Neutral in a Tesla isn't like finding neutral in a traditional gasoline car with a gear shifter. Instead, it's an electronic selection. This guide will walk you through exactly how to put your Tesla into neutral, why you might want to, and answer some common questions.
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla
Hey there, Tesla owner! Ever wondered how to get your futuristic ride into neutral? Maybe you're at a carwash, getting towed, or just curious about all the functions your amazing vehicle offers. Don't worry, it's super simple once you know the trick. Let's get started!
Step 2: Understanding Tesla's "Shifting" Mechanism
Unlike conventional cars with a physical gear lever, Teslas utilize a stalk-mounted shifter on the right side of the steering column or, in some newer models (like the refreshed Model S and X), an on-screen "shift" slider on the touchscreen. Both methods are electronic, meaning there's no mechanical linkage like in a traditional automatic transmission.
2.1: Stalk Shifter (Most Model 3, Model Y, Older Model S/X)
If your Tesla has a stalk shifter, it's quite intuitive.
Park (P): Press the button on the end of the stalk.
Reverse (R): Push the stalk up from the Drive position.
Neutral (N): Push the stalk partially up or down from the Drive or Reverse position until you see "N" on the instrument cluster.
Drive (D): Push the stalk down.
2.2: Touchscreen Shifter (Refreshed Model S/X, Cybertruck)
Newer Tesla models, particularly the refreshed Model S and X, and the Cybertruck, have moved the gear selection to the touchscreen.
Accessing the Shifter: On the left side of the touchscreen, you'll see a small car icon or the current gear selection (P, R, N, D).
Shifting: Swipe up for Drive, swipe down for Reverse.
Park (P): Tap the "P" icon on the touchscreen or press the brake pedal firmly when stopped.
Neutral (N): This is a bit less obvious. You'll need to press and hold the current gear icon (D or R) on the touchscreen. After a moment, the "N" option will appear, and you can select it.
Step 3: Putting Your Tesla into Neutral (Step-by-Step)
Here's the detailed guide for both types of shifters.
3.1: For Stalk-Equipped Teslas (Model 3, Model Y, Older S/X)
Ensure Safety: Always ensure your vehicle is in a safe location and stationary before attempting to shift into neutral, especially if on an incline. Apply the brake pedal firmly.
Locate the Stalk: Identify the gear selector stalk on the right side of your steering column.
From Drive (D) to Neutral (N):
While in Drive, gently push the stalk upward just a little bit, but not all the way to engage Reverse.
You will see "N" appear on your instrument cluster.
Release the stalk. The car is now in Neutral.
From Reverse (R) to Neutral (N):
While in Reverse, gently push the stalk downward just a little bit, but not all the way to engage Drive.
You will see "N" appear on your instrument cluster.
Release the stalk. The car is now in Neutral.
Alternatively, you can push the stalk all the way down to Drive and then quickly flick it up to Neutral as described in step 3.1.3.
Confirm Neutral: The instrument cluster will clearly display "N" to confirm you are in neutral. The vehicle may also make a subtle "clunk" sound as it disengages the drive motor.
3.2: For Touchscreen-Equipped Teslas (Refreshed Model S/X, Cybertruck)
Ensure Safety: As always, safety first! Make sure your car is stopped and on level ground if possible. Keep your foot on the brake.
Access the Gear Selector: On your large central touchscreen, locate the gear indicator on the left side (it will show P, R, N, or D).
From Drive (D) to Neutral (N):
Press and hold the "D" (Drive) indicator on the touchscreen.
After a moment, a small menu will pop up, offering "N" (Neutral) as an option.
Tap "N" to select neutral.
From Reverse (R) to Neutral (N):
Press and hold the "R" (Reverse) indicator on the touchscreen.
A small menu will appear with "N" as an option.
Tap "N" to select neutral.
Confirm Neutral: The gear indicator on the screen will change to "N", confirming your selection.
Step 4: When and Why You'd Use Neutral in a Tesla
Neutral might not be something you use every day in your Tesla, but it's crucial in specific situations.
4.1: Automatic Car Washes
This is perhaps the most common reason. An automatic car wash requires your vehicle to be in neutral so it can be pulled along the track without engaging the motors.
4.2: Towing
If your Tesla needs to be towed, it must be in neutral, or preferably in "Tow Mode" (which engages neutral and disengages the parking brake). Towing a Tesla with its wheels on the ground while it's in Park or Drive can cause severe damage to the motors. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific towing instructions.
4.3: Roadside Assistance ️
In some roadside assistance scenarios, especially if the vehicle is disabled, putting it in neutral might be necessary to move it a short distance onto a flatbed.
4.4: Supercharger Stall Etiquette (Brief Stops) ⚡
While not strictly necessary, some users might briefly put their Tesla in neutral at a Supercharger if they plan to hop out for a very quick moment and don't want the car to be in Park and engage the parking brake, though Park is generally preferred for safety.
Step 5: Exiting Neutral
Getting out of neutral is as simple as putting it in.
5.1: For Stalk-Equipped Teslas
To Drive (D): Push the stalk down once.
To Reverse (R): Push the stalk up once.
To Park (P): Press the button on the end of the stalk.
5.2: For Touchscreen-Equipped Teslas
To Drive (D): Swipe up on the gear selector area of the screen.
To Reverse (R): Swipe down on the gear selector area of the screen.
To Park (P): Tap the "P" icon on the screen, or simply apply the brake pedal firmly when the vehicle is stopped.
Important Considerations and Tips:
Always be aware of your surroundings when in neutral, as the car can roll freely on an incline.
Your Tesla's regenerative braking is disabled in Neutral, meaning the car will coast more freely without the typical deceleration you're used to.
If you're in an automatic car wash, make sure "Roll" or "Car Wash Mode" is selected, which often automatically puts the car in neutral and disengages the parking brake.
For towing, activate "Tow Mode" through the touchscreen:
Controls>Safety & Security>Tow Mode. This is generally safer and recommended over just selecting neutral manually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to put a Tesla in neutral for a car wash?
To put a Tesla in neutral for a car wash, put your foot on the brake, then on stalk-equipped models, lightly push the gear stalk up or down until "N" appears. On touchscreen models, press and hold the "D" or "R" icon until "N" appears, then tap it. Alternatively, activate "Car Wash Mode" if available.
How to get my Tesla out of neutral?
To get your Tesla out of neutral, press the brake pedal, then on stalk-equipped models, push the stalk down for Drive or up for Reverse. On touchscreen models, swipe up for Drive or down for Reverse.
How to put a Tesla in neutral when it's off?
A Tesla cannot be truly "off" and in neutral like a traditional car. If the car is powered down or has a low 12V battery, you'll need to jump-start the 12V battery or use the emergency release procedures for towing as per the owner's manual, which often involves "Tow Mode" and not just neutral.
How to shift a Tesla Model 3 into neutral?
To shift a Tesla Model 3 into neutral, while stopped with your foot on the brake, gently push the right-side gear stalk up or down from the Drive (D) or Reverse (R) position until "N" is displayed on the instrument cluster.
How to enable "Car Wash Mode" in a Tesla?
To enable "Car Wash Mode" in a Tesla, navigate to Controls > Service on your touchscreen, then select "Car Wash Mode." This will often automatically put the car in neutral, raise the suspension (if equipped), and disengage the parking brake.
How to tell if my Tesla is in neutral?
You can tell if your Tesla is in neutral by looking at your instrument cluster or central touchscreen display. The gear indicator will clearly show "N" for neutral.
How to tow a Tesla in neutral?
To tow a Tesla in neutral, it's highly recommended to activate "Tow Mode" via Controls > Safety & Security > Tow Mode on your touchscreen. This engages neutral and disengages the parking brake, allowing the wheels to rotate freely without damaging the motors.
How to put a Tesla Model S with the new yoke steering into neutral?
To put a Tesla Model S with the new yoke steering (touchscreen shifter) into neutral, press and hold the "D" (Drive) or "R" (Reverse) icon on the left side of the touchscreen until the "N" (Neutral) option appears, then tap "N."
How to use neutral for short stops at a Supercharger?
While not a common practice or generally recommended for safety, if you wish to use neutral for a very brief stop at a Supercharger, follow the steps for engaging neutral (lightly flicking the stalk or pressing/holding the touchscreen gear icon). However, it's safer to use Park.
How to prevent my Tesla from rolling in neutral on a hill?
To prevent your Tesla from rolling in neutral on a hill, always apply the brake pedal firmly before engaging neutral, and immediately engage the parking brake or shift back into Park (P) once you are no longer actively needing neutral. Never leave the car unattended in neutral on an incline.
