Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of electric luxury? Starting a Tesla Model S is a unique and intuitive experience, a departure from traditional gasoline-powered cars. Let's get you behind the wheel of your Model S!
Step 1: Getting Inside Your Model S
First things first, you need to get inside your magnificent Tesla. Unlike conventional cars, you won't be fumbling for a physical key to unlock it. Tesla offers several modern and convenient ways to gain entry.
1.1: The Key Fob (If Equipped)
The Tesla Model S key fob is designed to resemble a miniature version of the car itself. It's sleek and buttonless on the surface, but has "soft areas" that function as buttons.
Unlocking: As you approach your Model S with the key fob in your pocket or purse, the door handles should automatically extend (if "Auto-Present Handles" is enabled in your settings). If they don't, a double-click on the roof of the key fob (the "lock/unlock all" area) will unlock the doors and cause the handles to present.
Manual Unlock (if needed): If the automatic presentation isn't working, gently press the wider part of the door handle. It should extend outwards, allowing you to open the door.
1.2: Your Phone Key (The Most Common Method)
Your smartphone is often the most convenient way to access and start your Model S.
Setup: Ensure you have the Tesla mobile app downloaded and are logged in with your Tesla account. Bluetooth must be enabled on your phone and for the Tesla app specifically. You'll need to enable "Allow Mobile Access" on your vehicle's touchscreen (Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access). The app will guide you through pairing your phone as a "phone key."
Automatic Unlocking: With your phone key set up and Bluetooth enabled, your Model S will automatically unlock and present the door handles as you approach the driver's side.
1.3: The Key Card (Your Backup Hero)
Every Tesla comes with two key cards. These are excellent backups if your phone battery dies or if you're lending the car to someone.
Unlocking: To unlock with the key card, tap it against the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear doors on the driver's side). You'll hear a chime, and the doors will unlock.
Step 2: Powering On and Preparing to Drive ⚡
Once you're comfortably seated in the driver's seat, the Model S doesn't have a traditional "start" button. It's always ready to go when it detects an authenticated key.
2.1: The "Ready to Drive" Signal
When you open a door to enter Model S, the instrument panel and touchscreen will power on automatically. This indicates the vehicle is awake and ready for your commands.
2.2: Engaging Drive Mode
Press the Brake Pedal: This is the crucial step! Once seated, simply press the brake pedal. The Model S will power on fully and be ready to drive. You'll see "Drive" or "Reverse" displayed on the instrument panel.
Selecting a Drive Mode (The Stalk): To shift into Drive or Reverse, use the drive stalk located on the right side of the steering column:
Drive (D): Push the stalk all the way down and release.
Reverse (R): Push the stalk all the way up and release.
Neutral (N): Briefly push the stalk up or down to the first setting.
Park (P): Press the button at the very end of the stalk.
Auto Shift Out of Park (Optional): Your Model S might have "Auto Shift out of Park" enabled (Controls > Pedals & Steering). If so, the car will automatically select Drive or Reverse based on its surroundings when you press the brake. Always confirm the selected drive mode on the instrument panel before accelerating.
2.3: Releasing the Parking Brake (Usually Automatic)
The parking brake in a Model S is typically engaged and released automatically.
Automatic Release: When you shift into Drive or Reverse and press the accelerator, the parking brake will automatically disengage.
Manual Engagement/Release: You can manually engage the parking brake by touching Controls > Safety > Park Brake on the touchscreen, then pressing the brake pedal. To release it manually, shift into another gear. You can also engage the parking brake by touching and holding the Park button on the touchscreen's drive mode strip.
Step 3: Understanding Regenerative Braking and Driving Dynamics
Driving a Tesla, especially for the first time, involves adjusting to its unique characteristics, particularly regenerative braking.
3.1: The One-Pedal Driving Experience
Regenerative Braking: Whenever you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal, the Model S uses its motors to slow down the vehicle and convert that kinetic energy back into electricity to recharge the battery. This creates a sensation similar to downshifting in a traditional car.
Adjusting: You might find yourself using the physical brake pedal far less frequently. Most Tesla drivers can achieve "one-pedal driving," where they use the accelerator to control both acceleration and deceleration. You can adjust the regenerative braking setting on the touchscreen via Controls > Pedals & Steering > Regenerative Braking.
3.2: Creep Mode (or its Absence)
Default Setting: By default, Tesla vehicles do not "creep" forward when you take your foot off the brake, like a traditional automatic car. This means the car will stay stationary until you press the accelerator.
Enabling Creep: If you prefer the traditional "creep" behavior, you can enable it on the touchscreen by going to Controls > Pedals & Steering > Stopping Mode and selecting "Creep."
Step 4: Mastering the Touchscreen and Interior Controls ️
The large touchscreen is the command center of your Model S. Familiarizing yourself with its functions is key to a seamless driving experience.
4.1: Climate Control
Accessing Climate: Touch the displayed temperature at the bottom of the touchscreen to access the main climate controls.
Adjustments: Here you can adjust temperature, fan speed, airflow direction, seat heaters, steering wheel heater, and even activate features like Dog Mode or Camp Mode. You can also set a schedule for preconditioning the cabin.
4.2: Media and Navigation
Intuitive Access: The touchscreen provides easy access to your media (streaming music, radio, etc.) and the navigation system. Input destinations, search for charging stations, and enjoy your favorite entertainment.
4.3: Vehicle Settings
Controls Menu: Dive into the "Controls" menu on the touchscreen to personalize various aspects of your Model S, from locking behaviors and driver profiles to autopilot settings and display preferences.
Step 5: Parking and Powering Off ️
Powering off a Tesla is as simple as driving it.
5.1: Automatic Power Off
Exit and Go: When you arrive at your destination, simply shift into Park (P) and exit the vehicle with your phone key or key fob. The Model S will automatically power off, turning off the instrument panel and touchscreen. It will also automatically lock if "Walk-Away Door Lock" is enabled.
Idle Power Off: The Model S also powers off automatically after being in Park for 30 minutes, even if you are sitting in the driver's seat.
5.2: Manual Power Off (Rarely Needed)
Touchscreen Option: While rarely necessary, you can manually power off your Model S from the touchscreen. Go to Controls > Safety > Power Off. The car must not be moving. After powering off, wait for at least two minutes before interacting with the vehicle (don't open doors, press the brake, etc.) for a complete shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to unlock a Tesla Model S with a dead phone battery?
You can use the key card by tapping it against the B-pillar (driver's side) to unlock the car. Alternatively, if you have a key fob, you can use its physical unlock button.
How to use the Tesla Model S key fob to start the car?
Once inside the car with the key fob present, simply press the brake pedal. The car will power on and be ready to drive.
How to shift gears in a Tesla Model S?
Use the drive stalk on the right side of the steering column: push down for Drive, up for Reverse, and press the button on the end for Park.
How to release the parking brake in a Tesla Model S?
The parking brake releases automatically when you shift into Drive or Reverse and press the accelerator. You can manually engage or release it via the touchscreen (Controls > Safety > Park Brake).
How to turn on the climate control in a Tesla Model S?
Touch the displayed temperature at the bottom of the touchscreen. This will open the climate control interface where you can adjust settings.
How to enable "one-pedal driving" in a Tesla Model S?
This is enabled by default through regenerative braking. Simply lift your foot off the accelerator pedal to slow down. You can adjust the intensity in Controls > Pedals & Steering > Regenerative Braking.
How to restart the touchscreen in a Tesla Model S?
While in Park, hold down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the touchscreen turns black. The Tesla logo will reappear, indicating it's restarting.
How to set up a phone key for the Tesla Model S?
Download the Tesla mobile app, log in, ensure Bluetooth is on, and go to the "Set Up Phone Key" option within the app or on the car's touchscreen (Controls > Locks > Keys > Add Key).
How to open the front trunk (frunk) on a Tesla Model S?
You can double-click the front trunk button on your key fob or use the touchscreen controls.
How to lock a Tesla Model S when walking away?
Ensure "Walk-Away Door Lock" is enabled in Controls > Locks on your touchscreen. The car will automatically lock when you walk away with your phone key or key fob.
For more detailed information on jump starting your Tesla Model S in an emergency, check out this video:
