So, you're about to experience the future of driving with a Tesla Model 3! Get ready for a smooth, quiet, and incredibly responsive ride. Driving a Tesla is different from a traditional gasoline car, but it's remarkably intuitive once you understand the basics. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Getting Acquainted with Your Tesla Model 3
The first step, even before you start driving, is to get comfortable with your new environment. Forget the traditional dashboard and physical buttons – the Tesla Model 3 revolves around its central touchscreen.
The Touchscreen is Your Command Center:
This large, horizontal screen is where you'll control almost everything: climate, navigation, media, vehicle settings, and even shifting gears. Spend some time exploring the menus and icons. Don't be afraid to tap around!
Familiarize yourself with the car status display which shows your current drive mode, estimated range, and an overhead view of the car.
Minimalist Interior:
Notice the lack of a traditional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. All essential driving information is on the central touchscreen.
The Model 3 has gone stalk-free in recent updates, meaning turn signals and gear selection might be on the steering wheel or the display. Older models may still have a stalk.
The Key Card/Phone Key:
Your Tesla typically uses a phone key (via the Tesla app) or a key card to unlock and start the car. Always keep your phone key or a key card with you.
If the phone key isn't detected, place your key card in the phone dock on the center console to authenticate.
Step 2: Powering Up and Shifting Gears
Unlike a traditional car, there's no "start" button to press.
Entering and Powering On:
When you open a door to enter Model 3, the touchscreen powers on automatically.
Simply press the brake pedal to "wake up" the car and make it ready to drive. If "PIN to Drive" is enabled, you'll need to enter your PIN on the touchscreen first.
Shifting into Drive or Reverse:
This is one of the biggest differences. To shift, you'll use the touchscreen.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
For Drive (D): Swipe up on the drive mode strip displayed on the touchscreen.
For Reverse (R): Swipe down on the drive mode strip.
For Park (P): Press the 'P' icon on the drive mode strip or on the overhead console (depending on your Model 3's configuration). The car will automatically shift into Park when you exit the vehicle.
For Neutral (N): Go to Controls on the touchscreen, then press and hold the Neutral icon.
Step 3: Understanding "One-Pedal Driving" (Regenerative Braking)
This is a game-changer for EV driving and one of the most efficient features of a Tesla.
How it Works: When you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal (what used to be the gas pedal), the car doesn't just coast. Instead, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the car down and recapturing kinetic energy to send back to the battery. This is called regenerative braking.
The Benefits:
Increased Efficiency: More energy goes back into your battery, extending your range.
Reduced Brake Wear: You'll use the physical brake pedal far less, meaning your brake pads will last much longer.
Simpler Driving: After a short adjustment period, you'll find yourself rarely moving your foot between the accelerator and brake. You'll modulate your speed primarily with the accelerator pedal.
Getting Used to It:
It will feel unfamiliar at first, as the car slows down more aggressively than a gas car when you lift off the accelerator.
Practice in a safe, low-traffic area. You'll quickly learn how much to lift your foot to achieve the desired deceleration.
For strong or emergency braking, you will still use the dedicated brake pedal.
Stopping Modes (for low speeds): While regenerative braking handles most deceleration, Tesla offers different "stopping modes" for when the car comes to a near halt:
Hold (Recommended): The car will come to a complete stop and hold its position using the brakes, much like engaging Park. This is ideal for maximizing regen.
Creep: Mimics a traditional automatic transmission, where the car will slowly move forward when you release the brake. Many new owners choose this initially as it's familiar.
Roll: Similar to putting the car in neutral at very low speeds, the car will free-roll.
You can adjust these settings under Controls > Pedals & Steering > Stopping Mode on your touchscreen.
Step 4: Accelerating and Steering
The Tesla Model 3 offers instant torque and precise steering.
Smooth Acceleration: Gently press the accelerator pedal. You'll notice the immediate, linear power delivery. There's no engine lag or gear changes.
Steering Wheel Controls:
The steering wheel has two scroll wheels that control various functions. You can customize what the left scroll wheel controls (e.g., volume, temperature).
The horn is in the center of the steering wheel.
Steering Modes: You can adjust the steering feel to your preference: Comfort, Standard, or Sport. Find these settings under Controls > Pedals & Steering on the touchscreen.
Step 5: Navigating the Touchscreen and Core Functions
The touchscreen is your primary interface for most vehicle functions.
Navigation: Enter your destination, and the Tesla's navigation will plan your route, including suggested Supercharger stops for longer journeys.
Climate Control: Adjust temperature, fan speed, and airflow directly from the touchscreen. You can also use voice commands for quick adjustments.
Media and Entertainment: Access streaming services, FM radio, Bluetooth audio, and even games and entertainment apps.
Vehicle Settings: Customize everything from lighting preferences to mirror adjustments and driver profiles.
Voice Commands: A powerful feature! Press the microphone button on the right side of the steering wheel and speak your command. You can control climate, navigation, media, and even open the glovebox or charge port. For example, "Navigate home," "Make it warmer," "Turn on Sentry Mode."
Step 6: Charging Your Tesla Model 3
Charging is a fundamental part of EV ownership.
Opening the Charge Port: The charge port is on the left rear side of the car, integrated into the taillight. You can open it by:
Pressing the button on the Tesla charge cable.
Touching the charge port icon (lightning bolt) on the touchscreen.
Pressing the bottom of the charge port door when unlocked and your phone key is nearby.
Using a voice command ("Open charge port").
Plugging In: Align the connector and insert it fully. Charging begins automatically once the car engages the latch.
Charge Port Light Indicators: The light around the charge port changes color to indicate charging status:
Blinking Green: Charging in progress.
Solid Green: Charging complete.
Blue: Charger connected, but not charging (e.g., scheduled charging active).
Amber/Red: Indicates an issue.
Charging Options:
Home Charging (AC): Typically uses a wall connector or a mobile connector plugged into a standard outlet. This is the most common way to charge for daily use.
Public AC Chargers: Use a Type 2 connector.
Superchargers (DC Fast Charging): Tesla's proprietary fast-charging network. Ideal for road trips, providing a significant charge in a short amount of time. Navigate to Superchargers to allow for battery preconditioning, which optimizes charging speed.
Charge Limit: Set your daily charge limit (usually 80-90% for regular use) to preserve battery health. Only charge to 100% just before a long trip.
Step 7: Understanding Autopilot and Driver-Assistance Features
Your Tesla Model 3 comes with advanced driver-assistance systems. Always remember these are assistance features and you must remain attentive and in control of the vehicle at all times.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC): Maintains a set speed and a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
To engage (Model 3/Y): Pull down once on the gear selector stalk on the right of the steering column (or press the right scroll wheel, depending on settings).
Autosteer: Actively steers the car to keep it within its lane. Designed for use on highways with clear lane markings.
To engage (Model 3/Y): Pull down twice on the gear selector stalk (or double-press the right scroll wheel). A blue steering wheel icon will appear on your display.
Hands on Wheel: You must keep your hands on the steering wheel while Autosteer is active. The system will prompt you with visual and audible alerts if it doesn't detect sufficient torque from your hands.
Navigate on Autopilot: Builds upon Autosteer, actively guiding your vehicle from on-ramp to off-ramp, including suggested lane changes and navigating interchanges.
Other Features:
Autopark: Helps with parallel and perpendicular parking.
Summon: Moves your car short distances using the Tesla app.
Sentry Mode: Uses the car's cameras to monitor its surroundings while parked, recording incidents if activated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Driving a Tesla Model 3:
How to start a Tesla Model 3?
Simply press the brake pedal after entering the car with your phone key or key card. The touchscreen will power on, and the car will be ready to drive.
How to put a Tesla Model 3 in drive or reverse?
With your foot on the brake, swipe up on the drive mode strip on the touchscreen for Drive, or swipe down for Reverse.
How to turn off a Tesla Model 3?
When you finish driving, shift into Park, and simply exit the vehicle. The car will power off automatically when you leave with your phone key or key fob. You can also manually power off from Controls > Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen when not moving.
How to use one-pedal driving in a Tesla Model 3?
Lift your foot off the accelerator pedal, and the car will automatically slow down using regenerative braking, converting kinetic energy back into battery power. You'll learn to modulate your speed by how much you lift your foot.
How to charge a Tesla Model 3?
Open the charge port (left rear taillight) and plug in the charging cable. Ensure the charge port light is blinking green. You can use Tesla Superchargers, Destination Chargers, or various public/home AC chargers.
How to use Autopilot in a Tesla Model 3?
To engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, pull down once on the gear selector stalk. For Autosteer, pull down twice. Always keep your hands on the wheel and remain attentive.
How to adjust mirrors or steering wheel in a Tesla Model 3?
These adjustments are made via the central touchscreen using the scroll wheels on the steering wheel. Go to Controls > Quick Controls (for mirrors) or Controls > Pedals & Steering (for steering wheel).
How to open the glovebox in a Tesla Model 3?
You can open the glovebox by tapping its icon on the touchscreen or by using a voice command: "Open glovebox."
How to use voice commands in a Tesla Model 3?
Press the microphone button on the right side of the steering wheel and speak your command. You can control many functions like climate, navigation, and media.
How to set regenerative braking levels in Tesla Model 3?
In older software versions, you could adjust regenerative braking intensity. However, in newer Model 3s, the regenerative braking strength is generally fixed to "Standard" for maximum efficiency. You can choose different "Stopping Modes" (Hold, Creep, Roll) under Controls > Pedals & Steering > Stopping Mode.
This video provides an excellent visual guide to understanding the basics of driving a Tesla Model 3:
