Do you own a Tesla, or are you considering buying one? Knowing whether a Tesla has Autopilot, and what level of functionality it offers, is crucial for understanding its capabilities. Tesla's driver-assistance features, broadly categorized under "Autopilot," can sometimes be a bit confusing due to their evolving nature and different tiers. Let's demystify it all and provide a comprehensive guide.
Step 1: Engage with Your Tesla (or the Idea of One!)
First things first, whether you're already a proud Tesla owner or dreaming of becoming one, it's important to understand that every new Tesla comes with Basic Autopilot as a standard feature. So, if you're buying a new Tesla, congratulations, you'll have at least the foundational Autopilot capabilities! If you own an older Tesla, it's highly likely to have some form of Autopilot hardware.
But what does "Autopilot" actually mean in Tesla's terms? It's not full self-driving, despite the name. It's an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) designed to make driving safer and less stressful, requiring your constant supervision.
Step 2: Identify Your Autopilot Configuration
To truly know what your Tesla can do, you need to identify its specific Autopilot configuration. Tesla has offered various hardware versions and software packages over the years.
Step 2.1: Check Your Vehicle's Touchscreen ️
This is the most direct way to determine your Tesla's Autopilot capabilities and hardware.
Go to Controls: On your Tesla's large center touchscreen, tap the "Controls" icon (usually represented by a car icon).
Navigate to Software: From the Controls menu, select "Software."
Find Additional Vehicle Information: Look for an option like "Additional Vehicle Information" or "Autopilot Settings." Tapping this will display details about your vehicle's Autopilot hardware version (e.g., FSD Computer 3.0, Hardware 4, etc.) and the software packages you have (Basic Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, or Full Self-Driving (Supervised)).
Step 2.2: Use the Tesla Mobile App
You can also check your Autopilot configuration remotely through the Tesla app.
Open the Tesla App: Launch the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Select Your Vehicle: Choose the specific vehicle if you have multiple Teslas linked to your account.
Go to Specs & Warranty: Look for a section like "Vehicle" and then "Specs & Warranty." This area should provide information about your car's features, including its Autopilot status.
Step 2.3: Understand Hardware Versions ⚙️
Tesla's Autopilot capabilities are tied to the hardware installed in your vehicle. Here's a brief overview of key hardware versions:
Hardware 1 (AP1): Found in Teslas produced from 2014 to 2016. This uses a single front camera, front radar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, powered by a Mobileye chip. Features include Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer on closed-access roads.
Hardware 2 (AP2) / Hardware 2.5 (AP2.5): Introduced in late 2016 and 2017 respectively. These versions have a more robust sensor suite, including eight cameras, improved radar, and ultrasonic sensors, powered by NVIDIA. These cars are capable of more advanced features.
Hardware 3 (AP3) / Full Self-Driving (FSD) Computer: Released in April 2019, this is Tesla's custom-designed chip. It's significantly more powerful and is required for the full suite of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) features.
Hardware 4 (AP4): Introduced in 2023, this is the latest hardware suite, bringing further advancements in sensor capabilities and computing power.
Step 3: Differentiate Autopilot Packages
Tesla has refined its Autopilot offerings over time, leading to different feature sets. Here's a breakdown of the common packages:
Step 3.1: Basic Autopilot (Standard) ✨
This is the baseline, included with every new Tesla.
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC): Automatically matches your speed to that of surrounding traffic, slowing down and speeding up as needed.
Autosteer: Assists in steering within a clearly marked lane, and works in conjunction with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control. It helps keep your car centered in its lane on highways.
Step 3.2: Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) (Formerly Offered) ️
Enhanced Autopilot was a paid upgrade that offered more features than Basic Autopilot. While it has been discontinued and brought back as an option several times, some older Teslas will have this. If you have it, you get:
Navigate on Autopilot: Actively guides your vehicle from a highway's on-ramp to off-ramp, including suggesting lane changes, navigating interchanges, and taking the correct exit.
Auto Lane Change: Automatically moves your vehicle into an adjacent lane on the highway when Autosteer is engaged and you activate the turn signal.
Autopark: Automatically parks your vehicle in both parallel and perpendicular spots with a single touch.
Summon: Moves your vehicle in and out of a tight space using the mobile app or key.
Smart Summon: Allows your vehicle to navigate more complex environments and parking spaces, maneuvering around objects to come find you in a parking lot.
Step 3.3: Full Self-Driving (FSD) (Supervised) ️
This is Tesla's most advanced package and is a paid upgrade, available as a one-time purchase or a monthly subscription. It builds upon Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot features (if those are present in your vehicle's hardware) and aims for more comprehensive autonomous driving capabilities under active driver supervision.
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Identifies stop signs and traffic lights and automatically slows your vehicle to a stop on approach, with your active supervision.
Autosteer on City Streets: This is the most advanced feature, allowing your vehicle to steer itself through intersections, make turns, and handle other city-driving situations. This feature is continuously evolving through over-the-air software updates.
Important Note: Regardless of the package, Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) features require active driver supervision. The driver must always be ready to take over control. These systems are Level 2 ADAS, meaning they are not fully autonomous.
Step 4: How to Use Tesla Autopilot (A General Guide)
Once you've confirmed your Tesla has Autopilot and understand its features, here's a general guide on how to engage and use it. Always consult your Tesla's owner's manual for specific instructions for your model year.
Step 4.1: Prepare Your Vehicle Settings ️
Before hitting the road, customize some Autopilot settings to your preference.
Access Autopilot Settings: Go to "Controls" > "Autopilot" on your touchscreen.
Set Speed: Choose whether Autopilot engages at the currently detected speed limit or your current driving speed. You can also set an offset for speed limits.
Autopilot Activation: Decide how to activate Autosteer. You can typically choose between a "Single Click" or "Double Click" of the right scroll button (or gear stalk on some models). "Double Click" is often preferred if you want to use Traffic-Aware Cruise Control independently of Autosteer.
Green Traffic Light Chime (if available): Enable this if you want a chime to sound when a traffic light turns green while you're stopped.
Step 4.2: Engaging Basic Autopilot (Traffic-Aware Cruise Control & Autosteer)
Ensure Conditions Are Suitable: Autopilot works best on clearly marked roads with good visibility.
Engage Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC):
For most newer Teslas (Model 3/Y), pull the right gear stalk down once.
For older Model S/X, you might press the right scroll wheel in or use a dedicated stalk.
You'll see a grey speed icon on your display, indicating TACC is available.
Engage Autosteer:
If your "Autopilot Activation" is set to "Single Click," simply pulling the right gear stalk down once (or pressing the scroll wheel) will engage both TACC and Autosteer.
If set to "Double Click," pull the right gear stalk down twice in quick succession (or double-press the scroll wheel).
The steering wheel icon and lane markers on your display will turn blue, indicating Autosteer is active.
Adjust Speed and Following Distance:
To adjust the set speed, roll the right scroll wheel up or down.
To adjust the following distance from the vehicle ahead, push the right scroll wheel left or right.
Step 4.3: Using Enhanced Autopilot Features (if applicable) ️
Auto Lane Change: While Autosteer is active and you're on a highway, simply engage the turn signal in the direction you want to move. The car will automatically change lanes when it's safe. Always check your mirrors and blind spots!
Navigate on Autopilot: First, enable it in "Controls" > "Autopilot." When a navigation route is active on a controlled-access highway, a "Navigate on Autopilot" button will appear on your map. Tap it, and it will engage when you activate Autosteer. Your car will then guide you from on-ramp to off-ramp, including automatic lane changes and interchange navigation.
Autopark: Drive slowly (under 15 mph for parallel, under 10 mph for perpendicular). When your Tesla detects a suitable spot, a gray "P" icon will appear on your display. Shift into reverse, keep your foot on the brake, and select "Start Autopark" on the screen. Release the brake and steering wheel, and the car will park itself.
Summon/Smart Summon: Use the Tesla mobile app. Press "Summon" and choose forward or reverse, or for Smart Summon, "Come to Me" or select a target on the map. Always supervise the vehicle during Summon operations.
Step 4.4: Using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Features (if applicable) ️
Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control: Once enabled in your Autopilot settings, your Tesla will identify and react to traffic lights and stop signs. It will slow down and stop automatically, but you must remain attentive and be prepared to intervene.
Autosteer on City Streets: This advanced feature is still in beta and requires careful supervision. When engaged, your car will attempt to navigate city streets, including turns and intersections. Your vigilance is paramount.
Step 4.5: Disengaging Autopilot
Press the Brake Pedal: Gently pressing the brake pedal will disengage all Autopilot features.
Turn the Steering Wheel: Applying a slight turning force to the steering wheel will disengage Autosteer, but often leaves Traffic-Aware Cruise Control active.
Press the Right Scroll Button (or Gear Stalk): Depending on your settings and model, pressing the right scroll button or pushing the gear stalk up can also disengage Autopilot.
Step 5: Understanding Limitations and Safety ⚠️
It's paramount to remember that Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) are driver-assistance systems, not fully autonomous driving.
Driver Responsibility: You, the driver, are always responsible for operating the vehicle safely and remaining attentive to the road. Your hands should be on the wheel, and your eyes on the road.
Supervision Required: The systems require active supervision. Tesla explicitly states this, and the car will periodically prompt you to apply slight torque to the steering wheel to ensure your hands are on it. Ignoring these warnings can lead to the system being temporarily locked out.
Environmental Factors: Autopilot's performance can be affected by poor visibility (heavy rain, snow, fog), worn lane markings, sharp curves, bright sunlight, or obstructions to cameras/sensors.
Not a Substitute for Human Judgment: Autopilot is designed to assist, not replace, human judgment. It may not always react appropriately to unexpected situations, construction zones, or complex traffic scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tesla Autopilot
How to know if my Tesla has the FSD computer?
You can check your FSD computer version by going to "Controls" > "Software" > "Additional Vehicle Information" on your Tesla's touchscreen.
How to subscribe to Full Self-Driving (Supervised)?
If your vehicle is eligible (has the FSD computer), you can subscribe via the Tesla app under "Upgrades" > "Software Upgrades" or through your vehicle's touchscreen under "Upgrades."
How to tell the difference between Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot?
Basic Autopilot includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer. Enhanced Autopilot adds Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon.
How to activate Autopilot in a Tesla Model 3/Y?
Pull the right gear stalk down once for Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, or twice for Autosteer (if configured for double-click activation).
How to adjust speed while using Autopilot?
Roll the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel up or down to increase or decrease the set speed.
How to change following distance in Autopilot?
Push the right scroll wheel on the steering wheel left or right to adjust the vehicle's following distance from the car ahead.
How to disengage Autopilot?
Gently press the brake pedal, apply turning force to the steering wheel, or, depending on your settings, press the right scroll wheel or push the gear stalk up.
How to enable Auto Lane Change?
Ensure Auto Lane Change is enabled in your Autopilot settings, then, while Autosteer is active, simply activate your turn signal in the desired direction.
How to use Summon feature in Tesla?
Access the Summon feature through your Tesla mobile app, then use the forward or reverse buttons to move the car.
How to know if my Tesla is equipped with Hardware 4?
Newer Teslas, generally from 2023 onwards, are equipped with Hardware 4. You can confirm this through your vehicle's software information as mentioned in Step 2.1.
For more detailed information on Tesla Autopilot features and usage, check out this video:
