Ever wondered if your sleek Tesla is equipped with the latest and greatest in autonomous driving technology? Specifically, are you curious if you have Hardware 4 (HW4), also known as AI4? Well, you're in the right place! Identifying your Tesla's hardware version is crucial, especially as Tesla continues to roll out advancements in Full Self-Driving (FSD). Let's dive into a comprehensive guide to help you figure it out.
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla's Inner Brain (Software Check)
This is often the easiest and most reliable method to determine your Tesla's hardware version directly from the vehicle's touchscreen.
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| How To Check Tesla Hardware Version 4 |
Sub-heading 1.1: Navigating the On-Screen Menus
Get in your Tesla: Settle into the driver's seat and power on your vehicle.
Access Controls: On the large center touchscreen, tap the car icon (usually located in the bottom left corner) to open the "Controls" menu.
Find the Software Section: From the left-hand menu within "Controls," select the "Software" tab. This section provides details about your car's current software version.
Delve into Additional Vehicle Information: Look for a link or button labeled "Additional Vehicle Information" or something similar. Tap on it.
Locate "Autopilot Computer" or "FSD Computer": Within this detailed information screen, you'll see a line item that specifies your "Autopilot computer" or "Full Self-Driving Computer" version. Here, you'll likely see "HW2.5," "HW3," or "HW4" (sometimes displayed as "AI4").
If you see "HW4" or "AI4" listed, congratulations! Your Tesla is equipped with the latest hardware.
Step 2: Play Detective (Visual Inspection of Cameras) ️♀️
If you don't have immediate access to your Tesla's touchscreen, or simply want to confirm visually, the cameras offer a telltale sign of HW4.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Distinctive Red Tint
Red Lenses: A primary visual indicator of HW4 cameras is a reddish tint to their lenses. This is a coating designed to improve performance in low-light conditions.
Front Cameras: Pay close attention to the front-facing cameras located behind your rearview mirror. On HW4 vehicles, you'll typically see two red lenses and one black (dummy) lens. HW3, in contrast, has three front cameras, usually without this red tint.
Repeater Cameras: Also, check the side repeater cameras (on the fenders). HW4 repeater cameras also exhibit this red tint and are often slightly smaller and have a narrower turn indicator compared to HW3.
Sub-heading 2.2: Camera Resolution Differences (For the Keen Eye)
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
While harder to distinguish without a direct side-by-side comparison or high-resolution images, HW4 cameras boast significantly higher resolution than HW3.
Front Camera: HW4's front camera has a resolution of 2896x1876, a substantial leap from HW3's 1280x960.
Rear Camera: The rear camera on HW4 also sees an upgrade to 1448x938 from 1280x960 on HW3.
This improved resolution allows for better object detection and overall environmental understanding, which is crucial for advanced autonomous features.
Step 3: Consult the Oracle (Production Date and Model Type) ️
Your Tesla's production date and model can provide a strong indication of its hardware version, though this isn't as definitive as checking the car itself.
Sub-heading 3.1: General Rollout Timelines
Tesla began integrating Hardware 4 into its vehicles in early 2023.
Model S and Model X: If you purchased a Model S or X after March 2023, it's highly probable your vehicle has HW4.
Model Y: For Model Y vehicles produced in the U.S., HW4 started appearing after late May 2023.
Model 3: The updated 2024 Model 3 (Highland) comes equipped with HW4. Older Model 3s (2017-2023) will have Hardware 3.
Sub-heading 3.2: How to Find Your Production Date
You can usually find your Tesla's production date on the label inside the driver's door or within the Tesla app under "Vehicle Details."
Step 4: The Geeky Approach (OBD Tool - For the Tech-Savvy) ️
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
For those with a more technical inclination, an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) tool can extract detailed data directly from your vehicle's computer.
Sub-heading 4.1: Using an OBD Scanner
Obtain a Compatible OBD Scanner: Ensure the OBD scanner you use is compatible with Tesla models and can interpret their specific data.
Locate the OBD Port: The OBD port is typically situated near the driver's side footwell.
Connect and Scan: Connect the scanner to the port and use a third-party app (if required) to read the data.
Identify Hardware Version: Look for entries that specify the hardware version, often labeled as "HW3," "HW4," or "FSD Computer."
Keep in mind that not all OBD tools will provide this specific detail, so research compatibility beforehand.
What's the Big Deal About Hardware 4?
Hardware 4 is a significant upgrade over Hardware 3, offering:
Enhanced Processing Power: The HW4 computer is substantially more powerful, with a 20-core CPU compared to HW3's 12 cores, and improved neural network accelerators (50 TOPS vs. 36 TOPS). This means it can process more data and run more complex algorithms for FSD.
Superior Cameras: As mentioned, the higher resolution and improved low-light performance of HW4 cameras provide a much richer and more accurate visual understanding of the vehicle's surroundings.
Improved Electrical and Wiring System: HW4 also features an upgraded electrical and wiring system, supporting the new hardware.
Reintroduction of Redundancy: Hardware 4 brings back redundancy features that were removed in HW3, aiming to ensure safer operation even if one component fails.
Optional High-Definition Radar: While some HW3 vehicles phased out radar, HW4 offers the option for high-definition "Phoenix radar," which enhances object detection in adverse weather conditions.
These improvements are crucial for Tesla's continued development towards full autonomy, enabling more robust and reliable self-driving capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know if my Tesla has HW4?
You can check your Tesla's touchscreen by navigating to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. It will list your "Autopilot computer" or "Full Self-Driving Computer" version.
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
How to visually identify HW4 cameras?
HW4 cameras typically have a reddish tint to their lenses. Look at the front-facing cameras behind your rearview mirror; HW4 usually has two red lenses. The side repeater cameras will also have this red tint.
How to check my Tesla's production date?
Your Tesla's production date can be found on the label inside the driver's door or within the Tesla app under "Vehicle Details."
How to tell if my Model 3 has HW4?
Only the updated 2024 Model 3 (Highland) comes with HW4. Earlier Model 3s (2017-2023) are equipped with HW3.
How to know if my Model Y has HW4?
If your Model Y was produced in the U.S. after late May 2023, it's likely to have HW4.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
How to tell if my Model S or X has HW4?
If your Model S or X was purchased after March 2023, it most likely includes HW4.
How to use an OBD tool to check Tesla hardware?
You'll need an OBD scanner compatible with Tesla models. Connect it to the OBD port (near the driver's footwell) and use a third-party app to view the hardware version data.
How to differentiate HW3 and HW4 camera resolution?
HW4 cameras offer significantly higher resolution (e.g., 2896x1876 for front, 1448x938 for rear) compared to HW3 (1280x960 for both front and rear).
How to get a HW4 upgrade for an older Tesla?
Currently, Tesla has stated there are no plans to offer HW4 upgrades for older vehicles due to significant differences in wiring and cooling systems.
How to understand the benefits of HW4 over HW3?
HW4 offers enhanced processing power, superior camera resolution with better low-light performance, improved electrical systems, and reintroduces redundancy, all contributing to more advanced and reliable FSD capabilities.
This video provides a visual comparison of HW3 and HW4 cameras, which can help in identifying your hardware version:
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