Navigating the world in your Tesla Model X is an exhilarating experience, and with Autopilot, it becomes even more intuitive and less fatiguing. However, it's crucial to understand that Autopilot is a driver-assist system, not a fully autonomous one. You, the driver, remain responsible for the vehicle at all times. So, let's dive into how to safely and effectively use Autopilot in your Model X!
Step 1: Getting Started – Your First Interaction with Autopilot Settings
Ready to unlock a new dimension of driving? Before you even think about engaging Autopilot on the road, let's customize its behavior to suit your preferences. This initial setup is critical for a safe and comfortable experience.
Sub-heading 1.1: Accessing Autopilot Settings
On your Model X's touchscreen, touch
Controls > Autopilot. This is your central hub for all things Autopilot. Here you'll find various settings to fine-tune the system.
Sub-heading 1.2: Setting Your Preferred Speed
Set Speed: This determines how Autopilot will engage. You have two main choices:
Speed Limit: Autopilot will attempt to maintain the currently detected speed limit.
Current Speed: Autopilot will engage at your current driving speed when activated.
To adjust this, touch
Controls > Autopilotand choose eitherSpeed LimitorCurrent Speed.
Sub-heading 1.3: Customizing Your Speed Offset (if using Speed Limit)
Offset: If you've opted for "Speed Limit," you can specify an offset. This allows you to set a consistent buffer above or below the detected speed limit.
Fixed: The cruising speed adjusts by a specific amount (e.g., +5 mph) on all roads.
Percentage: The cruising speed is adjusted as a percentage of the road's detected speed limit (e.g., 105% of the speed limit).
To set this, touch
Set Speed Offsetafter choosingSpeed Limit.
Sub-heading 1.4: Green Traffic Light Chime
Green Traffic Light Chime (Canada and U.S. only): When this setting is on, your Tesla will chime to alert you when a red traffic light you're waiting at turns green. It will also chime if you're not actively using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and the car ahead of you at a red light starts to move. This can be a helpful reminder, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Step 2: Engaging Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC)
TACC is the foundation of your Tesla's Autopilot capabilities. It maintains your speed and an adjustable following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Sub-heading 2.1: How to Engage TACC
In Model X, you engage TACC by pulling the cruise control stalk on the left side of the steering column once towards you.
You will see an indicator on your instrument cluster confirming TACC is active.
Sub-heading 2.2: Adjusting Following Distance
While TACC is active, you can adjust the following distance between your Model X and the car in front of you. This is typically done by pressing the right or left of the right scroll wheel on your steering yoke/wheel. Experiment to find a comfortable and safe following distance for various traffic conditions.
Step 3: Activating Autosteer
Autosteer builds upon TACC, adding the ability for your Model X to intelligently keep itself centered in its lane. This is where the magic of "autopiloting" truly begins!
Sub-heading 3.1: Enabling Autosteer in Settings
Before you can use Autosteer on the road, you must enable it in your car's settings.
Go to
Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer (Beta).Carefully read and understand the pop-up window that appears, then touch
Yesto confirm you understand the responsibilities.
Sub-heading 3.2: Engaging Autosteer While Driving
Once enabled in settings, to engage Autosteer while driving:
For Model X with a stalk (older models), pull the cruise control stalk on the left side of the steering column twice towards you.
For Model X with the scroll wheel activation (newer models, or if configured this way), double-press the right scroll button.
You'll hear a chime and see a blue steering wheel icon appear on your instrument cluster, indicating Autosteer is active.
Important Note: Autosteer is designed for use on highways with clear lane markings and a center divider. It may not function optimally in heavy rain, snow, fog, or on roads with faded or ambiguous lane markings. Always be prepared to take over.
Sub-heading 3.3: Maintaining Driver Attention
While Autosteer is active, you must keep your hands on the steering wheel and remain attentive to the road. Your Tesla will periodically check for torque on the steering wheel. If it doesn't detect your hands, you'll receive visual and audible warnings. Ignoring these warnings can result in Autopilot being disabled for the remainder of your drive.
Step 4: Using Navigate on Autopilot (NoA)
Navigate on Autopilot takes Autosteer to the next level, actively guiding your Model X from a highway's on-ramp to off-ramp, including performing lane changes, navigating interchanges, and taking the correct exits.
Sub-heading 4.1: Enabling and Customizing NoA
To enable NoA, go to
Controls > Autopilot > Navigate on Autopilot (Beta).You can further customize its behavior by touching
Customize Navigate on Autopilot.Enable at Start of Every Trip: If turned on, NoA will automatically engage when a navigation route is active and includes a controlled-access highway.
Speed Based Lane Changes: Decide how aggressively you want NoA to change lanes to maintain your set cruising speed. Options may include "Mild" or "Mad Max." Choose wisely based on your comfort level and traffic conditions.
Sub-heading 4.2: How NoA Works on the Road
When a navigation route is active on your touchscreen and it includes a controlled-access highway, the Navigate on Autopilot button will appear.
Once engaged, NoA will:
Perform both speed-based and route-based lane changes.
Automatically engage the turn signal when initiating a lane change or taking an exit.
Maneuver your Model X onto off-ramps and through interchanges.
You may be prompted to confirm lane changes with a slight turn signal engagement or by pulling the Autopilot stalk.
Step 5: Advanced Autopilot Features
Tesla's Autopilot suite often includes additional features that enhance convenience and safety.
Sub-heading 5.1: Auto Lane Change
When Autosteer is active, you can initiate an automatic lane change by engaging the turn signal. Your Model X will check for clear space and, with your supervision, move into the adjacent lane. Always check your mirrors and blind spots as you normally would.
Sub-heading 5.2: Autopark
Autopark simplifies parking by maneuvering your Model X into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces.
To use, drive slowly and monitor your instrument cluster for detected parking spaces. Once a suitable space is found, select it using the right scroll wheel, then press the right scroll button and release the steering wheel. Always supervise the parking process and be ready to intervene.
Sub-heading 5.3: Summon and Smart Summon
Summon: Allows your Model X to move forward or backward a short distance, useful for getting in and out of tight parking spots. You can activate this via the Tesla mobile app.
Smart Summon: (If equipped and enabled) Your Tesla will navigate through parking lots and tight spaces to come to you when activated through the mobile app. It uses the vehicle's cameras to detect obstacles. Always ensure the path is clear and supervise the vehicle.
Step 6: Understanding Limitations and Safety Best Practices
While Autopilot is incredibly advanced, it's crucial to understand its limitations and your role as the driver.
Sub-heading 6.1: Key Limitations
Autopilot relies on cameras and sensors. Poor visibility (heavy rain, snow, fog), obstructed cameras (dirt, ice, damage), or faded lane markings can severely impact its performance.
It is not designed for complex urban driving with unpredictable pedestrians, cyclists, or unmarked intersections unless you have Full Self-Driving (Supervised) which provides additional capabilities.
Autopilot may not react to all unexpected road conditions, such as sudden changes in traffic flow, construction zones, or unmapped obstacles.
Autosteer has speed limitations, typically between 18 mph (30 km/h) and 85 mph (140 km/h) on appropriate roads, with lower speed activation if a vehicle is detected ahead.
Never depend on Autopilot to determine an appropriate driving path in all scenarios. Always be vigilant.
Sub-heading 6.2: Your Responsibility
Always keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Pay constant attention to the road and your surroundings.
Be prepared to take immediate control of the vehicle at any moment.
Treat Autopilot as a sophisticated cruise control system with steering assistance, not a fully autonomous driver.
Step 7: Troubleshooting Common Autopilot Issues
Occasionally, Autopilot features might be unavailable or disengage. Here are some common reasons and what to do:
Sub-heading 7.1: Alerts on the Instrument Cluster
If Autopilot features are unavailable, your Model X will display an alert. Common reasons include:
Obstructed cameras: Check for dirt, ice, or fog on the camera lenses (located around the vehicle). Clean them thoroughly.
Uncalibrated cameras: This might occur after a software update or service. Drive normally for a period for the cameras to self-calibrate.
Poor environmental conditions: Heavy rain, snow, or direct sunlight can temporarily limit Autopilot functionality.
Exceeding speed limits: If you exceed the maximum speed for Autosteer with it active, it may become unavailable for the rest of your drive.
Ignoring attention warnings: Repeatedly failing to apply torque to the steering wheel can lock you out of Autosteer for the remainder of the trip.
Sub-heading 7.2: What to Do
If Autopilot disengages or an alert appears, take immediate manual control of the vehicle.
Inspect and clean all camera areas, especially the front camera at the top center of the windshield.
If an alert persists across multiple drives and cleaning doesn't help, consider scheduling service with Tesla.
10 Related FAQ Questions about Autopilot in Tesla Model X:
How to engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control in Tesla Model X?
To engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, pull the cruise control stalk on the left side of the steering column once towards you.
How to engage Autosteer in Tesla Model X?
First, enable Autosteer in Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer (Beta). Then, to engage while driving, pull the cruise control stalk on the left side of the steering column twice towards you (or double-press the right scroll button if configured).
How to change the speed limit offset for Autopilot in Tesla Model X?
Navigate to Controls > Autopilot. If you've selected "Speed Limit" as your set speed, you can then touch Set Speed Offset to choose a Fixed or Percentage offset.
How to use Auto Lane Change in Tesla Model X?
With Autosteer engaged, simply activate the turn signal in the direction you wish to move. Your Tesla will then perform an automatic lane change if the path is clear and safe.
How to use Navigate on Autopilot in Tesla Model X?
Enable Navigate on Autopilot in Controls > Autopilot > Navigate on Autopilot (Beta). With a navigation route active on a controlled-access highway, the NoA button will appear on your map, which you can activate.
How to use Autopark in Tesla Model X?
Drive slowly near a potential parking space. When your Model X detects a suitable space, a "P" icon will appear on your instrument cluster. Select the space with the right scroll wheel, then press the right scroll button and release the steering wheel to initiate Autopark.
How to use Summon in Tesla Model X?
Open the Tesla mobile app and select the "Summon" feature. You can then command your Model X to move forward or backward.
How to increase/decrease the set speed of Autopilot in Tesla Model X?
Roll the right scroll wheel up to increase the set speed, or down to decrease it.
How to adjust the following distance for Traffic-Aware Cruise Control in Tesla Model X?
While Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active, push the right scroll wheel to the right or left to increase or decrease the following distance from the vehicle ahead.
How to disengage Autopilot in Tesla Model X?
To disengage Autosteer, either press the brake pedal, push the left stalk (cruise control) away from you once, or apply significant turning force to the steering wheel. To disengage both Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, press the right scroll button (for stockless vehicles) or push the drive stalk up (for vehicles with stalks).
Always remember that safety is paramount. Autopilot is a tool to assist, not replace, the attentive driver.
