Ever wondered if your Tesla Model 3 could handle more of the driving for you? You're in luck! Tesla's Autopilot system is a fantastic suite of driver-assistance features designed to make your journeys safer and more relaxing. While it's not a fully autonomous system – your constant attention and readiness to intervene are always required – it's a powerful tool that can significantly reduce driver fatigue on long trips and in stop-and-go traffic. Let's dive into how you can unleash the capabilities of Autopilot in your Model 3!
Step 1: Get to Know Your Autopilot Settings (And Yourself!)
Before you even think about engaging Autopilot, it's crucial to understand the available settings and how they impact the system's behavior. Think of this as getting to know your co-pilot's preferences!
Accessing Autopilot Settings: On your Tesla Model 3's large central touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Autopilot. This is your command center for customizing the system.
Autopilot Activation Method: This is key! You have two primary choices for how you want to engage Autopilot:
Single Click: If you select this, both Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer will engage with a single pull down on the gear stalk. This is often preferred for quick activation on highways.
Double Click: Opting for this means you'll need to double-pull the gear stalk down to engage Autosteer. This setting allows you to use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control independently of Autosteer, which can be useful if you only want adaptive cruise control without lane keeping. Consider your driving habits and comfort level when making this choice.
Set Speed: Decide how Autopilot should determine your cruising speed when engaged:
Speed Limit: Autopilot will aim to match the currently detected speed limit.
Current Speed: Autopilot will maintain your current driving speed when engaged.
Pro Tip: If you choose "Speed Limit," you can also set an Offset to drive a fixed amount or a percentage above the detected speed limit. Remember, you are always responsible for the vehicle's speed and adhering to local laws!
Green Traffic Light Chime (if available): This feature can be quite handy. If enabled, your Tesla will chime to notify you when you're at a red light and it turns green. This also applies if you're behind a stopped car at a red light and that car begins to move.
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| How To Activate Autopilot On Tesla Model 3 |
Step 2: Preparing for Takeoff – Ensuring Optimal Conditions
Autopilot relies on various sensors and cameras to function correctly. Just like a pilot checks their pre-flight list, you should ensure your Tesla is ready for Autopilot engagement.
Clear Camera Views: Your Model 3 uses multiple cameras around the vehicle to perceive its surroundings. Ensure these cameras are clean and unobstructed. Dirt, mud, snow, or even excessive condensation can hinder their performance and prevent Autopilot from engaging or cause it to disengage. Check the front camera (at the top center of the windshield) and side cameras.
Proper Lane Markings: Autosteer, a core component of Autopilot, relies on clear and visible lane markings. On roads with faded, absent, or complex lane lines, Autopilot's performance may be limited or unavailable.
Good Weather Conditions: While Autopilot can operate in various conditions, heavy rain, snow, fog, or extremely bright light (like direct sunlight) can impact camera visibility and sensor performance, potentially leading to disengagement or reduced functionality.
Driver Attentiveness: This cannot be stressed enough: Autopilot is a hands-on feature. You must keep your hands on the steering wheel and remain attentive to the road at all times. Tesla vehicles have a cabin camera that monitors driver attentiveness. If the system detects a lack of attention or hands off the wheel for too long, it will provide escalating warnings and eventually disengage Autopilot.
Step 3: Engaging Autopilot – The Moment of Truth!
Now that you've prepared, it's time to activate Autopilot.
Driving in Drive Mode: Ensure your Model 3 is in Drive.
Look for the Autopilot Icon: On your central display, you'll see a gray steering wheel icon (for Autosteer) and a gray circle with a speed number (for Traffic-Aware Cruise Control) at the top. These icons indicate that Autopilot is available.
Activating Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC):
To engage TACC only, if your "Autopilot Activation" setting is set to Double Click, pull the gear stalk (the right-hand stalk behind your steering wheel) towards you once.
The gray TACC icon will turn blue, indicating it's active. You'll hear a chime.
Your car will now maintain a set speed and adjust to keep a safe following distance from the car in front of you.
Activating Autosteer (and full Autopilot):
If your "Autopilot Activation" setting is set to Single Click: Pull the gear stalk down once. Both TACC and Autosteer will engage.
If your "Autopilot Activation" setting is set to Double Click: Pull the gear stalk down twice in quick succession. This will engage both TACC and Autosteer.
When Autosteer engages, the steering wheel icon and the lane lines on your display will turn blue. You'll hear two chimes.
Your Model 3 will now not only maintain speed and follow distance but also actively steer to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Step 4: Managing Autopilot – On the Road
Once Autopilot is engaged, you have several ways to adjust its behavior.
Adjusting Set Speed:
Roll the right scroll wheel on your steering wheel up to increase the set speed or down to decrease it.
Alternatively, you can move the gear stalk up or down to the first position for 1 mph (or 1 km/h) increments, or to the second position for 5 mph (or 5 km/h) increments.
Adjusting Following Distance:
While TACC is engaged, push the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel to the right or left to set your preferred following distance. You'll see the number of car lengths displayed on your screen.
Lane Changes (with Auto Lane Change enabled):
If you have "Auto Lane Change" enabled in your Autopilot settings, simply engage your turn signal in the direction you wish to change lanes.
The car will automatically check for a safe gap and initiate the lane change. Always monitor the situation and be prepared to take over.
Step 5: Disengaging Autopilot – Taking Back Control
Disengaging Autopilot is as simple as engaging it. You have several immediate ways to do so:
Press the Brake Pedal: A gentle press on the brake pedal will immediately disengage Autopilot.
Push the Gear Stalk Up: Pushing the gear stalk upwards once will also disengage Autopilot.
Turn the Steering Wheel: Applying gentle torque to the steering wheel can disengage Autosteer while keeping Traffic-Aware Cruise Control active. If you apply significant force, both will disengage.
Important Note: If Autopilot disengages due to driver inattentiveness (i.e., too many warnings), it may be unavailable for the remainder of your drive. To reset it, you might need to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift into Park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tesla Model 3 Autopilot
How to know if Autopilot is available?
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
You'll see gray icons for the steering wheel (Autosteer) and the speed circle (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control) at the top of your central display when Autopilot is available.
How to use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control independently?
Set your "Autopilot Activation" to "Double Click" in the settings. Then, pull the gear stalk towards you once to engage only Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
How to adjust speed while Autopilot is active?
Roll the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel up or down, or move the gear stalk up or down.
How to adjust following distance?
While Autopilot is engaged, push the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel left or right to change the following distance.
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
How to perform an automatic lane change?
With "Auto Lane Change" enabled in settings and Autopilot active, engage your turn signal in the desired direction.
How to disengage Autopilot immediately?
Press the brake pedal, push the gear stalk up, or apply firm pressure to the steering wheel.
How to re-engage Autopilot after a temporary disengagement?
If it was a simple disengagement (e.g., braking), you can re-engage it by pulling the stalk down once or twice again, depending on your settings. If it disengaged due to warnings, you may need to stop the vehicle and put it in Park.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
How to check if my cameras are clear for Autopilot?
Visually inspect the cameras located around your vehicle, especially the one at the top center of your windshield, and clean them if necessary.
How to know the difference between Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised)?
Autopilot includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) adds more advanced capabilities like Navigate on Autopilot (highway driving with automatic lane changes and exit navigation), Autopark, Summon, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. FSD (Supervised) is continuously evolving.
How to ensure my safety while using Autopilot?
Always keep your hands on the steering wheel, remain attentive to the road, and be prepared to take immediate control. Autopilot is a driver-assistance system, not an autonomous driving system.
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