Cruising down the highway in your Tesla Model Y can be an even more relaxing experience with the intelligent capabilities of its cruise control system. Forget constant pedal adjustments; your Model Y can handle maintaining a set speed and even adapt to the traffic around you! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about activating and utilizing your Tesla Model Y's cruise control.
Step 1: Let's Get Started – Preparing for the Cruise! ️
Alright, eager driver, before we dive into the specifics of engaging cruise control, let's make sure you're in the perfect position to take advantage of this fantastic feature. Think of it like preparing for takeoff – you want everything to be just right!
Subheading: Understanding Your Tesla's "Cruise Control"
First, it's important to clarify that your Tesla Model Y doesn't have a "basic" cruise control in the traditional sense. Instead, it utilizes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) as part of its Autopilot suite. This means it doesn't just maintain a set speed, but also intelligently adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Pretty neat, right?
Safety First: Always remember that TACC, while incredibly helpful, is a driver assistance feature. You remain responsible for steering, staying alert, and being in control of your vehicle at all times. Don't ever rely solely on the system!
Road Conditions: For optimal performance, ensure your Model Y is on a straight, stable road with light to moderate traffic. Heavy stop-and-go traffic or winding roads aren't ideal for cruise control.
Step 2: Activating Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) ✨
Now that you're ready, let's get that TACC engaged! The primary method for activating cruise control in your Model Y involves the right stalk located on the steering column.
Subheading: Using the Right Stalk for Engagement
Get Up to Speed: First, accelerate your Model Y to the desired cruising speed. Remember, TACC can be engaged at speeds generally above 18 mph (30 km/h).
A Single Downward Pull: Once you're at your desired speed, gently pull the right stalk (gear selector stalk) downward once. You'll hear a chime, and the touchscreen will display the set speed, often highlighted in blue, indicating that TACC is now active.
Important Note for Newer Models (e.g., Juniper updates): Some newer Model Y vehicles might have removed the right stalk in favor of steering wheel controls. In these cases, you might activate TACC by pressing the right scroll button on the steering wheel. If you have a newer model and the stalk method doesn't work, try pressing the right scroll button once.
Visual Confirmation: Keep an eye on your touchscreen display. You'll see an icon representing the cruising speed turn blue when TACC is actively maintaining your speed. If it's available but not engaged, it will appear gray.
Step 3: Adjusting Your Cruising Experience
Once TACC is active, you have several ways to fine-tune your driving experience.
Subheading: Modifying Your Set Speed
Increasing Speed: To increase your set speed, simply roll the right scroll wheel upward on your steering wheel. Each click typically increases the speed by 1 mph (or 1 km/h). A longer roll might adjust it by larger increments (e.g., 5 mph/km/h).
Decreasing Speed: Conversely, to decrease your set speed, roll the right scroll wheel downward.
Temporary Override: Need to accelerate quickly for a moment? Just press the accelerator pedal. Your Tesla will temporarily override the set speed. Once you release the pedal, it will revert to your previously set cruising speed.
Subheading: Setting Your Following Distance
One of the key advantages of Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is its ability to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. You can customize this distance:
Access Controls: On your touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Autopilot.
Adjust Following Distance: Here, you'll find an option to adjust the following distance. You can typically choose from several settings (e.g., 1 to 7), with higher numbers representing a greater following distance. Experiment to find what feels most comfortable and safe for you.
Step 4: When Autopilot Joins the Party (Autosteer) 易
Your Model Y's capabilities extend beyond just TACC. With Autopilot, you can also enable Autosteer, which assists in steering within clearly marked lanes.
Subheading: Engaging Autosteer
Double Downward Pull: While TACC is active, pull the right stalk downward twice in quick succession. You'll hear another chime, and a blue steering wheel icon will appear on your display, indicating Autosteer is engaged. The lane markings on your screen will also highlight in blue.
Hands on the Wheel: Remember, even with Autosteer, you must keep your hands on the steering wheel. Tesla uses a system to detect torque on the wheel and will alert you if it doesn't sense your hands. Ignoring these warnings can lead to Autosteer disengaging.
Newer Models (No Stalk): If your Model Y lacks a right stalk, you might engage Autosteer by double-pressing the right scroll button on the steering wheel.
Step 5: Disengaging Cruise Control (and Autopilot)
There will be times when you need to take full control of your vehicle. Disengaging cruise control is straightforward.
Subheading: Simple Disengagement Methods
Press the Brake Pedal: The easiest and most common way to disengage TACC (and Autosteer, if active) is to simply press the brake pedal.
Push the Right Stalk Up (for stalk-equipped models): For Model Ys with the right stalk, you can push the stalk upward once to disengage TACC. If Autosteer is active, a single upward push will usually disengage Autosteer while keeping TACC active.
Press the Right Scroll Button (for stalk-less models): If your Model Y relies on the steering wheel scroll button for engagement, pressing the right scroll button once will disengage the system.
Manual Override: Taking manual control of the steering wheel (applying significant torque) will also disengage Autosteer, though TACC might remain active unless you specifically disengage it or apply the brakes.
Subheading: Resuming Your Last Set Speed
If you disengaged cruise control but wish to resume your previous speed, simply pull the right stalk backward once (for stalk-equipped models) or press the right scroll button once (for stalk-less models).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tesla Model Y Cruise Control
How to activate cruise control on my Tesla Model Y?
To activate Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, pull the right stalk (gear selector) down once or press the right scroll button on the steering wheel (for newer models without a stalk) while driving above 18 mph.
How to adjust the speed while cruise control is active?
Roll the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel upward to increase speed and downward to decrease it.
How to set the following distance in Traffic-Aware Cruise Control?
Access Controls > Autopilot on your touchscreen and adjust the "Following Distance" setting to your preference.
How to engage Autosteer in my Model Y?
While Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active, pull the right stalk down twice in quick succession, or double-press the right scroll button if your Model Y has no stalk.
How to disengage cruise control in my Tesla Model Y?
Press the brake pedal, push the right stalk upward once (if applicable), or press the right scroll button once.
How to resume my previous cruise control speed?
After disengaging, pull the right stalk backward once (if applicable) or press the right scroll button once.
How to know if cruise control is active?
A blue icon displaying the set speed will appear on your touchscreen when Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active. If Autosteer is also active, a blue steering wheel icon and blue lane lines will appear.
How to troubleshoot if cruise control isn't working?
Ensure your cameras and sensors are clear of obstructions (dirt, ice, etc.). If the issue persists, check your owner's manual or contact Tesla service. Sometimes, camera calibration is needed, which happens automatically by driving.
How to use cruise control in stop-and-go traffic?
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is designed to handle stop-and-go traffic by adjusting speed and maintaining distance. However, remain vigilant and ready to take over.
How to differentiate between Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autopilot?
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) maintains a set speed and adjusts for traffic. Autopilot includes TACC and Autosteer, which additionally provides steering assistance to keep the car in its lane.
