So you've just hopped into your sleek Tesla, ready to conquer the roads, but something feels a little off. Is your steering wheel too high, too low, too close, or too far? Don't worry, adjusting your Tesla's steering wheel is a breeze, and it's essential for both comfort and safety on your drive. Let's get you dialed in for the perfect driving position!
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla's Brain (the Touchscreen)
First things first, let's get acquainted with your Tesla's central command center – the touchscreen. This is where most of your car's adjustments happen, including the steering wheel.
 |
| How To Adjust Steering Wheel Tesla |
A. Park it Safely ️
Before you do anything, ensure your Tesla is safely in Park (P). Never attempt to adjust the steering wheel while driving. It's a major safety hazard and could lead to loss of control.
B. Accessing the Controls Menu
On your large Tesla touchscreen, you'll need to navigate to the "Controls" menu. This is usually represented by a car icon or a similar symbol. Tap on it!
C. Finding the Steering Icon ☸️
Within the "Controls" menu, you'll see various options. Look for the "Steering" icon. It might look like a steering wheel, or be labeled as "Steering." Give that a tap.
Step 2: Unleash the Power of the Left Scroll Button! ️
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Now that you're in the steering adjustment screen, it's time to use the magic button on your actual steering wheel: the left scroll button. This unassuming little dial is your key to finding that perfect ergonomic sweet spot.
A. Adjusting Height/Tilt Angle ⬆️⬇️
To adjust the height or tilt angle of your steering wheel, simply roll the left scroll button up or down.
Roll it up: The steering wheel will move upwards.
Roll it down: The steering wheel will move downwards.
Experiment with both until you have a clear view of the road and the instrument panel without straining your neck.
B. Adjusting Reach (Closer/Further) ↔️
To move the steering wheel closer to or further away from you, press the left scroll button to the left or right.
Press to the left: The steering wheel will telescope towards you.
Press to the right: The steering wheel will telescope away from you.
Aim for a position where your arms are slightly bent when holding the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. This allows for optimal control and responsiveness.
Step 3: Fine-Tuning Your Driving Experience (Steering Weight) ⚖️
Beyond just the physical position, Teslas also allow you to adjust the feel of the steering. This is known as "Steering Weight."
A. Navigating to Steering Weight Settings ️
From the "Controls" menu on your touchscreen, you might need to go to "Dynamics" or "Pedals & Steering" depending on your Tesla model. Within that section, look for "Steering Weight" or "Steering Mode."
B. Choosing Your Preferred Steering Feel ✨
You'll typically have a few options for steering weight:
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
Light / Comfort: This setting reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel. It's great for city driving, parking, and generally makes the car feel more nimble at lower speeds.
Standard: Tesla often considers this the best balance for most driving conditions, offering a good blend of responsiveness and ease of control.
Heavy / Sport: This increases the effort needed to turn the steering wheel. While it requires more physical input, it can provide a more responsive and connected feel, especially at higher speeds or during spirited driving.
Select the option that best suits your driving style and preferences.
Step 4: Saving Your Perfect Position (Driver Profiles)
One of the most convenient features in a Tesla is the ability to save Driver Profiles. This means once you've found your ideal steering wheel position (and seat and mirror settings!), you can save it and easily recall it later, even if someone else drives your car.
 |
A. Creating/Updating a Driver Profile
After you've made all your adjustments, your Tesla will often prompt you to save the new position to your driver profile.
Alternatively, you can access your driver profile settings by tapping the driver profile icon at the top of the touchscreen.
You can create a new profile or update an existing one with your current settings.
B. Easy Entry Feature ➡️
Consider setting up Easy Entry. This feature automatically moves the seat and steering wheel to a pre-set position (usually further back and higher up) when you put the car in Park and unbuckle your seatbelt. This makes getting in and out of your Tesla much easier. When you get back in and buckle up, it will revert to your saved driving position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to adjust steering wheel height in a Tesla?
To adjust the height, navigate to "Controls" > "Steering" on your touchscreen, then roll the left scroll button on your steering wheel up or down.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
How to move the steering wheel closer or further in a Tesla?
To adjust the reach, go to "Controls" > "Steering" on your touchscreen, then press the left scroll button on your steering wheel to the left or right.
How to change steering wheel feel (weight) in a Tesla?
On your touchscreen, go to "Controls" > "Dynamics" (or "Pedals & Steering") > "Steering Weight" and choose between "Light/Comfort," "Standard," or "Heavy/Sport."
How to save my steering wheel position in a Tesla?
Once you've adjusted the steering wheel, your Tesla will usually prompt you to save it to your driver profile. You can also access driver profile settings via the icon at the top of the touchscreen.
How to adjust the steering wheel in a Tesla Model 3?
The process is the same for a Model 3: use the touchscreen to go to "Controls" > "Steering" and then manipulate the left scroll button for position adjustments.
How to adjust the steering wheel in a Tesla Model Y?
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Similar to the Model 3, access "Controls" > "Steering" on the touchscreen and use the left scroll button on the steering wheel to adjust its position.
How to adjust the steering wheel in a Tesla Model S?
For Model S, use the touchscreen by going to "Controls" and then "Steering" to access the adjustment options through the left scroll button. Earlier Model S vehicles might also have a physical stalk/lever under the steering column for adjustments.
How to adjust the steering wheel in a Tesla Model X?
Model X steering wheel adjustments are done via the touchscreen ("Controls" > "Steering") and the left scroll button, allowing for both height/tilt and reach adjustments.
How to reset steering wheel position in a Tesla?
If you have a saved driver profile, you can simply select that profile to restore your preferred steering wheel position. Otherwise, manually adjust it back.
How to troubleshoot steering wheel adjustment not working in Tesla?
Ensure your vehicle is safely in Park. If the adjustment mechanism still doesn't respond, it could indicate a minor software glitch (try restarting the touchscreen by holding both scroll buttons until it turns black) or a more significant hardware issue, in which case contacting Tesla service is recommended.
For a visual guide on adjusting the steering wheel in a Tesla Model 3, you can check out this video:
 |
This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
💡 Breath fresh Air with this Air Purifier with washable filter.
