Ah, the dream of effortless parking! Your Tesla Model Y, with its advanced Autopark feature, can certainly make that a reality. Let's dive into how you can make your Model Y park itself like a pro.
The Magic of Autopark: Your Tesla's Parking Superpower ✨
Imagine never struggling with parallel or perpendicular parking again. That's the promise of Autopark in your Tesla Model Y. This intelligent feature leverages your car's cameras and sensors to detect suitable parking spaces and then autonomously steer, accelerate, and brake to maneuver your vehicle into the spot. It's like having a skilled valet built right into your car!
Step 1: Getting Started – Are You Ready to Let Go of the Wheel?
Before you unleash your Model Y's parking prowess, let's make sure you're set up for success and understand what to expect.
1.1. Enabling Autopark: First Things First!
Check your settings: Autopark is typically enabled as part of your Tesla's Autopilot or Enhanced Autopilot features. To confirm, navigate to Controls > Autopilot on your touchscreen. You'll want to ensure Autopark is active.
Software Version Matters: Keep in mind that features can evolve with software updates. Ensure your Model Y's software is up-to-date for the latest functionalities.
1.2. Understanding the Environment: Where Autopark Shines
Autopark works best in specific scenarios. Here's what your Model Y is looking for:
Slow Speeds: You'll need to be driving slowly, typically below 13 km/h (around 8 mph), for the car to accurately detect parking spaces.
Clear Markings: For perpendicular parking, the space should have at least three visible lines (parking lines, road markings, or distinct curbs).
Adequate Width: The parking space needs to be at least as wide as your Model Y (around 2.2 meters for perpendicular parking).
Obstacle-Free: Ensure the parking space is clear of obstructions like large rocks, shopping carts, or people. While Autopark tries to detect objects, you are always responsible for monitoring the surroundings.
Flat Surfaces: Autopark is primarily designed for use on flat roads. Slopes can affect its performance.
Step 2: Finding Your Perfect Spot – Let Your Tesla "See" It ️
This is where the magic begins! Your Model Y constantly scans for suitable parking spaces as you drive slowly.
2.1. Driving and Detecting: The "P" Appears!
Drive Slowly: As you approach a potential parking spot, drive slowly alongside it. The car's sensors are actively scanning the area.
Monitor the Touchscreen: Keep an eye on your Model Y's touchscreen. When the car detects a suitable parallel or perpendicular parking space, a parking icon (a "P" with a small cone) will appear. This "P" will indicate if it's a perpendicular or parallel spot.
Positioning is Key: For perpendicular parking, you'll generally pull forward and stop approximately one car length ahead of the desired parking space. For parallel parking, you'll drive slightly past the spot.
Step 3: Initiating the Parking Maneuver – Handing Over the Reins
Once your Model Y has identified a spot, it's time to let it take over.
3.1. The "Start" Button: Your Green Light
Stop the Vehicle: Bring your Model Y to a complete stop once the parking icon appears.
Shift to Reverse (if needed): For perpendicular parking, you'll often need to shift into Reverse (
R). For parallel parking, the car might guide you there directly.Release the Steering Wheel: Crucially, remove your hands from the steering wheel! The car will handle the steering.
Touch "Start": On the touchscreen, you'll see a "Start" button next to the parking icon. Touch it to initiate the Autopark sequence.
3.2. Watching the Show: The Car Does the Work
Monitor the Process: Your Model Y will now begin to maneuver itself into the parking space. The touchscreen will display a visual representation of the car's movements and its surroundings, showing objects detected by the cameras.
Be Prepared to Intervene: Always be ready to take over! Keep your foot hovering over the brake pedal. If you feel uncomfortable, or if the car is heading towards an obstacle, press the brake pedal to pause the process. You can then touch "Resume" to continue, or take manual control.
Do Not Interfere with Steering: Avoid manually moving the steering wheel during Autopark, as this will cancel the process.
Step 4: Completion and Taking Back Control – A Job Well Done! ✅
Your Model Y will let you know when it's finished.
4.1. Parking Complete: The Confirmation
Message on Screen: Autopark will display a message on the touchscreen when the parking maneuver is complete.
Automatic Park: Once finished, your Model Y will automatically shift into Park (
P).
4.2. Exiting Autopark: Resuming Manual Control
Autopark will cancel if:
You manually move the steering wheel.
You shift gears (e.g., from Reverse to Drive).
You press the brake pedal (this will pause it, but continued pressure or further action can cancel it).
You press the accelerator pedal (if you exceed 10 km/h, Autopark will cancel).
A door is opened or the car detects you exiting the vehicle.
The parking sequence exceeds seven moves.
Summon and Smart Summon: Parking From the Outside
Beyond Autopark, your Tesla Model Y also offers "Summon" features, allowing you to move the car remotely.
1. Dumb Summon: Simple Forward and Reverse
Purpose: Ideal for moving your car straight forward or backward into or out of a tight parking spot or garage.
How to Use:
Ensure your Model Y is aligned with the space.
Open the Tesla mobile app and go to the "Summon" section.
Press and hold Forward or Reverse on the app.
Your car will move slowly in the chosen direction. Release the button to stop.
Limitations: Works best on private property, not recommended for public roads.
2. Smart Summon (Actually Smart Summon/ASS): Navigating to You or a Target
Purpose: Allows your Model Y to navigate out of a parking space and drive to your location (using your phone's GPS) or a chosen destination on a map within the app. It can maneuver around objects.
How to Use:
Ensure your phone is connected to Model Y and within approximately 85 meters (279 feet) of the vehicle.
Open the Tesla mobile app and go to "Summon".
Select the "Smart Summon" icon.
Choose "Come to Me" (the car drives to you) or "Go to Target" (drag a pin on the map to a desired location).
Press and hold the respective button in the app.
Limitations: Strictly for private property (parking lots, driveways). Requires a clear line of sight to the vehicle. It's a BETA feature and requires continuous monitoring.
Important Considerations and Safety Reminders
While Autopark and Summon are incredibly convenient, they are driver-assistance features, not substitutes for attentive driving.
Always Be Aware: Continually check your surroundings! The cameras and sensors have limitations. Always perform visual checks for children, pedestrians, animals, or objects the system might miss.
Clean Cameras: Dirty cameras (due to mud, ice, snow, or even strong sunlight) can impair the system's performance. Keep them clean.
No Tow Hitches/Bike Racks: Do not use Autopark if anything is attached to the tow hitch, as the system may not account for it.
System Limitations: Autopark may not work in textured road surfaces (like cobblestone), on sloped roads, or if parking lines are faded or obscured.
Stay in Control: Even when using Autopark, you are always responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle. Be ready to apply the brakes or take manual control at any moment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to use Autopark for parallel parking in Model Y?
To use Autopark for parallel parking, drive slowly past the desired spot. When the "P" icon appears on your touchscreen, pull forward about one car length past the spot, shift into reverse, and touch "Start" on the screen.
How to use Autopark for perpendicular parking in Model Y?
For perpendicular parking, drive slowly past the row of parking spots. When the "P" icon appears indicating a suitable space, pull forward until you are roughly one car length past the spot, then shift into reverse and press "Start."
How to enable Autopark in my Tesla Model Y?
Autopark is usually enabled within your Tesla's Autopilot settings. Go to Controls > Autopilot on your touchscreen and ensure the Autopark option is turned on.
How to stop Autopark mid-maneuver in Model Y?
You can stop Autopark at any time by pressing the brake pedal. This will pause the process. You can also cancel it by manually moving the steering wheel, shifting gears, or pressing the accelerator.
How to troubleshoot Autopark if it's not detecting spots?
Ensure you are driving slowly enough (below 13 km/h). Check that your cameras are clean and unobstructed. Also, verify that the parking space has clear lines and sufficient width, as Autopark relies on these visual cues.
How to use Smart Summon on my Tesla Model Y?
Open the Tesla mobile app, go to "Summon," then select the "Smart Summon" icon. You can then choose "Come to Me" or "Go to Target" and press and hold the button to initiate the maneuver, always maintaining a clear line of sight.
How to know if my Model Y has Autopark?
Most Tesla Model Y vehicles are equipped with Autopark as part of the Autopilot or Enhanced Autopilot packages. You can check your vehicle's features on your Tesla app or the car's touchscreen settings under "Autopilot."
How to update my Tesla Model Y's software for new Autopark features?
Your Tesla Model Y typically receives over-the-air software updates automatically. Ensure your car is connected to Wi-Fi for faster downloads. You can check for updates in Software > Software Update on your touchscreen.
How to prevent Autopark from hitting obstacles?
Always remain vigilant and be prepared to intervene. Autopark is an assistance feature. Continuously monitor your surroundings and be ready to press the brake pedal if you perceive any risk of collision.
How to use Autopark with a trailer or bike rack attached?
It is not recommended to use Autopark when a tow hitch, bike rack, or trailer is attached to your Model Y, as the system may not correctly account for these additions, increasing the risk of damage.
You can see a demonstration of how the Tesla Model Y auto park feature works here:
