Sure, here is a detailed post on how to self-drive a Tesla Model 3. Ever wondered if your car could handle the daily commute for you? Well, with a Tesla Model 3, you're closer to that reality than you might think! While it's important to remember that "self-driving" in a Tesla currently refers to driver-assist features requiring your active supervision, understanding and utilizing these capabilities can truly transform your driving experience. Let's dive in!
Getting Started: The Foundation of Tesla Self-Driving
Before you even think about engaging any of the advanced features, there are a few crucial prerequisites and concepts to grasp. Your Tesla Model 3 uses a sophisticated camera-based system called Tesla Vision to perceive its surroundings.
Step 1: Are you Ready for the Future?
First and foremost, it's essential to understand that even with "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" (FSD), you are always the driver. Tesla's systems are driver-assist and require your continuous attention and readiness to take over. Imagine it like a co-pilot, but you're still the captain. Are you prepared to remain alert, keep your hands on the wheel, and be ready to intervene at any moment? If the answer is a resounding "yes," then you're ready to proceed!
Camera Calibration and Cleanliness: Your Tesla's cameras are its eyes. Before every drive, ensure they are clean and unobstructed. Dirt, snow, ice, or even stickers can significantly impair performance. If your cameras aren't properly calibrated, the system may not function optimally. Your Tesla will usually alert you if calibration is needed, which typically happens automatically by driving.
Software Updates: Tesla's self-driving capabilities are continuously improving through over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Ensure your Model 3 has the latest software version downloaded and installed. This often brings new features, refinements, and safety improvements.
Understanding the Levels of Autonomy: Tesla offers different levels of driver assistance, often broadly categorized as:
Autopilot (Standard): Includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer.
Enhanced Autopilot (EAP): Builds upon Autopilot with features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Summon.
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) (FSD): This is the most advanced suite, currently in "supervised" beta, that aims to drive to your destination with minimal intervention, including navigating city streets, traffic lights, and stop signs. It's a significant step beyond Autopilot.
Step 2: Mastering Basic Autopilot Features
Even if you have FSD, understanding the core Autopilot features is fundamental. These are your building blocks for assisted driving.
2.1 Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC)
Think of this as a smarter version of traditional cruise control. It not only maintains a set speed but also adjusts your speed to keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Activation:
Single Pull: If your "Autopilot Activation" setting is set to "Single Click" (Controls > Autopilot > Autopilot Activation), pulling the right scroll button (or stalk, depending on your Model 3's configuration) once will engage both TACC and Autosteer.
Double Pull (for TACC only): If you want to use TACC independently, set "Autopilot Activation" to "Double Click" and then pull the stalk towards you once.
Setting Speed and Follow Distance:
Speed: Roll the right scroll wheel up or down to adjust your set speed.
Follow Distance: Adjust the following distance by pushing the right scroll wheel left or right. You'll see the number of car lengths change on your screen.
Cancelling TACC:
Press the brake pedal.
Push the scroll button/stalk away from you once.
2.2 Autosteer
Autosteer actively assists in steering your Model 3 within a clearly marked lane, working in conjunction with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
Activation:
Ensure Autosteer is enabled in your settings (Controls > Autopilot > Autosteer (Beta) and agree to the popup warning).
Pull the right scroll button (or stalk) towards you twice in quick succession. The steering wheel icon on your display will turn blue, and blue lines will appear indicating the system is active.
Driver Attention Monitoring: This is critical! Autosteer requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel and remain attentive. Your Tesla monitors your attentiveness (often using torque sensors on the wheel and a cabin camera on newer models). If it doesn't detect hands on the wheel or sufficient attention, it will give escalating visual and audible warnings. Ignoring these warnings will lead to Autopilot disengaging and potentially being locked out for the remainder of your drive. A good practice is to gently apply slight torque to the wheel periodically, or some users find rolling the right scroll wheel up and down works for interaction.
Limitations: Autosteer is designed for clearly marked lanes and controlled-access highways. It may not perform optimally in adverse weather, faded lane markings, or complex road conditions. Always be ready to take over!
Step 3: Unlocking Advanced Autopilot and FSD Features
If you have purchased Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (Supervised), you gain access to a suite of more sophisticated features.
3.1 Navigate on Autopilot (NoA)
This feature actively guides your Model 3 from a highway's on-ramp to off-ramp, including performing lane changes, navigating interchanges, and taking the correct exit.
Activation:
Ensure Autosteer is active and you have a destination set in your navigation.
The "Navigate on Autopilot" button will appear on the turn-by-turn direction list on your touchscreen. Touch it to activate.
You can customize NoA's behavior (Controls > Autopilot > Customize Navigate on Autopilot) to enable it at the start of every trip, set "Speed Based Lane Changes" (Mild, Average, or Mad Max), and choose whether to require lane change confirmation.
Lane Changes with NoA: NoA will suggest and, if configured, automatically perform lane changes to pass slower vehicles or prepare for exits. If "Require Lane Change Confirmation" is on, you'll need to engage the turn signal to confirm the suggested lane change.
Exiting Highways: NoA will automatically engage the turn signal and maneuver your Model 3 onto the off-ramp for your navigation route.
3.2 Auto Lane Change
This allows your Model 3 to move to an adjacent lane on the highway when Autosteer is engaged.
How to Use: While Autosteer is active, simply engage the turn signal for the direction you wish to change lanes. Your Tesla will then check for clear space and execute the lane change. Always confirm it's safe to do so yourself!
3.3 Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
Part of the FSD (Supervised) package, this feature identifies stop signs and traffic lights and automatically slows your vehicle to a stop.
How it Works: When approaching a controlled intersection, your Model 3 will visualize the traffic light or stop sign on the display. It will slow down and stop automatically.
Proceeding Through: You typically need to confirm your intention to proceed. For a green light, your Tesla might chime (if enabled) to indicate it's safe to go, and you might need to tap the accelerator or pull the stalk to proceed. For stop signs or red lights, you'll need to confirm it's clear before instructing the car to go.
3.4 Autopark
This feature helps your Model 3 automatically maneuver into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
How to Use:
Drive slowly past potential parking spaces.
When your Tesla detects a suitable space, a "P" icon will appear on your touchscreen.
Select the parking space on the touchscreen.
Release the steering wheel and touch "Start" on the touchscreen.
Monitor the process: Be prepared to press the brake pedal to cancel if needed.
Limitations: Autopark works best with clear markings and can be affected by speed or the type of parking space.
3.5 Summon and Smart Summon
These features allow your Tesla to move autonomously in and out of tight spaces or even come to you in a parking lot using the Tesla mobile app.
Summon (Basic): Moves your Model 3 straight forward or backward.
Smart Summon (Advanced): Your Model 3 will navigate more complex environments, maneuvering around objects to come to your location or a chosen target.
Activation (via Tesla App):
Open the Tesla mobile app and select "Summon."
Choose "Come to Me" or "Go to Target."
Crucially: You must be within a certain proximity to your car and have a clear line of sight. Press and hold the corresponding button in the app to initiate the movement. Releasing the button will stop the car.
Safety Note: Summon is designed for private property, parking lots, and driveways where the surroundings are familiar and predictable. Always keep a close eye on your vehicle and be ready to stop it immediately.
Step 4: Practicing Safe Self-Driving Habits
Even with the most advanced systems, responsible driving is paramount.
Stay Engaged: Never treat Tesla's self-driving features as truly autonomous. Always keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and mind on driving.
Understand Limitations: The system can be affected by poor weather, faded lane markings, complex intersections, and sudden changes in traffic. Be aware of these limitations and be ready to take over.
Be Prepared to Disengage:
Press the brake pedal.
Manually steer with enough force.
Press the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel.
Practice Gradually: Start by using these features in simple, predictable environments (e.g., clear highways with Autopilot). As you gain confidence and understanding, you can gradually explore more advanced features in appropriate situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about self-driving a Tesla Model 3:
How to activate Autopilot in a Tesla Model 3?
To activate Autopilot (which includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer), pull the right stalk (or scroll button on newer models) towards you twice in quick succession.
How to change lanes with Autopilot in a Tesla Model 3?
While Autosteer is active, engage the turn signal in the direction you want to move. Your Model 3 will then initiate and complete the lane change if the path is clear.
How to adjust the following distance in Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on a Tesla Model 3?
Roll the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel left or right to increase or decrease the following distance.
How to cancel Autopilot or FSD in a Tesla Model 3?
You can cancel Autopilot or FSD by pressing the brake pedal, pressing the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel, or manually applying significant steering force.
How to use Navigate on Autopilot in a Tesla Model 3?
Navigate on Autopilot engages when Autosteer is active, and you have a destination set. The option to activate it will appear on your navigation turn-by-turn list on the touchscreen.
How to enable Full Self-Driving (Supervised) features in a Tesla Model 3?
First, ensure you have purchased or subscribed to FSD. Then, go to "Controls > Autopilot > Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" and confirm activation.
How to use Autopark in a Tesla Model 3?
Drive slowly past a potential parking spot, and if your Tesla detects a suitable space, a "P" icon will appear on your screen. Tap it and follow the prompts, being ready to intervene.
How to use Summon or Smart Summon on a Tesla Model 3?
Open the Tesla mobile app, select "Summon," and then choose "Come to Me" or "Go to Target." Press and hold the corresponding button in the app to make your car move.
How to ensure driver attentiveness is detected by the Tesla Model 3?
Keep your hands on the steering wheel and apply slight, consistent torque. Occasionally rolling the right scroll wheel up and down can also register as interaction.
How to know if my Tesla Model 3 has Full Self-Driving capabilities?
You can check your vehicle's Autopilot configuration on the touchscreen by going to "Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information," or in the Tesla app under "Vehicle > Specs & Warranty."
For a visual guide on some fundamental Tesla operations, check out this video:
