Hey there, future-forward driver! Ready to experience a new level of driving convenience? Putting your Tesla in "auto drive" – which typically refers to its Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (Supervised) features – can be a game-changer for highway cruising and even city navigation. But remember, these are driver-assist systems, not fully autonomous driving. You're still the boss behind the wheel, always requiring your attentiveness and readiness to take over. Let's dive in!
Understanding Tesla's "Auto Drive" Features
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand what "auto drive" means in a Tesla. Tesla offers a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that fall under two main categories:
Autopilot (Standard): This includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) maintains a set speed and a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Autosteer actively steers your car to keep it within its lane on highways with clear lane markings and a center divider.
Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised): This is a more advanced suite of features that builds upon Autopilot, enabling the car to navigate on city streets, stop at traffic lights and stop signs, make turns, and even park itself. It still requires active driver supervision.
It's important to note that the exact activation methods and features might vary slightly depending on your Tesla model and the hardware version (HW1, HW2, HW2.5, HW3, HW4, etc.) your vehicle is equipped with, as well as the software version. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the most precise and up-to-date information.
Step 1: Prepare Your Tesla and Yourself for Autopilot Engagement
Before you even think about engaging Autopilot, safety is paramount. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a fundamental requirement for responsible use of these technologies.
1.1 Ensure Optimal Conditions
Clean Cameras: Tesla's Autopilot and FSD systems rely heavily on cameras. Ensure all cameras (there are several around your vehicle) are clean and free of obstructions like dirt, snow, ice, or fog. A dirty camera can significantly impair performance.
Clear Lane Markings: Autosteer works best on highways with clear and well-maintained lane markings. Faded or ambiguous markings can cause the system to disengage or perform erratically.
Good Weather: While Teslas are built to handle various conditions, heavy rain, snow, fog, or extremely hot or cold temperatures can affect sensor operation and reduce Autopilot's effectiveness.
Appropriate Road Type: Autosteer is designed for use on highways with center dividers and no cross-traffic. It should not be used on winding roads with sharp curves, icy/slippery roads, or roads where traffic conditions are constantly changing and pedestrians/bicycles are present.
Calibrated Cameras: After some service visits or initially, your Tesla's cameras may need calibration. The vehicle will typically guide you through this process, which involves driving a short distance.
1.2 Driver Readiness
Stay Alert and Attentive: This is the golden rule. Autopilot and FSD (Supervised) are driver-assist systems, not a substitute for an attentive driver. Your hands must remain on the steering wheel, and your eyes must be on the road at all times.
Be Prepared to Take Over: You should always be ready to take immediate control of the vehicle. The system can disengage unexpectedly, or encounter situations it's not equipped to handle.
Understand Limitations: Familiarize yourself with the limitations of Autopilot and FSD as outlined in your owner's manual. For instance, Autosteer may not steer around partially blocked objects or stop for completely blocked lanes.
Step 2: Activating Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC)
TACC is the foundational component of Autopilot, allowing your Tesla to maintain a set speed and adjust it based on the vehicle in front.
2.1 For Model 3 and Model Y (Gear Lever):
Locate the gear lever on the right side of your steering column.
To engage TACC at your current speed, pull the gear lever down once.
To engage TACC at the detected speed limit, you may need to adjust settings or simply pull the gear lever down once and then adjust the speed.
2.2 For Model S and Model X (Pre-2021) (Cruise Stalk):
Locate the cruise control stalk on the left side of your steering column.
Pull the cruise stalk toward you once.
2.3 Adjusting Speed and Following Distance:
Adjusting Set Speed: While TACC is active, you can use the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel to increase or decrease the set cruising speed. Rolling it up increases speed, rolling it down decreases it.
Adjusting Following Distance: You can typically adjust the following distance to the car ahead using the right scroll wheel (rolling it left or right) or through the touchscreen settings. A higher setting creates a larger gap.
Step 3: Engaging Autosteer (and Basic Autopilot)
Autosteer combines TACC with active lane keeping, providing a more comprehensive highway driving experience.
3.1 For Model 3 and Model Y (Gear Lever):
To engage Autosteer, move the gear lever downwards twice in quick succession.
Note: In some models or settings, you might be able to set "Autopilot Activation" to "Single Pull" in the touchscreen controls (Controls > Autopilot > Autopilot Activation). If set to Single Pull, Autosteer engages with a single pull of the gear lever. However, a double pull is the more common default for engaging Autosteer, while a single pull activates TACC only.
3.2 For Model S and Model X (Pre-2021) (Cruise Stalk):
To engage Autosteer, pull the cruise stalk toward you twice in quick succession.
Note: Similar to Model 3/Y, you might have a "Single Pull" option for Autopilot Activation in your settings.
3.3 Visual Confirmation and Hands-On Requirement:
When Autosteer is engaged, a blue steering wheel icon will appear on your display, next to the speedometer. A grey steering wheel icon indicates the system is available but not engaged.
You'll also receive a visual reminder on the instrument panel to keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Tesla requires you to apply a slight turning force to the steering wheel to detect your hands. If it doesn't detect your hands for a period, it will issue escalating audible and visual alerts. Ignoring these warnings can lead to Autopilot being disabled for the remainder of your trip.
Step 4: Activating Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised)
If you have purchased or subscribed to the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) package, you can enable more advanced features. Remember, this is still a supervised system.
4.1 Enabling FSD (Supervised) in Settings:
On your touchscreen, go to Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
Carefully read and understand the pop-up window that appears, then touch Yes to confirm.
You might also need to enable "Start FSD (Supervised) from Park" if you want to activate it from a standstill.
4.2 Engaging FSD (Supervised) While Driving:
Once enabled in the settings, you generally engage FSD (Supervised) by using the same method as Autosteer: moving the gear lever (Model 3/Y) or pulling the cruise stalk (Model S/X) twice downwards/towards you in quick succession.
When engaged, the touchscreen will display a detailed visualization of the environment, including roadways, vehicles, pedestrians, and other objects.
FSD (Supervised) will then attempt to navigate to your destination, handle intersections, make turns, and enter/exit highways.
4.3 Important FSD (Supervised) Considerations:
Constant Supervision: Even with FSD (Supervised), you must remain fully attentive, with your hands on the wheel and prepared to intervene.
Brake Confirmation: If you've enabled "Brake Confirm," you'll need to briefly press the brake pedal each time you start FSD (Supervised) from a parked position.
Over-the-Air Updates: Tesla regularly updates its software, improving FSD (Supervised) capabilities. Ensure your vehicle has the latest software version downloaded via Wi-Fi.
Step 5: Disengaging "Auto Drive" Features
Disengaging Autopilot or FSD is just as important as engaging it. There are several ways to do this:
5.1 Manual Intervention:
Press the Brake Pedal: This is the most common and immediate way to disengage any Autopilot or FSD feature.
Apply Rotational Force to the Steering Wheel: Even a slight amount of steering input will typically disengage Autosteer or FSD. Note that if Autopilot Activation is set to "Double Pull," applying steering force will disengage Autosteer but Traffic-Aware Cruise Control will remain active.
Push the Stalk Away From You: For Model S/X with a stalk, pushing the cruise stalk away from you once will disengage. For Model 3/Y, pushing the gear lever up once will disengage.
5.2 System Disengagement:
Autopilot and FSD can also disengage automatically for various reasons, including:
Exceeding the maximum operating speed (e.g., 90 mph for Autosteer).
Shifting gears.
Opening a door.
An Automatic Emergency Braking event.
Lack of clear lane markings.
Adverse weather conditions.
If the system repeatedly detects that your hands are not on the steering wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check which Autopilot hardware my Tesla has?
You can usually check your Autopilot configuration on your vehicle's touchscreen by going to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information or in the Tesla app by selecting Vehicle > Specs & Warranty.
How to know if Autopilot is available?
A grey steering wheel icon on your display next to the speedometer indicates that Autosteer is available for engagement. A blue icon means it's active.
How to adjust the following distance in Traffic-Aware Cruise Control?
You can typically adjust the following distance using the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel (rolling it left or right) or through the touchscreen controls.
How to override the set speed in Autopilot?
You can temporarily override the set cruising speed at any time by simply pressing the accelerator pedal.
How to enable or disable the "Green Traffic Light Chime"?
This setting can usually be found in Controls > Autopilot on your touchscreen. If on, a chime will sound when you're at a red light and it turns green.
How to customize Autopilot activation (single vs. double pull)?
Go to Controls > Autopilot > Autopilot Activation on your touchscreen to choose between "Single Click" or "Double Click" for engaging Autopilot features.
How to ensure my hands are detected by Autopilot?
Apply a slight turning force to the steering wheel. Tesla's system detects your hands by recognizing this resistance or very light manual turning.
How to re-engage Autopilot after it has been disabled for the remainder of a trip?
If Autopilot disables due to repeated ignored warnings about keeping your hands on the wheel, it will typically be available again on your next drive (after you stop and shift your Tesla into Park).
How to update Tesla's software for Autopilot improvements?
Tesla vehicles receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Ensure your car is connected to Wi-Fi to download and install the latest updates, which often include Autopilot and FSD improvements.
How to find more detailed information on specific Autopilot features?
Always refer to your Tesla's official Owner's Manual (accessible via the touchscreen or Tesla's website) for the most comprehensive and up-to-date instructions and safety warnings regarding Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.
Here's a video that explains how to turn on and off Autopilot on a Tesla Model 3:
