Hello there! Ready to master the art of indicating turns in your Tesla? While the term "yield lights" isn't standard Tesla terminology, it's generally understood to refer to your turn signals or hazard warning flashers, which are crucial for communicating your intentions to other drivers and ensuring road safety. Let's dive into how you can effectively use them in your Tesla.
Understanding Tesla's Indicator Lights
Teslas, known for their minimalist interiors, often integrate many controls into the central touchscreen. However, for essential driving functions like turn signals, they typically retain physical controls for convenience and safety.
Step 1: Locating Your Turn Signal Controls
First things first, let's pinpoint where you'll be interacting with these vital lights.
Your Tesla's turn signal controls are primarily located on a stalk to the left of your steering wheel. While some newer models (like the refreshed Model 3 and Cybertruck) might have moved these functions to buttons on the steering wheel, the stalk remains the traditional and most common method.
For Models with a Stalk (Model S, Model X, Model Y, older Model 3):
Look to the left side of your steering column. You'll see a small stalk protruding. This is your primary control for turn signals and often for high beams as well.
For Models with Steering Wheel Buttons (Newer Model 3, Cybertruck):
On the left side of your steering wheel, you'll find dedicated buttons, typically with arrow icons, for the left and right turn signals.
Step 2: Activating Your Turn Signals
Now that you know where they are, let's get those indicators flashing!
Using the Turn Signal Stalk (Most Tesla Models)
This is the most common and intuitive way to operate your turn signals.
For a momentary, three-flash signal (Lane Change):
Lightly push the turn signal stalk either up (for a right turn/lane change) or down (for a left turn/lane change) and then release it. The signal will flash three times and then automatically turn off. This is perfect for quick lane changes on the highway.
For a continuous signal (Turns, Merges):
Push the stalk fully up or down until it clicks into place. The turn signal will continue to flash until you either:
Turn the steering wheel sufficiently in the opposite direction (e.g., after completing a turn).
Lightly push the stalk in the same direction again to cancel it.
Push the stalk in the opposite direction to cancel it (or activate the other turn signal).
Using Steering Wheel Buttons (Newer Model 3, Cybertruck)
If your Tesla has the newer steering wheel-mounted buttons, the operation is slightly different.
To engage a turn signal:
Press the corresponding arrow button on the left side of your steering wheel (left arrow for a left turn, right arrow for a right turn).
The signal will typically cancel automatically based on the steering wheel angle after a turn.
To manually cancel, press the button a second time.
For a continuous signal that overrides automatic cancellation:
Press and momentarily hold the turn signal button. This can be useful if you're making multiple lane changes or a series of turns where you want the signal to remain active for longer.
Step 3: Understanding Automatic Turn Signals (Autopilot/Full Self-Driving)
Tesla's advanced features can also manage your turn signals.
Your Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features can automatically engage turn signals for you during certain maneuvers, such as lane changes or when navigating off-ramps on Autopilot.
How it works with Autopilot/FSD:
When Autosteer or Navigate on Autopilot is active, and the system determines a lane change is necessary or an off-ramp is approaching, it will automatically activate the appropriate turn signal.
You can override this at any time by using the manual turn signal controls.
Adjusting Automatic Turn Signals:
You can typically find settings related to "Automatic Turn Signals" or "Automatic Lane Change" within the Controls > Autopilot menu on your touchscreen. Here, you might be able to modify or disable this functionality if you prefer full manual control.
Step 4: Activating Hazard Warning Flashers
For situations requiring immediate attention, your hazard lights are key.
Hazard warning flashers (all four turn signals flashing simultaneously) are used to indicate a stopped or disabled vehicle, or to warn other drivers of an immediate hazard.
To turn on hazard warning flashers:
Look for a dedicated button, often located above the rear view mirror (Model Y, older Model S/X) or on the drive mode selector on the overhead console (Cybertruck).
Press this button. All turn signals will begin to flash.
In some Tesla models, if a severe crash is detected, the hazard warning flashers may automatically turn on.
To turn off hazard warning flashers:
Press the same button again.
Important Considerations for Tesla Lighting
Touchscreen Light Controls: While turn signals have physical controls, your Tesla's exterior lights (headlights, tail lights, fog lights) are primarily controlled via the touchscreen by touching Controls > Lights. They are often set to "Auto" by default, which is recommended for most driving conditions.
Visibility: Always ensure your headlights and rear lights are on during low visibility conditions (dark, fog, snow, heavy rain) to ensure you are seen by other drivers.
Owner's Manual: For the most precise and up-to-date information specific to your Tesla model and software version, always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual. You can usually access this directly through your touchscreen or via the Tesla app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to turn on the turn signal in a Tesla?
To turn on the turn signal, lightly push the stalk up or down for a three-flash sequence (for lane changes), or push it fully up or down for a continuous signal (for turns), or press the corresponding arrow button on the steering wheel for newer models.
How to cancel a turn signal in a Tesla?
You can cancel a turn signal by pushing the stalk in the same direction again, pushing it in the opposite direction, or by turning the steering wheel sufficiently after a maneuver. For models with steering wheel buttons, press the button a second time.
How to use automatic turn signals in a Tesla?
Automatic turn signals are typically part of Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features; they activate automatically during lane changes or navigation cues when these features are engaged. You can manage settings in Controls > Autopilot.
How to turn on hazard lights in a Tesla?
To turn on hazard lights, press the dedicated button usually located above the rearview mirror or on the overhead console's drive mode selector.
How to adjust headlight settings in a Tesla?
Headlight settings are adjusted through the touchscreen. Go to Controls > Lights to access options like Auto, Off, Parking, and On.
How to turn on fog lights in a Tesla?
If your Tesla is equipped with fog lights, you'll find the control for them within the Controls > Lights menu on your touchscreen.
How to check my Tesla's software version?
You can check your Tesla's software version by touching Controls > Software on your touchscreen.
How to update my Tesla's maps?
To update maps, your Tesla needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Map updates are typically part of software updates.
How to override automatic turn signal cancellation?
For models with a stalk, push and momentarily hold the turn signal stalk to engage the signal beyond the usual auto-cancellation. For models with steering wheel buttons, press and momentarily hold the turn signal button.
How to find my Tesla owner's manual?
Your Tesla owner's manual can be accessed directly through the vehicle's touchscreen or by downloading the Tesla mobile app.
For a visual guide on how to use turn signals in a Tesla Model Y, you can check out this video:
