Ever wondered about the best way to secure your Tesla when you park? While these futuristic vehicles handle a lot automatically, understanding how to manually engage the parking brake is a crucial bit of knowledge for every Tesla owner. It's not just for emergencies; it's also highly recommended for specific situations like parking on steep inclines. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Tesla Parking
First things first, it's important to know that Teslas are designed to automatically engage a "parking hold" when you shift into Park (P). You'll hear a subtle whirring sound as the electric parking calipers engage. This is usually sufficient for flat surfaces. However, a dedicated parking brake is a separate, more robust system.
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| How To Put Parking Brake On Tesla |
Why Manually Engage the Parking Brake?
While your Tesla is smart, there are scenarios where manually engaging the parking brake offers an extra layer of security:
Steep Hills and Inclines: When parked on a significant slope, the manual parking brake provides additional assurance that your vehicle won't roll.
Towing or Maintenance: In certain situations, like when the vehicle needs to be towed or serviced, you might need to keep the parking brake engaged or released independently of the "Park" gear.
Emergency Situations: In the highly unlikely event of a primary brake system failure while driving, the parking brake can be used as an emergency stopping mechanism (though this should be a last resort and can cause damage).
Step 2: Engaging the Parking Brake via the Touchscreen ️
This is the universal method for all Tesla models (Model S, 3, X, Y).
Sub-heading: The Touchscreen Navigation
Bring Your Vehicle to a Complete Stop: Ensure your Tesla is fully stationary.
Access Controls: On your Tesla's large central touchscreen, touch the "Controls" icon. This is usually located at the bottom left of the screen.
Navigate to Safety: Within the "Controls" menu, locate and touch the "Safety" tab.
Press the Brake Pedal: Crucially, you must press and hold the brake pedal with your foot while performing the next step. This is a safety measure to prevent accidental engagement.
Engage Parking Brake: While holding the brake pedal, you'll see a "Park Brake" option on the touchscreen. Touch it.
Confirmation: A red parking brake indicator light will illuminate on your touchscreen, confirming that the parking brake is engaged.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Step 3: Engaging the Parking Brake via the Gear Stalk (Model 3 & Y) ️
For Model 3 and Model Y owners, there's a quicker, more tactile method using the gear stalk.
Sub-heading: Using the Stalk's Park Button
Stop Your Vehicle: Ensure your Tesla is at a complete standstill.
Press and Hold "P": On the end of your right-hand gear stalk (the one you use to shift into Drive, Reverse, and Park), you'll find a "P" button. Press and hold this button for approximately two seconds.
Listen for the Click and Observe: You'll typically hear a distinct click or whirring sound, and the red parking brake indicator will appear on your display, confirming engagement.
Step 4: Releasing the Parking Brake Automatically and Manually
Tesla has made releasing the parking brake quite straightforward.
Sub-heading: Automatic Release
Shift Out of Park: In most cases, the parking brake will automatically release when you shift your Tesla into Drive (D) or Reverse (R). This is a convenient feature that saves you an extra step.
Press Accelerator/Brake: Once in Drive or Reverse, gently pressing the accelerator or brake pedal will also prompt the automatic release.
Sub-heading: Manual Release (Troubleshooting or Specific Scenarios)
Via Touchscreen: Similar to engaging, you can release the parking brake via the touchscreen. Go to Controls > Safety, press the brake pedal, and then touch the "Park Brake" option again. The red indicator light will turn off.
Using the Gear Stalk: For Model 3 and Y, shifting out of Park (P) using the gear stalk will automatically release it. There isn't a "manual release" button on the stalk itself for the parking brake once it's engaged via holding the "P" button.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
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Step 5: Important Considerations and Best Practices
Rear Wheels Only: Remember that the parking brake in a Tesla operates only on the rear wheels.
Independent System: It's independent of the regular pedal-operated brake system, meaning it can function even if there's an issue with your main brakes.
Snowy or Icy Conditions: Tesla advises against parking on hills in snowy or icy conditions, especially if not using winter tires, as the rear wheels may not have sufficient traction to prevent sliding.
Loss of Electrical Power: In the unlikely event of a complete loss of electrical power, you won't be able to access the touchscreen to release the parking brake without first jump-starting the vehicle.
Regular Use: Some experts recommend periodically using the manual parking brake, even if you don't always need it. This can help prevent rust and ensure the components remain in good working order.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to put a Tesla in neutral?
To put a Tesla in Neutral, you can either open "Controls" on the touchscreen and then press and hold the "Neutral" icon until it engages, or for some models, choose "Neutral" from the drive mode selector on the overhead console.
How to turn off a Tesla?
To turn off a Tesla, simply shift into Park (P), ensure all doors are closed, and then exit the vehicle with your key. The car will automatically power down. You can also manually power it off via the touchscreen: "Controls" > "Safety" > "Power Off".
How to use Tesla's automatic parking?
Tesla's Autopark feature can be activated when the vehicle detects a suitable parking spot. When you drive slowly past a parking space, an "Autopark" icon (usually a "P" with lines) will appear on the touchscreen. Touching this icon allows the car to park itself.
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
How to release the parking brake if the touchscreen is unresponsive?
In emergency situations where the touchscreen is unresponsive, for models with a gear stalk, you typically cannot manually release the parking brake via the stalk if it was engaged through the touchscreen. If the car experiences a full electrical failure, a jump start might be necessary to regain touchscreen access. For critical situations, refer to your owner's manual for emergency procedures.
How to know if the parking brake is engaged?
A red parking brake indicator light will illuminate on your Tesla's instrument panel or touchscreen when the parking brake is engaged.
How to avoid rolling on a hill in a Tesla?
For parking on a hill, it is highly recommended to manually engage the parking brake in addition to shifting into Park. This provides an extra layer of security.
How to troubleshoot a parking brake issue in a Tesla?
If you encounter a parking brake issue, such as it not engaging or releasing, first try rebooting the touchscreen. If the problem persists and you see warning messages, contact Tesla service. Do not attempt to force the brake as it can cause damage.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
How to prevent brake rust in a Tesla?
Since regenerative braking reduces the need for physical brakes, regularly using the friction brakes (by pressing the brake pedal more firmly occasionally) and performing routine maintenance like cleaning and lubricating brake calipers can help prevent rust and corrosion.
How to use the emergency braking feature in a Tesla?
In an emergency while driving, you can fully press and hold the brake pedal for maximum braking. If the primary brakes are not functioning, you can press and hold the "Park" button on the touchscreen's drive mode strip (or the end of the gear stalk for some models) to apply the brakes and remove drive torque. This should only be used in absolute emergencies.
How to shift a Tesla into neutral for towing?
To keep your Tesla in Neutral when exiting the vehicle for towing, you must activate Tow Mode: Shift into Park, press the brake pedal, then touch Controls > Service > Towing on the touchscreen.
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