Do you want to illuminate the road ahead, signal to other drivers, or perhaps even put on a dazzling light show with your Tesla Model 3? This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the ways you can control and flash the lights on your vehicle. Let's get started!
Step 1: Understanding Your Tesla Model 3's Lighting System
First things first, let's get acquainted with the innovative lighting system of your Tesla Model 3. Unlike traditional cars with numerous physical buttons, Tesla streamlines many controls to its central touchscreen and a few intuitive physical stalks. This design choice aims for a minimalist interior, but it means a slight learning curve for new owners.
Automatic vs. Manual Control: Your Model 3's exterior lights (headlights, tail lights, side marker lights, parking lights, and license plate lights) are automatically set to "Auto" each time you start the car. This means they'll turn on when driving in low-light conditions or when your wipers are active. While convenient, you can also take manual control.
Convenience Lights: Your Model 3 also has various "convenience lights" like interior lights, puddle lights, and steering wheel lights that operate automatically based on what you're doing (e.g., unlocking the car, opening a door).
Step 2: Flashing High Beams (Momentary Flash)
This is the most common way to "flash lights" to signal another driver, for example, to warn them of an obstacle or to let them know they can proceed.
Sub-heading 2.1: Using the Turn Signal Stalk
The turn signal stalk is your primary control for quick flashes.
Locate the Stalk: The turn signal stalk is located on the left side of your steering column.
Pull and Release: To briefly flash the high beam headlights, simply pull the turn signal stalk towards you and immediately release it.
Result: Your high beams will flash once and then turn off automatically. This is perfect for a quick, polite signal.
Step 3: Engaging Continuous High Beams
Sometimes you need your high beams on for an extended period, especially on dark roads.
Sub-heading 3.1: Activating from the Stalk
Pull and Hold (Older Models/Settings): In some Tesla models or configurations, pulling the turn signal stalk towards you and holding it will temporarily turn on the high beams. When you release it, they'll turn off.
Push Away (Newer Models/Settings for Continuous On): To turn on the high beam headlights continuously, push the turn signal stalk away from you and release it.
Result: The high beams will remain on until you manually turn them off or conditions change (if Adaptive Headlights are enabled).
To Cancel Continuous High Beams: Pull the stalk towards you again.
Sub-heading 3.2: Utilizing Adaptive Headlights
Many Model 3s come with Adaptive Headlights (also known as matrix headlights in some regions), which intelligently adjust the beam pattern to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic while still maximizing your visibility.
Enable Adaptive Headlights: This feature is enabled by default and will automatically turn on at the beginning of each drive. You can verify or change this setting by touching
Controls > Lights > Adaptive Headlightson your touchscreen.Automatic Operation: When enabled, and high beams are on, the system will automatically dim individual pixels of the high beams to reduce glare for other vehicles.
Disabling Adaptive Headlights: If you want to disable this feature, you can do so via
Controls > Lights > Adaptive Headlightson the touchscreen.
Step 4: Operating Turn Signals
While not "flashing" in the sense of high beams, turn signals are crucial for communicating your intentions on the road.
Sub-heading 4.1: Using Steering Wheel Buttons (Newer Model 3s)
Newer Model 3s (and some Model Ys) have moved turn signal controls to the steering wheel.
Locate Buttons: You'll find arrow buttons on the left side of your steering wheel.
The top arrow is typically for the right turn signal.
The bottom arrow is typically for the left turn signal.
Engage Signal: Press the corresponding arrow button for the direction you wish to turn.
Result: The turn signal will flash and typically cancel based on the steering wheel angle (e.g., after you complete a turn).
Cancel Manually: You can also cancel a turn signal by pressing the same button a second time.
Sub-heading 4.2: Using the Turn Signal Stalk (Older Model 3s)
If your Model 3 has a traditional turn signal stalk, here's how it works:
Light Push for Three Flashes: Lightly push the turn signal stalk up or down for a three-flash sequence (useful for lane changes).
Full Push for Continuous Signal: For a continuous signal, push the stalk fully up or down.
Cancel Signal: The turn signals stop operating when canceled by the steering wheel, by moving the stalk in the opposite direction, or by lightly pushing the stalk in the same direction once more.
Step 5: Activating Hazard Warning Flashers (Emergency Lights)
Hazard lights are essential for indicating a stationary hazard or an emergency situation to other drivers.
Sub-heading 5.1: Locating the Hazard Button
Newer Model 3s (Post-2021): The hazard light button is typically located on the ceiling console above the rearview mirror. It's a red triangle-shaped button. ⚠️
Older Model 3s: In some earlier models, it might be on the center console.
Sub-heading 5.2: Activating and Deactivating
Press the Button: Press the red triangle button firmly once.
Result: All turn signals (front and rear) will flash simultaneously. You'll also see a red triangle icon flashing on your touchscreen and hear a clicking sound.
Press Again to Turn Off: Press the button again to turn off the hazard warning flashers.
Automatic Activation: In case of a severe crash, your Tesla Model 3's hazard warning flashers will automatically turn on and flash quickly to increase visibility. Pressing the button once will return them to their normal cadence, and pressing it a second time will turn them off completely.
Step 6: Exploring the Tesla Light Show (Toybox Feature)
This isn't a safety feature, but a fun way to "flash" your lights in a synchronized, artistic display!
Sub-heading 6.1: Accessing the Light Show
Navigate to Toybox: On your Tesla's touchscreen, touch
Controls > Toybox.Select "Light Show" or "Light Spectacle": Tap on the "Light Show" or "Light Spectacle" option.
Sub-heading 6.2: Running a Light Show
Choose a Song and Adjust Volume: Select the desired song for the show and adjust the volume.
Start Immediately or Schedule: You can choose "Now" for an immediate start or set a countdown.
Confirm: Tap "Confirm" to begin.
Important Note: Ensure your car is parked in a clear area, as the light show involves windows, mirrors, and even the trunk moving. Do not perform in a tight garage!
"Dance Moves" Option: If you prefer the lights to flash without the vehicle parts moving, you can uncheck the "Dance Moves" box.
Sub-heading 6.3: Multi-Vehicle Light Shows
If you're with other Tesla owners, you can synchronize light shows for an even more impressive display!
All Vehicles to Toybox: Each participating Tesla should go to
Controls > Toybox > Light Show.Select Same Show & Time: All vehicles must select the same light show and choose the same scheduled time.
Confirm: Tap "Confirm" on all vehicles. The cars will then synchronize and start the show together.
Step 7: Headlight Adjustments via Touchscreen
While not for flashing, this is a related control worth knowing.
Access Settings: Touch
Controls > Service > Adjust Headlights.Follow On-Screen Instructions: You can then follow the instructions on the touchscreen to adjust the angle of your headlights.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to turn on the main headlights in a Tesla Model 3?
The exterior lights are set to "Auto" by default, meaning they turn on automatically in low light. You can also go to Controls > Lights on your touchscreen to manually select "On" or "Parking" lights.
How to turn off headlights in a Tesla Model 3?
If they are on manually, go to Controls > Lights on your touchscreen and select "Off." If they are in "Auto" mode, they will turn off when light conditions are sufficient or when the car is locked.
How to use turn signals in a new Tesla Model 3?
Press the corresponding arrow button on the left side of your steering wheel – the top arrow for right, the bottom arrow for left.
How to turn off hazard lights in a Tesla Model 3?
Press the red triangle hazard warning flasher button located on the ceiling console above the rearview mirror again.
How to enable or disable auto high beams on a Tesla Model 3?
Go to Controls > Lights > Adaptive Headlights on your touchscreen. This feature is enabled by default.
How to adjust the brightness of the interior lights in a Tesla Model 3?
You can adjust the dome lights via Controls > Lights > Dome Lights on the touchscreen. Individual dome lights can also be turned on/off by pressing their lenses.
How to activate the Tesla Light Show on a Model 3?
Navigate to Controls > Toybox on your touchscreen, then select "Light Show" or "Light Spectacle."
How to check the status of your Tesla Model 3's lights?
The status of various lights (like turn signals and high beams) is displayed on your vehicle's touchscreen.
How to make the headlights stay on after exiting a Tesla Model 3?
This is controlled by the "Headlights After Exit" feature. You can enable or disable it via Controls > Lights > Headlights after Exit on your touchscreen.
How to know if my Tesla Model 3 has adaptive headlights?
Most Model 3s since late 2020 come equipped with LED matrix headlights that support adaptive high beam functionality, which is often enabled by default in software updates. You can check for the "Adaptive Headlights" option under Controls > Lights on your touchscreen.
Learn more about controlling your Tesla's lights by watching this video:
