Tired of squeezing into tight parking spots or getting soaked in the rain while walking to your Tesla? Imagine your car gracefully navigating out of a tricky space or coming right to you with a tap of your phone. Well, with Tesla's Summon and Smart Summon features, this isn't science fiction, it's a reality! Let's dive into how you can "call" your Tesla from a parking spot.
Understanding Tesla Summon Features: Summon vs. Smart Summon
Before we begin, it's essential to understand that Tesla offers two primary "Summon" functionalities:
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| How To Call Tesla From Parking |
1. Summon (or "Dumb Summon")
This feature is designed for straight-line movement. It allows your Tesla to move forward or backward up to a limited distance (typically around 12 meters or 39 feet) in or out of a parking space. It's perfect for those really tight spots where you can't open your car door.
2. Smart Summon (or "Actually Smart Summon" - ASS)
This is the more advanced version. Smart Summon allows your Tesla to navigate more complex environments, maneuver around objects, and even drive to your GPS location or a chosen destination within a parking lot. It's incredibly useful for retrieving your car from a larger parking lot, especially when it's raining or you're carrying packages.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Call Your Tesla from Parking
Ready to experience the magic? Here's your comprehensive guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Tesla and Yourself for Summoning
This is where the engagement begins! Are you ready to witness your Tesla move on its own? First, ensure your vehicle is properly configured and you understand the necessary precautions.
1.1. Ensure Your Software is Up-to-Date
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Tesla's Summon features are constantly evolving. Make sure your Tesla's software and your Tesla mobile app are updated to the latest version. Older versions might have different functionalities or limitations.
1.2. Calibrate Your Cameras
For Summon features to work optimally, your Tesla's cameras need to be fully calibrated. If you've recently had a software update or replaced a camera, you might need to drive for a bit to complete the calibration process.
1.3. Check Your Vehicle's Status
Before initiating Summon, ensure:
Your Tesla is in Park.
It's not charging.
All doors and trunks are closed.
All four tire pressures are 34 PSI or higher.
1.4. Understand the Environment and Limitations
Summon and Smart Summon are designed for use on private property, such as parking lots and driveways where the surroundings are familiar and predictable. They are not intended for public roads. Always:
Have a clear line of sight to your Tesla.
Continuously monitor the vehicle and its surroundings. You are responsible for the vehicle's movement and must be prepared to take immediate action.
Be aware that the car might not detect objects that are very low to the ground, very narrow, or hanging from a ceiling (like bicycles).
1.5. Enable Summon Features in Your Car (If Not Already)
On your Tesla's touchscreen:
Go to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon.
You might need to enable "Actually Smart Summon" (ASS) here. Read and understand any pop-up warnings, then touch Yes.
1.6. Consider Standby Mode (Optional)
To reduce the delay when starting Summon, you can enable Standby Mode in your car's settings. This keeps your Tesla ready to summon, though it may consume additional battery power. You can also set exclusions for Standby Mode at home, work, or other favorite destinations to conserve energy.
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
Step 2: Initiate Summon from Your Tesla Mobile App
Now for the exciting part – getting your Tesla to move!
2.1. Open the Tesla Mobile App
On your smartphone, launch the Tesla app. Ensure your phone is connected to your Tesla via Bluetooth and you have a strong cellular or Wi-Fi signal.
2.2. Access the Summon Feature
On the main screen of the Tesla app, look for and press the "Summon" icon. It's usually located near the bottom or in a prominent position related to vehicle controls.
2.3. Choose Your Summon Mode
2.3.1. For Basic Summon (Forward/Reverse):
If you just need your car to move straight forward or backward into or out of a parking space (e.g., pulling out of a tight garage), align your Tesla within approximately 12 meters (39 feet) of the parking space so it can follow a straight path.
On the app, you'll see "Forward" and "Reverse" buttons.
Press and hold down the desired button. Your Tesla will begin to move slowly.
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2.3.2. For Smart Summon (Come to Me / Go to Target):
Press the Smart Summon icon in the center of the image of your Tesla within the app.
The mobile app will display a map with a blue circle, representing the maximum operating range (currently up to 279 feet or 85 meters). Your location is shown as a blue dot, and your Tesla as a red arrow.
You have two options:
Come to Me Mode: Position yourself anywhere within the blue circle where you have a clear line of sight to your Tesla. Press and hold the "Come to Me" button. Your Tesla will start moving towards your GPS location, navigating obstacles as needed. As you move, your Tesla will follow you.
Go to Target Mode: Touch the crosshair icon on the map, then drag the map to position the pin on your chosen destination. Once set, press and hold the "Go to Target" button. Your Tesla will move to that destination, maneuvering around obstacles. To change the target, lift your finger, reposition the map, and press and hold again.
The app will display live camera feeds from your Tesla to help you supervise its movement.
Step 3: Supervise and Stop Your Tesla
Maintain Continuous Press: For both Summon and Smart Summon, you must keep your finger pressed down on the corresponding button in the app for your Tesla to continue moving. Releasing the button will immediately stop the car.
Monitor Surroundings: Pay close attention to your Tesla's movement and its surroundings. Be ready to intervene if necessary.
Automatic Stopping: Your Tesla will automatically shift into Park if:
It detects an obstacle in its path.
It has moved the maximum distance.
Your phone loses connectivity or enters sleep mode.
A door handle is engaged or a door is opened.
You interact with the steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator pedal, or gear selector.
Important Considerations and Safety Reminders
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
BETA Feature: Tesla's Summon features are often described as "BETA." This means they are still under development, and continuous monitoring is crucial.
Private Property Only: Always use Summon and Smart Summon only on private property, like parking lots and driveways. Never use them on public roads or for entering traffic.
Environmental Factors: Performance can be affected by weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, fog), dirty cameras/sensors, unpaved surfaces, or steep slopes.
Accessories: Be aware that accessories like roof racks or trailer hitches are not accounted for by the system when avoiding obstacles.
Emergency Stop: If you need to stop your Tesla at any time during a Summon session, simply release the button on the mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to customize Summon settings?
You can customize settings like "Bumper Clearance" (how close your car stops to an object) and "Summon Distance" (the maximum distance it can travel) by going to Controls > Autopilot > Customize Summon on your Tesla's touchscreen.
How to tell the difference between Summon and Smart Summon?
Summon moves your car straight forward or backward up to about 12 meters. Smart Summon (or Actually Smart Summon) can navigate around obstacles and drive to your location or a set destination within a larger parking lot (up to 85 meters).
How to use Summon if I don't have a clear line of sight?
It is highly recommended to always have a clear line of sight to your vehicle when using Summon. While the app provides live camera feeds, direct visual monitoring is essential for safety.
How to stop a Summon maneuver?
Simply release the button you are pressing on the Tesla mobile app. The car will immediately stop and shift into Park.
How to use Summon in a tight garage?
Align your Tesla in front of or behind the garage entrance, open the app, and use the "Forward" or "Reverse" button in the basic Summon mode to guide it in or out.
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
How to make my Tesla "come to me" with Smart Summon?
Open the Tesla app, press "Summon," then select the Smart Summon icon. Position yourself within the blue circle on the map, and press and hold the "Come to Me" button.
How to send my Tesla to a specific spot with Smart Summon?
In the Smart Summon map view, touch the crosshair icon, drag the map to place the pin on your desired destination, and then press and hold the "Go to Target" button.
How to know if my Tesla supports Summon or Smart Summon?
Summon and Smart Summon are typically included with Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability packages. Check your vehicle's features in your Tesla account or on the touchscreen.
How to troubleshoot if Summon isn't working?
Ensure your phone is connected, you have a clear line of sight, the car is in Park and not charging, all doors/trunks are closed, and there are no environmental interferences. Also, check for any alerts on your car's screen or in the app.
How to conserve battery while using Summon?
You can enable "Standby Mode" in your car's settings to reduce the warm-up time for Summon, but be aware that it might consume additional battery power. You can set exclusions for Standby Mode at home/work to save energy during those times.
This video demonstrates how to use both the regular and Smart Summon features on a Tesla, providing a visual guide to the steps discussed.
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