefly press the brake pedal to confirm activation. The car will then shift into Drive or Reverse and begin navigating. -
While Driving: Once FSD is enabled in your settings, you'll typically see a gray steering wheel icon in the top corner of your touchscreen when FSD is available but not engaged.
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For Model 3, to engage FSD (Supervised) while driving, pull the right stalk (gear selector) down twice in quick succession. The steering wheel icon will turn blue, and a blue line representing your driving path will appear on the visualization.
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Step 3: Driving with FSD (Supervised) – Your Role as the Supervisor
This is where the magic happens, but also where your attention is most critical.
3.1 Always Be Attentive – Your Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road
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This cannot be stressed enough: FSD (Supervised) requires your constant attention and supervision. Keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times. Tesla's system monitors your attentiveness (via torque on the wheel and the cabin camera). If it detects insufficient attentiveness, you will receive escalating visual and audible warnings. Repeatedly ignoring these warnings will result in a temporary lockout of Autopilot features for the duration of your trip.
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Pay close attention to road conditions, surrounding traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. Be prepared to take immediate action at any moment, especially around blind corners, at intersections, and in narrow driving situations.
3.2 Interpreting the Visualization
The visualization on your Tesla's touchscreen is your window into how FSD perceives the world.
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Expand the visualization: You can widen the visualization area to fullscreen by touching
Controls > Autopilotand thenExpanded Full Self-Driving Visualization. This provides a more detailed view of what the car "sees." -
Blue lines and icons: A blue steering wheel icon and blue lines indicate FSD is active. The blue lines will show the planned path.
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Other vehicles and objects: FSD will display other vehicles, pedestrians, traffic lights, stop signs, and road markings with remarkable detail. Pay attention to the vehicle's anticipated actions, indicated by text blurbs and directional arrows on the visualization.
3.3 How FSD Navigates
FSD (Supervised) is designed to handle a wide range of driving scenarios:
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Route Navigation: If you set a destination, FSD will navigate the route, including highway driving (similar to Navigate on Autopilot) and city streets. It will make lane changes, handle interchanges, and navigate turns.
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Traffic Lights and Stop Signs: FSD will identify traffic lights and stop signs and slow the vehicle to a stop as necessary. Always be prepared to confirm or override actions, especially at complex intersections or when the system might not perfectly interpret a signal.
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Reacting to Surroundings: It will react to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, slowing down or adjusting its path as needed.
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Lane Keeping and Steering: FSD provides steering assistance in clearly marked lanes.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
3.4 Intervening and Taking Over
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Override at Any Time: You can always override FSD (Supervised) by applying the brakes, taking over the steering wheel, or pushing the right stalk up once (for stalk-equipped vehicles) or pressing the right scroll wheel (for stalkless vehicles like newer Model 3s).
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Gentle acceleration: If FSD is being overly cautious (e.g., slowing down unnecessarily after a passing maneuver), you can gently press the accelerator pedal to encourage it to maintain speed. Be cautious and safe when doing so.
3.5 Adjusting Speed and Following Distance
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Max Speed: The touchscreen displays the maximum speed FSD is currently set to in blue. You can roll the right scroll wheel up or down to increase or decrease this max speed. FSD will adjust its speed based on the detected speed limit, your FSD profile, and surrounding traffic.
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Following Distance: You can also adjust the following distance to the vehicle in front using the right scroll wheel (left/right tilt). A closer following distance might make FSD more assertive.
Step 4: Leveraging Advanced FSD Features: Autopark and Summon
FSD isn't just about driving; it also offers convenience features for parking and retrieving your vehicle.
4.1 Autopark: Effortless Parking
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Detection: As you drive slowly past potential parking spaces (parallel or perpendicular), your Model 3 will detect them, and a parking icon will appear on your touchscreen.
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Activation: Tap the parking space on the touchscreen, release the steering wheel, and then touch
Start. Your Model 3 will then maneuver itself into the chosen spot. -
Supervision is Key: Always monitor the process. Be ready to apply the brakes or take over if the system detects an object unexpectedly or doesn't align perfectly. Autopark currently is only able to back into spaces for perpendicular parking.
4.2 Summon and Actually Smart Summon (ASS): Your Car Comes to You
Summon allows you to move your Model 3 using the Tesla mobile app, even when you're outside the vehicle. This is incredibly useful for tight parking spots.
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Enabling Summon: Go to
Controls > Autopilot > ASS (Actually Smart Summon)and enable it. -
Dumb Summon: This allows your Model 3 to move straight forward or backward into or out of a parking spot.
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To use: Align your Model 3 so it can follow a straight path. Open the Tesla mobile app, press
Summon, and use the on-screen controls (usually a continuous press) to move the car. Maintain a clear line of sight.
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Actually Smart Summon (ASS): This advanced version allows your Model 3 to navigate through parking lots and tight spaces, maneuvering around objects to come to your location or a designated target.
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To use: Open the Tesla mobile app and select
Actually Smart Summon. You can then choose "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" on the map. The app will display live camera feeds to help you monitor the surroundings.
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Safety Precautions for Summon:
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Only use Summon on private property (parking lots and driveways).
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Ensure you have a clear line of sight to your vehicle.
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Your phone must be connected to your Model 3 and within a certain range (typically within 85 meters).
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Be prepared to press the button on the app to stop the vehicle immediately if needed.
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Step 5: Safety and Limitations – The Responsible FSD User
FSD (Supervised) is incredibly capable, but it's not foolproof. Understanding its limitations and adhering to safety guidelines is paramount.
5.1 FSD is a Driver-Assistance System
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It is NOT an autonomous vehicle. It is classified as Level 2 automation. This means the driver is always in control and responsible for the vehicle's operation.
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Never rely on FSD to drive completely on its own. Your full attention is required.
5.2 Situations Requiring Driver Intervention
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
Be prepared to take over in the following scenarios:
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Complex or Unclear Road Markings: FSD may struggle with faded, ambiguous, or non-existent lane lines.
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Adverse Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, snow, fog, or bright sunlight can obscure camera vision and impact performance.
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Unusual Traffic Situations: Construction zones, emergency vehicles, or unexpected obstacles (e.g., debris in the road) may require immediate driver input.
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Unprotected Left Turns: While FSD has improved significantly, complex unprotected left turns can still be challenging for the system.
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Rapidly Changing Traffic: In very dense or erratic traffic, FSD may hesitate or make overly cautious decisions.
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Sudden Changes in Environment: Unexpected pedestrians, animals, or vehicles appearing suddenly.
5.3 Maintain a Safe Driving Mindset
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Avoid Distractions: Put away your phone and limit interactions with the touchscreen when FSD is active.
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Be Proactive: Anticipate potential issues and be ready to intervene before FSD makes an undesirable maneuver.
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Report Issues: If you encounter a situation where FSD behaves unexpectedly, you can use the voice command "Bug Report" followed by a brief description. This data helps Tesla improve the system.
Conclusion
Using FSD (Supervised) in your Tesla Model 3 is an extraordinary experience that showcases the cutting edge of automotive technology. By following these steps, understanding your role as the supervisor, and prioritizing safety, you can unlock the full potential of FSD, making your drives more relaxed and efficient. Remember, the journey towards fully autonomous driving is ongoing, and your responsible participation is a key part of that evolution!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to purchase or subscribe to FSD for my Tesla Model 3?
You can purchase FSD capability outright or subscribe to it monthly directly through your Tesla app under "Upgrades" or via your car's touchscreen under Controls > Software > Upgrades.
How to check if my Tesla Model 3 has FSD (Supervised) installed?
On your car's touchscreen, go to Controls > Software. If you have it, "Full Self-Driving Capability" will be listed.
How to update the FSD software on my Tesla Model 3?
Connect your Tesla to Wi-Fi, then navigate to Controls > Software > Software Update on your touchscreen to check for and install the latest version.
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
How to activate FSD (Supervised) while driving my Model 3?
Once FSD is enabled in settings, pull the right stalk (gear selector) down twice in quick succession. The steering wheel icon on your screen will turn blue.
How to customize the FSD (Supervised) driving profile (Chill, Standard, Hurry) on my Model 3?
Go to Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Profile on your touchscreen and select your desired driving style.
How to engage Autopark on my Tesla Model 3?
Drive slowly past a parking space until a parking icon appears on your touchscreen, then tap the icon and press "Start" on the screen.
How to use Summon or Actually Smart Summon (ASS) with my Model 3?
Enable Summon in Controls > Autopilot > ASS (Actually Smart Summon), then open your Tesla mobile app, select Summon, and follow the on-screen prompts to move your car.
How to take over control from FSD (Supervised) in my Model 3?
You can override FSD by applying the brakes, taking control of the steering wheel, pushing the right stalk up once, or pressing the right scroll wheel.
How to report an FSD (Supervised) bug or issue in my Model 3?
While driving, use the voice command "Bug Report" followed by a brief description of the issue. This logs data for Tesla to review.
How to ensure maximum safety when using FSD (Supervised) in my Model 3?
Always keep your hands on the steering wheel, maintain full attention on the road, ensure cameras are clean, and be prepared to take over at any moment, especially in complex or challenging driving conditions.
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