Thinking about taking your Tesla to the next level of driving convenience? Tesla's Autopilot features can significantly enhance your driving experience, especially on highways. But it's crucial to understand that Autopilot is a driver-assist system, not a fully autonomous one. You, the driver, must remain attentive and ready to take control at all times.
Let's dive into a comprehensive guide on how to keep Autopilot on your Tesla, along with essential tips and FAQs.
The Art of Engaging Tesla Autopilot: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare for Autopilot Engagement – Are You Ready?
Before you even think about engaging Autopilot, let's make sure your Tesla and your mindset are prepared. This isn't just about pressing a button; it's about understanding the system's capabilities and limitations.
Understand What Autopilot Is (and Isn't!): Tesla's standard Autopilot includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control matches your car's speed to that of the surrounding traffic, maintaining a set following distance.
Autosteer assists with steering to keep your vehicle within a clearly marked lane.
It's NOT Full Self-Driving. Even if you have the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, it still requires active driver supervision. You are responsible for the vehicle's operation.
Check Your Surroundings: Autopilot works best on clearly marked highways with minimal cross-traffic. Avoid engaging it in construction zones, areas with pedestrians or cyclists, or on winding roads with sharp turns.
Ensure Clean Cameras: Tesla's Autopilot heavily relies on its external cameras. Before each drive, especially before using Autopilot, ensure all cameras are clean and free of obstructions (dirt, mud, snow, ice, or even wiper streaks). Dirty cameras can severely impact performance.
Be Mentally Prepared: Autopilot is a convenience, but it demands your full attention. Always be ready to take over steering and braking.
Step 2: Engaging Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC)
TACC is often the first step towards engaging Autopilot. It's like a sophisticated cruise control that adapts to traffic.
For Model 3 and Model Y:
While in Drive, pull the gear selector stalk (on the right of the steering column) down once.
You'll see a gray circle with a speed-limit number appear to the right of your speedometer on the touchscreen, indicating TACC is available.
Once engaged, this circle will turn blue.
For Model S and Model X (2012-2021):
Pull the cruise control stalk (on the left of the steering column) down once.
Similarly, a gray circle will appear, turning blue upon engagement.
Sub-heading: Adjusting Your Speed and Following Distance
Speed Adjustment: You can adjust your desired speed using the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel or via the touchscreen.
Following Distance: While TACC is engaged, push the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel to the right or left to set your preferred following distance from the vehicle ahead. Your Tesla will then maintain this distance.
Step 3: Activating Autosteer (The "Autopilot" Feel)
Once TACC is engaged, you can activate Autosteer for steering assistance.
For Model 3 and Model Y:
With TACC active, pull the gear selector stalk down twice in quick succession.
For Model S and Model X (2012-2021):
With TACC active, pull the cruise control stalk towards you twice in quick succession.
You'll know Autosteer is available when a gray steering wheel icon appears next to the TACC circle on your touchscreen. Once engaged, this steering wheel icon will turn blue, indicating Autosteer is active.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Autosteer
Hands-On Requirement: Tesla explicitly states that Autosteer is a hands-on feature. You must keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times. Your Tesla measures the torque applied to the steering wheel. If insufficient torque is detected, you'll receive escalating audible and visual alerts to remind you to place your hands back on the wheel. Ignoring these warnings can lead to Autopilot being locked out for the duration of your trip.
Cabin Camera Monitoring: Newer Teslas utilize the cabin camera (above the rearview mirror) to monitor driver attentiveness and remind you to keep your eyes on the road.
Ideal Road Conditions: Autosteer is designed for controlled-access highways with clear lane markings and no cross-traffic. Its performance can be affected by faded or ambiguous lane markings.
Step 4: Using Advanced Autopilot Features (If Equipped)
If your Tesla has Enhanced Autopilot or the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) package, you'll have access to even more advanced features.
Sub-heading: Auto Lane Change
With Autosteer engaged, use the turn signal stalk in the direction you wish to change lanes.
Your Tesla will automatically change lanes when it determines it's safe to do so. Always verify the lane change is safe by checking your blind spots and surroundings before initiating.
Sub-heading: Navigate on Autopilot (NoA)
This feature actively guides your vehicle from a highway's on-ramp to off-ramp, including suggesting lane changes, navigating interchanges, automatically engaging the turn signal, and taking the correct exit.
To enable this, go to Controls > Autopilot in your Tesla's settings and turn on "Navigate on Autopilot."
Step 5: Disengaging Autopilot
It's just as important to know how to safely disengage Autopilot. There are three primary ways:
Steering Wheel Intervention: Slightly turn the steering wheel. Applying enough torque will disengage Autosteer.
Brake Pedal: Lightly pressing the brake pedal will immediately disengage both Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
Gear Selector/Cruise Stalk:
For Model 3 and Model Y: Push the gear selector stalk upwards once.
For Model S and Model X: Push the cruise control stalk away from you once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC)?
Pull the gear selector stalk (Model 3/Y) or cruise control stalk (Model S/X) down once.
How to Engage Autosteer in a Tesla?
Once TACC is active, pull the gear selector stalk (Model 3/Y) or cruise control stalk (Model S/X) down twice in quick succession.
How to Know if Autopilot is Engaged?
A blue steering wheel icon will appear on your display, next to the speedometer, when Autosteer is engaged. The speed circle for TACC will also be blue.
How to Adjust Speed with Autopilot On?
Use the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel.
How to Change Following Distance on Autopilot?
While TACC is engaged, push the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel to the right or left.
How to Perform an Auto Lane Change?
With Autosteer engaged, activate your turn signal in the desired direction. Remember to check your surroundings.
How to Turn Off Autopilot Immediately?
Slightly turn the steering wheel, press the brake pedal, or push the gear selector/cruise stalk upwards.
How to Handle Autopilot Warnings?
If your Tesla warns you to put your hands on the wheel, apply slight torque to the steering wheel. Ignore warnings repeatedly, and Autopilot will be locked out for the remainder of your drive.
How to Re-engage Autopilot After Disengagement?
Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift into Park. When you shift back into Drive, Autosteer should be available again, assuming conditions are suitable.
How to Use Navigate on Autopilot?
Enable it in Controls > Autopilot settings. When on a highway and Autosteer is active, Navigate on Autopilot will provide guidance for interchanges and exits.
Here's a video on how to activate Tesla Autopilot features:
