So, you're curious about whether your Tesla is equipped with the latest and greatest Hardware 4 (HW4)? Excellent! It's a common question among Tesla owners and enthusiasts, especially given Tesla's continuous evolution of its self-driving technology. Knowing which hardware your car has can give you a better understanding of its current and future capabilities. Let's dive in and figure this out together.
Step 1: When Was Your Tesla Manufactured/Delivered?
First things first, let's start with the most straightforward indicator: when your Tesla was built or delivered. Tesla transitioned to HW4 for various models at different times and in different factories.
Understanding Production Timelines
Model S and X: If you purchased a Model S or X after March 2023, it's highly probable your vehicle has HW4.
Model Y: For Model Y vehicles manufactured in the United States, the switch to HW4 generally occurred after late May 2023.
Updated 2024 Model 3 (Highland): The refreshed 2024 Model 3 models come with HW4. If you have a 2017-2023 Model 3, it's equipped with HW3.
Factory Specifics:
Austin (Texas): HW4 production started around June 4, 2023 (VIN PA131200 and above).
Fremont (California): HW4 production began around May 24, 2023 (VIN PF789500 and above).
Berlin and Shanghai: These factories were reportedly still producing HW3 vehicles as of late August 2023, though this can change.
Tip: While these dates are strong indicators, it's important to remember that during transition periods, some vehicles might have shipped with HW3 even if produced slightly after the general HW4 rollout date for that model/factory.
Step 2: Inspect Your Cameras for Visual Cues ️
This is often the most definitive and visually apparent way to tell. HW4 comes with upgraded cameras that have distinct physical characteristics.
Side Repeater Cameras
Reddish Tint: The most talked-about and easily noticeable difference is a reddish or orange reflection/tint on the HW4 cameras, especially visible on the side repeaters (the cameras located on the front fenders). This is due to a coating designed to improve color rendition in low-light conditions.
Larger Size: HW4 cameras are also slightly larger overall than their HW3 counterparts.
Shorter Indicator Strip: On the side repeater, the indicator light strip next to the camera is typically shorter on HW4 vehicles.
Front-Facing Cameras
Windshield Enclosure: Look at the enclosure where the front-facing cameras are located, near your rearview mirror.
HW3 vehicles typically have three active cameras.
HW4 vehicles technically have a "bi-camera assembly" with two active cameras and one "dummy camera" slot. Some users report that on HW4, the left-most camera in this assembly won't have the reddish hue, distinguishing it from the active HW4 cameras which do.
Step 3: Check Your Vehicle's Software Information
Sometimes, the car itself can tell you! Tesla's software updates can include information about the installed hardware.
"About Your Tesla" Screen
Navigate to Controls > Software on your Tesla's touchscreen.
Look for text related to the "Autopilot computer" or "Full Self-Driving computer."
On HW4 vehicles, it might explicitly state "Full Self-Driving Computer 4" or similar wording. On HW3 vehicles, it will typically show "Full Self-Driving Computer" (without a version number) or "Autopilot computer."
Step 4: Utilize Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Your VIN holds a wealth of information about your Tesla, including its manufacturing details. While there isn't a single digit in the VIN that directly tells you "HW4," you can cross-reference it with known HW4 production cut-off dates based on factory and model.
VIN Decoding Resources
You can find your VIN on your touchscreen (Controls > Software), on a label inside the driver's side door jamb, or visible through the lower-left corner of the windshield.
Some online VIN decoders or community-maintained databases may help you ascertain the approximate build date and, by extension, the likelihood of HW4. Look for the 10th digit of your VIN, which indicates the model year. For example, 'P' typically denotes 2023, 'R' for 2024, and 'S' for 2025. This, combined with the factory information (11th digit), can help narrow it down.
Example: If your VIN indicates a Model Y built in Fremont after May 2023 (e.g., PF789500++), it's highly likely to be HW4.
Step 5: Consider Key HW4 Improvements (Less of a "How-To," More of a "What-To-Expect")
While not a direct identification method, understanding the capabilities of HW4 can provide context and indirectly support your assessment.
Enhanced Performance
Computing Power: HW4 boasts a significantly faster FSD computer, reportedly 3-5 times faster than HW3. This is powered by AMD Ryzen APUs.
Camera Resolution: The cameras in HW4 vehicles are upgraded to 5-megapixel resolution (from 1.2 MP in HW3), offering clearer images and improved object recognition, especially at longer distances or in low-light conditions.
More Cameras (Potential): While not all rumored cameras have been activated or observed, HW4 has the capacity for more cameras (up to 12 vs. 9 in HW3) and the potential reintroduction of a high-definition radar (named "Phoenix"), which could further enhance situational awareness, especially in adverse weather.
Redundancy: HW4 reinstates some redundancy features that were removed in HW3, aiming for safer operation in case of component failure.
Note: Even with HW4, the software capabilities are still evolving. Not all hardware advantages are fully utilized yet, and improvements will come through over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to visually identify HW4 cameras?
Look for a reddish or orange tint on the camera lenses, particularly on the side repeaters (on the front fenders), and note if the side repeater indicator strip is shorter.
How to check for HW4 through the Tesla infotainment system?
Go to Controls > Software on your touchscreen and look for text that explicitly mentions "Full Self-Driving Computer 4" or "AP HW4".
How to use the VIN to determine if a Tesla has HW4?
While no single VIN digit denotes HW4, you can cross-reference your VIN's production date and factory with known HW4 rollout timelines for your specific Tesla model.
How to know if my older Tesla can be upgraded to HW4?
Currently, Tesla does not offer paid hardware upgrades from HW3 to HW4. New vehicles are shipped with the latest available hardware.
How to distinguish HW3 from HW4 at a glance?
The most reliable quick glance method is checking the reddish tint on the side repeater cameras and the shorter indicator light next to them.
How to tell if a used Tesla has HW4 before purchasing?
Ask the seller for photos of the side repeater cameras (checking for the reddish tint) and a picture of the "Software" screen in the car. You can also inquire about the vehicle's production date.
How to confirm HW4 with Tesla Service?
If you're still unsure, you can contact Tesla Service directly with your VIN, and they should be able to confirm the hardware version installed in your vehicle.
How to differentiate the front cameras between HW3 and HW4?
HW4 typically has a "dummy" camera slot among its front-facing camera array in the windshield enclosure, with the active lenses potentially having the reddish tint.
How to know if my Model 3 has HW4?
Only the refreshed 2024 Model 3 (Highland) models come with HW4. Earlier Model 3 vehicles (2017-2023) have HW3.
How to identify HW4 based on performance differences?
While HW4 has theoretical performance advantages, the practical differences are often subtle due to software optimization. Visual inspection of cameras and checking software details are more direct identification methods.
For a visual guide on distinguishing HW3 and HW4 cameras, you might find this video helpful:
